MacDonnells Law
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MacDonnells Law is a full-service commercial law firm with over 140 years of experience, providing expert legal advice across Australia. They specialize in a broad range of areas for business and...
What is MacDonnells Law?
MacDonnells Law is one of Queensland's largest and longest established independent law firms, founded in 1884 and offering expert legal advice across Australia. The firm specializes in solving complex legal problems through client-centred, relationship-driven approaches and commercially astute legal strategies. With over 140 years of legal excellence, MacDonnells Law has built its reputation on delivering practical, savvy solutions while maintaining longstanding relationships with diverse communities, including a notable connection with the Chinese community dating back to the late 1800s.
What services does MacDonnells Law offer?
- Commercial & Corporate Law: Business formation, mergers & acquisitions, contracts, franchising, and strategic legal advice for CEOs and entrepreneurs
- Property & Real Estate Law: Conveyancing, construction law, property transactions, developments, and master-planned communities
- Employment & Workplace Law: Work health and safety (WHS), employment disputes, workers compensation, wrongful termination, and discrimination claims
- Personal Injury Claims: No Win No Fee motor vehicle accident claims, WorkCover claims, slip and fall claims, aviation claims, and total permanent disability claims
- Planning & Environmental Law: Development applications, town planning, native title, cultural heritage, and local government advisory services
- Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Business litigation, dispute management, debt recovery, insolvency, and bankruptcy proceedings
- Banking & Finance: Financial services law, investment law, insurance law, and trade practices
- Family Law & Estate Planning: Wills & estates, estate disputes, and family law matters
- Specialized Services: Australia China Legal Group services, intellectual property (copyright, patents, trademarks), migration law, and mineral resources law
Why choose MacDonnells Law as your lawyer?
MacDonnells Law brings unparalleled expertise with over 140 years of established legal practice in Queensland, making it one of the state's most trusted independent firms. The firm's client-centred approach focuses on developing bespoke "end game" legal strategies that deliver practical, commercially astute solutions. With offices in Brisbane, Cairns, and servicing Townsville, MacDonnells Law provides statewide coverage backed by directors and partners who are recognized leaders in their fields. The firm's notable achievements include establishing the Statewide Australia China Legal Group and acting in Queensland's landmark property transactions. For personal injury claims, MacDonnells Law offers free initial consultations and operates on a No Win No Fee basis, demonstrating their confidence in achieving successful outcomes.
Who are the attorneys at MacDonnells Law?
MacDonnells Law's legal team comprises experienced directors, partners, and associates with specialized expertise across multiple practice areas. Luckbir Singh serves as Director, providing strategic legal advice for CEOs and entrepreneurs in commercial and property law. Aaron Guilfoyle, Practice Leader for Work Health and Safety, is recommended by Doyle's Guide as a Leading Workplace Health and Safety Lawyer in 2025. Julie Louie leads the Australia China Legal Group as Senior Associate, facilitating Chinese/Australian business opportunities. Patrick Day brings director-level expertise in local government and planning law. The firm's planning and environment team includes Matthew Bryant (Director), Lauren Worth (Senior Associate with 7 years at the firm), and Isabella Rehbein (Solicitor admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland). Aimee Sanderson contributes approximately 20 years of experience as Special Counsel in regulatory and prosecutions.
How much does MacDonnells Law cost?
MacDonnells Law offers flexible fee structures tailored to different legal services. For personal injury claims, the firm operates on a No Win No Fee basis with free initial consultations, ensuring clients face no upfront costs and only pay if their claim succeeds. For other legal services, fee arrangements vary based on the complexity and nature of the matter. Clients are encouraged to discuss fee structures during their initial consultation to understand costs and payment options specific to their legal needs.
Where is MacDonnells Law located?
MacDonnells Law operates from multiple offices across Queensland to serve clients statewide. The Brisbane office is located at Level 20, Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4000. The Cairns office is situated at 2/19 Aplin Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870. The firm also services the Townsville region for various legal matters. Clients can contact MacDonnells Law at +61 800 632 930 or visit their website at www.macdonnells.com.au to schedule consultations or learn more about their services.
