Michelle ‘s legal career follows a successful first career as a veterinary nurse and veterinary business manager. Her work with native wildlife and involvement in fauna-related research projects piqued her interest in environmental law, land use regulation and planning law. Prior to joining P & E Law, Michelle practised in the areas of property, leasing, conveyancing and commercial law, developing experience in land use, zoning and statutory frameworks relevant to development and business operations. Her background in commercial and property law supports her work in planning and environment matters involving regulatory compliance, land use requirements, and statutory and policy interpretation.

Michelle has experience facilitating commercial transactions from offer to settlement, including the preparation and negotiation of contracts and agreements. She has advised clients operating in regulated industries, including healthcare, veterinary and pharmacy businesses. Her work has also included preparing successful submissions to the Federal Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing in support of PBS approval.

Michelle’s work and experience have been featured by Lawyers Weekly, the University of New England and legal podcasts. She has also presented on legal and regulatory topics at industry conferences.

Michelle is a former officer and ongoing member of the National Environmental Law Association, where she assisted in establishing its first climate change working group to support research and submissions addressing legislative gaps. She is also a council member of the Australian Veterinary Palliative Care Advisory Council, contributing legal research to improve animal palliative care standards and modernise legislation and industry guidelines.

Michelle adopts a down-to-earth approach to her work, with a focus on providing practical advice that aligns with client objectives. She has a particular interest in the ongoing development of planning and environmental law in response to innovation and community expectations.

Outside of practice, Michelle continues to work casually as a koala veterinary nurse. She lives in the Glass House Mountains with her family, cats and chickens, and enjoys a lifestyle closely connected to nature and community.