Michelle was admitted to practice in 2000 after having completed her articles in Echuca working in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Property Law.

Upon admission Michelle excelled in litigation work and she became the Litigation practice manager for Mitchell McKenzie & Co. Michelle’s career success has continued with her appointment as an Associate Lawyer of Dawes & Vary in 2009.

Michelle has a keen interest in Local Government Law and has undertaken further study at Monash University in Local Government Law. Michelle has forged the way for the Firms' Local Government team and has gained a reputation for improving legal service outcomes for local government.

Career History:

• 2000 - Present - Dawes & Vary Riordan (Australian Legal Practitioner)
• 1999 - 2000 - Glowreys (Articles)

Professional Qualifications & Admissions:

• 2000 - Admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria
• 1999 - Bachelor of Laws - La Trobe University
• 1996 - Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - La Trobe University

Memberships & Associations:

• Member, Goulburn Valley Law Association

Recent works highlights include:

• Advice to Local Government on a variety of legal issues, including governance issues, competitive neutrality, policy adherence, leasing and licensing, contract procurement and management, road law advice, FOI, compulsory acquisitions and public land law advice including extensive work in the area of 173 Agreements.
• Advice to Water Authority, private investors and landowners in relation to issues under the Water Act including,  Community Water Supply and Access Agreement (including successful registration of Community Water Supply and Application involving over 50 landowners), use of water trading platforms and contract advice.
• Advice to Landlords (both private and Government) including enforcing conditions of leases, advice and court work in relation injunction applications by tenants; advice and negotiations concerning new leases, meeting statutory obligations, consideration of commercial issues, preparation of Leases, Agreements for Lease and Notices required under the Lease or pursuant to statute and protection of Landlord pursuant to the Personal Property Security Act.
• Commercial advice to business owners in relation to contract disputes, shareholder disputes, Franchise Agreements and Consumer Law issues.