Client Reviews
16 verified reviews
Ranjith Reddy
Verified ClientGood and friendly suggestions
paul hannon
Verified ClientNone
Francis R
Verified ClientNone
J P
Verified ClientNone
Naomi Castles
Verified ClientNone
Lei Huang
Verified ClientBen is very kind, genuine and professional. I called MacDonnells Law office to get advice on whether I can get owed rent back from previous tenants. Ben returned my call for courtesy. He listened to my situation and advised me to go to QCAT instead going ahead with him. As I might win the case but still cannot get my money back if the tenants are in financial difficulties. On the other hand, I still need to pay a lot of money for lawyer and court. I really appreciate the professional advice he gave to me. I felt that he is trustworthy.
Vipulh Malikk
Verified ClientNone
Lyn Limpus
Verified ClientNone
Kerri-ann Hope
Verified ClientCatherine Ross represented me for a custody issue. Catherine is an incredibly fair and tenacious professional with an exceptional knowledge beyond her years. We found Catherine to be a very warm and understanding person whom was always willing to help and answer all questions.
Catherine is in my opinion an absolute asset to Macdonnells Law and we can not strongly recommend her enough as she is truly amazing.
David Gutry
Verified ClientThank you macdonnells Law for helping me when i needed it the most. The whole team explained everything very well every step of the way, there was no hidden cost and the hourly rates are comparable to other in the industry. I would recommend them to my friends if needed :)
Charliejraaf Dunstan
Verified ClientI can highly recommend MacDonnells Law, Cairns. From the very first meeting until things were settled they have been incredible. Catherine Ross is highly ethical, always acted swiftly, professional, compassionate and was an incredible souce of knowdege and resourse for me every step of the way. Catherine enables the process of Family Law as cost effective, efficient and incredibly supportive at every turn. Catherine continually was valuable in navigating through the Family court and all the issues inbetween to make it clear and empower me to make informed decisions. Catherine and her resourses enabled a successful outcome for all. Catherine was truly special in settling my issues and has certainly enhanced our Familys quality of life.
MacDonnells staff were always great to deal with.
Rebecca Richards was always supportive every step of the way. Quick, prompt, effecient and her warmth made life so much more easier...always there to support in any way she could.
Also a Special Thanks to Amelie Grima who was yet another incredible support and will be an asset in advocating and supporting anyone through court.
I have no doubt these women will be of great service and support to anyone in need when seeking assistance with Family Law.
Thankyou MacDonnells Law!!! The ones to Trust!
leon jordaan
Verified Clienteasy to speak to and friendly.thx.i uploaded a 360 degree sphere photo for you
Cheryl Blair
Verified ClientCatherine Ross, Special Counsel - FIVE STAR. Rebecca Richards, Paralegal - FIVE STAR. Experienced, efficient, supportive, communicative, meticulous. Faultless. I hold Catherine and Rebecca in the highest regard. They are true professionals, and very nice people, and it has been my good fortune to have them on my team.
Brett Sutton
Verified ClientOutstanding professional service. We recruited their services in a Personal Injury Claim which achieved a positive outcome. We highly recommend their commitment and attention to detail.
John Lund
Verified ClientI have found mac Donnells Law to be brilliant and have always given me options on what the best course of action with regards to my divorce and consent orders . I will continue to work with them into the future and recomend others do as well
Phil Highland
Verified Client“We used this firm to prepare our Wills. Affordable rates and pleasant staff.”
Contact Information
MacDonnells Law
2/19 Aplin St, Cairns City QLD 4870
Cairns City QLD
Phone
+61740300600
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm
By appointment available
Languages
English
Payment Methods
Cash, Card, EFTPOS
Payment plans available
Client Ratings
Based on 16 reviews
Areas of Practice
Family Property & Finance
Property Development & Planning
Need Legal Assistance?
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