MACKEY WALES - Key Persons
Angela is a Principal at Mackey Wales Law and leads the firm's litigation and dispute resolution team.
Angela holds a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from James Cook University and has been practicing as a lawyer in Townsville for many years.
Angela is highly regarded by her clients and is well respected by her peers. Angela has a reputation for providing timely, practical and cost effective advice in all areas of litigation.
Angela brings a wealth of experience to all aspects of general and commercial litigation and dispute resolution including contract and leasing disputes, bankruptcy and insolvency, debt recovery, building and construction disputes and estate disputes.
Angela also has considerable experience in employment law including drafting and reviewing employment contracts and workplace policies and procedures, providing advice regarding Award provisions and advising regarding rights and obligations surrounding issues such as redundancy and termination of employment. Angela has acted on behalf of employers and employees in disputed proceedings including in relation to unfair dismissal, recovery of overpayments and disputes involving restraint and non-solicitation clause and intellectual property and confidential information.
Angela has the skills and experience required to resolve disputes and prosecute or defend legal proceedings in all state and federal jurisdictions.
Bianka is a graduate of James Cook University in Townsville having completed a Bachelor of Laws in 2014. In 2015, Bianka completed her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice through the Australia National University and was admitted as a Lawyer to the Supreme Court of Queensland on 24 July 2015.
Bianka has practised exclusively in Family Law for 6 years. Bianka has experience in divorce, property settlements, children's matters and domestic violence proceedings.
Bianka has great empathy for parties going through difficult times in their lives, dealing with the emotions and stresses and assisting them to emerge from the emotional turmoil with direction for themselves and children.
Bianka is involved in the local community including as a member of the local Law Association.
Jo is an Associate of Mackey Wales Law who practices in our Commercial law team, acting for clients in a variety of commercial and business transactions.
Jo was first admitted as a solicitor in New Zealand in 1993 and after moving to Australia obtained her first Queensland practising certificate in 1996.
Jo has acted for individuals, commercial and business clients in commercial, contract, real property and intellectual property law matters. She enjoys developing long-term, positive relationships with clients to ensure the pro-active and responsive development of their business and commercial interests.
Kellie obtained her Bachelor of Laws locally at James Cook University in 2015. She was admitted as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2017.
In her career so far, Kellie has developed a keen interest in all aspects of succession law, including estate planning, estate administration, estate litigation and family provision claims, and practices predominantly in this area.
Professionally, Kellie works hard to ensure that her clients receive practical, commercial and easy to understand advice.
In addition to her work at Mackey Wales Law, Kellie is a volunteer lawyer and the President of the management committee of Townsville Community Law, a community legal centre that provide legal advice to vulnerable members of the Townsville Community.
Kelly is a lawyer practicing in the areas of family law, employment law, litigation and dispute resolution. She holds a Bachelor of Laws with Distinction from the University of Southern Queensland and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the Queensland University of Technology. Kelly was admitted as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2021.
Kelly is a skilled communicator and researcher, having worked for many years in Australia's competitive higher education international sector prior to embarking on a career in the law. Kelly's maturity, efficiency, and desire to achieve the best outcome for her clients are some of the attributes which make her a valuable member of the Mackey Wales Law team.
Job Titles:
- Conveyancer
- Member of Brothers Rugby Union Townsville
Malakai is a Law Graduate at Mackey Wales Law who practises primarily in our Conveyancing team.
Malakai joined Mackay Wales Law in 2018 through the practice's work experience program while finishing his studies, gaining valuable experience in the areas of commercial law and estate planning.
After completing a dual degree at James Cook University with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Business (Economics), in 2020 Malakai joined the Residential Conveyancing Team. Malakai assists our clients with all the conveyancing needs and has valuable experience with online settlements via PEXA. Malakai's calm temperament and willingness to go above and beyond on all transactions endears him to both his clients and colleagues.
Outside of the office, Malakai is a proud member of Brothers Rugby Union Townsville and continues his close association with the club both as a player and mentor.
