M+R News

• We would like to wish all our clients colleagues and friends a happy Chinese New Year.  The first day of the 2012 Chinese New Year is on January 23, 2012 in China's time zone. This day is a new moon day, and is the first day of the first Chinese lunar month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar system. The exact new moon time is at 15:40 on 23-Jan-12 in China's time zone.  The Year 2012 is the 4709th Chinese year. The Chinese believe that the first king of China was the Yellow King (he was not the first emperor of China). The Yellow King became king in 2697 B.C., therefore China will enter the 4709th year on January 23, 2012. Also, the Chinese Year uses the cycle of 60 Stem-Branch counting systems and the Black Water Dragon is the 28th Stem-Branch in the cycle. Since (60 *78) + 29 = 4709, therefore 2012 is the Water Dragon year, which is the 4709th Chinese Year.

• We wish all our clients, colleagues and friends a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.  The New Year will see many exciting changes which we are very much looking forward to.
• Congratuations to Elena Berta from Swinburne University of Technology.  Elena won the Law Prize for her outstanding result in the subject Law of Torts.
• On Wednesday 26 October 2011, we will be holding our annual fashion event for clients and staff.  This year, the event will consist of a fashion parade (with our very own models - Jacqui Anderson, Kara Plecher, Shea Besley and Sarah Weir), together with the millinery creations of Ann Shoebridge (the milliner for David Jones).  We are all very excited about this upcoming event.

• On 19 September 2011, Rose Raniolo joined M+R working as Special Counsel in our insurance / transport department.  Welcome aboard Rose!

• On Wednesday 31 August 2011, we will be holding an Event targeted to the Not for Profit Sector.  This Event will update clinets on the legal issues facing the Not for Profit Sectory covering the legal duties and obligations of members of Boards and Committees.  The Guest Speaker will be Tony Lang, Barrister.  If you would a seat at this event, please contact Cheryl Asquith at casquith@mrlaw.com.au

• On Thursday 25 August 2011, we will be holding a Medical Negligence Event.  This Event will include a Seminar and Panel Discussion to Update clients on Recent Developments in Medical Law, including Mandatory Reporting.  Guest speakers will include Mark O'Sullivan (An Update on Recent Medical Negligence Cases), Paula Shelton (A Plaintiff's Perspective on Medical Negligence Litigation and a Panel Discussion on Mandatory Reporting.  If you would like to attend, please contact Cheryl Asquith at casquith@mrlaw.com.au.

• Last night, our Mooting Team competed in the LIV Hanover Grand Final.  Unfortunately after a brilliant set of submissions, they went down in a very tight decision.   Corrs Chambers Westgarth who acted for the Appellants won by a very short margin.  Well done Team !

• We have recently said farewell to our morning receptionist, Jane Buther, who had been with M+R for approximately seven years.  Jane and her husband are moving back to the United Kingdom to be with family and friends.  We are very pleased to have Tara Donnelly join the firm to take over from Jane.  Tara will fill the morning reception. Welcome Tara !

• On Wednesday this week, the La Trobe Law School Awards were held.  The Prze for the Student with the highest mark in the subject Law of Torts was awarded to three winners - Jade Henshaw, Myfanwy Evans and Maria Tucci.  Also, the Prize for the Student with the highest mark in the subject of Medicine and the Law was awarded to Stephanie McCormack.  Congratulations to all winners !

• Congratulations to our winning Mooting Team who have made the Grand Final.  They will be competing against the almighty Team from Corrs on Thursday 28 July 2011.  Goodluck Team - this is an absolutely outstanding effort !

• Last night (30 June 2011), the battle of David v. Goliath took place !  The M+R mooting team (Adam Stevens, Madeleine Smith, Greg Shinsky, Clarie Barrance, with their mentor Ben Shoebridge), participated in the LIV & Hanover Welfare Services Mooting Competition, against the Mallesons mooting team.  In the case of "Antonio Pesci v. Commissioner of Police", the M+R mooting team was declared the winner by Justice Kaye.  Congratulations team !

• On Wednesday 15 June 2011, the Victoria University Faculty of Business & Law Student Awards were held.  The M+R Prize for Dispute Resolution & Civil Procedure was awarded to Timothy Prudden.  Congratulations Timothy.

• Last night (25 May 2011), the Melbourne Law School Award Ceremony was held.  It was our pleasure to award the Monahan + Rowell Award for Medical Litigation Prize to Kristi Geddes.  Congratulations Kristi.

