Best Lawyers Australia recognises Michael Fisher, Matthew Hockaday and Alex Ramsey as Lawyers of the Year

Congratulations to Michael Fisher, Matthew Hockaday and Alex Ramsey for their recognition as Lawyers of the Year in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers.

Nineteen Thynne + Macartney lawyers have been recognised amongst the best in the country across 21 areas of law in the directory. The firm’s lawyers received 11 new individual rankings in this year’s edition, including recognition in the specialised area of Non-Profit/Charities Law.

Maritime + Transport Partner Michael Fisher is Shipping & Maritime Lawyer of the Year for the third time. For five of the past six years, this category has been held by a Thynne + Macartney partner. Michael was also recognised as Lawyer of the Year in 2024 and 2021, and partner Matthew Hockaday was recognised in the 2025 and 2022 editions. Matthew is Transportation Lawyer of the Year in the 2026 edition, an accolade held by Michael in 2024.

For the second time in the last three years, Alex Ramsey is the Agriculture & Rural Affairs Lawyer of the Year.

In the Ones to Watch category, Partner Damian Riggall is recognised as an emerging leader in both Insurance and Professional Malpractice Litigation, Special Counsel Vicky Martin is listed for her expertise in Trusts & Estates and Senior Associate Tony Calligeros is recognised for the second year for his work in Planning and Environment Law.

These rankings follow an exciting period of growth for Thynne + Macartney. Earlier this year, the firm welcomed three new partners, Nicole Murdoch (Intellectual Property), Emily Harvey (Employment) and Raquel Bond (Agriculture/Energy & Resources).

Thynne & Macartney’s Best Lawyers 2026 edition rankings: