The journey into law…

Michelle McDermott’s story in law started in January 1986 when she was offered a job as an office junior in a Western Victorian law firm, having completed work experience there the year prior. In September 1989, she moved to Melbourne where she began working solely in family law as a secretary. Michelle studied for her law degree part-time from March 1994 to November 1999 whilst continuing to work full-time as a family law secretary. After completing Articles in 2000, Michelle was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria in March 2001.

 

Michelle has worked in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and London and more recently on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

 

Experience in family law 

Michelle brings over 35 years’ worth of experience and knowledge in family law. There’s not much in family law that Michelle has not been exposed to be it parenting, property, divorce, nullity, child support, financial agreements or enforcement. Michelle does confess, however, that she has never run an appeal.

 

Other areas of expertise

Michelle spent 4½ years practising family law in London – ‘the divorce capital of the world’.

 

The passion for family law

Michelle likes being able to help people through what is, statistically, the second most difficult emotional time in a person’s life (the first being the death of a loved one). Michelle has also been a step-mum for over 30 years and has first-hand experience about the challenges that face blended families.

 

Our care for clients

Michelle’s manner is one that makes clients feel that they are being heard whilst being provided with accurate and realistic legal advice about how best to approach their family law issues.

 

Why Unified?

The role of Client Care Co-Ordinator and the firm’s culture were the reasons why Michelle joined the Unified Family. At this stage of her career, the opportunity to be the first point of contact for clients is a role that is perfect for Michelle. She can provide initial reassuring advice and make that first step in contacting a family lawyer not so frightening. Michelle is also passionate about being able to mentor the younger lawyers in the firm.

 

Passion outside of the law 

Outside of the law, Michelle is passionate about wine and travel – very often combining both. Michelle is also a very keen walker.