Melissa Swain-Tonkin
About Melissa Swain-Tonkin
Melissa Swain-Tonkin is a lawyer based in Brisbane, AU and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in Australia™ since 2021. Melissa Swain-Tonkin is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Brisbane, Australia
- Corporate / Governance Practice
- Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Mining Law
Current Firm: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Location: Brisbane, AU
Nearby Lawyers
Leeann is a Special Counsel in our Family and Relationship Law practice. Leeann practices exclusively in family and relationship law and advises clients on both matrimonial and de facto property settlements. Her experience includes advising on alternative dispute resolution (including collaborative law), child-related matters, spousal maintenance and binding financial agreements.Most recently, Leeann was named in the 12th edition of Best Lawyers, Australia for Family Law. Leeann holds qualifi...
Tony Park is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law, Motor Vehicle Law and Personal Injury Litigation. Tony, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Tony is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Robert Tidbury is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation. Robert, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Loan Chow provides a personalised approach to her clients' estate planning needs and offers the full suite of services: Wills (including Testamentary Discretionary Trust Wills), Enduring Powers of Attorney, Letters of Wishes, and Advance Health Directives. With dual degrees in Law and Psychology, Loan brings a compassionate approach to her work, particularly in navigating sensitive family dynamics such as intergenerational wealth transfer, blended families, separation and divorce, and estrang...
Wendy brings more than 25 years of experience in the development industry, first as a town planner and later as a planning and environment lawyer. She advises developers, government agencies and resource sector clients on complex planning and infrastructure matters, with expertise spanning planning litigation, statutory and strategic planning, infrastructure planning and agreements, and cultural heritage. Wendy is recognised for her ability to deliver exceptional planning outcomes through str...
Kelly is the founder and Principal of Nurture Law a wills and estates law firm. Kelly is a caring Wills and Estate Lawyers, helping clients avoid and resolve estate disputes so they can focus on what matters most. Estate disputes can be messy, complex and emotional. Losing a loved one is difficult enough let alone having to engage estate lawyers and be involved in an estate claim or contesting a will. Kelly helps clients through the legal process with compassion and makes sure they understand...
Mark Curran is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits Law, Labour and Employment Law and Occupational Health and Safety Law. Mark, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mark is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Clive is a very pragmatic lawyer and makes sure he is accessible to his clients. He has a deep understanding of the retail sector and through industry experience, has built long-term relationships with developer clients and investors. Clive has a well-earned reputation as an expert in the field of shopping centre leasing and management. In addition, he is an experienced general property lawyer and has acted in the sale and purchase of some of Queensland’s major shopping centres. He has ...
Scott is recognised as one of Queensland’s leading and most experienced restructuring and insolvency lawyers. He works with clients, company directors and advisers to analyse the issues and provide a range of options within tight time frames and often under difficult circumstances. An expert in distressed turnarounds and restructures, Scott often works collaboratively with other turnaround and restructuring professionals, assisting with and documenting restructures and advising company ...
John McKenna QC has been in practice at the commercial bar in Queensland for over 30 years, including over 18 years within the ranks of senior counsel. He has a particular interest in appellate and legally complex matters. Mr McKenna is also a Nationally Accredited Leading Mediator, with over 15 years of experience in the mediation and expert determination of commercial disputes. He graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in economics) and a Bachelor of L...
Explore and Learn
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
US Tariff Uncertainty Throws Canada Into Legal Purgatory
by Bryan Driscoll
The message is clear: There is no returning to pre-2025 normalcy.
The 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Chile, Colombia and Puerto Rico
by Jamilla Tabbara
The region’s most highly regarded lawyers.