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.
AMANDA LAURIA
LEGAL CONSULTANT
Amanda was a Solicitor and Barrister with over 15 years experience in the legal industry. Amanda is now a Legal Consultant to Strategic Lawyers (but is not a practising lawyer). Amanda completed her Bachelor of Laws in 1992 and later completed her Master of Laws from the University of Western Australia in 2017.
Amanda’s main practice areas of expertise have included:
- Estate management and administration including wills, powers of attorney, and enduring guardianship.
- Company and Trust administration including property, leases, commercial, contracts and finance.
- Development projects including shopping malls, gated communities, townhouse and apartment complexes.
- Subdivisions including rural, residential and commercial.
- Sale and purchase of businesses, property transactions, including native title.
Amanda has over 10 years’ experience as a Consultant and Advisor within Australia, the UK and the USA. She has over 5 years’ experience with Trust Accounting and Law Firm Management. She has been a Professional Trustee and Company Director for over 5 years. She has been an in-house legal advisor and law firm locum for over 2 years.
Amanda’s main hobbies and interests include keeping fit and healthy, she has coached gymnastics, and instructed aerobics and yoga. Amanda brings a high-performance mindset to all that she does (inside and outside the workplace), having competed in horse-riding, swimming, 1/2 marathons, and triathlons.
Her father built a yacht that they sailed in New Zealand and the South Pacific for over 20 years (Amanda even practiced law for a time in the Cook Islands).
Amanda has business experience having helped run a farm, apiary, orchard and horticulture businesses as well as having run her own law firm, so she is passionate about helping business owners and farmers. Amanda looks forward to helping you with your legal matter.
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
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICER
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.
Contact Us170 Five Star Reviews and counting
Avery, 2023
I can’t thank Strategic Lawyers Townsville and the team enough for all of their help throughout the case. Their knowledge and professionalism are outstanding. Despite our delays, they worked extra hours on their own time to get things done. I felt they truly wanted the best outcome for us, which we achieved. Thanks for not just meeting our expectations but exceeding them too!
Avery, 2023
Daniel, 2023
After reading the Strategic lawyers bio, I was confident that I had found the team to represent me.
I found the initial consult just as they had described.
From the very comforting, warm welcome I received in reception, right up until the exchange of money at the end of the session, my enthusiasm only grew stronger with each exchange.
Justin is a very caring and transparent human-being, who took the time to listen to the intricacies of my case and give sound advice on the way through this.
Win or lose, I am confident that the team supporting me will fight for the best possible outcome.
Daniel, 2023
Reese, 2023
I couldn’t have asked for a better result or service from a local lawyer. Strategic Lawyers Townsville was extremely professional and helpful in assisting me with my legal issues. They went above and beyond to represent me and negotiate with all parties to ensure the best result for me and my partner. I would definitely recommend these guys to anyone in the area!
Reese, 2023
Marilyn, 2023
Our first appointment left us in no doubt that we had chosen the right lawyer. Justin listened to our problems, gave us options on what to do next and an estimate of the costs involved. He was courteous, knowledgeable and engaged. The girls on reception were very helpful and cheerful too. A very positive experience for us in difficult times.
Marilyn, 2023
Kerwin, 2023
Outstanding customer service and attention to detail. I could very well strongly recommend the team at Strategic Lawyers Townsville for any legal situation, knowing they have a large support network with top-tier lawyers at their disposal. Without a doubt, I will use them again in the future and will not hesitate to recommend them.
Kerwin, 2023
Amelia, 2023
My experience with Strategic was far better than expected. They were always knowledgeable, credible, professional, empathic, and organized. I am grateful they were on my team in an unfortunate period of my life. I was able to secure an excellent outcome.
Amelia, 2023
Renee, 2023
I’d like to thank Strategic Lawyers Townsville for handling my car accident claim in such a professional manner. The team stayed in touch throughout and provided emotional support when I felt overwhelmed by the process. This was a very stressful time in my life, and they always made sure I understood everything and kept me up to date on the status of my claim. I have no hesitation in recommending them.
Renee, 2023
Lucas, 2023
Strategic Lawyers Townsville handles all of my property-related legal needs. They cover the entire property cycle, no matter how large or small or complex it is. The team provides excellent service and is responsive, diligent, and reasonably priced. When it comes to property and development, the firm is the best in the business… highly recommended!
Lucas, 2023
Jules, 2023
Strategic Lawyers Townsville assisted me in a stressful family law matter. They were very well organized, everything went smoothly and it came at a reasonable cost. I was happy with the service and will definitely use them again
Jules, 2023
Zoey, 2023
Strategic Lawyers was a pleasure to work with! Service that is both quick and reasonably priced. We needed a quick turnaround on some documents, and they were responsive in communication and follow-up. Thank you team 🙂
Zoey, 2023
Oakley, 2023
If you are looking for a criminal justice lawyer, I would strongly recommend Strategic Lawyers in Townsville. They managed to outperform my expectations by producing a better result than I could have imagined, all while remaining friendly, kind, respectful, and professional. Thank you very much.
Oakley, 2023
Abigail, 2023
I hired the Strategic Lawyers Townsville team to represent me in court on a traffic matter I was disputing. The Solicitor’s professionalism was second to none. He acquired the best possible outcome in court. Made all the time and effort worth it.
Abigail, 2023
Lisa, 2023
I only use Strategic Lawyers Townsville for all of my commercial leases and property portfolio needs. By far the most professional and conscientious law firm I’ve ever worked with. Highly recommended for any commercial law needs.
Lisa, 2023
Ryan, 2023
Had my first interaction with Justin Ireland in regards to my legal matter. There was no showboating about their previous cases or how many they have won which was impressive, in stead he announced his position and who was working with him and proceeded to lay down how my matter would be handled. People are often turned off by costs but when put into prospective the time and people involved, their prices are quite competitive. I have confidence I have made the the right decision by choosing Strategic Lawyers
Ryan, 2023
Neo, 2023
The firm was able to provide me with the detailed advice that I needed in relation to a very unusual issue involving the plan of subdivision on a small owners corporation. Strategic Lawyers is highly recommended! 5 Stars
Neo, 2023
Giana, 2023
Strategic Lawyers Townsville is highly recommended for all of your legal needs. Look no further for the best in the industry. They were the best legal counsel for my partner’s ongoing court case. They came along and did what they do best, and we won. Thanks for everything you’ve done!
Giana, 2023
Cahya, 2023
We were so satisfied with Strategic Lawyers that we used them again for a title issue on our property as well as conveyancing work when the property was sold. Support this local law firm, they know their stuff!
Cahya, 2023
Blake, 2023
I’ve been dealing with Strategic Lawyers Townsville, and so far I’m very pleased with the approach, clarity, and speed with which they handle things. I had been looking for a family and business lawyer in the area for quite some time, and I believe I have finally found what I was looking for!
Blake, 2023
Val Waszkiewicz, 2018
I think the fix fee is brilliant. No nasty surprises at payment time. The staff are friendly and very helpful and speak in a language that you can understand clearly. I would recommend their services to anyone
Val Waszkiewicz, 2018
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