The Culture Behind Cohen Legal’s Intentional Growth

Growth in a law firm can mean many things. More files. More people. More pressure.

At Cohen Legal, growth means something different.

As a litigation-focused firm serving Townsville, Mt Isa and the wider North Queensland region, our expansion has been deliberate. We are not building for size. We are building for depth. For capability. For alignment.

Cohen Legal is not the right fit for everyone – and that is by design.

Our clients value clarity, strategic thinking and strong representation. Our team values integrity, mentorship and high standards. When those values align, the work is not only effective – it is meaningful.

Leadership with Clarity of Purpose

At the centre of Cohen Legal is Principal Lawyer, Sam Cohen.

Sam has always been clear about what this firm is and what it is not.

Cohen Legal is a litigation firm that does commercial work. Litigation is the core. Commercial advice builds the relationships. When disputes arise, whether in building and construction, debt recovery, insolvency or estate matters, our clients already know who to call.

As Sam Cohen explains:

“We are building depth and capability. I don’t want to be everything to everyone. I want us to be exceptional at what we choose to do.”

That clarity shapes every decision, including who joins the team.

Intentional growth means bringing in people who share our values, who want to develop their skills, and who are committed to delivering high-quality legal services to the North Queensland community.

Building Depth, Not Just Headcount

This year, Cohen Legal has strengthened its team in ways that reflect this deliberate approach.

Victoria Tuttle – Experience, Estate Planning and Commercial Strategy

Victoria brings experience across commercial law, property and estate planning. She holds a Master of Applied Law and has built her practice around helping clients plan for the future while protecting what they have worked hard to build.

Her focus on wills and estates complements our litigation practice. Estate planning is not simply about documents — it is about foresight, structure and protecting families from future disputes.

Victoria also brings commercial and property depth, ensuring clients receive practical advice that considers risk, structure and long-term outcomes.

Importantly, she joined Cohen Legal because of culture.

After years in practice, she was not looking for just another role. She was looking for growth, leadership and an environment where capability is encouraged — not confined.

That alignment matters.

Alexander Scarcia – A Newly Admitted Solicitor with a Litigator’s Mindset

Alexander has recently been admitted as a solicitor which is an important milestone at the beginning of what promises to be a strong career in litigation.

A Townsville local who studied at the University of Tasmania, Alex returned home with broad experience, including volunteering with a refugee legal service and Youth Law Australia. Those experiences shaped his understanding that legal work must have purpose.

Now admitted and working closely under Sam’s mentorship, Alex is gaining exposure to commercial litigation and wills and estates. He brings intellectual curiosity, a strong problem-solving approach and a genuine commitment to helping clients navigate complex disputes.

As he describes it, the role of a solicitor is often to “untangle the mess in someone’s life.” That perspective reflects exactly the type of grounded, people-first thinking Cohen Legal values.

He is at the beginning of his career – but he is building it with intention.

Investing in the Future of the Profession

Intentional growth is not limited to experienced solicitors.

Cohen Legal is also committed to developing the next generation of the profession.

Dharma and Holly, both law students at James Cook University, work within the firm while completing their studies. Their role is not merely administrative. They see theory applied in real time. They observe litigation strategy. They contribute to research and file preparation.

For students, that exposure is invaluable. For clients, it means files are supported by a team that is engaged, learning and invested.

It also reflects something important about our culture: we believe in strengthening the profession in North Queensland, not simply servicing it.

The Operational Backbone

Strong legal advice is only part of the client experience. Operational strength matters just as much.

Dannielle Peckett has been with Cohen Legal for six years and plays a critical role in keeping the practice running smoothly. With a background in aviation logistics, she understands how to manage moving parts, competing priorities and tight timelines.

From initial client contact to file management, accounts and workflow coordination, Dannielle ensures matters progress efficiently and clients feel supported from the moment they walk through the door.

She is also a Commissioner for Declarations, assisting clients with document certification and practical requirements without unnecessary legal expense.

Behind every capable legal team is operational excellence and at Cohen Legal, that strength is intentional.

Complementary Strength in Property and Conveyancing

Our depth also extends to property matters through Sharyn Bolton, an experienced conveyancer who supports clients through residential and commercial property transactions.

Property work often intersects with broader commercial strategy and, at times, dispute resolution. Having that capability within the team ensures continuity and coordination when clients need it most.

Again, this is not about offering everything. It is about offering the right services – well.

What Intentional Growth Means for Clients and for Lawyers

For clients across Townsville, Mt Isa and North Queensland, this growth means:

• A litigation-led team with increasing depth.
• Strategic commercial thinking.
• Strong estate planning capability.
• Operational stability.
• Continuity of representation.

We are selective about the matters we take on. We are equally selective about who joins our team. Shared values matter – because alignment produces better outcomes.

For solicitors considering their next step, culture matters too.

At Cohen Legal, junior lawyers are mentored. Experienced practitioners are encouraged to expand their capabilities. Standards are high, but so is support.

We are building something deliberate.  Not rushed, not reactive.

As Sam Cohen says:

“When we grow, we grow on purpose. Capability and culture have to move together.”

That philosophy shapes our future.

If you are a client seeking strategic, litigation-focused advice in North Queensland, we invite you to talk to our team today about your legal options.

If you are a solicitor looking for meaningful litigation work within a values-aligned firm, we welcome a confidential conversation.

Talk to use today

Disclaimer:
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. You should obtain advice specific to your circumstances before making any decisions.