Before joining a large regional firm in which Sam quickly elevated through the ranks to Partner, Sam spent 15 years’ experience in the building and construction, mining and civil engineering industries. That, combined with her innate ability to seize upon legal issues and get to the heart of a matter quickly, make Sam a formidable opponent.

Sam harbours a specific interest in building and construction industry disputes. She has instructed in the High Court in relation to a matter under the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act 2004, in which the application of that legislation to mining leases was considered. Her client was successful in opposing the application for leave to appeal.

Current Affiliations:

• Chair of the Queensland Law Society Construction and Infrastructure Committee
• Member of the Queensland Law Society Litigation Rules Committee
• Member of the James Cook University External Advisory Committee
• Member of the Selectability Governance Committee
• Treasurer of Angel-Paws Inc
• Member Rotary International
• Co-Host of the podcast HELD TO ACCOUNT
• Sessional lecturer James Cook University
• Past President of the North Queensland Law Association
• Past President of the Townsville District Law Association
• Former Deputy Chair Construction & Infrastructure Law Committee Law Council of Australia

Her passion and interest for employment law stems from her human rights background and the desire to help people understand and protect their rights and obligations. Melanie helps businesses and individuals across all areas of employment law, including reviewing and drafting contracts, workplace policies, advising on restraints of trade, compliance with workplace laws and modern awards coverage and much more.

She is also passionate about working closely with her commercial clients to assist them to establish and grow their businesses while mitigating their risks by offering commercial, timely and cost effective solutions.

Sharyn understands that buying and selling any property can be quite a stressful time for clients. Sharyn provides excellent service to our clients, taking the time to ensure they fully understand the process and are at ease every step of the way.

Sharyn prides herself on her good communication skills and the rapport she builds with her clients in both residential and commercial conveyancing.

Since joining Cohen Legal, Elijah has worked with its principal Sam Cohen and commercial and employment lawyer, Melanie Richards. As a recently admitted legal practitioner, Elijah brings a unique skillset and a robust can-do attitude to the Cohen Legal team.

Having lived in Townsville his entire life, Elijah is a passionate North Queenslander and prides himself on exhibiting the region’s enshrined values of accountability, diligence and hard work. Elijah strives to always go the extra mile to help those in the community resolve their legal issues.

Sarah joined Cohen Legal as a receptionist in early 2021 to learn the ropes while finishing her practical legal training. This hands on approach has given her a head start in her legal career with her hitting the ground running following her admission later this year.

Sarah is looking forward to working in our commercial law and litigation departments and assisting clients with their business ventures and contributing to services provided to our commercial clients.

Danni brings with her a love for new tasks and challenges. Danni supervises our administration team and manages the logistics of our Townsville, Mount Isa and Brisbane branches.

Danni has built a great rapport will her team members and our clients alike. Her outstanding administrative skills and attention to detail are a vital part of our business and her fun loving personality has made her a favourite in our office. Danni is our first point of contact with clients who appreciate her warmth and personality and sheer ability to get things done. When not at work you’ll find her at home playing with her French Bulldog, Dixie.

Originally a Mount Isa girl, Alex’s passion for law began during her final years of schooling, and she is now studying her third year of Bachelor of Laws at James Cook University. Alex has also studied a year of Business, starting off her studies with a dual degree of Bachelor of Law/Business majoring in Economics.

Alex made the decision to focus on Bachelor of Laws and is aiming to complete her Business Degree in the future. Striving for success, Alex hopes that getting her foot into the legal industry as an undergraduate will lay a strong foundation for her legal career. Alex enjoys her role and the opportunity to gain an insight into the legal industry throughout the duration of her degree. Alex is hoping to one day provide legal services to Indigenous remote communities, which stems from her indigenous background.