Major Australian law firm Thomsons has strengthened its Technology, Telecommunications and Media capabilities with the appointments of recognised technology lawyers Luke Standen as a Partner and Julie Cheeseman as a Special Counsel.

Together, Luke and Julie enhance Thomsons' ability to support clients across the full spectrum of their technology needs – from the front-end structuring, procurement, contracting and implementation of major technology projects, to the back-end disputes, regulatory issues, incident response and risk management matters that can arise when those projects and systems come under pressure.

Chief Executive Partner Adrian Tembel said the appointments reflected growing client demand for strategic legal advice as organisations accelerated investment in technology, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, while also facing increasing regulatory scrutiny and dispute risk.

"Technology is transforming every sector of the Australian economy and our clients are navigating increasingly complex legal and commercial issues as they adopt new technologies," Adrian said.

"Luke and Julie bring highly complementary technology capabilities to Thomsons, further strengthening our ability to support clients across the full technology life cycle."

Luke joins Thomsons from Gilbert + Tobin and specialises in complex, high-value digital transformation, technology, telecommunications and outsourcing projects, with a focus on regulated sectors including financial services, telecommunications, transport, government, space and health and aged care.

He advises public and private sector organisations across the full life cycle of major projects, from procurement strategy to contract finalisation and implementation, as well as contract changes, renegotiation and exit. He also advises on the implementation of AI and other emerging technologies, data commercialisation, telecommunications regulation, payment services, space law, privacy and data protection regulation, software, content and technology licensing, and general corporate and commercial matters.

Julie joins Thomsons from Bird & Bird, where she was a partner in the firm's media, entertainment and technology practice sectors. She is recognised as one of Australia's leading media lawyers, ranked by international legal directory Chambers and serving as a board member of the Communications and Media Law Association (CAMLA).

Julie advises media organisations, digital platforms, technology companies and other businesses on complex disputes, regulatory issues and risk management matters. Her work includes regulatory compliance, data breach response and incident management, online content regulation, and disputes involving a variety of technologies and complex implementations, including billing, inventory management, customer management, e-Health systems and satellite and cable transmission networks.

Luke said: "I'm excited to join Thomsons at a time when technology is advancing rapidly and demand for advice on its use and deployment has never been stronger.

"I'm looking forward to helping clients navigate the legal, commercial and regulatory challenges that come with technological change, while working alongside Thomsons' highly regarded national team."

Julie said: "Thomsons is recognised for delivering pragmatic, commercial advice on complex and fast-moving issues.

"The convergence of media, technology and privacy law is creating new challenges for organisations across every sector, and I look forward to helping clients navigate that increasingly complex environment."

Luke is recognised by legal directory Best Lawyers for Information Technology Law and Commercial Law.

Thomsons' Technology and Telecommunications practice is recognised by legal directories Chambers and Partners and Legal 500. The Media team is ranked Band 1 by Chambers and Tier 1 by Legal 500. Chambers also ranks Partners Justin Quill, John-Paul Cashen and Marlia Saunders Band 1 for Media, while Justin is also ranked a Leading Partner by Legal 500.