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.
SHERRIDAN MEHARG
OPERATIONS 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.
NARELLE PERFECT
FINANCE MANAGER
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!
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.
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.
MADELEINE SMITH
SENIOR LAWYER ACCREDITED SPECIALIST (Criminal Law, VIC)
Madeleine is a highly qualified and dedicated Criminal Lawyer. Having ran her own Criminal Law Firm for over 8 years, she missed representing her clients and achieving great outcomes, so has returned to practising within a firm. Enjoying the sunshine, Madeleine chose Townsville as her next step in her career.
Madeleine graduated from Monash University with a bachelor in Arts and Bachelor of Laws (with honours), LLB in 2010. Her first roles in law included working with Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander communities and ATSILS across Queensland and Victoria. This have given Madeleine an understanding and compassion about the complex challenges that Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander’s face across Australia. She then moved into running her own law firm, which she has successfully done since 2015.
In her career, Madeleine has been a published lawyer in multiple publications and has obtained her Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law in Victoria. When not at work, you will find Madeleine travelling across the world, volunteering at schools and writing publications to further educate other lawyers.
COURTNEY MOLONEY
LAWYER
Courtney is a senior criminal and domestic violence lawyers who is known for her exceptional ability to navigate complex legal issues whilst using her sense of humour to provide a calm environment for her clients during some of the hardest times of their lives. Courtney always pushes hard to ensure she gets the best outcome for her clients.
Courtney was selected alongside a small portion of colleagues to commence her Bachelor of Law in the first ever intake of the newly formed law school at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Courtney was quickly offered employment within property law and to the University of Southern Queensland to complete her degree whilst working towards her ultimate goal – practicing within the criminal law jurisdiction.
Courtney knew she wanted to be a criminal defence lawyer since she was a child. She commenced a position at a boutique firm on the Sunshine Coast that specialized in family law and domestic violence 7 years ago, which formed the solid base that has provided her with the ability to draw from multiple jurisdictions in of both civil and criminal jurisdictions to best strategise and work towards the best outcome for her clients. Once given the opportunity to commence a position in a fast pace criminal law firm dealing with Courts from the South Port, through Brisbane and up to the Sunshine Coast, Courtney jumped on the opportunity and appeared regularly in serious criminal matters in Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts.
Courtney is now an experienced criminal lawyer and domestic violence lawyers with Strategic lawyers, fighting hard to get great outcomes.
When not at work you will find Courtney at the beach relaxing with her family.
CHRISTIAN NIYONSABA
LAWYER
Christian is a highly dedicated member of our team. With an attention to detail like no other, he strives for excellence and leaves no stone unturned. Christian focuses on putting his client’s interest first to ensure the best possible outcome. He works extremely hard and diligently to achieve his goals and outcomes he desires.
Christian studied a Bachelor of Law (LLB) at the University of Auckland graduating in 2019, with further studies in Real Estate. He has a diverse area of practice experience, including New Zealand, New South Wales, Queensland and the Federal Jurisdictions. Christian’s passion lies within a deep knowledge towards areas of Civil and Criminal Law. He is also a generalist solicitor who assist with other areas of law such as family.
Christian teenage and adult years has also been met with determination and passion towards his athletic skills, especially in Football. When not at work you will find Christian hanging with his friends, visiting cafes, and keeping up with sport.
LACHLAN DONNELL-WALES
SENIOR 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.
CHELSEA MOVCHAN
ADMINISTRATION OFFICER
Meet Chelsea, a cheerful and diligent receptionist and administrator ready to welcome you with a warm smile. Chelsa has commenced the completion of her double degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. The opportunity to work at a law firm was by chance, but Chelsea quickly learnt she enjoyed the work and has a passion for helping the clients
With an unwavering commitment to excellence and proactive mindset. She upholds the highest standards in her work. Chelsea’s dedication ensures seamless operations, enabling our legal team to prioritise your needs as our client. She embodies our mission of delivering ultimate service and pursues it relentlessly each day.
Off duty, Chelsa can be spotted hitting the gym, spending time with her friends, or reconnecting with her roots in Victoria with her family.
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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What Are Your Options After Being Charged with Assault?
Facing an assault charge is a serious matter that can have significant implications for your future. At Strategic Lawyers, we understand the gravity of such charges and are committed to guiding you through the legal process with expertise and precision. It is crucial to be well-informed about your options to make the most strategic decisions […]
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What Happens If a Parent Does Not Follow a Court Order?
Understanding the importance of court orders in family law is essential, particularly for those entangled in custody disputes or other related matters. These orders serve as the backbone of legal decisions in family conflicts, ensuring that all parties adhere to agreed-upon terms that aim to protect the interests of children and maintain fairness. At Strategic […]
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Understanding Workplace Discrimination Laws in Australia: What Constitutes Workplace Discrimination and How Individuals Can Seek Redress
In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, understanding workplace discrimination laws in Australia has never been more critical. At Strategic Lawyers, we are dedicated to guiding both individuals and businesses through the complexities of these laws to promote a fair, inclusive, and productive work environment. Recent statistics reveal a concerning prevalence of workplace discrimination across various […]
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Fathers’ Rights in Family Law: the Rights of Fathers in Family Law Disputes
At Strategic Lawyers, we are acutely aware of the complexities surrounding fathers’ rights in family law disputes. As a firm, we champion the cause of ensuring that fathers receive fair and equitable treatment in family law courts. The landscape of family law has evolved significantly, and with it, so have the perceptions and legal frameworks […]
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The Legal Process for Starting a Small Business in Australia: From Registration to Compliance
The journey of starting a small business in Australia is both exciting and daunting, particularly when it comes to understanding the legal requirements. The legal landscape can often feel like a maze, with various registrations, structures, and compliance requirements to navigate. At Strategic Lawyers, we specialise in offering personalised advice and expertise to guide you […]
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Renting an Apartment in Australia with a Criminal Record
Finding a place to call home is a fundamental need, yet for those with a criminal record in Australia, this process can be fraught with challenges and uncertainties. At Strategic Lawyers, we understand the complexities of the rental market and the additional hurdles that individuals with a criminal history face. This guide aims to arm […]
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The Implications of Divorce in Queensland, Australia
Divorce is an emotionally draining experience, often compounded by the complexity of disentangling joint finances. The road to financial independence post-divorce is fraught with legal hurdles, decisions that will affect your long-term financial health, and the need for strategic planning. With our deep understanding and expertise in family law, Strategic Lawyers stands ready to guide […]
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Understanding Child Custody Laws: A Guide to Navigating the Complexities
Navigating the complexities of child custody under Queensland law can be a daunting task for parents facing separation or divorce. The emotional toll of such proceedings, coupled with the legal intricacies, demands a comprehensive understanding and a strategic approach. This guide aims to demystify the legal standards, and types of custody, and provide practical tips […]
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Legal Rights of Unmarried Couples: Understanding the Legal Challenges and Protections in Queensland, Australia
In the evolving landscape of relationships, the legal recognition and rights of unmarried couples have become a focal point of discussion and concern, particularly in Queensland, Australia. As societal norms shift away from traditional marriage as the sole form of recognised partnership, the legal system has been compelled to adapt, offering protections and posing challenges […]
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