Vanessa Mellis

Richard Leahy is the Legal Practitioner Director of Cochrane Leahy Litigation. Richard was a partner in an award winning, national firm, practising in commercial and insurance litigation. Identifying a gap in the Queensland legal market, he has now created his own boutique commercial litigation firm, with an emphasis on expert but commercially pragmatic service for businesses and individuals.

Kirsten Van Der Wal is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Negligence. Kirsten, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kirsten is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Olivia Williamson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Practice, Land Use and Zoning Law and Planning and Environmental Law. Olivia, 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 Olivia is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Madeline acts for aged care providers, retirement living operators and disability service providers, with a particular focus on regulatory compliance, administrative law and dispute resolution. Madeline provides practical advice to aged care providers on how to manage complex regulatory issues and respond to administrative decisions. She also frequently advises providers about managing critical incident investigations and acts for providers in coronial investigations and inquests. In the reti...

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.

Greg Thorne is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Greg, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Greg is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Damian is a Partner in our leading Resources and Energy practice. Damian has a particular interest in assisting clients in project development and regulatory approvals, focusing on tenement acquisition and maintenance, other regulatory approvals and infrastructure requirements. He also offers an extensive knowledge of native title and cultural heritage law, resources and environmental approval regulations and land access issues for ordinary land tenure. Damian is recognised as a Leading Nativ...

Lisa is a Partner in our Family and Relationship law practice with over 25 years of experience advising on all facets of family law, including complex property and children’s matters. Lisa’s interest is in problem solving and helping her clients navigate difficult times by finding suitable options for them to resolve their family law matter with a minimal level of conflict, where conflict does not serve their purpose. Lisa is very respectful of individual circumstances, prompt to ...

Mark Lyons is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leasing Law and Real Property 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.

Gemma Chadwick is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law and Planning and Environmental Law. Gemma, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gemma is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.