Madeleine Kelly takes over as FB Rice managing partner
17 September 2025
Madeleine Kelly has begun her leadership of IP specialist firm FB Rice as the firm’s managing partner. She was appointed to the role in March following Brett Lunn’s decision to step down after 16 years in the role.
Kelly’s practice includes invention harvesting, drafting, multi-jurisdictional prosecution, oppositions, appeals, freedom-to-operate work, IP portfolio management and IP strategy. Prior to joining FB Rice, she gained considerable experience as a European (and Irish) patent and designs attorney and brings an international perspective to her work. She has a particular interest in computer-implemented inventions, and closely follows relevant developments in case law in multiple jurisdictions. She represents a broad range of clients from individual inventors, start-ups, and SMEs, to universities and multi-national corporations.
Lunn announced earlier this year that he will be staying with the firm and continuing to practice as a registered patent attorney.
“In many ways, this new chapter will allow me to support the partners in different ways, engage with clients on a far more regular basis, and provide support with business development to help guide the firm into the future,” Lunn said in March. “I’ve had a wonderful tenure as managing partner and felt it was time to pass on the torch to allow for a smooth succession process and enable the firm to continue to shine as an industry leader.”
Lunn praised Kelly in the firm’s March announcement. “I have had the pleasure to work alongside Madeleine for almost 12 years and feel incredibly confident in her ability to lead the team and provide innovative approaches and new offerings to benefit our business and clients. Madeleine was made partner in 2017 and is highly skilled in the electronics and computing space.”
Speaking in March on her appointment as the new managing partner, Kelly said she is grateful for Lunn’s guidance and continued support and is looking forward to the future.
“FB Rice is a well-established and highly regarded firm, and it is a great honour to play a pivotal role in its continued success. This year we have already announced a new IP Advisory service offering and this is just the beginning. I’m looking forward to engaging with our clients and our team to identify fresh ideas, while maintaining the attributes that make this firm so special.”
