How did you start down this career path?

Growing up in Sri Lanka, I felt the profound impact of traditional gender roles that often limited the ambitions of women around me. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer, fuelled by a determination to break free from these constraints and demonstrate that women can be whoever they choose to be.

I was incredibly fortunate to have a supportive family, especially my mother. Despite coming from a traditional background herself, she encouraged me to follow my dreams. My family’s unwavering belief in me helped me excel academically at a British school and after completing my London GCE examinations, I was honoured to receive the International Scholarship for Excellence from Monash University to complete a Bachelor of Laws degree.

So at the age of 17, I made the bold decision to move to Australia - a leap that would reshape my life.

Arriving in Australia alone felt daunting and scary. I had to navigate a new culture and social norms and I often felt like an outsider, balancing the traditions of my upbringing with the desire to fit into my new environment. However, the sacrifices my family made to enable me to pursue my dreams inspired me to confront these challenges head-on, fuelling my determination to succeed.

Throughout my university experience, I immersed myself in learning—not just academically, but socially as well. I forged friendships with people from diverse backgrounds, which broadened my perspective and enriched my studies. After completing my law degree, I went on to complete my Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice and was admitted as a lawyer in 2013.

My early career was fraught with challenges. I took my first job at a suburban law firm, working six months without pay to gain experience while juggling a night job at a market research firm to make ends meet. Eventually, I secured a position at a Melbourne firm, where I climbed the ranks from Family Lawyer to Senior Associate and eventually became the head of the family law department. This journey taught me invaluable lessons about the law and the intricacies of managing a business.

As my career flourished, I faced a personal crossroads—I wanted to start a family. I had always dismissed the idea that “the career clock and biological clock are always in conflict,” believing that I could chart my own course. However, I soon realised the harsh reality of balancing family life and a demanding career as a first-generation immigrant in Australia, with little to no support. The corporate culture frequently normalised overwork, both in terms of hours and workload, while the rigid environment made it tough to achieve the work-life balance I had envisioned.

That’s when it hit me – I had to make a change. Not just a change for myself, but also for other female lawyers who inevitably find themselves in my position.

At the peak of my career, I left my full-time job which offered financial stability, and I plunged into the uncertain world of being self-employed - I founded my own law firm, Melmark Law.

The timing was particularly challenging as I soon became pregnant with my first child, Malakai, who just turned 6 months old last week. At times, juggling the demands of starting a new firm while preparing for motherhood and being a first-time mother often felt like I was running on nothing but coffee and love! But despite the difficulties, this journey has been incredibly rewarding.

From the outset, I wanted Melmark Law to be different. Inclusivity and approachability would be at the heart of our mission. I aimed to create a culture where my staff and I could enjoy a healthy work-life balance. My personal experiences with family violence early in my time in Australia motivated me to establish a firm that offers accessible legal assistance, particularly for women in need and victims of family violence. Consequently, Melmark Law's primary practice areas became family law and family violence.

Having grown up in a multicultural environment, I appreciate the nuances of serving clients from diverse backgrounds. This understanding allows me to treat each case as a unique journey, ensuring every client feels seen and heard. We proudly serve clients from various backgrounds, including the LGBTQI community, and I work hard to support an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and valued.

At Melmark Law, we believe in the power of collaborative law. Rather than adopting the traditional adversarial "us versus them" mindset, we focus on working together to find solutions. I am committed to being a kind lawyer, ensuring that clients achieve the best possible outcomes through cooperation.

To further support our clients, we offer structured payment plans and concessional rates for those facing financial difficulties, ensuring that personal finances do not obstruct access to quality legal assistance. This commitment has not only shaped the ethos of my firm but has also led to a thriving practice.

Another achievement is that our growth has been organic—no gimmicks or flashy ads, just old-fashioned word-of-mouth. Each client comes to us because of someone else’s positive experience, which is the highest compliment and demonstrates trust and satisfaction in our work.

What Inspires Me in My Role as a Family Lawyer

What inspires me most as a family lawyer is the profound impact I have on clients during some of their most challenging times. Working with women who have experienced family violence motivates me to provide not only legal support but also empowerment and I strive to create a safe environment where they can share their stories and feel valued.

I also work with male clients dealing with issues like parental alienation, assisting them in advocating for meaningful involvement in their children’s lives and maintaining strong relationships with their children. Seeing their journeys and resilience strengthens my commitment to this work.

Navigating the complexities of family law is a significant part of my role, and it’s rewarding to help clients rebuild their lives. Being involved in their journey is a key aspect of why I’m dedicated to this field, and it motivates me to continue providing the support they need.

My Approach to Customer Service

My approach to customer service is centred around building strong, personal relationships with each client. I believe that effective legal service extends beyond just providing advice; it involves being a compassionate listener and a relatable advocate. I prioritise open communication and am dedicated to being available during vulnerable moments when clients need reassurance.

