Mary Makdesi 

I am honoured to nominate myself for election to the Board of Law Institute of Victoria (LIV). As a dedicated legal practitioner fluent in both English and Arabic, I bring a strong commitment to justice, integrity, and meaningful community representation. I believe that diversity within our profession is not only important but essential to ensuring that our legal system serves all members of society equitably and effectively. 

Throughout my career, I have been guided by a core belief: that the law must always be accessible to all, not just to those with privilege or resources. I have consistently worked with clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, many of whom face systemic barriers to justice. Whether navigating the complexities of the legal system, overcoming language barriers, to confronting cultural misunderstandings, I have strived to be an advocate who listens, empowers, and delivers outcomes that restore dignity and trust. 

My legal practice has also been shaped by a commitment to ethical service and community engagement. I have actively participated in pro bono and community legal initiatives and have worked closely with migrants and particularly women from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds helping to ensure their rights are protected and their voices heard. These experiences have shown me the real-world impact of policy decisions and the importance of having diverse voices at the decision-making table – particularly in an institution like the LIV, which influences the direction of the legal profession in Victoria.

If elected, I will bring a fresh perspective to the Board, one that is informed by lived experience, frontline advocacy and a multilingual, multicultural understanding of the law’s impact. I believe the LIV has a critical role to play not only in supporting legal practitioners but also in upholding the profession’s responsibility to advance justice, fairness, and community trust.

My vision for the LIV is one where we:

• Empower early-career and emerging lawyers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, through structured mentorship programs, skills development, and networking opportunities that make the profession more inclusive and sustainable.
• Champion access to justice by advocating for the resourcing of community legal centres, legal aid, and public interest litigation, as well as exploring innovative ways to use technology to reach more people in need of legal support. 
• Foster public confidence in the legal system, by promoting ethical practice, transparency, and community engagement that demystifies the law and strengthens our role as trusted advisers. 

Category: Member Director

Year admitted as an Australian Lawyer: 2009

Firm Name & Address: Makdesi Lawyers Pty Ltd
705 Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056

Proposer: Paul Villani
Makdesi Lawyers Pty Ltd, 705 Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056

Seconder: Nizar Makdesi
Makdesi Lawyers Pty Ltd, 705 Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056

Matthew Hocking

I am nominating for re-election to the LIV Board because I believe deeply in the role of the profession in advancing justice, supporting communities, and creating opportunities for lawyers to thrive. Having served as a Director since March 2025, I have seen firsthand how vital the Law Institute of Victoria is in shaping the future of the profession and ensuring our members are supported in an evolving environment.

I am the Victorian Government Solicitor, and lead the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office (VGSO) as the primary legal advisor to the government and public sector agencies, including the Attorney-General, Ministers, and Secretaries.

I have expertise in civil litigation and dispute resolution (including personal injury), administrative decision making and review, public sector governance and integrity, interpretation and development of legislation, commercial litigation, and policing and emergency management, and have extensive experience across both the public and private sectors.

I first joined the VGSO in September 2018 as Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor (Litigation and Dispute Resolution) and was appointed Acting Victorian Government Solicitor in December 2019 and formally appointed Victorian Government Solicitor in November 2020.

I have previously held senior executive roles at the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), overseeing legal, health, and disability divisions and leading large multidisciplinary teams. My background also includes roles in private legal practice, including in regional Victoria, commercial insurance, and in banking and finance in both legal and non-legal roles.

I was admitted to practice in 2000, and hold a Master of Business Administration from the University of Melbourne (Melbourne Business School) and a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University.

I am motivated to serve because I want to see the profession strengthened for the future. Lawyers face real challenges – rising costs of practice, changing client expectations, technological disruption, and increasing wellbeing pressures. I believe the LIV must be a strong, trusted voice for members, one that not only supports lawyers in their day-to-day practice but also advocates for a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient profession.

I bring to the Board skills in governance, financial management, strategy, and risk, but also a people-focused leadership style grounded in trust and collaboration. Across my career, I have shown that lasting change comes from combining strong systems with a genuine focus on people.

As a Director, I will continue to advocate for initiatives that improve lawyer wellbeing, support career pathways across metropolitan, suburban, and regional practice, and embrace innovation to keep the profession at the forefront of change. I want every member to feel the LIV is their organisation – one that represents them, and creates opportunities for them to succeed.

It would be an honour to continue serving the LIV Board and to contribute to building a profession that is resilient, inclusive, and equipped for the future.

