Our High-Performance Team
JUSTIN IRELAND
PRINCIPAL LAWYER
Justin is passionate about achieving life-changing outcomes for his clients. Justin’s family were farmers in New South Wales before moving to North Queensland where Justin grew up assisting his family to run businesses. Justin turned to the law in his mid-20’s, moved to Bondi Beach and completed a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New South Wales. Justin won a scholarship to go to London to study law at one of the best international law schools, University College London. Justin returned to Sydney and worked for top-tier firm Ashurst and then at DC Strategy in Sydney, before starting Strategic Lawyers, one of North Queensland’s fastest growing and dynamic law firms with an innovative and client-focused approach.
Anyone who is represented by Justin will know that he is incredibly passionate about what he does and will pursue cases with the tenacity and dogged determination they deserve.
When not running the firm Justin loves to go to the gym, hike somewhere remote, listen to an audiobook, or head out on his boat for an adventure.
ANTHONY STURGEON
SENIOR ASSOCIATE LAWYER
Anthony is an astute and detail orientated senior lawyer who brings a wealth of experience across a broad range of practice to Strategic lawyers having studied law at the University of Queensland. With Anthony driving your case forward you can expect precision, action and experience. His subject focused areas have typically revolved around Commercial and Injury law but he also has experience in criminal law in which he has dealt with a wide range of matters across multiple jurisdictions and courts. He brings with him valuable experience gained from both Maurice Blackburn and Shine Lawyers combined with his unique ability to really get to the emotional drivers of his clients. Once he captures this, he draws on his use of persuasive language, excellent advocacy and best in class drafting capabilities go to work in securing the very best outcomes for his clients.
Anthony’s meticulous attention to detail serves him well when he seeks to determine the potential legal issues and other pitfalls standing between his client and their desired outcome. He leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of maximising his clients’ best interests and uses his broad and diverse experience across all practice areas to deliver in every regard. In his own words, “I think the best part of my job is finalising a matter for a client, knowing that I have done a good job and secured the best outcome I can for them.” Outside of work, Anthony is a committed movie buff with an expansive collection of original movies with a particular fondness for the horror genre. His relaxed personable demeanour travels seamlessly between professional and personal life and when our clients give feedback in relation to their experience with Anthony they commonly refer to his ability to make them feel relaxed and at ease no matter how stressful the situation.
ROB BALLAIS
SENIOR ASSOCIATE LAWYER
Rob is part of the firm’s Family Law department working in all aspects of property, parenting and divorce. Initially starting as a paralegal at the firm in 2015, Rob graduated with a Bachelor of Laws at James Cook University before his admission as a solicitor in 2016. Since his admission, Rob has worked across various departments including domestic violence, criminal law and commercial litigation, but family law has always been his main area of practice. Rob takes immense pride in the output of his work and has maintained a strong track record in securing fantastic outcomes for his clients. His client focused approach to his work and desire to provide a personalised service is what sets Rob apart from other family lawyers in the industry. In his own words: “The best part of my job comes when I get to call that client who I have been working with for months, or sometimes even years, and I get to tell them that we achieved the result they were always after and their matter is finalised.”
Rob has seen success not only in the legal arena but also in the sporting arena where he represented basketball for Queensland and brings this high performance mentality to his life both on and off the field.
KATIE MAHON
ASSOCIATE LAWYER
Katie is an accomplished property lawyer with a robust background in criminal law and dispute resolution. Her subject matter expert area is in commercial property with a specific interest in leasing.
For the last 2 years she has been working for top-tier firm MinterEllison as a property lawyer specialising in leasing. Prior to this she has worked for firms in Brisbane and Cairns in a variety of practice areas including criminal law, property and commercial transactions.
Katie hails from Hervey Bay, before moving to North Queensland to complete her law degree at James Cook University in Townsville and Cairns. She is excited to return to the location of her alma mater while her husband completes his specialist medical training locally.
She takes a very direct and friendly approach, and will go above and beyond for her clients to achieve favourable outcomes in complex legal landscapes.
JO STEWART
FAMILY LAWYER
Jo is passionate about her clients and their needs. She is known for her precise and professional style while remaining focused on her client’s goals. Jo understands the pressures placed on families when going through separation and is highly skilled at listening to your needs and assisting you to navigate your way through your separation with sound advice. She will be there to guide you every step of the way. Jo prides herself on being able to obtain the best outcome for her clients. Jo’s strength is communicating effectively with clients from all walks of life on a human level.
Jo completed her Bachelor of Laws Degree through Central Queensland University focusing on Family Law. Jo is also admitted as a Solicitor of the High Court. She commenced her career with a boutique firm in Brisbane where she focused on Family Law, including parenting, property settlements, divorce, mediation, and Wills. Her main passion is children’s cases and getting the outcomes for her clients in relation to their kids. Jo has great experience in running files through to trial and she will fight for the best outcome for you. In her spare time, Jo enjoys spending time with her family, Muay Thai Boxing, playing softball and beach volleyball, and she has a cheeky sense of humour around the office.
MANDEEP BHOPAL
LAWYER
Mandeep brings a sense of practicality and empathy in his dealings with his clients. He is committed to finding solutions to clients’ legal needs through effective advocacy and strategic problem solving. Mandeep is building a growing litigation practice focused on commercial litigation and dispute resolution.
Prior to practising law, Mandeep had seen success in real estate sales and commercial development in Canada. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto and then went on to gain his Juris Doctor from Bond University thereafter. In his spare time, Mandeep enjoys spending time with family and playing sports.
