People

+61 459 830 624

Warren A. Scott
National Managing Partner

+61 438 190 474

warren@archerscott.com.au

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Warren is an internationally recognised expert in corporate, franchising and transactional law. He is widely sought after for his strategic, commercially driven approach and the depth of his national and global network.

Over the course of his career, Warren has held senior leadership roles in major commercial law practices including Dentons, Norton Rose Fulbright (formerly Deacons), Mills Oakley and Holding Redlich, where he led corporate teams on significant domestic and cross-border transactions across Australia. His work has included advising high-growth companies, established corporates and international brands on complex mergers, acquisitions, restructures and market expansion strategies. Warren’s leadership has been central to delivering high-value outcomes on deals spanning multiple industries, jurisdictions and stakeholder groups.

Warren is focused on achieving the client’s ultimate objective, whether that means executing a swift, efficient transaction or designing a long-term growth strategy. Rather than concentrating on billing by the 6-minute unit, he prioritises activities that create genuine value through innovation, strategy, and the intelligent use of his extensive network. His forward-thinking approach, combined with decades of transactional experience, positions him as a trusted advisor to businesses at all stages of their commercial lifecycle.

Warren’s qualifications:

Masters of Commercial Law, Melbourne University 2010
Bachelor of Laws, Monash University 1998
Bachelor of Science, Monash University 1998
Admitted in Victoria
Admitted in the High Court of Australia

Karen Johns
Senior HR Consultant

Warren A. Scott
National Managing Partner

+61 408 132 678

karen.johns@archerscott.com.au

Karen brings over 20 years of experience as a Human Resources leader, partnering with CEOs and senior executives across diverse sectors including professional services, startups, statutory authorities, tertiary education, and major events. Holding a qualification in Organisational Coaching, Karen has coached and mentored leaders at all levels, from seasoned CEOs to emerging professionals.

Karen is widely regarded for her expertise in business transformation, having led and supported initiatives that deliver significant financial and cultural impact. Throughout her career, Karen has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership development through impactful coaching, group facilitation, and her long-standing involvement in the AHRI Mentoring Program, previously winning their Mentor of the Year.

Scott Colvin
Partner

Warren A. Scott
National Managing Partner

+61 450 688 400

scott.colvin@archerscott.com.au

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Scott is an award-winning M&A lawyer who has advised on some of Australia’s most significant transactions. He has worked with founders, corporates, private funds, investment managers and others in a number of segments, including tech, large-scale distribution and agriculture. Scott joined Archer Scott as a partner from Ashurst, where he was a senior associate leading multi-billion dollar transactions, having previously had roles at leading international and national firms Dentons, Holding Redlich and Mills Oakley.

Scott is passionate about working with businesses for the full life cycle of their growth, from capital raising, board and governance, commercial arrangements with key suppliers, and exits (particularly founder exits).

Scott’s qualifications:

Certificate in Applied Corporate Finance, University of Cambridge 2024
Juris Doctor, University of Melbourne 2016
Bachelor of Music with Honours (First Class, Dux), University of Otago 2011
Admitted in Victoria
Admitted in the High Court of Australia
Admitted in the High Court of New Zealand

Luke Connolly
Partner

Luke Connolly
Senior Consultant

Melb: +61 419 297 993

luke@archerscott.com.au

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With over 25 years’ experience, Luke is an expert in workplace relations, employment and safety law (WRES). Luke brings experience from top-tier firms including Freehills and Clayton Utz where he moved rapidly through the ranks to Special Counsel working in the Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide offices before taking up partnership with Mills Oakley where he successfully set up the nationally recognised WRES team. He then went on to set up his own boutique firm in 2013.

Luke heads our WRES team.

Luke’s qualifications:

Bachelor of Laws, University of Newcastle 1997
Bachelor of Business, Victoria University 1994
Admitted in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia
Admitted in the High Court of Australia

Ben McDonald
Office Manager

Warren A. Scott
National Managing Partner

+61 468 403 258

ben.mcdonald@archerscott.com.au

Ben brings extensive experience across a range of roles, including in office administration, electric vehicle development, town planning, and surveying. With a strong passion for optimising legal operations, he applies his diverse expertise to his role at Archer Scott Lawyers, contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of the team.

Ben excels at streamlining processes and ensuring exceptional client service. With a focus on creating a productive work environment, Ben supports the firm’s strategic goals through operational improvements that align with its client-centric values. His ability to manage multiple tasks with precision makes him an invaluable team member.

Ben’s qualifications:

Bachelor of Urban & Regional Planning (Hons.), The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Urban mobility and design, decentralisation, energy systems, technology, entrepreneurship, and startup business.

Lachlan Speirs
Law Graduate

Warren A. Scott
National Managing Partner

+61 447 521 921

lachlan.speirs@archerscott.com.au

Lachlan is a law graduate, working across our corporate transactional, franchising and commercial litigation teams.

He works on general commercial contracting and M&A due diligence and documentation, corporate documents (including board, shareholder and trustee resolutions and governance documents), advises franchisors and franchisees and provides legal research.

Lachlan’s studies also included an exchange program in the UK, where he deepened his cross-jurisdictional understanding of commercial law and business, insight he now brings to his work with clients across various industries.

Lachlan is the son of third-generation dairy farmers, where he grew up working in his family’s business. This background gives him a practical, grounded perspective on commercial operations and business relationships.

Lachlan’s qualifications:

Bachelor of Laws, Deakin University 2025
Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), Deakin University 2025

Sophie Clark
Law Clerk

Sophie is a law clerk at Archer Scott and is currently completing her legal studies while gaining hands-on experience across a range of practice areas. She supports the team with legal research, drafting, and matter preparation, and is developing strong foundational skills as she progresses to the completion of her degree.

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