Category: Member Director

Year admitted as an Australian Lawyer: 2000

Firm Name & Address: Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office (VGSO)
Level 25, 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Proposer: Sara Elizabeth Dennis
Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office, Level 25, 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Seconder: William Francis Yates
Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office, Level 25, 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Emma Turnbull

As a passionate and experienced criminal defence lawyer, business leader, and active contributor to the Victorian legal profession, I am grateful to have the support of my industry peers in nominating for the role of Member Director on the LIV Board. I believe my professional expertise, governance experience, and commitment to the values of transparency, accountability, and member service align strongly with the responsibilities of this role.
 
I am the Managing Partner of a specialist Melbourne-based criminal defence firm. Alongside running a growing practice, I have consistently invested in mentoring the next generation of lawyers through initiatives such as our Criminal Law Internship Program (CLIP), which creates structured pathways for students and graduates into the profession. Beyond my practice, I have been a committed voice in the Victorian legal community. I have served on the LIV Criminal Law Executive Committee, the Magistrates’ Court Working Group, and the Custody Working Group, and I have presented at the LIV Forum and the Criminal Law Conference for the LIV alongside presentations for third party CPD providers. These roles have deepened my understanding of the challenges our members face across business, advocacy, access to justice, and wellbeing. I also regularly speak at industry conferences and universities, reflecting my belief in an engaged, outward-facing profession.
 
My governance and leadership experience extends beyond practice management, and I have been recognised for advancing innovation, culture, and wellbeing within the legal profession. I have developed and implemented governance frameworks within my own firm, covering compliance, risk management, and professional development that mirror the high standards of transparency and accountability the LIV embraces. The LIV is the peak body for our profession, and its governance must balance regulatory compliance with member advocacy and service. I bring lived experience as a practitioner, leader, mentor, and advocate for reform, together with a track record of collaboration and results.

Category: Member Director

Year admitted as an Australian Lawyer: 2007

Firm Name & Address: Emma Turnbull Lawyers
Level 9, 552 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Proposer: Jarrod Behan 
Jarrod Behan Lawyers, Level 40, 140 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Seconder: Melinda Walker 
Melinda Walker Criminal Law, 4 Market Street, Ballarat VIC 3350

Erhan Karabardak

I seek election to the Board of the Law Institute of Victoria to contribute my extensive experience in the law to the leadership of our profession. With almost 30 years’ experience as a lawyer and company director, I bring a strong track record of board leadership, regulatory oversight, and commercial acumen. 
 
1. Service to the Profession and Community -
I have consistently contributed to both the legal profession and the wider community through governance, education, and advocacy including:

• Former member of an LIV Committee;
• A regular speaker and chair of CPD Seminars;
• Mentoring of young lawyers;
• Co-author of Lexis Nexis, Patents, Trade Marks and Related Rights publication.
• Provided pro bono services;
• Formerly Chaired Australia’s domain name regulatory authority, auDA;
• Formerly a Director of both not for profit and for profit entities;
• Current member of the auDA Policy Review Panel;
• Volunteer karate instructor teaching children;

2. Professional Background - I am a practising lawyer of almost 30 years and a registered Trade Marks Attorney. I have worked at both large and small city and suburban law firms throughout my career and understand the challenges the legal profession faces. As Director of Cooper Mills Lawyers, I advise a variety of clients ranging from start-ups to large corporates and international brands.
 
3. Reasons for Seeking Election and Relevant Skills
I seek election as a Director to bring governance, regulatory, and strategic expertise to the Law Institute of Victoria. My aim is to ensure the LIV continues to advocate effectively for members, promote high standards of practice, and lead the profession through change.

The skills and experience I offer include:

• Company director and governance leadership.
• Regulatory, compliance, and risk expertise.
• Strategic and commercial acumen from practice management and board roles.
• Technology and IP expertise, critical as the profession navigates digital disruption, particularly with Artificial Intelligence.
• Stakeholder and people management skills.

If elected, I will bring integrity, independence, and a forward-looking perspective to the LIV Board, working to strengthen the profession, and do more for you as a member.

Category: Member Director

Year admitted as an Australian Lawyer: 1996

Firm Name & Address: Cooper Mills Lawyers
Level 6, 410 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Proposer: Victor Ng
Cooper Mills Lawyers, Level 6, 410 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Seconder: Peter Moon
Cooper Mills Lawyers, Level 6, 410 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Samantha Kinsey

I am pleased to submit my nomination for the 2025 LIV Board Elections. I believe my experience, networks and proven commitment to strengthening the rule of law and uplifting the standards of the legal profession in Victoria would enable me to make a meaningful contribution and impact in advancing the LIV’s current and future objectives.

