Cooper Grace Ward has promoted Leanne O'Neill to the role of partner with the firm.
O'Neill is an expert in agribusiness, environment, and land use and management issues and has over 15 years' industry experience.
The newly promoted partner has worked at the Brisbane-based law firm since 2013 and rapidly proved to be a valuable asset to the practice.
O'Neill advises on all aspects of land access, management and use for developers, resource companies and agribusinesses. This includes planning and development approvals and appeals, compulsory acquisition and valuation law, and diversification of land use and income streams. She also advises on environmental, water, vegetation and biosecurity compliance, as well as native title and cultural heritage.
O'Neill's experience includes a decade working within Queensland Government agencies, including in senior legal roles, with close involvement in the drafting of key mining, oil and gas, and water legislation.
The firm's managing partner Chris Ward, said he was excited about O'Neill's promotion to partner as her "unique blend" of legal and agribusiness experience is invaluable to the firm's clients.
"Leanne's experience is impressive and her passion for assisting businesses and operations in the agriculture and resources industries is exemplary."
Commenting on her promotion, O'Neill said: "I believe my promotion to partner is timely for the firm as we are seeing an increase in demand for agribusiness legal services."
In addition to O'Neill's promotion, the firm has promoted 12 lawyers to senior positions in 2019, including an additional partners, three special counsels, two senior associates and six associates across a number of practice areas.
The promotions are split 54% female and 46% male and increases the firm's partnership to 21.
O'Neill's appointment commences 1 July 2019.