Attwood Marshall Lawyers is proud to announce the expansion of our Commercial Litigation team, further strengthening our capacity to provide strategic and pragmatic dispute resolution services.
Commercial litigation can be relentless, particularly when we choose to stand up for clients who have been wronged and deserve justice, taking on large institutions such as government bodies, insurance companies and banks. But we are driven by a strong desire to help those who have been exploited.
As a firm committed to serving our community, we understand the challenges individuals and businesses face on a local level. Following the destruction caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred across South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, for example, we saw the impact on those grappling with property damage and insurance disputes.
Our team has significant experience assisting clients in these sorts of circumstances, particularly dealing with insurers that impose lengthy claim processing times or decline valid claims. We regularly help clients expedite their insurance claims by providing strategic legal advice and drafting communications that speed up the process to a timely resolution.
It takes a particular tenacity and dedication to fight these cases and ensure people receive the justice and financial compensation they deserve.
Charles Lethbridge, head of our Commercial Litigation department and Law Society Accredited Specialist in Dispute Resolution, recently obtained a successful judgment on behalf of a client in the Supreme Court of New South Wales, who had been the victim of shareholder oppression relating to a company in which she was involved. The stakes were high for the client, and a lot was on the line.
Unfortunately, we see too many clients who fall into dispute with co-directors or co-shareholders in relation to issues around a company’s business direction and the distribution of company income amongst directors and shareholders.
In this particular matter, the client received judgment in her favour in the shareholder oppression claim which involved orders for compensation and the appointment of liquidators to wind up the company. She also had a cross claim filed against her by the directors dismissed.
Our newest litigator
Attwood Marshall Lawyers has strengthened its Commercial Litigation department with the appointment of Special Counsel Melany Dowse, who brings more than 21 years of experience resolving complex commercial disputes.
Melany has spent much of her career acting for clients in high-value disputes across property, building and construction, insolvency, contract, and equity. Her client base is broad, ranging from large private companies and family-owned businesses to individual litigants navigating disputes that can feel overwhelming without the right guidance.
Her experience spans multi-million-dollar claims in the Supreme Court of Queensland to injunction applications and proceedings before the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).
Melany is also on the committee of the Building Dispute Practitioner’s Society (QLD Chapter).
Based at Attwood Marshall Lawyers’ Brisbane office, Melany can meet clients not only in Brisbane, but is also available for appointments on the Gold Coast and in Northern New South Wales, reflecting the firm’s commitment to accessible, personalised legal support across the region.
The Commercial Litigation team
The Commercial Litigation team is led by Partner Charles Lethbridge, a Law Society Accredited Specialist in Dispute Resolution.
Melany joins Special Counsel Jade Carlson, Associate Timothy Wright, Lawyer James Griffin, and Paralegals Alula Abraha, Sienna Marshall, and Jess Spindler.
The team’s areas of expertise include:
- Property disputes
- Building and construction disputes
- Professional negligence claims
- Banking, finance and insurance disputes
- Company and business disputes
- Contract and consumer disputes
- Employment disputes
- Liquidation and bankruptcy matters
- Intellectual property disputes
- Farming and agribusiness disputes
- Debt recovery
- Defamation claims
- Trusts and equity claims
- Body corporate disputes, and
- Class actions.
Alternative dispute resolution continues to play a critical role in easing the burden on our court system, and our team understands the importance of rigorous negotiation and finding timely, practical solutions for clients in the most cost-effective way possible.
In cases where litigation is necessary or unavoidable, our lawyers have extensive experience in a wide range of complex litigation matters in both Queensland and New South Wales, as well as in Federal Courts.
Our goal is to keep our clients informed throughout the process and to apply the best strategy to suit the nature and intricacy of each matter.
Attwood Marshall Lawyers – experts in resolving disputes
Being involved in a dispute can be a very distressing experience, both emotionally and financially. We take great pride in supporting our clients to ensure they can resolve their disputes as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible so that they can move on with their lives.
No matter the type of dispute, we are here to help.
Attwood Marshall Lawyers is a full-service law firm with specialist departments across all areas of law, each led by a partner who exclusively practices in that area. This structure allows our lawyers to develop deep expertise in their field while maintaining a collaborative approach that benefits our clients.
If you find yourself involved in a dispute, seeking advice as quickly as possible is essential. Our dedicated commercial litigation team will promptly investigate your matter and provide helpful, practical advice on your options.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department Manager, Georgia Trapp, on direct line 0498 499 122, email gtrapp@attwoodmarshall.com.au or free call 1800 621 071.