In addition to building a successful restructuring and dispute resolution practice (Band 1 Chambers), I have been actively involved in advocacy, policy development and education work through various committee roles including the Supreme Court of Victoria Rules Committee; the Law Council’s Insolvency and Restructuring Committee where I served as Victorian Co-Chair for several years and I am currently an active member of the Victorian Committee of the Turnaround Management Association.

I believe the Victorian Supreme Court is a centre of excellence for our national judicial system and I join many others in wanting to ensure it remains an attractive forum for commercial litigants, amid a flight of proceedings to NSW. As a proud and passionate Victorian this is something I feel very strongly about addressing and I have participated in a number of roundtables and other engagement activities organised by the Court of Victoria which have focussed on how we encourage more commercial litigation back to Victoria.

With the rule of law under threat overseas, we cannot be complacent here in Australia and I would welcome the opportunity as an LIV Board Member to contribute to its 2022-26 Plan to ensure we are doing everything we can to safeguard the administration of justice and ensure that our community has access to a fair and equitable legal and justice system. I also believe I have a lot to offer in terms of preserving and enhancing the performance of the legal profession. This is more important than ever with the rise of AI. I am fortunate to be a partner at a firm which is known for legal excellence and innovation, and I have been directly involved in training and development programs aimed at building first class legal, commercial and ethical standards to ensure the next generation of the profession are future ready. As an organisation we have also invested a significant amount in AI platforms and have market leading expertise in advising clients on AI governance which I would be able to leverage in order to bring learning and insights to the LIV.

I am a collaborative, passionate and solutions focussed individual, backed by one of Australia’s oldest and most respected legal institutions. I see this as a meaningful way to give back to the profession that I love, working alongside a diverse and driven Board to shape the future of law in Victoria. I am impressed by the strong governance of the LIV and your commitment to transparency and accountability.

Category: Member Director

Year admitted as an Australian Lawyer: 2003

Firm Name & Address: King & Wood Mallesons 
Level 27, Collins Arch, 447 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Proposer: Matthew Swinn
King & Wood Mallesons, Level 27, Collins Arch, 447 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Seconder: Renae Lattey
King & Wood Mallesons, Level 27, Collins Arch, 447 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Stephen White 

I bring over 30 years’ combined experience in law and technology. As principal and founder of White SW Computer Law (operating in Melbourne and Sydney), I have practised in the areas of commercial litigation, ADR, intellectual property, information technology, telecommunications and sports law.

I regularly act as an arbitrator and mediator in complex commercial and intellectual property disputes and served on the board of examiners for Accredited Commercial Litigation Specialists.

If elected to the LIV Board, I aim to promote member’s interests.

I believe my multidisciplinary background, my commitment to professional service, and my strategic vision for modernising practice make me a strong candidate to serve as a Member Director of the LIV.

Category: Member Director

Year admitted as an Australian Lawyer: 1992

Firm Name & Address: White SW Computer Law
419/838 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008

Proposer: Antony Thow
Thow Legal & Advisory Pty Ltd, 28 Vardon Avenue, Beaumaris, VIC 3193

Seconder: Sarah Louise Pike
White SW Computer Law, 419/838 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 8007

Joanne Burns

As a committed member of the legal community I am passionate about contributing to the future direction of our industry and promoting inclusion, integrity and innovation.
 
With over 25 years of experience in Personal Injury law, having commenced my career in the UK before relocating to Australia in 2008, I have gained experience assisting vulnerable people who are injured on the road, at work or in a public space. I am deeply committed to the access of justice for all and the improvement of our profession. I see a role on the board as a meaningful opportunity to represent the interests of the personal injury practitioners in the broader community. 

My current role, as Senior Practice Leader at Slater and Gordon, provides me with a strong understanding of fiduciary responsibilities, risk management and strategic planning and I am deeply committed to upholding the LIV’s goal to support and advocate for the legal profession in Victoria.
 
My career has allowed me to work closely with clients facing the most challenging times of their lives and to assist them in navigating complex compensation schemes, disputes over treatment and income payments along with lengthy litigation processes. This frontline experience has provided me with the insight into the social importance of the legal profession and the need for strong, values driven leadership in our representative bodies.
 
I am a member of the LIV Litigation Lawyers Section - Transport Accident Committee and have been on this committee since 2023. I previously held an active role as a member of the ALA Victorian Committee and whilst no longer am a committee member continue to be an active member.
 
I believe my knowledge and experience allows me to bring to the board a grounded understanding of the challenges legal practitioners face across all stages of their career.
 
Thank you for considering my application and I would be honoured to contribute to the Board and to help shape the future of our profession.

