Meet our team

Mark (BA LLB Hons, University of Melbourne) leads the specialist employment law team at MDC Legal. He has over 25 years legal practice, mainly in industrial and employment law, with a background as Chief Justice David Malcolm’s Associate, at a commercial litigation firm, then at a national firm, and then as Principal Solicitor of the Employment Law Centre before establishing MDC Legal in January 2010. Mark has been named by Best Lawyers in 2025 and by Doyles as a “market leader” each year since 2017. In addition to providing strategic infrastructural, dispute resolution and compliance advice to start ups and established businesses, not for profits, governmental and regulatory authorities, Mark has conducted litigation and acted as counsel in several state and federal jurisdictions on “both sides of the fence” in advancing or defending a wide variety of litigation, including injunctions and restraint matters, contractual claims, general protections and unfair dismissal claims, bullying and discrimination claims, protected industrial action, and demarcation disputes.

Monica (BCom, Curtin University, LLB, Murdoch University) is a Senior Associate at MDC Legal. Monica won the Law Society’s Emerging Lawyer of the Year Award in 2022. Monica has previous experience as a human resources consultant and as an industrial relations consultant advising employers on all aspects of employment relations. Prior to joining MDC Legal, Monica worked at a boutique workplace and commercial law firm in Melbourne and then as part of the litigation team in a Perth law firm. Monica has experience advising and advocating for both employees and employers and enjoys working with clients to achieve pragmatic outcomes.

Thilini Kotuwegoda (BCom, JD, University of Western Australia) is a Senior Associate at MDC Legal. Thilini has experience in all aspects of employment law, advising both employers and employees on a range of matters, including unfair dismissal, general protections, discrimination, and workplace investigations. Prior to joining MDC Legal, Thilini worked at a generalist practice, and volunteered with several community legal organisations. She has been recognised as a Rising Star in Doyles Guide in 2025 and 2026.

Grace (BA, JD, University of Western Australia) is a Lawyer at MDC Legal. Grace graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Western Australia in 2023 and completed her Practical Legal Training with the Piddington Society in 2024. Grace has well-rounded experience across all aspects of employment law, including commercial advisory work, industrial relations and defending litigious claims such as unfair dismissal and general protections applications in forums including the Fair Work Commission, Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission and federal courts. She also has experience in work health and safety law.

Prior to joining MDC Legal, Grace worked in the employment and work health and safety team of a large multi-practice commercial law firm. Grace has also volunteered for Law Access and is a current member of the Committee for the Industrial Relations Society of Western Australia. She is conversationally fluent in Vietnamese.

Sandra (BArts, JD, University of Western Australia) is a lawyer at MDC Legal. Sandra graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Western Australia in 2023 and completed her Practical Legal Training with the College of Law in 2025. Prior to joining MDC Legal, Sandra worked as an Associate to Justice Forrester of the WA Supreme Court. Most recently, she contributed to major government projects at the State Solicitor’s Office, while also tutoring JD students at the University of Western Australia on a casual basis. Sandra is interested in all aspects of Employment Law, particularly involving dispute resolution, in drafting contracts and settlement documents. Sandra is fluent in French.

Nathan (BPPE, JD, University of Western Australia) is a Law Graduate at MDC Legal. Nathan graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Western Australia in 2025 and is currently completing his Practical Legal Training with Piddington Society. Nathan assists the team with legal research in all aspects of Employment Law, in preparation of court documents and legal claims and responses. Prior to joining MDC Legal, Nathan interned at Legal Aid in the Criminal Division, and at the Law Society of Western Australia as an Education Officer, assisting students with various court processes.

Gabrielle (LLB and BBehSc, University of Notre Dame Australia) is a Lawyer at MDC Legal. Gabrielle graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Behavioural Science from the University of Notre Dame Australia in 2025 and completed her Practical Legal Training with the College of Law in 2026. Gabrielle conducts legal research and prepares client advice and correspondence to other parties. She has assisted with matters in courts and tribunals, including up to final hearing. Prior to joining MDC Legal, Gabrielle worked in a private law firm practising in commercial law and litigation. She also volunteered at Sussex Street Community Law Service, where she worked on discrimination matters.

Lauren is the firm’s Office Manager. Her focus is on coordinating and strengthening the operational backbone of the firm, supporting the delivery of efficient, consistent, and high-quality legal services.

Lauren brings extensive experience across administrative operations and executive-level support, optimising systems, improving workflows, and ensuring seamless coordination across teams.

By maintaining strong internal processes and aligning business with the needs of the firm’s clients and legal practitioners, Lauren’s role enables lawyers to focus on client outcomes.

Drawing on her experience as a Legal Secretary, Annelise has built a strong foundation in supporting legal professionals and coordinating administrative processes in a dynamic and fast paced legal environment. In her current role as an Office Administration Supervisor, she provides essential operational and administrative support, helping to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the firm while delivering a high standard of service to colleagues and clients.

Zoe is a Receptionist and Administrative Assistant part-time at the firm. Zoe is presently enrolled in her second year of a Bachelor of Commerce in the Juris Doctor stream at UWA.

Zoe is a Receptionist and Administrative Assistant part-time at the firm. Zoe is presently enrolled in her second year of a Bachelor of Business in the Juris Doctor stream at UWA