JODIE VAN-VEGCHEL
LAWYER
Jodie has over 12 years of experience with Family Law and Criminal Law. She is a high performer who is passionate about helping clients, working hard and fast on their files and always striving for excellence in everything she does. Jodie has experience in both private practice and also in government departments, having recently worked with the Department of Youth Justice. Jodie has worked extensively on Family, Criminal, Traffic, and Domestic Violence files together with leading Family and Criminal Defence Lawyers and Barristers. Jodie has appeared extensively in the Magistrates Court in various jurisdictions and has spent a lot of time in the Court House in interviews, taking instructions and writing submissions, running through police evidence, attending Watchhouse interviews, and appearing for clients before Judges.
Jodie is a North Queensland Local of 30 years originating in the Atherton Tablelands. Jodie completed her Bachelor of Laws Degree at the Central Queensland University, and went straight into the College of Law for Practical Legal Training, completing her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. Jodie’s time with Youth Justice gave her excellent advocacy experience and she is familiar with the court processes and confident to represent clients before the Court.
Jodie understands the difficulties families face when going through separation and is skilled at listening to their needs and understanding the complexities of family law. Her interest in criminal law comes from having family members who have served in the Police Force, Military and Justice Departments and she has become passionate about helping people in trouble.
Jodie is also a high performer outside of the office, where in her free time she is passionate about competitive swimming and has joined the Masters Swimming Australia program. Ask Jodie about her keen interest in water sports and boating adventures where she maintains her qualifications in Coaching and Lifeguarding yearly. A unique ability of Jodie’s is to do everything with precision and purpose with a sense of humour.
NARELLE PERFECT
FINANCE OFFICER
Narelle is a highly experienced and dedicated bookkeeper, with over 20 years’ experience as a bookkeeper. Narelle brings efficiency and passion into her role ensuring accurate and competent trust accounting and financing for our clients.
Narelle enjoys building great communication with her colleagues and fostering long term relationships with our clients by paying attention to their needs and delivering services that will exceed expectations.
Narelle is multi-talented, with skills in bookkeeping, and accounting principles, and practices with a high attention to detail. Narelle meets business objectives with an organized approach and strong multitasking abilities whilst following all legal requirements.
As well as her passion for finance, Narelle enjoys camping, country music festivals and travelling. Meeting new people and having new experiences are what drives Narelle!
SHERRIDAN MEHARG
ADMINISTRATION MANAGER
Sherridan is a dedicated administrator who specialises in ensuring your visit to Strategic Lawyers is a positive and efficient experience. As the front face of the office, she takes pride in being the initial point of contact for all of the firm’s clients and contacts. Sherridan is absolutely committed to providing an Ultimate Service, which is part of the firm’s Mission. People will quickly see that she has a great personality and great client relationships are second nature. Sherridan’s professionalism with a smile is what sets her apart. She is a leader at heart and has completed various leadership courses where she has refined both her leadership and her quick-thinking skills.
Sherridan was born and raised in Canberra and has been working full time in customer service since she was 15 years old including fields like health and education. Moving to Townsville in 2017, Sherridan quickly saw Townsville as her home and embraced the lifestyle the town has to offer.When Sherridan isn`t working, you will find her with her family and her 3 year old definitely keeps her busy all weekend.
LACHLAN DONNELL-WALES
PARALEGAL
Lachlan is a gun Paralegal who supports the lawyers to carry out high quality work on behalf of the firm’s clients. He is a high-performing member of our team working almost full-time whilst completing his Bachelor of Law. Lachlan loves providing a great customer service to clients and is passionate about communicating effectively and quality drafting. He loves solving complex legal problems and has experience in many different working environments including the Magistrates Courts. Lachlan gets up early each day at 5am for a high-performance morning routine before arriving at the office. He has been a competitive rower at State, National and International levels. Competitive rowing has instilled in him a sense of hard work, discipline, motivation, and personal accountability, which he brings to this role at Strategic Lawyers. His current favourite book is “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life”, a highlighted copy of which he has loaned to staff members.
MATTHEW BONATO
SENIOR PARALEGAL
Matthew is an experienced Paralegal having worked in private practice and government roles in various practice areas of law. Matthew thrives on the fast pace and high pressure of the legal profession and approaches each task with relentless ambition to secure the greatest outcome. Matthew enjoys document drafting and providing exceptional customer service to our clients. Additionally, Matthew gains satisfaction from identifying legal issues and providing appropriate solutions.
Matthew has worked for commercial law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth providing high-level service to Senior Associates and Partners in various practice areas such as Projects and Construction, Employment and Labour, Business Law and Human Rights. Then in his role as Legal Support Officer with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Matthew gained invaluable experience instructing Crown Prosecutors in the District and Supreme Court for arraignments, mentions, trials and sentences. All this prepared him for his role at Strategic Lawyers providing high-performance support to the Lawyers in various departments while providing our clients with great service along the way.
Matthew will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts – Bachelor of Laws dual degree majoring in Politics and International Relations from James Cook University in 2024 and will soon be a Lawyer.
Matthew is a high performer and he utilises his interpersonal skills to provide comfort to our clients and appreciates that seeking legal advice can initially be a daunting experience and his job is to help make that easier for the firm’s clients.
A few Reasons Why We are one of
Townsville's Most Effective Law Firms
We believe you are here for a reason. And that reason is to ensure you get the best legal help possible, at the best possible price.
Here at Strategic Lawyers Townsville we’re experts in striking good bargains, but the most important bargain for us, is the one we strike with our clients.
Our offer is simple. We’ll ensure you know what’s going on. We’ll advise you on your best interests and we’ll never give up on your cause.
This means together we’ll reach the best outcome possible. Our people live in this community and we’ve been here a good while.
As such we know how important it is not only that you leave here satisfied but that you’ll recommend us. Call us now on 13 14 LAW and speak to a lawyer about your case.
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