Category: Member Director

Year admitted as an Australian Lawyer: 2010

Firm Name & Address: Slater & Gordon Lawyers,
329 Thomas Street, Dandenong VIC 3175

Proposer: Susan Accary
Slater & Gordon Lawyers, Level 35, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Seconder: Kimberley Moran
Slater & Gordon Lawyers, Level 35, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Kathy Wilson

I am a current Director of the Law Institute of Victoria and seek re-election to continue offering my skills, energy, and commitment to the Institute. I believe that a strong and well-governed Institute is essential to advancing members’ interests and ensuring the legal profession remains respected, trusted, and effective in a rapidly changing legal and regulatory environment.

My professional journey has given me insight into the profession from multiple perspectives. Having worked as both an employer and an employee, I understand the unique challenges lawyers face throughout their careers. I have practiced in both Melbourne and suburban firms, including through my own practice, Kathy Wilson Legal. These experiences have deepened my appreciation of the diverse needs of our membership — from sole practitioners and suburban firms to larger practices.

I have also had a long and committed association with the LIV, consistently championing the Institute, its members, and the profession. Within the LIV, I have served on numerous Board and Section Committees, including the Property, Succession, Elder Law, and Ethics Committees. These roles have provided me with valuable insight into member priorities and reinforced the importance of responsive and accountable governance.

Beyond the Institute, I have worked to strengthen community understanding of the law and trust in the profession. I have been a regular guest on talk-back radio and other media, and I have spoken at many legal education and community events. I have also mentored and employed law students and graduates, giving them opportunities to begin and grow within the profession to which I am firmly committed. Mentoring and supporting future lawyers has been a highlight of my career, and I am committed to ensuring the LIV continues to provide pathways and opportunities for emerging practitioners.

I bring strong governance expertise, developed through my service on boards and governance committees, including the LIV and Fed Square Pty Ltd. As a Director, I have focused on strengthening governance frameworks and supporting initiatives that deliver real benefits to members. In particular, I have contributed to projects enhancing ethical guidance for practitioners, promoting lawyer wellbeing, and expanding resources for sole practitioners and small firms. I remain committed to ensuring the Institute engages constructively with stakeholders, including courts, tribunals, government, regulators, and the community.

Looking forward, it is important that the LIV continue to lead on the critical issues shaping our profession — including technological change, wellbeing, and diversity. The Institute must remain at the forefront of helping members adapt, innovate, and succeed, while upholding the highest ethical and professional standards. I am committed to ensuring that the voices of all members — whether in city, suburban, or regional practices — are represented in the Institute’s work.

If re-elected, I will bring experience, integrity, and dedication to ensure the LIV continues to serve its members and champion the profession’s future.

Category: Member Director

Year admitted as an Australian Lawyer: 1998

Firm Name & Address: Kathy Wilson Legal
Suite 1, 123 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn VIC 3103

Proposer: Mercia Diane Chapman
Equity Trustees Ltd, Level 1, 575 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Seconder: Antonella Cambria Terranova
Castra Legal Costing Pty Ltd, Suites 105 & 120, 40 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg VIC 3084

Emma King

I am the principal of my practice, Emma King Criminal Law, based in Shepparton. I am an accredited specialist in criminal law (2020). Prior to establishing this firm, I was a director and principal lawyer at Slater & King Lawyers, Shepparton, a criminal law practice where I was responsible for supervising employees, all HR and management of the firm and company. Prior to this, in 2016, I was Senior Associate to His Honour Justice Peter Kidd, Chief Judge of the County Court. I was the President of the Goulburn Valley Law Association from 2021-2025, and was responsible for hosting many local events to bring practitioners from my region together, including with members of the Judiciary.

This year, I have been awarded the LIV President’s Award for Outstanding Service for my contribution to the profession particularly in my region. This award was presented by the LIV on 8 October 2025.

I am a passionate advocate for the key role that the LIV plays in supporting practitioners across this state and I would relish the opportunity to contribute to such an important organisation at the Board level. My perspective as a regional practitioner, and now as a sole practitioner in criminal law, would allow me to make valuable contributions regarding the governance of the LIV. I have also have relevant experience having served as a member of the Board of the Shepparton Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE) and as a member of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee at the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) in recent years.

Category: Member Director

Year admitted as an Australian Lawyer: 2011

Firm Name & Address: Emma King Criminal Law 
388 Wyndham Street, Shepparton VIC 3630

Proposer: Ian Michaelson
Michaelson Lawyers and Associates, 136 Welsford Street, Shepparton VIC 3630

Seconder: Anthony Coote
Camerons Lawyers, 128 Maude Street, Shepparton VIC 3630

Tony Anamourlis

I submit this nomination with a deep commitment to the advancement of the legal profession in Victoria and a sincere desire to contribute strategically at the Board level. With over 25 years of practice as a solicitor in the areas of taxation, estate planning, corporate and commercial law, I bring a practitioner’s insight, an academic’s precision, and a collaborator’s mindset to the LIV.

