Family lawyer Louise Cooney joins marshalls+dent+wilmoth as Special Counsel June 21, 2024

With financial, business and academic skills, her appointment will strengthen MDW’s services in complex family law matters  

Accomplished family lawyer Louise Cooney has joined Melbourne firm marshalls+dent+wilmoth lawyers as Special Counsel. 

Louise’s work will focus on complex financial matters, with business structuring being an area of particular expertise. “Louise’s experience spans many types of businesses in various industries. It’s a skill that significantly benefits our family law clients, many of whom are business operators,” said MDW family law Principal John McBride.   

Louise has worked exclusively in family law for over a decade. She also holds a Master of Laws focusing on family law and equity, exploring topics such as international family law issues and children’s rights. 

Louise’s expertise has long been evident to her peers, with Doyle’s Guide naming her a Family Law Rising Star in Victoria (2017). She’s also known for her academic achievements and skills as a presenter at events such as:

• World Congress of Family Law and Children’s Rights
• International Society of Family Law World Conference
• Pacifica Congress
• Victorian Bar events.

Topics included same-sex marriage rights and post-COVID-19 financial settlements. In 2017, Louise also co-authored a paper on international marriage, which was published in the Family Law Review.

“Louise’s strong academic background underpins her work, enabling her to find excellent solutions for family law issues. She’s highly effective at working with families of all types, at all life stages,” said MDW family law Principal Margaret Neal. “We’re delighted to welcome Louise to our family law team.”