Michelle works alongside partner Stephen Rugendyke and is a key member of the family and relationship law practice.
Having practised almost exclusively in family law since being admitted as a solicitor, Michelle has had significant experience in all aspects of family and relationship law including negotiating property settlements, drafting consent orders and binding financial agreements and attending mediations and conciliation conferences. She has a warm and caring approach to her clients and a strong client following. Whilst Michelle has chosen to specialise in family law, she has also handled wills and estates matters including contested estate litigation in addition to residential conveyancing.
Michelle gained her legal qualifications in Victoria having graduated from Deakin University in 2009. Whilst studying, she volunteered at Victoria Legal Aid working as a court clerk and assisting the
duty lawyers. In her final year of studying, she took on a summer legal internship in family law at a firm in Texas in the US.
Michelle’s commitment to specialist practice is demonstrated by her embarking on the Applied Masters degree at the College of Law in Family Law. She expects to complete this higher degree this year.
Having grown up in South Africa, Michelle speaks fluent Afrikaans.