Michele Brooks (nee Bates) has been practising as a lawyer exclusively in Family Law since 1997. Prior to coming to the Bar in 2006, Michele was a partner at Harwood Andrews Lawyers, based in Melbourne and Geelong. Michele worked as a family law solicitor for 10 years prior to being called to the Bar, during which time she regularly appeared as a solicitor advocate. Since 2006, Michele has been a Barrister specialising in family law.
Michele has expertise in all areas of family law litigation. Michele accepts briefs to appear in Court Hearings, Mediations (as Mediator and Counsel/advocate), to prepare Advices, draft Documents and Confer/Advise with clients and solicitors in a wide range of family law matters.
Michele is a Nationally Accredited Mediator (NMAS) with a special interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution in family law. Michele is also a Victorian Bar Accredited Advanced Mediator (VBAM). She is frequently appointed as a court-ordered Mediator to assist parties in resolving their Family Law disputes.
Michele is available through her clerk Foley's List Pty Ltd to accept appointments as a Court Ordered Mediator in all family law matters and also in Pre-Action Mediations (as well as briefs to appear as Counsel). Michele conducts mediations at Owen Dixon Chambers, via Zoom, in FCFCOA Circuit locations, at solicitors’ offices or at any other mutually convenient venue chosen by the parties and their solicitors.