Middletons has promoted senior associates Stephen Meade and Jolyon Rogers to partnership.

Meade specialises in energy sector-related litigation, Royal Commissions and Freedom of Information requests work. "It recognises several years of hard work on major matters and my ability to attract clients. There is a fair bit of doom and gloom in the market, but my appointment shows the legal industry is focused on the future," he said.

Rogers, on the other hand, credited his experience and ability to work autonomously on the Commonwealth Bank-IWL acquisition (A$375m), Cephalon-Arana Therapeutics takeover (A$330m) and IOOF's acquisition of Skandia's Australian business. "I've been at the firm for 11 years and played an autonomous role in working with key clients. My promotion values my ability to think laterally about highly regulated and technical legal matters," he said.

Managing partner Nick Nichola said the partners were chosen for their technical expertise, effective communication skills and personal service.

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