Olivia Hillier returns to Maddocks as partner

She logged a stint in-house as part of Commonwealth Bank's legal department

Olivia Hillier returns to Maddocks as partner

Olivia Hillier has returned to Maddocks as a partner in the employment, safety and people practice.

She has tackled contentious and non-contentious matters across employment law with an emphasis on discrimination, corporate/M&A transactions, industrial relations and WHS, as well as investigations and remuneration and benefits law.

“Olivia’s appointment will strengthen the firm’s focus on employment and WHS law, providing our clients with access to her deep knowledge and expertise across this rapidly changing area of law”, CEO David Newman said.

She spent over 10 years gleaning experience at major national firms; she also went in-house as part of Commonwealth Bank’s legal team.

“Olivia will provide an additional source of experience and knowledge for our team’s offering to our clients across all sectors”, Sydney employment head Bruce Heddle said.

Hillier commences with the Sydney office.

2025 deal work

Recently, Maddocks helped the owners of National Pies Pty Ltd to divest the Tasmanian Bakeries business to the Patties Foods Pty Ltd in a deal that closed at the end of 2024. Corporate partner Ron Smooker took the lead, with assistance from special counsel Jacqui Picone and associate Oliver Wahlstrom.

Smooker, Picone and Wahlstrom also advised aerospace technology manufacturer Quickstep Holdings Limited (QHL) on a pitched scheme of arrangement with ASDAM Operations Pty Ltd.

Under a binding scheme implementation deed signed with ASDAM Operations in December, shareholders will get $0.575 for each Quickstep share. QHL shareholders will vote on the proposed deal in the first half of the year. The proposal is also subject to court approval.