Page 41 - Tropic Magazine Issue 19

TROPIC • PROFILE

Established in Cairns in 1884, MacDonnells
Law has grown to become one of the
largest independent firms in the state, with
offices in Cairns and Brisbane

MELISSA SINOPOLI

Over the last ten years, Melissa Sinopoli has
quickly moved up the ranks at MacDonnells
Law, having most recently held the role as the
Commercial Practice Group Leader state-wide.
Melissa’s promotion to Owner and Director
comes after much dedication and hard work
for the firm’s commercial and corporate clients
where she brings a commercial and pragmatic
approach to solving client’s legal problems and
achieving their desired outcomes.
Mr Singh said the appointment of both
Melinda and Melissa as new owners directors
was the “beginning of another new bright PATRICK DAY
era for the firm”. Over 135 years, we’ve
continuously adapted and stayed ahead of Patrick Day rounds out the promotions
changes in the legal industry and we’re proud at MacDonnells Law in his promotion to
of the work done by Melinda and Melissa. Practice Leader in the local government
They’ve delivered outstanding client results in and planning space. Patrick started his
some of the most complex and difficult legal career at MacDonnells Law and after
matters in Queensland and are both the cream gaining some invaluable experience in
of the crop and amongst the most brilliant the Brisbane area, he returned to the
minds in law.” MacDonnells team in early 2018 as an
The two appointments are also important expert in the Queensland planning and
in another respect. A recent Australia-wide local government landscape. Patrick
legal report found that women in ownership has forged a reputation of offering a
positions in law firms were underrepresented fresh new way in which to deliver value
at only 19% of shareholders. Mr Singh said for local governments and property
MacDonnells Law is committed to the developers across the state. The firm’s
success of the firm by promoting on merit general manager, Sheree Cassaniti said
as well as being aware of unconscious bias of the promotion: “It’s an exciting time
within the legal industry. “We recognise the to be a part of an organisation that not
power of meritorious diversity, with women only respects its rich history but can also
representing 62% of our leadership group and foster and nurture up and coming talent
50% of the ownership group,” he said. to the achieve successes such as Pat’s.”

MORE: macdonnells.com.au

41 • tropicnow.com.au