Pearce IP is pleased to announce the appointment of two new executives in 2026.
Dr Mathew Lucas has joined Pearce IP in Melbourne as Executive Patent & Trade Mark Attorney. With a PhD in chemistry and post doctoral placements [at the Universities of Illinois (at Chicago) and Adelaide] focusing on organic synthesis and drug design, as well as both homolytic and heterolytic organic mechanisms. Dr Lucas has more than 25 years’ experience as an attorney, and has seen it all. Highly respected by peers and clients, Dr Lucas’ focus is pharma/biopharma, chemistry and chemical engineering, material sciences, diagnostics, biochemistry/biotech, ag-tech, food-tech, and med-tech. Dr Lucas is expert at complex patent prosecution, strategic advice, freedom to operate clearances, contentious disputes, and commercialisation. Dr Lucas joins Pearce IP following 25 years at Davies Collison Cave.
James Tocci also joined Pearce IP as Executive, Corporate Services bringing a strong blend of people leadership, operational expertise, and commercial acumen. James has a Masters of Business and Technology (Engineering), a Bachelor of Business, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. James joins Pearce IP from a law firm where he was practice and people manager.
Pearce IP Founder and CEO, Naomi Pearce, said the appointments reflect the firm’s continued investment in senior technical leadership:
“I am delighted to welcome Mathew and James to the Executive team.
Mathew is one of Australia’s leading patent attorneys, who combines authentic leadership with technical depth and strategic insight. James is a seasoned legal operations leader with a strong business background and commercial acumen.
These appointments demonstrate our unwavering commitment to delivering on the Pearce IP 2027 Vision to be the premier life sciences focussed IP practice in Australia and New Zealand.”
Mat Lucas says:
“Pearce IP is well known for excellence in client service, technical capabilities, and as an employer of choice. I am excited to bring my expertise and practice to Pearce IP, and to work with Naomi and my fellow Executives to realise our 2027 Vision.”
James Tocci says:
“Pearce IP has a clear vision and a strong culture built around excellence and collaboration. I am looking forward to contributing to the firm’s continued growth and supporting the executive team and broader business.”
About Pearce IP
Pearce IP is a specialist firm offering intellectual property specialist lawyers and attorneys with a focus on the life sciences industries. Pearce IP and its leaders are ranked in every notable legal directory for legal, patent and trade mark excellence, including: Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, IAM Patent 1000, IAM Strategy 300, MIP IP Stars, Doyles Guide, WTR 1000, Best Lawyers, WIPR Leaders, 5 Star IP Lawyers, among others.
In 2025, Pearce IP was recognised by Australasian Lawyer and New Zealand Lawyer’s 5 Star Employer of Choice, and is the “Standout Winner” for inclusion and culture for firms with less than 100 employees. Pearce IP was awarded “IP Team of the Year” by Lawyers Weekly at the 2021 Australian Law Awards. Pearce IP is recognised by Managing IP as the only leading ANZ IP firm with a female founder, and is certified by WEConnect International as women owned.