Luke Mackay promoted to Senior Associate

Hunt & Hunt is pleased to announce the promotion of Luke Mackay to Senior Associate in the firm's Litigation & Dispute Resolution team.

Luke's promotion recognises his contribution to the firm's disputes practice, his technical skill and his client-focused approach to commercial matters.

Based in Melbourne, Luke acts across a broad range of commercial disputes, including construction disputes, contractual disputes, debt recovery and enforcement, insolvency matters and financial disputes.

He advises clients at every stage of the litigation process, from early assessment of prospects and dispute strategy through to negotiation, mediation, contested proceedings and enforcement. For clients, disputes rarely involve legal questions alone. They carry commercial risk, reputational pressure and cost exposure, and they require a clear strategy from the outset.

“In a dispute, the legal position is only part of the picture,” Luke said. “My focus is on understanding what is commercially at stake, where the pressure points are, and what outcome the client actually needs. From there, the job is to give clear advice and help drive the matter toward a result that makes sense commercially, not just legally.”

A significant part of Luke's practice involves claims under the Security of Payment legislation, the statutory mechanism that allows subcontractors to recover payment quickly when a head contractor fails to pay.

The scheme's tight timeframes mean submissions often need to be prepared within days, and the outcome can determine whether a subcontractor stays in business. The outcome can be critical. Non-payment can quickly flow through to a subcontractor's own workers, suppliers, and cash flow, so speed, precision and strategy all matter.

"Luke's promotion is a recognition of his skills and the confidence he has earned from clients and colleagues," Litigation Team Leader Catherine Ballantyne said.

"He brings a calm, practical approach to disputes and is focused on helping clients understand their options, manage risk and make sound commercial decisions. This promotion is well-deserved recognition of his contribution."

For Luke, that is the work: Understanding what is really at stake, giving advice that can be acted on, and helping the client make the next decision with confidence.

Hunt & Hunt congratulates Luke on his promotion and looks forward to his continued contribution to the firm, its clients and the Litigation & Dispute Resolution team.

For more on Luke you can read his profile.