Legal eagles fly high
Two women among firm’s promoted trio Pair picked as finalists in creative competition
THERE has been a changing of the guard at one of Cairns’ oldest businesses.
Three long-time MacDonnells Law leaders have been promoted and will now have a bigger say in the direction of the legal firm.
Melinda Foley and Melissa Sinopoli were appointed owners and directors while Patrick Day was promoted to practice leader of the firm’s statewide local government and planning section from July.
Law director Luckbir Singh said the promotions of Ms Foley and Ms Sinopoli in particular were cause for celebration, with a recent report showing just 19 per cent of law firm owners were women.
Ms Foley was admitted as a lawyer in 1999 and joined MacDonnells Law in 2002.
She has been in charge of the litigation and dispute resolution team since 2014 and has been a partner of the firm for the past 12 years.
“It’s exciting to be part of this new chapter at MacDonnells Law and to be able to continue to work with our great clients and staff,” Ms Foley said.
“I am really looking forward to the new challenges that being a business owner will bring and the opportunity for growth in this new role.
“The move to ownership is a SAM Stott and Alex Hiatt are forging a new career path in the creative industries after being picked as finalists in the NOVA Employment 2019 Focus On Ability Short Film Awards.
The ARC Disability Services clients have written and illustrated their own books and decided to share their stories by creating films.
Mr Stott said the young STEP UP: Melinda Foley has been appointed an owner and director at MacDonnells Law. really significant step and a great time to reflect on everyone who has helped in my journey.”
Similarly, Ms Sinopoli has quickly moved up the ranks at MacDonnells Law, having most recently held the role of commercial practice group leader for Queensland.
Mr Day also started his career at MacDonnells Law and after gaining some invaluable experience in the Brisbane area, he returned to the MacDonnells team in early 2018 as an expert in the Queensland planning and local government landscape.
General manager Sheree Cassaniti said it was “an exciting time to be a part of an organisation that not only respects its rich history but can also foster and nurture upand-coming talent to achieve successes such as Pat’s”. men’s characters came from their fertile imaginations. “I enjoy taking videos and having fun. The project took about two to three months,” he said.
Support worker Karen Jackson said the pair had picked up the craft of storytelling quickly.
More than $175,000 in prizes is up for grabs for winners, who will attend a red-carpet event in Sydney in September. www.firstaidacademy.com.au 36 Florence Street, Cairns QLD