-- Award-winning boutique law firm BlackBay Lawyers has further strengthened its team with the addition of two new Special Counsel, a Chief of Staff, and a Head of Client Growth, alongside internal promotions. These strategic appointments reinforce the firm’s continued expansion and its commitment to delivering exceptional client outcomes.
(BlackBay Lawyers, Dragan Gasic, Monica Allen, Sophie Ganis, Liam Cox)
Expanding Litigation Excellence
Monica Allen, joins BlackBay Lawyers as a highly respected Special Counsel for Defamation & Commercial Litigation. Ms. Allen is an accomplished media law specialist, previously serving as Special Counsel at Mark O’Brien Legal, where she advised clients on some of Australia’s most high-profile defamation cases. She was a key member of the legal team in Ben Roberts-Smith’s landmark defamation trial and has extensive expertise in corporate reputation management, contractual disputes, and media law. Her appointment further solidifies BlackBay’s standing as a premier firm for defamation and commercial litigation.
Joining Monica is Dragan Gasic as Special Counsel for Commercial Litigation, bringing over 25 years of legal experience. A seasoned litigator, Mr. Gasic has held senior roles, including Head of Litigation at New South Lawyers, and previously as a senior associate with international firm Al Tamimi & Company. He has a strong reputation for handling complex commercial disputes, including shareholder conflicts, directors’ duties matters, and regulatory investigations. His deep knowledge and strategic approach in litigation will further strengthen the firm’s commercial dispute resolution practice.
Enhancing Leadership & Strategic Growth
To support its internal growth and operational strategy, BlackBay Lawyers has appointed Sophie Ganis as Chief of Staff. Ms. Ganis brings over a decade of experience in operations management, previously serving as Operations Manager at Gillis Delaney and Ankor Software. She has led key strategic initiatives aimed at optimising business workflows, ensuring alignment between executive goals and operational efficiency. Her appointment reflects BlackBay’s commitment to structured, high-growth expansion.
BlackBay Lawyers also welcomes Liam Cox as Head of Client Growth, a seasoned media and corporate communications professional with over 25 years of experience. Mr. Cox spent 19 years as a senior journalist and presenter at Channel 7, Network 10, Triple M, and 4BC before transitioning into corporate affairs and crisis management. He served as Head of Crisis at Wilkinson Butler, where he advised ASX-listed companies, high-profile CEOs, and Australian Olympic team members on reputation management and media strategy. His expertise in client relations, business development, and crisis communications will be instrumental in expanding BlackBay’s presence and enhancing client engagement.
Recognising Outstanding Talent
In addition to the new appointments, Isabella Orlic has been promoted to Senior Associate in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the firm. A 30 Under 30 nominee, Ms. Orlic has built a strong reputation in defamation, commercial, and regulatory litigation, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her promotion reflects BlackBay’s ethos of recognising and rewarding top talent based on merit and performance.
Leadership Perspective
Managing Partner Victoria-Jane Otavski commented on the firm’s latest appointments:
“At BlackBay Lawyers, we are committed to attracting the best talent and fostering a culture of excellence. Each of these appointments reflects our firm’s ongoing growth and the high calibre of individuals we bring on board. Dragan, Monica, Sophie, and Liam each bring unique expertise that will further elevate our firm’s service offering and reinforce our reputation as a leader in litigation.”
BlackBay’s Continued Growth
These appointments affirm BlackBay Lawyers' position as a growing powerhouse boutique firm, renowned for its expertise in commercial litigation, defamation, employment, and regulatory law. The firm remains dedicated to providing strategic, results-driven legal solutions while fostering a collegiate and high-performing team culture.
As a Boutique Law Firm of the Year award recipient, BlackBay Lawyers continues to solidify its standing in the legal industry, attracting top-tier talent and delivering exceptional client service.
Contact Info:
Name: Henry Jungnitsch
Email: Send Email
Organization: BlackBay Lawyers
Address: Level 17, 20 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
Website: https://www.blackbaylawyers.com.au/
Release ID: 89157814
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