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Sarah Dieckmann Patent Attorney PhD Biology

Michelle Richardson

Executive Officer

Michelle Richardson is Pearce IP’s Executive Officer, supporting the firm’s leadership team and contributing to the continued growth and success of the practice. With extensive experience supporting executives, managing operations and coordinating complex business environments, Michelle brings a wealth of organisational expertise, professionalism and a people-focused approach to her role.

Michelle has held a range of executive support, office management and practice management positions across professional services, government and legal environments. Prior to joining Pearce IP, Michelle spent two years with Kiama Municipal Council as Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Chief Executive Officer and Councillors, gaining valuable experience in governance, stakeholder engagement and high-level administrative support.

Michelle’s legal sector experience includes working as a Personal Assistant at Freehills, before joining Harmers Workplace Lawyers to support Michael Harmer in establishing and managing the practice. This experience has given Michelle a strong understanding of the demands of professional services environments and the importance of delivering exceptional support to clients and teams.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Sociology, from the University of Wollongong. Earlier in her career, Michelle spent four years in Zimbabwe establishing and managing a children’s orphanage, an experience that reflects her strong commitment to community, resilience and making a meaningful difference.

About Pearce IP

Pearce IP is a privately owned/independent, specialist, life-sciences focussed, intellectual property/law firm offering lawyers and attorneys in Australia and New Zealand.

Our lawyers and attorneys specialise in pharma, biopharma, biotech, ag-tech, food-tech, med-tech, although our work is broader than these industries.

In 2025, Pearce IP was honoured by Australasian Lawyer and New Zealand Lawyer as a Top Specialist Firm, 5 Star Employer of Choice, and the “Standout Winner” for Inclusion and Culture (<100 employees).  Pearce IP and its leaders are ranked in every notable legal directory including: Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, IAM Patent 1000, IAM Strategy 300, MIP IP Stars, Doyles Guide, WTR 1000, Best Lawyers, WIPR Leaders, Best Law Firms, among others.

Pearce IP is the only leading IP firm in Australia and New Zealand with a female founder, and is certified by WEConnect International as women owned.

 

Ranked in IP management consultancy, Legal, Pharmaceuticals/life sciences

2024 IAM Strategy 300

The Legal 500 Intellectual Property Leading Firm, Australia 2024

The Legal 500

Litigation (Silver) “Pacing the group is eponymous founder Naomi Pearce. With a background in molecular biology and stints at global pharma heavyweights, she fully understands the IP needs of the industry leaders; her practice traverses the contentious/non-contentious divide with ease.”

2024, IAM Patent 1000

The Legal 500 Intellectual Property Leading Firm, Australia 2023

The Legal 500

Top 100 Influential Women in IP 2021

World Intellectual Property Review (WIPR)

Client Choice Award: Life Sciences 2022

Lexology

"Winner - Intellectual Property Team of the Year 2021"

Australian Law Awards (Lawyers Weekly)

"World Leading IP Strategist"

IAM Strategy 300 2020 IAM Strategy 300 2021

"Australasian Lawyer 5-Star Awards"

5-Star Intellectual Property Law Firm: Pearce IP (2021) 5-Star Intellectual Property Lawyer: General IP – Naomi Pearce (2021)

"Global Leader IP Strategist"

IAM Strategy 300 2022

“The “fiercely intelligent” Naomi Pearce “combines a unique skill set of being a science qualified lawyer and patent attorney with extensive in-house experience, allowing her to bring to the fore a very client-focused and practical approach.….This is, frankly, gold to clients because they have someone who genuinely understands their commercial needs and has combined it with the skills of a strategic litigator.” “Calm and confident,” Pearce manages to keep a cool head even when the pressure is on.”

IAM Patent 1000 – Individual Silver Ranking for Litigation 2022, 2021 Individual Silver Ranking for Litigation

"Patent Star 2022, 2021"

Managing IP Stars

"Lexology Legal Influencer"

Healthcare and Life Sciences (Australasia): Pearce IP (Q2 2022, Q1 2021, Q4 2020, Q3 2020) Healthcare and Life Sciences (Cross-border): Pearce IP (2021) Healthcare and Life Sciences (Australasia): Naomi Pearce (Q2 2022, Q1 2021, Q4 2020, Q3 2020)  

"Pearce is one of a kind in Australia. 'Able to read her client and the opposing party, she has a sixth sense as to resolving disputes strategically and efficiently.'"

IAM Patent 1000 – Recommended for Litigation 2020

"Winner - Partner of the Year (SME Law) 2021"

Women in Law Awards (Lawyers Weekly)

"Finalist – Intellectual Property 2022"

Partner of the Year Awards (Lawyers Weekly)

"Finalist – Intellectual Property Team of the Year 2022"

Australian Law Awards (Lawyers Weekly)

"Most Influential Lawyers: Changemaker 2022"

Australasian Lawyer – Most Influential Lawyers

"Pearce IP Ranked Tier 3 - Prosecution"

MIP IP Stars 2022

"Pearce IP ranked bronze for litigation and prosecution"

IAM Patent 1000 2022

"Pearce IP bronze ranking for litigation and recommended for prosecution"

IAM Patent 1000 2021

"WIPR Leader"

Patents Leader – 2022, 2021, 2020 Trade Mark Leader – 2022, 2021, 2020

"Women in Business Law Awards - APAC"

Shortlisted: Australian Firm of the Year (2022) Shortlisted: Patent Lawyer of the Year – Naomi Pearce (2022) Shortlisted: Life Sciences Lawyer of the Year – Naomi Pearce (2022)

OUR VISION

By 2027, be the premier life sciences IP practice in
Australia and New Zealand.