Finlaysons Lawyers is proud to announce a series of key promotions and senior appointments, further strengthening the firm’s expertise across key practice areas and reinforcing its commitment to delivering outstanding service to clients Australia wide. Effective 1 July 2025, Liyao Wang and Melissa Foster have been promoted to Partner. These internal promotions follow the recent appointments of Angela Burford and Kylie Staines as Special Counsel.
Finlaysons promotes exceptional talent from within
Liyao Wang has been appointed as a Partner in recognition of her deep international legal experience and expertise in cross-border investment, asset protection, taxation and international transactions. Having lived, studied and practised across China, Germany and Australia, Liyao is uniquely placed to advise clients operating across both civil and common law jurisdictions.
Melissa Foster, also promoted to Partner, is a trusted advisor to major insurers and employers in the Northern Territory. Melissa has played a central role in developing case law in the workers’ compensation space, including recent test cases concerning the Return to Work Act. Known for her pragmatic and creative approach to strategic claims management, Melissa regularly appears in the Work Health Court and Supreme Court of the Northern Territory.
Senior appointments strengthen Finlaysons Construction, Energy, Major Projects and Estate Planning Capabilities
The firm also recently welcomed two new Special Counsel:
Angela Burford joins the Wills, Estates & Succession Planning team with over 15 years’ experience in private practice and public service. Most recently, Angela served as Senior Deputy Registrar of Probates at the Supreme Court of South Australia. Angela brings deep expertise in estate planning, probate and administration and a compassionate, strategic approach to complex family matters.
“Joining Finlaysons is a fantastic opportunity to return to private practice in a Firm that genuinely values client care and technical excellence. It’s exciting to be part of such a supportive and skilled group, and I look forward to working closely with the team to provide the best possible advice and outcomes for our clients during important and often challenging times,” Angela said
Kylie Staines has joined the Commercial team, bringing extensive experience in Construction, Energy and Major Projects. Her appointment aligns with Finlaysons’ ongoing growth in supporting national infrastructure and energy projects.
“Finlaysons is known for its work on significant national projects, and I’m excited to be part of a team that’s at the forefront of legal support for the infrastructure and energy sectors,” Kylie said. “I’m looking forward to contributing to our clients’ success in what is a dynamic and evolving landscape.”
Managing Partner Andrew Dyda said the promotions and appointments reflect the firm’s strong talent pipeline and strategic investment in growth.
“Liyao, Melissa, Angela and Kylie are outstanding lawyers who each bring technical excellence, dedication, strong commercial judgement and a practical approach to helping our clients succeed. We are proud to support their progression and welcome their continued contributions to our clients and the firm,” Dyda said.
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About Finlaysons Lawyers: Finlaysons is a leading independent corporate and commercial law firm in Australia. We work with clients across Australia and internationally covering a broad scope of sectors and services. For more information go to https://www.finlaysons.com.au/ For media inquiries, please contact:
Lettie Thwaites, Marketing & Business Development Manager
lettie.thwaites@finlaysons.com.au
