Middletons has announced the appointment of partner Sandra Steele, former assistant general counsel at Lend Lease, who will join the firm's Property, Development & Construction group in Sydney. Sandra is making the move back to private practice after a six year stint at Lend Lease where she provided strategic leadership and management of the company's in-house legal practice.

Middletons national managing partner, Nick Nichola said, "Sandra is well respected in the construction industry and brings with her a clear understanding of the challenges it is facing. She has a broad range of skills in the areas of dispute resolution, occupational health and safety, industrial relations, environmental issues, general commercial and contract law, trade practices, and security of payments."

In welcoming Sandra, Justin Lethlean, national practice group leader of Middletons' Property, Development & Construction group said, "Sandra has been a practising construction lawyer for over 16 years. Her experience both in-house at Lend Lease and previously in private practice gives her a great depth of knowledge to be able to provide our clients with the best possible legal, practical and commercial advice."

Mr Lethlean added, "Sandra joins our national team at an exciting time to help facilitate growth, particularly as we see activity pick up in the booming states of Western Australia and Queensland."

In joining the firm, Ms Steele commented that, "Middletons is a growing firm and with that comes plenty of opportunities to build new business and to help clients achieve their business goals."

"Having been part of the industry, I now better understand what clients really want and expect from their legal advisers and I'm looking forward to applying this to help Middletons continue to grow."

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