Commencing on 26 February 2009, M+R will conduct a series of breakfast briefing sessions during the year, focusing on industrial and employment issues, in order to keep you abreast of those changes.  If you are interested in receiving an invitation to our breakfast briefing sessions, please email marketing@mrlaw.com.au to register to your details or contact Cheryl Asquith on 03 8624 2056 for more information.

On 13 November 2008, M+R launched their new service - LAWYERS FOR DOCTORS. The launch took place at the Rialto Observation Deck and was attended by over 100 guests and staff.  The evening was a great success and the guest speaker, Tony Wilson, was the highlight of the night.  Tony recited a very funny limerick about M+R, based on his latest novel "The Thirsty Flowers".

On 31 October 2008, Trevor Nock (General Manager) retired, after 20 plus years with the firm.  Paul Emms has been appointed as the new Finance Manager.  

Our 2009 Oxfam team has now been announced.  The team members are Jonathan McCarthy, Sherene Khalil, Ben Shoebridge and Brooke Reberger. Team Jungle Fever is now in training for the event.  Good luck team!

On 1 October 2008, Adrian Sella was appointed as Special Counsel, formerly a Senior Associate.  Adrian continues to practice in the area of construction litigation.  Congratulations Adrian.

In mid August 2008, Rita Zammit joined M+R as a partner.  Rita will help grow the medical negligence practice area and assist with the asbestos work.  

Anne-Maree Hunt and Adam Meyer have each been appointed as Senior Associates, effective 1 July 2008.  Congratulations!

On 26 June 2008, our mooting team (Jonathan McCarthy, Kristy Aiken, Suzi Craig and Ben Shoebridge) competed in the annual Hanover / Law Institute of Victoria mooting competition.  Although our team were not the winners on the night, they certainly put up a great legal argument, doing each of themselves and M+R proud.  Well done team!

On 1 June 2008, Mary Edquist re-joined M+R as a commercial partner.  Mary brings with her a very strong commercial practice focussing substantially on servicing the commercial needs of doctors and others within the medical profession.  Mary will add to the skills and depth of our commercial team. Welcome back Mary!

The Annual ALB Awards were held in Sydney last night.  M+R had been nominated in the Insurance Specialist Law Firm of the Year category. Unfortunately, M+R did not win the award, however, we are very pleased to announce that our associate firm in Sydney, Colin Biggers & Paisley, were the recipient of the award.  Congratulations to all the Partners & Staff at Colin Biggers & Paisley.

On 15 April 2008, Madelaine August, Sherene Khalil and Jonathan McCarthy were each admitted to practice.  Madelaine has joined the employment law team, Sherene has joined the construction law team and Jonathan has joined the commercial team. Following the admission ceremony, Madelaine, Sherene and Jonathan, together with family, friends, mentors and buddies from M+R dined at Bellisimo, at Docklands.  A good time was had by all!

On 11-13 April 2008, Andrew Brennan, together with his team "Better be Home Soon" completed the Oxfam Trailwalker 2008 in a time of 26 hours and 56 minutes.  Well done team - that is a great effort!

On 3 March 2008, M+R welcomed three new articled clerks to the firm - Kristy Aiken, Suzi Craig and Ben Shoebridge.

On 14 January 2008, Helen O'Brien joined M+R, as a consultant.  Helen joins Patrick Monahan and Andrew Probert in the insurance team.

On 25 October 2007, Bruce Butler and his team conducted a mock serious injury trial at the County Court.  This event was attended by approximately 35 clients, with Neil Rattray acting as the judge (and he did a fabulous job), together with Philip Ginnane acting on behalf of the Defendant (a true actor!) and Scott Smith acting on behalf of the Plaintiff (a little more serious in character).  Steven Notarianni played the part of the Plaintiff and Justin Griffin played the medical witness - both excelling in their performances.  Madelaine August acted as the Judge's associate (even though she forgot the name of the case) and Jonathan McCarthy played the role of tip staff, doing a very good job at swearing in the witnesses.  Sean Millard and Sherene Khalil took on the roles of instructing solicitors - Sean forgot the post it notes but was very good with pouring the water!