Vanessa Mellis

Sarah Macoun is a Brisbane-based lawyer with HopgoodGanim, where she focuses on government practice, land use and zoning law, and planning and environmental law. She works with clients navigating the regulatory frameworks that shape development and infrastructure across Queensland, offering practical guidance grounded in an understanding of how policy and planning intersect. Her work regularly involves advising on development approvals, planning schemes and environmental assessments, as well ...

Paul Betros is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Paul practices law in Brisbane, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Paul Betros since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Paul Betros is held by other lawyers.

Chris Nyst is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Criminal Defence. Chris practices law in Gold Coast, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Chris Nyst since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Chris Nyst is held by other lawyers.

Lyndon is a qualified lawyer, chartered accountant and chartered tax adviser who advises on GST, payroll tax, land tax, income tax, capital gains tax and the establishment of private ancillary foundations. His diverse experience in dealing with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) from an accounting and a legal perspective has given him a valuable insight into the motivation of agencies. Lyndon has acted for clients from diverse backgrounds in a wide range of industries, including the non-pro...

Matthew acts for major financial institutions, insolvency practitioners, federal and state government entities, government-owned corporations and private property clients. His client base spans real estate transactions, banking and finance, and insolvency and restructuring work across Queensland and nationally. Matthew advises across the full range of real estate and commercial transactions: acquisitions, disposals, leasing, development arrangements and complex property structuring. He also a...

Michael has 20 years’ experience in construction law and litigation obtained at firms in Australia, London, and in-house at some of Australia’s leading contractors. Michael’s advice is clear, pragmatic and considered. His comprehensive understanding of how major contractors operate, based on his own experience, gives him an appreciation of how legal and commercial risks fit within the bigger picture. He has also been involved in many high profile and complex construction dis...

Darren is a partner who specialises in the following areas within the property industry: large scale property and business transactions comprising due diligence, acquisitions, disposals and financing of those transactions in commercial property, tourism and health and aged care sectors commercial and retail leasing structured community title development including mixed use development liquor licensing and gaming rural acquisitions and disposals. In particular, Darren has extensive experience ...

Annie Smeaton is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Labour and Employment Law. Annie practices law in Brisbane, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Annie Smeaton since 2020. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Annie Smeaton is held by other lawyers.

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 ...

Paige Edwards is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Trusts and Estates and Wealth Management / Succession Planning Practice. Paige practices law in Brisbane, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Paige Edwards since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Paige Edwards is held by other lawyers.