A personal example of this commitment occurred just days before I went into labour. I attended an in-person mediation for a client who specifically wanted my presence. Despite going into labour on the Thursday of the Easter long weekend, I was back in court for an Interim Defended Hearing the following Tuesday (albeit online, thankfully!), the day after being released from the hospital. Most clients who learned about my pregnancy and the birth of my son afterward often remarked that they would never have guessed, given how available I made myself during that time. This experience truly highlights how much my clients and my firm mean to me, and it reinforces my dedication to providing the personalised service they truly deserve.

At Melmark Law, we also leverage technology to enhance our services, ensuring we remain innovative and responsive to our clients' needs. By integrating advanced legal tools and processes, we streamline operations, allowing me and my incredible team to dedicate more one-on-one time to each client.

This focus on individual needs, combined with Melmark Law’s commitment to innovation, enhances the client experience and builds trust in our firm. Ultimately, my goal is to create a supportive environment where clients feel understood and valued, setting us apart in the legal industry.

Innovating and Staying Ahead of Trends

Staying ahead of industry trends is essential to my practice and directly benefits my clients through a commitment to continuous learning. Since completing my Masters of Law with a specialisation in family law in 2020, I have actively participated in ongoing professional development to keep abreast of the latest developments. Engaging in online forums and networking with peers enables me to exchange insights and adopt best practices, enhancing the quality of service we provide.

If the COVID-19 pandemic taught me anything, it was the benefits of remote work and leveraging technology. This led me to co-found The Virtual Office (TVO) with my former school mate, who is now a Principal Lawyer in Sri Lanka. This initiative significantly boosts the capacity of both my practice and other Australian law firms to serve clients effectively by offering virtual paralegal and administrative support, transforming our operational model.

What started as a solution for Melmark Law has transformed into a comprehensive service that empowers other firms to reimagine their workflows. My goal was to harness my connections and access to both local and international resources to enhance the Australian legal landscape as a whole, rather than solely benefiting my own firm. I view this not as competition, but as an opportunity to drive meaningful change and meet our clients’ needs to the best of our abilities. By shifting away from the traditional law firm mentality, I have created an environment where other Australian law firms can thrive, ultimately reshaping our collective operations for the better.

TVO staff are expertly trained in essential legal technologies, including software like LEAP, Smokeball, Action Step, e-Brief, the Courts Portals, as well as accounting software like Xero/MYOB and social media management tools. They handle critical administrative tasks such as file management, creating Counsel briefs, organising discovery and disclosure, costing files, and issuing invoices. This efficiency allows us lawyers in Australia to dedicate more time to direct client interactions and strategic legal work, ensuring clients receive the personalised attention they deserve.

This cost-effective hybrid model also translates into tangible benefits for clients. By reducing operational costs, Melmark Law can offer structured payment plans and concessional rates, for those facing financial hardships—especially women in need and victims of family violence. This commitment ensures that financial constraints do not hinder access to high-quality legal assistance.

Melmark’s law’s commitment to quality service is reflected in our organic growth—no gimmicks or flashy ads, just good old-fashioned word-of-mouth. Each client comes to us because of someone else’s positive experience, which is the highest compliment and demonstrates trust and satisfaction in our work.

The innovative structure of my firm also enables me to engage in community activities that benefits the community, such as volunteering for the Fitzroy Legal Night phone service, which provides legal assistance to those in need.

I believe that "a company is only as good as the people it keeps." Investing in our team’s culture has improved staff retention and allowed us to focus on providing excellent service instead of constantly hiring. The flexibility afforded by the option of remote work allows our staff to tailor their work environments to suit their individual needs, promoting a healthier work-life balance. This approach reduces stress and helps prevent burnout – which is a common problem in the legal world -ultimately enhancing the quality of service we provide.

The effectiveness of this client-centred approach is highlighted by my recent nomination for the Sole Practitioner of the Year award, where I am honoured to be among the ten finalists. This recognition reflects not only my dedication to innovative legal practice but also the positive outcomes experienced by clients who benefit from a responsive, forward-thinking legal service.

Goals for the Next Five Years

In the next five years, I aim to deepen my expertise in family law and family violence to better support clients facing complex challenges.

I plan to enhance my negotiation skills through mediation training and expand community outreach efforts, particularly with initiatives like Fitzroy Legal Service.

Additionally, I aim to promote collaborative practices within the legal profession, advocating for a “kind lawyer” movement that encourages professionals to move away from the traditional adversarial mindset and work together to achieve positive outcomes for clients.

At the same time, I intend to expand Melmark Law, building a team that shares my vision of compassionate legal support. By creating a collaborative and inclusive culture within my firm, I hope to create an environment where both clients and team members feel empowered and valued. This growth will not only enhance the services we provide but also strengthen our community connections, ensuring we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

To learn more visit https://melmarklaw.com.au/