People

Michelle Dawson is an Accredited Specialist in Workplace Relations with over 20 years of advisory and litigation experience in all aspects of employment, industrial relations and discrimination law. Passionate about helping her clients find solutions to their problems, Michelle has built her reputation and practice by applying her specialist technical skills, real-world experience and real-life business knowledge to assist her clients toward successful outcomes. Clients know that they can trust Michelle to give the right advice, be responsive and meet their workplace relations needs in way that doesn’t cost the Earth.

After more than 25 years of working in law firms (including some of Australia’s most well-regarded mid-tier commercial law firms), going from being the most junior employee to being one of the most senior partners, Michelle founded and established Emplawyer in 2022.

In July 2023, Michelle was named the winner of the prestigious Lawyer’s Weekly Employment Law Partner of the Year Award. Michelle was shortlisted as a finalist for the same Award in 2025.

Sina is an Accredited Specialist in Employment & Industrial Law, with almost 20 years of expertise in contentious and non-contentious employment and industrial relations matters across a range of industry sectors.

As a highly skilled lawyer, advisor and advocate, Sina provides value-adding, sensible and commercial legal solutions, with a focus on assisting employers to manage and resolve difficult workplace issues.

Sina is also a preeminent investigator, regularly conducting and managing complex/sensitive and often high profile investigations involving allegations of bullying, discrimination, harassment and other forms of workplace, and governance-related misconduct.

Francine’s extensive background in employment law, workplace relations, and
commercial litigation combined with her particular expertise in risk mitigation
provides her with practical experience and strategic perspective to support clients
across a broad range of industries.

With a strong focus on commercial outcomes, Francine takes the time to understand her clients’ business and what is important to them, in order to deliver pragmatic and workable solutions.

Arlene manages the administration aspects of Emplawyer and, courtesy of her study of the law and her extensive hands-on experience within legal practice, is a trusted paralegal.