John Chisholm is a third generation lawyer who prior to establishing John Chisholm Consulting in 2005, has held senior executive positions in leading Australian legal and accounting firms for more than 17 years, transforming them into market leaders in their fields. He is recognised for his management, leadership and visionary skills, as well as his ability to think outside the square. His experience as both a professional and consultant includes assisting many firms and professionals with strategy and business planning, career management, governance structures, new business development, client relationship management, performance and pricing. 

As part of his consultancy practice John was part-time Executive Chairman of the Melbourne practice of PKF Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors (Now BDO Australia) from 2006-2008, guiding them through a full financial integration with PKF Sydney and Brisbane.

During his years as Chief Executive of Middletons Lawyers from 1999-2004, John drove a national agenda that saw the firm expand into a fully integrated national partnership and leading commercial law firm. John was an effective agent for change. He led the integration of three Melbourne firms to create Middletons and subsequently presided over the acquisition and integration of two Sydney law firms.

John was a partner for 18 years at Maddocks Lawyers including 8 of those as Managing Partner. During this time, the firm transformed from Victoria’s pre-eminent local government law firm into one of Australia’s most successful and innovative commercial, government and property law firms.

John was admitted to practise as a Barrister & Solicitor in 1979, and practised principally in commercial and property law.

He is a member of the Law Council of Australia, the Law Institute of Victoria, the Australian Legal Practice Management Association and also a senior fellow of the Verasage Institute, an international think tank devoted to professional firm pricing, leadership and strategy.

John is a regular contributor and commentator to various publications including the legal press and numerous blogs and a sought after speaker and presenter at industry events. He sits on several boards and committees and is a trainer for the Leo Cussen Center for Law.

He and Karen have been married for over 30 years and have four beautiful grown up children. Outside family John’s major interests are friends, food and wine, painting & drawing caricatures, travel, Australian Rules Football (especially Geelong Football Club and Ormond Amateur Football Club) and spending time at Point Lonsdale.