Leading independent Australian law firm McCullough Robertson Lawyers announced today the appointment of Phillip McGowan as a partner in the estates team in their Sydney office.

Mr McGowan joins McCullough Robertson from the Sydney office of de Groots, a specialist boutique wills, estates and private client firm. Having practised with de Groots in Brisbane for 15 years, Mr McGowan then went on to establish and lead their Sydney office for over 10 years. Prior to pursuing specialist practice, Phillip gained significant commercial law experience in the areas of leasing, securities, conveyancing and small business.

McCullough Robertson's Employment, Litigation, Insurance and Estates business unit leader Guy Humble says Mr McGowan's appointment supports the firm's continued national growth in estates, and reflects McCullough Robertson's focus on expansion of the Sydney office and growth in the NSW market.

"Phillip is a fantastic addition to our team, bringing extensive experience to grow our estates practice in the NSW market. With over 25 years' specialist experience in the areas of wills and estates, Phillip is an Accredited Specialist in Succession Law, complementing our existing strong national offering and bringing our total number of succession law specialists up to five," said Mr Humble.

"We are pleased to welcome Phillip to our Estates team. His experience in succession planning, estate administration and estate litigation is a perfect strategic addition to our offering and will further strengthen our capabilities both in NSW and nationally," added Scott Whitla, head of McCullough Robertson's Brisbane Estates team.