Four New Appointments. One Clear Direction. June 18, 2026

Marshalls+Dent+Wilmoth is growing. Not quietly, and not by accident.

Over the past few months, we have welcomed four new lawyers across our Family Law and Commercial teams, two practices that sit at the heart of what we do and who we serve. The appointments span Special Counsel, Associate and Consultant levels, reflecting investment across the full depth of both teams, not just at the top.

We have always described ourselves as a unique blend of tradition and contemporary. These appointments are evidence of that in practice. We are not standing still. We are investing in our people and evolving the workplace around them.

For Principal Jeffrey Pinch, that direction is both deliberate and personal.

“As MDW continues to grow, we are investing in our people, our workplace and our culture. We are proud of the foundations that have been built over many years, but we are also committed to evolving with the times and ensuring the firm remains a modern, engaging and rewarding place to work.”

Strengthening Our Family Law Team

Family law is one of the most demanding areas of legal practice. Clients arrive in difficult circumstances. The matters are rarely straightforward; contested proceedings, urgent interventions, complex financial disputes that carry real personal stakes.

Our Family Law practice operates across Melbourne, Mornington, Benalla and Mansfield. It is a team with genuine depth across a broad range of matters. These two appointments add to that.

Kate Riley – Special Counsel

Kate joined us in 2026 and brings more than 13 years of experience practising exclusively in family law.

Kate has extensive experience across parenting disputes, property settlements, financial agreements and family law litigation. She is known for her practical, strategic and compassionate approach to helping clients navigate what are often some of the most challenging periods of their lives.

Bridget Heagney – Associate

Bridget joined our Family Law team after practising exclusively in family law since her admission.

With qualifications in both Law and Commerce (Accounting), Bridget brings a strong understanding of the financial and commercial issues that often arise in family law matters. Her attention to detail, technical capability and client-focused approach make her a valuable addition to the team.

Expanding Our Commercial Team

Our Commercial team advises businesses on matters that have grown considerably more complex. The regulatory environment for employers has shifted; obligations around workplace investigations and disciplinary processes are more demanding than they were several years ago. Demand for experienced commercial advice on acquisitions and major transactions shows no sign of slowing.

These two appointments address both sides of that picture.

Jenna Vardi – Special Counsel

Jenna joins our Commercial team with extensive experience in workplace relations, employment law and workplace investigations.

Jenna advises employers across a broad range of workplace matters, including employment contracts, workplace policies, workplace investigations, disciplinary processes, performance management and dispute resolution. Her appointment significantly strengthens our Workplace Law offering and enhances the support available to business clients navigating increasingly complex employment issues.

Giuseppe Ensabella – Consultant

Giuseppe joins us as a Consultant in our Commercial team, bringing more than 14 years of experience across mergers and acquisitions, corporate advisory, commercial law, property and major projects.

His broad commercial expertise and practical approach to solving complex legal issues further strengthen our Commercial practice and support our growing client base across Victoria and beyond.

A Firm Investing in Its Future

These appointments are part of our continuing investment in our people and the workplace we are building around them. They are also part of a longer story, one about a firm that knows where it is going and is building deliberately toward it.

“The quality of people joining us is something I am incredibly proud of. Each of these lawyers brings significant experience, technical expertise and enthusiasm to their role, and they have already made a positive impact on the firm and our clients.”  – Jeffrey Pinch, Principal

We welcome Kate, Bridget, Jenna and Giuseppe to the firm and look forward to what they will bring.

If you are a talented lawyer looking for quality work and a firm that genuinely invests in its people, view our current opportunities.