With a dedicated team of technical experts, we provide tailored services that deliver unparalleled support, guidance, and innovative solutions to our clients. Our success is driven by the expertise and commitment of our team members, who are the cornerstone of our achievements. We are thrilled to announce the recent promotions of six outstanding individuals who have consistently demonstrated a strong dedication to delivering exceptional client experiences.

Congratulations to our newly appointed senior associates:

Alana Hannah, Senior Associate - Engineering Patents, Sydney

Alana Hannah is a senior associate in our Sydney engineering team. Having joined the firm in 2023 as an associate, Alana has experience in drafting and prosecuting patents and designs across a broad range of technology fields including physics, photonics, and software technologies, specialising in defence and security, data processing, mining, quantum computing and photonics technologies. She holds technical qualifications in the fields of physics and computing. Alana provides a detail-oriented and analytical approach to her work and is skilled at assisting clients with managing global patent and design portfolios. Alana was recognised as an MIP Rising Star in 2022 and 2023.

“Stepping into the role of Senior Associate, I am eager to develop my skills, enhance client service, and contribute to the firm’s success through internal innovation. I look forward to exploring new opportunities and deepening my expertise”. – Alana Hannah, Senior Associate.

Daniel Pullella, Senior Associate - Computing and Electronics Patents, Perth

Daniel Pullella is a senior associate in our Perth computing and electronics team. He enjoys working with clients to learn about their inventions and to identify and protect commercially valuable IP. Having joined the firm in 2021, Daniel works with clients in a diverse set of fields including audio and image processing, electronics, mining technologies, mobile devices, and quantum computing. Daniel has a background in electrical engineering and computer science, with a focus on biometric signal processing and machine learning. Daniel has worked in both research and industry roles to develop and support new technologies, and leverages this experience to engage with clients and achieve outcomes that enhance the value of their businesses.

“I am very pleased to receive this recognition. I look forward to having further opportunities to help our clients succeed. Thank you to my colleagues and the partners for their support.” – Daniel Pullella, Senior Associate.

Michelle Catto, Senior Associate - Medical Technology Patents, Sydney

Michelle Catto is a senior associate in our Sydney medical technology team. Having joined FB Rice in 2019 just after completing her training as a patent attorney, Michelle has extensive experience in drafting and prosecuting applications for patents and registered designs across a range of medical and mechanical technologies. She holds technical qualifications in mechanical engineering and has a keen interest in the areas of medical device design and manufacture. Prior to entering the IP profession, Michelle was an engineer in the active implantable medical devices industry, where her work encompassed product design, development, production, and quality control, spanning various manufacturing methods and technologies. This background gives her a practical understanding of the challenges involved in commercialising new technologies.

“I’m delighted to receive this promotion and thankful for the recognition and ongoing support from the team at FB Rice. I look forward to leveraging my expertise and contributing further to our clients’ successes."– Michelle Catto, Senior Associate

Congratulations to our newly appointed associates:

Esther Lestrell, Associate - Biotechnology Patents, Melbourne

Esther Lestrell is an associate in our Melbourne biotechnology team. Joining FB Rice as a trainee patent attorney in 2021, her technical expertise spans multiple scientific disciplines, including molecular cell biology, nanobiotechnology, human neural stem cells and gene editing. During her scientific career, Esther has specialised in gene editing in vivo work modelling human disease in a major cell-signalling pathway (phosphoinositide signalling) and investigating molecular cell responses to nanotopographical cues, with a specific focus on human neural stem cells. Her academic research had a specific focus on the intersection of law and technology, biotechnology, and corporate law and dispute resolution, fields in which she has also published.

“A career based on collaborating for effective problem solving, change, and innovation – how lucky am I?!” – Esther Lestrell, Associate.

Matthew Penna, Associate - Chemistry Patents, Melbourne

Matthew Penna is an associate in our Melbourne chemistry team. Joining FB Rice as a trainee patent attorney in 2021, his technology expertise is chemical engineering and related technologies, including water treatment, renewable energy, and materials science. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) as well as a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Adelaide. He completed his PhD at the University of Adelaide and was undertaking post-doctoral research at RMIT University prior to joining the firm.

“I am delighted to be one of the FB Rice team members to receive this recognition and I am excited to continue working with everyone at the firm to provide the best service to our clients” – Matthew Penna, Associate.

Shauna French, Associate - Biotechnology Patents, Melbourne

Shauna French is an associate in our Melbourne biotechnology team. Shauna joined FB Rice in 2020 as a trainee patent attorney following a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School in Boston and completion of her PhD at Monash University. During her research career, Shauna studied the cellular and molecular mechanisms of haematological disorders and authored over 12 peer-reviewed publications in this space. She now advises on intellectual property matters across a range of life sciences industries, with expertise in biopharmaceuticals. Shauna won the Edward Waters Prize in 2023, awarded by The Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia.

"I'm excited to take on new challenges and to continue supporting my talented colleagues and our amazing clients.” – Shauna French, Associate.