My service to the profession has been longstanding and multifaceted. I am the current author of several key publications with LexisNexis, one of Australia’s leading legal publishers. This includes my ongoing work on the Estate Planning looseleaf service and my role as updating author of Corporations Law: Principles and Practice, a service for practitioners and academics alike. In addition, I serve on the editorial board of the Journal of Estate Planning and Retirement, a publication that has helped shape national dialogue on succession, ageing, and legal reform. I also contribute to the In-House Counsel Journal, ensuring that insights and developments reach the heart of Australia’s corporate legal community.

Beyond publication, my recognition as a national finalist in the 2023 Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year – Innovator of the Year, and 2024 Pro Bono Partner of the Year underscores a career grounded in professional excellence, innovation, and social responsibility. These acknowledgements reflect both technical skill and the ability to lead, influence, and contribute meaningfully to community-focused legal work.

I seek election to the LIV Board to play an active role in the strategic direction of the Institute. I offer governance, risk, and publishing experience, alongside a strong understanding of regulatory compliance, people management, and technology trends impacting legal practice. As someone deeply involved in knowledge creation, I appreciate the importance of responsible innovation, transparency, and thought leadership in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.

My legal background is complemented by experience in mentoring junior lawyers, developing CPD content, and advising small-to-medium accounting, financial planning and law firms on tax, corporate and succession planning. I am also a staunch advocate for better integration of estate, tax, and superannuation law in education and policy.

As a Board member, I would actively support initiatives that strengthen the professional voice of the LIV across policy, reform, and member engagement.

This is a pivotal time for the Victorian legal community. The challenges of digitisation, generational change, and trust in institutions call for measured, experienced leadership. I would be honoured to contribute my experience, energy, and strategic insight to serve the membership and the broader community through the LIV Board.

Category: Member Director

Year admitted as an Australian Lawyer: 2001

Firm Name & Address: Parkland Rhodes Lawyers, Level 16, Suite 1601, 530 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Proposer: Steve Katsimadakos
G&M Lawyers, 90 Cambridge Street, Collingwood VIC 3066

Seconder: John Stephen Molnar OAM
MLS Lawyers, 32 Harold Street, Middle Park VIC 3206

Teagan McEwan 

It is with great respect and enthusiasm to be nominated for a position on the LIV Board.  For over 15 years, I have worked in the Family Law jurisdiction across multiple states, with the last 7 of those being here in Victoria.  My experience working in multiple jurisdictions has put me in good stead to understand and work within varying structures of governance and legal systems. 

A secondment to Commercial Litigation in 2018/2019 strengthened my skill set and knowledge of litigation and Court processes, and enabled me to build a career grounded in compassion, integrity and excellence in advocacy. These attributes are essential to my practice in Family Law (including Family Violence) dealing with high conflict parenting matters and complex property matters involving various corporate structures.    

With my sole practice area being Family Law, I continue to deepen my insights into the human dimensions of legal practice, which is critical in shaping policies that reflect both the technical and emotional realities of our legal systems. 

As a member of the board, I will bring not only my legal acumen, but also a collaborative approach to leadership and a clear vision for a more inclusive, accessible and forward thinking profession.  I will be an effective voice on the LIV Board, with a commitment to ethical leadership, and a major focus on the wellbeing of the profession, working towards the perpetual improvement of the legal landscape we work within.

A key issue I intend to explore and improve in our current legal landscape is the impact of ever changing Court process, which can impact the efficiency, accuracy and cost effectiveness of case management. In particular, I will explore solutions for improving public communication and education about changing Court processes for both legal practitioners and parties surrounding changes in registry operations and case management. Uncertainty around these processes can impact matters being dealt with effectively and efficiently (particularly in the IVO jurisdiction) and can result in parties incurring significant costs.  

The Family Law practice area is high pressure, and requires constant education and adaptability from lawyers and their clients. I am eager to offer my insights, and the insights of my colleagues and clients, towards the refinement of the systems and resources that guide and support our profession.

Category: Member Director

Year admitted as an Australian Lawyer: 2018

Firm Name & Address: Suke & Associates
20/600 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Proposer: Maddison McCarthy
Suke & Associates, 20/600 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Seconder: William McDermott
DCM Lawyers, Suite 46, Level 4, 12 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000