Manepha obtained her Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Business (Accounting) as a scholar in 2020 before her admission to the legal profession in October 2021.
Manepha began her legal career in Victoria and has worked in areas of commercial and succession law since 2014. Manepha continues to service clients in these areas of practice, although she has a particular interest in succession planning and estate administration. This is complemented by her experience working with business owners and regional clients in various matters including transfers of commercial assets and rural property.
Manepha is an approachable and diligent solicitor who is committed to providing her clients a well-rounded service and works hard to achieve their objectives.
Whilst residing in Victoria, Manepha was a prominent supporter of various non-profit and charitable community initiatives. Since moving to Queensland, Manepha has continued her passion for contributing to community projects through her role as a Director of The Trustee for the Dalrymple Community Cultural Centre Trust.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Specialist
Mark is an accredited specialist in property law with over 25 years' experience as a property and commercial lawyer.
Mark has a wealth of experience in commercial property matters including property development, rezoning and subdivision of property, local government law, body corporate matters, time-share resorts, leasing, licenses and the purchase or sale of businesses. He has worked with both national and local developers.
Mark is also experienced in advising on the best structure for your business, with a special interest in succession planning.
He has worked with many graziers, cane producers and other farmers in the purchase, sale and operation of their properties.
Originally from the UK, Mark came to live in Mount Isa in 1982 via South Africa and has happily lived in Townsville since enrolling at James Cook University in 1990.
Mark is an approachable, down to earth lawyer who does his best to ensure that his clients are successful in their endeavours.
Meagan obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Laws from James Cook University before being admitted to the legal profession in April 2012.
Since her admission, Meagan has worked within the commercial/corporate law space, both in private practice and inhouse legal roles with hospital and health services in Queensland and now predominately practices in the area of succession law.
Meagan's unique range of experience enables her to assist clients with their personal and business estate and succession planning through the provision of commercially focused advice. Meagan works together with our clients and their accountants, financial planners and other advisers to create an estate planning strategy.
Meagan is committed to being an effective advocate, diligent advisor and a business ally by providing practical, coherent and timely legal advice.
Rebecca is a Senior Associate at Mackey Wales Law who practises in our Commercial Law team, acting for clients in a variety of commercial and business transactions.
Primarily, Rebecca assists her clients to sell and purchase businesses and buildings, handles commercial and retail shop leasing matters and prepares and reviews all types of commercial agreements.
Rebecca lives in Ingham and practises from the Mackey Wales Law office at 82 Cartwright Street Ingham. Rebecca can be contacted on (07) 4772 6699 or via email.
Rebecca held the position of Secretary of the Townsville District Law Association for three (3) years from July 2011 to June 2014 and remains a Committee Member of the Association.
Rhonda is the Conveyancing Manager at Mackey Wales Law. She has over 20 years' experience in property transactions so has developed a thorough understanding of the conveyancing process.
Rhonda takes the time to understand her clients' specific needs and wishes. She provides clients with timely, accurate and commercially oriented advice. She is a great communicator and has unlocked the secret to putting her clients at ease with her friendly and approachable manner.
Rhonda is held in the highest regard by her peers and the real estate industry in general. She assists many of Mackey Wales' clients on a daily basis as well as manages the practice's conveyancing team
Rod Barnes joined Mackey Wales Law as Special Counsel in February 2018, renewing a close working relationship with one of the MWL partners Terry Fanning, with whom he worked closely for many years.
Rod was admitted as a lawyer in 1975 and into partnership at one of the largest and longest established North Queensland law firms in 1976. Rod's term as a partner included time as managing partner. In 2005 and after 30 years in private legal practice, Rod left that partnership to take up a position of senior commercial lawyer at a leading Gold Coast law firm. In 2008 Rod was invited to be the first-in house solicitor at James Cook University. In 2011 Rod moved to be Director of Commercial Services and he remained at JCU until 2018, with a key focus on companies and major projects.