• Last night (19 May 2011), we attended the RMIT Prize Giving Ceremony. It was our absolute pleasure to award The Clive Brookes Award to the student with the best result in the Law of Torts (The Advanced Diploma of Legal Practice).  This Award was won by Stephanie Jauffret.  It was our honour and privilege to meet Stephanie.  Congratulations!

• Congratulations to Adam Stevens who has won yet another golfing event! On Monday 9 May 2011, Adam and Mark Attard (along with David Abbey and Craig Tonner of CGU) competed in the Annual Building Dispute Practitioners Society Golf Day.  The competition was an individual stableford competition (eg, each player plays individually rather than as a team) at Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club.  Adam finished in first place with a score of 85.  Well done Adam !

• More baby news at M+R, in fact baby number 3 for 2011.  We welcome baby Joseph Thomas Wait Bridges, born on Wednesday 4 May 2011, weighing a healthy 3380g (7.4 lbs). All are doing well.  Congratulations !

• On Wednesday 27 April 2011, our legal trainees (Chris Jones, Penelope Mason and Adam Stevens) were admitted to practice.  Following the admission ceremony, Chris, Penny & Adam were joined by M+R colleagues, family and friends and were wined and dined at Grossi Florentino.  All enjoyed a fabulous day. Congratulations to our new Lawyers.

• On Thursday 14 April 2011, we attended the Monash Law Award Ceremony.  It was our absolute pleasure to present the Prize for Legal Issues in Medicine which was received by Bridie Druce and Kathleen Casey.  We also had the pleasure in presenting the Prize for Professional Practice which was received by Emilia Michael and Imogen Beynon.  Congratulations to all winners.  You never know, they may be our future trainees!

• On Wednesday 20 April 2011, we will be attending the VCLSS Careers Fair which, this year, will be held at the Melbourne Convention Centre from 4pm to 7pm.  Come and visit us and say hi.

• On Saturday 16 April 2011, we will be attending The Part 3 Course targeted business knowledge for specialists in practice, which will be held at the RACV Club.  For more information see www.Part3Course.com.  Mary Edquist will be making a presentation on Medical Legal / Risk Management.

• On 13 April 2011, Catherine Patterson joined the accounts team, working as an accountant.  Welcome aboard Catherine!

• On Saturday 28 March 2011, Adam Stevens and Gregory Shinsky competed in the Kampuchea House Golf Day at the Little Frankston Golf Club.  They had a great day and played some great golf, finishing approximately 5th overall for the day.  Adam also won the putting competition and was rewarded with a basket of golf goodies. Kampuchea House raised over $10,000 with this event.  Kampuchea House is an Australian funded orphanage and is located approximately 40km from the town of Siem Reap, Cambodia.  It is our great pleasure to support Kampuchea House.

• This month we have welcomed two new babies to M+R.  Baby Hamish Samuel Spiller Tucker and baby Charles Albert Metclafe both arrived safely. All proud parents are doing very well.  We are all very proud.

• On Monday this week (7 March 2011), our three new Legal Trainees commenced with the firm.  We said welcome to Claire Barrance, Madeleine Smith and Gregory Shinsky. Each will be undertaking a twelve month traineeship.

• Congratulations to Patrick Monahan, the Senior Partner of the firm, who has been named in the Best Lawyers' 2011 Melbourne Insurance Lawyer of the Year. Congratulations Patrick.

