MEDIA RELEASE
1 July 2026: A law graduate who joined RMB Lawyers during the Global Financial Crisis has become the firm's newest Equity Partner after a 17-year journey from Practical Legal Training student to business owner.
Personal injury lawyer Anne Barlow officially joins the partnership from 1 July, with RMB Lawyers also announcing seven additional promotions recognising outstanding legal expertise and leadership.
Managing Partner Craig Osborne OAM said Anne's appointment reflected not only her professional excellence but also her commitment to the firm's long-term vision. "Anne has grown with RMB Lawyers from a graduate lawyer into one of the firm's owners, and that journey speaks volumes about her character, capability and commitment. She is an exceptional lawyer who leads with integrity, builds trusted relationships with clients and colleagues, and has embraced every opportunity to contribute to the future of our firm. We are incredibly proud to welcome Anne as an Equity Partner."
Anne joined RMB Lawyers at just 23 years of age to complete her Practical Legal Training before being offered a graduate position in the firm's personal injury division in the midst of the Global Financial Crisis.
"I cut my teeth in personal injury law, but I soon realised that knowing the law was just the starting point. After two periods of parental leave, I returned to full-time practice, where I focused on strengthening my technical skills, building a successful practice, mentoring other lawyers and developing my business skills."
As her career progressed, Anne said her understanding of what it meant to become a partner also evolved.
"For me, getting to partnership level was really about understanding the firm's vision for the future, its strategies to get there and being able to implement them daily,” Anne said.
"I didn't enter law with a grand plan to become a partner; my ambition for partnership grew as I came to understand the role. It's not simply about being a good lawyer. It's about helping shape the future of the business, contributing to strategic decisions and building a workplace where people can thrive. Personally, becoming an Equity Partner is a massive milestone because it represents years of hard work, loyalty and many unseen personal sacrifices," she said.
"Professionally, it means moving from being an employed lawyer to becoming an owner of the business. You're responsible not only for your own practice, but also for the firm's strategy, financial success and culture." Anne credits much of her success to the opportunities RMB Lawyers has provided throughout her career.
"Too often I see lawyers moving from firm to firm looking for the next opportunity. Loyalty still matters. Over 17 years at RMB I have built trust, and that trust has created opportunities to continue growing professionally." She also acknowledged the people who helped her reach this milestone.
"I want to give huge credit to Managing Partner Craig Osborne for his forward-thinking leadership and business acumen, which has built RMB Lawyers into the firm it is today and created opportunities for people like me. I'm also incredibly grateful to the partnership for placing their trust in me."
Anne encourages aspiring lawyers to focus on determination, emotional intelligence and generosity, while finding mentors who will support their professional development.
"Work hard, find a mentor and become indispensable," she said. "I also think women sometimes don't advocate for themselves or their career aspirations as strongly as they should. If partnership is your goal, don't be afraid to pursue it."
Alongside Anne's appointment, RMB Lawyers has announced the following promotions, effective from 1 July:
• Paul Ell – Lead Lawyer, Shoalhaven
• Danielle Cartwright – Lead Lawyer, Central West
• Eden-Monique Hull – Senior Associate
• Luke Beckingham – Associate
• Sian McGavock – Associate
• Tiffany Silby – Associate
• Sarah Thatcher – Associate
Mr Osborne said the appointments reflected RMB Lawyers' ongoing investment in developing talented people from within the organisation.
"These appointments reflect the strength of our people and our commitment to developing exceptional lawyers and future leaders from within the firm. We congratulate every one of them on this significant career milestone."
- ENDS -
For media enquiries, please contact:
Lisa Burling, E: lisa@gigmarketing.com.au | M: 0429 976 718