Throughout his career, Rod worked as commercial lawyer across a number of areas including company, governance, compliance, taxation, business transactions, leasing, commercial conveyancing, wills, and estate planning. Throughout his career Rod has assisted clients in achieving tax effective, negotiated solutions, working closely with other key client advisers including accountants, bankers and valuers. Rod's practice included acting as a mediator and helping clients achieve mediated outcomes. Rod works closely with clients and team lawyers with a personal approach which embeds a close understanding of their business and family connections.
Rod is a past president of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce and he also served as a board member of Townsville Enterprise for 10 years. Rod has been on the boards of many local community organizations including The Cathedral School, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music and the Townsville Yacht Club.
Ross has been a Principal of Mackey Wales Law since 2007.
Ross is an experienced commercial and agri-business lawyer providing a full range of business-related legal services. Ross also practices in family law.
Ross provides sensible and strategic advice to clients in a clear, no nonsense fashion without the jargon whilst being sensitive to the emotional difficulties associated with separation and family breakdown.
Outside the law, Ross focuses on spending quality time with his young family and enjoying the terrific lifestyle that North Queensland has to offer.
Job Titles:
- Chartered Accountant
- Practice Manager
Siobhan is a chartered accountant with a background in restructuring and turnaround and has experience working with companies across a wide range of industries and sizes.
While working in this area, Siobhan managed many litigation matters and has specific experience in corporations law. She has managed the finance function for a number of local small businesses and has a wide range business operational experience. Siobhan also spent three years in the compliance area of a major financial planning and advisory firm. In her spare time Siobhan is an executive on her School P&C and honorary auditor of the Townsville Cinema Club. She has a Masters of Accountancy, an Advanced certificate in Insolvency and a Bachelor of Commerce (International).
Qualifications:
Bachelors of Commerce (International), University College Dublin
Masters of Professional Accounting, James Cook University
Advanced Certificate in Insolvency, ARITA
Memberships/Affiliations:
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Stephanie has a dual degree from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (English) and was admitted as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Queensland in November 2020.
She joined Mackey Wales Law in August 2019 through the firm's work experience program. While completing her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice studies, Stephanie has been assisting in the litigation, dispute resolution and employment law areas. More recently, Stephanie has been practising in the commercial law area, assisting with commercial leases and property transactions.
Terry is a Principal of Mackey Wales Law and leads the firm's commercial law and estate planning teams.
Terry commenced working in the law in Townsville in 1988 and was admitted as a legal practitioner in 1994.
Terry practices heavily in commercial law areas and quickly establishes a two-way working relationship with his clients to assist them with their business needs. Terry undertakes all forms of property transactions including commercial and business conveyancing and leasing (both commercial and retail). Terry has acted on behalf of numerous major commercial clients in both the private and public sector.
Terry also practices in business succession (company/ shareholder transactions and re-arrangements) as well as personal estate planning. This compliments the needs of his commercial law clients.
Terry has also undertaken work for numerous major institutional clients including statutory authorities and government owned corporations.
In addition to working at Mackey Wales Law, Terry is:
a Life Member of the Brothers Rugby Union Club in Townsville;
Chairman of the Diocesan Development Fund in Townsville;
a member of Townsville Roadrunners;
an adjudicator for Secondary School Public Speaking Competitions conducted by Rostrum; and
formerly a director of a Not for Profit organisation assisting persons with disabilities find employment.
After obtaining his Bachelor of Laws from James Cook University, Thomas was admitted to practice law in 2017. Since that time, Thomas has practiced predominantly in conveyancing and property law.
Thomas enjoys providing easy to understand advice and guidance to buyers and sellers in residential transactions. Aside from property law, Thomas has experience in criminal law, wills and estates and family law.
Thomas prides himself on, being approachable and accessible and providing accurate advice to his clients. He always puts his client first and will do everything in his power to ensure his clients receive the best possible outcome.