Rankin Ellison Lawyers is a long-established Australian legal practice with deep historical roots in Newcastle and Sydney, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The firm’s origins trace back to Archibald Aloysius Rankin, who established a legal practice in Newcastle in 1899, primarily serving mining, shipping, manufacturing, and later the steel industry. Around the same period, AO Ellison & Co was founded in Sydney in 1926, focusing on assisting NSW manufacturers with industrial relations, workplace safety, and liability matters. Over time, both practices developed strong reputations in litigation and commercial legal work.

Through decades of growth and evolution, the firms behind Rankin Ellison expanded their expertise and client base, with key milestones including mergers in 2005 and 2013 that ultimately formed Rankin Ellison Lawyers. These consolidations brought together highly experienced legal teams specialising in corporate, insurance, employment, property, and litigation matters. The firm has since grown into a full-service legal practice advising government agencies, insurers, corporations, and individuals across Australia.

Practice Areas

• Insurance litigation and statutory litigation
• Commercial and corporate law
• Employment and industrial relations law
• Commercial and general litigation
• Property law and conveyancing
• Trusts, joint ventures, and shareholder agreements
• Corporate restructuring and compliance
• Estate planning and wills
• Family and personal legal matters
• Government and regulatory advisory work
• Dispute resolution and arbitration
• Construction and industrial disputes