• Upcoming Event - On Tuesday 15 February 2011, M+R will host a seminar and boardroom discussion on Integrative Medicine, Medicare Australia & The Professional Services Review Scheme.  Guest speakers for this event will be Dr Tony Webber (Director PSR), Dr Elizabeth Brophy (Barrister) and Dr Vicki Kotsirilos (Holistic GP, Past Founding President, AIMA). The event will be chaired by Mary Edquist (Partner, M+R).  For further information on this event or to lodge an interest to attend, please contact marketing@mrlaw.com.au.
• On 10 January 2011, two new lawyers joined the firm.  Lisa Adams joins as a senior lawyer working in the employment / self insurance team with Bruce Butler and his team.  Damian Clancy joins as a lawyer working in the insurance litigation team, working with Patrick Monahan and Andrew Probert.  Welcome aboard!
• On 1 January 2011, Andrew Brennan was appointed as a Senior Associate.  Andrew commenced with the firm in February 2006 and undertook his Articles year, being appointed a lawyer in 2007.  Andrew works in the area of construction litigation under the watchful eye of Mark Attard, Partner.  Congratulations Andrew!
• M+R will not close for the Christmas / New Year period, however, we will be working with a skeleton staff from 29 December 2010 to 7 January 2011, so that most of our staff can take a well earned rest from the law! We wish our clients, colleagues and friends a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous year in 2011.
• On Saturday 11 December 2010, the firm enjoyed its annual Christmas party, celebrating in style at Scugnizzo in Little Bourke Street Melbourne. Fine food and fine wine was enjoyed by all.  Music was provided by Damon Stone.
• M+R is doing it's bit for the economy, announcing three staff members now pregnant, with one staff member already on maternity leave. More news in 2011 when our three babies arrive!
• On Tuesday 19 October 2010, Carmen Hodges joined the firm, working as Special Counsel with our medical defence team.   Carmen joins Mark O'Sullivan who commenced on 26 July 2010, also Special Counsel.  
• On Wednesday 13 October 2010, Kelvin Tay joined our commercial team, working as a junior commercial lawyer. Welcome aboard Kelvin.
• On Tuesday 5 October 2010, we held our annual staff dinner at Tom Collins Bistro.  The evening was attended by our three new trainee lawyers who will commence their traineeship in March 2011 - Gregory Shinsky, Claire Barrance and Madeleine Smith. Good food and fine wine was enjoyed by all !
• On Wednesday 18 August 2010, we attended the wine and cheese night hosted by La Trobe University where we met and spoke to a number of law students about working in the law and life after university.  
• On Wednesday 21 July 2010, we attended NMIT and awarded a prize for the Advanced Diploma of Business (Legal Practice).  This prize was awarded to Ms Sarah O'Brien.  Sarah received the prize for achieving a High Distinction (90/100) for the module Law of Torts.  To find our more about the Advanced Diploma of Business (Legal Practice), go to www.nmit.edu.au/courses/advanced_diploma_of_business_legal_practice. 
• On Tuesday 20 July 2010, we attended the Law Awards for La Trobe University.  We presented the Clive Brookes Award to the student with the highest mark in the subject of Torts.  This award was presented as a joint prize with the joint winners being Ms Lesley Naik and Ms Annerley Phelan.  Congratulations to each student.
• From 3 August 2010 to 3 September 2010, Mary Edquist will hold another art exhibition at The Essoign, Owen Dixon Chambers, Level 1, 205 William Street Melbourne.  The official opening for this event will take place on 11 August 2010, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.  As The Essoign is a Private Club, access for non-members outside the exhibition opening, is by appointment only.  Please contact Cheryl Asquith on 03 8624 2056 for a personal visit to the exhibition.
• A very big congratulations to Chris Jones who on Saturday 10 July 2010 will wed his lovely girlfriend Sela.  It has been a very big year for Chris - he received the offer a traineeship which he commenced in March this year, he became engaged and now to be married.  We are all waiting for the next chapter in this fairy tale.
• Congratulations to Melissa Clarke of Hanson Australia (Holdings) Pty Ltd and also to Khanh Duong of Toll Group, each of whom correctly answered answered the five questions in our winter edition of Uncommon Sense. Each will receive a very nice bottle of wine to enjoy.
• Congratulations to our WINNING Mooting Team.  They successfully out witted, out pleaded and out scored the formidible Clayton Utz Team.  Well done to Ben Shoebridge, Adam Stevens, Chris Jones and Penelope Mason.  They put an incredible amount of work into this moot and their efforts certainly paid off.  CONGRATULATIONS Team.
• On Thursday 24 June 2010, our 2010 Mooting Team will compete in the Annual Law Institute of Victoria and Hanover Welfare Services Mooting Competition.  Our 2010 team comprises of Ben Shoebridge, Adam Stevens, Chris Jones and Penelope Mason.  Our team will be fully supported by the firm as they go to Court against the very prominent team at Clayton Utz.  Goodluck team !
• On Wednesday 16 June 2010, we attended the Faculty of Business and Law Student Awards at Victoria University where we presented the Clive Brookes Award for the most outstanding student in Dispute Resolution and Civil Procedure.  The very worthy recipient of this award was Christie Jones.  Congratulations Christie!
• On Tuesday 25 May 2010, we attended the Law Award night at Melbourne University where we presented Edmond Van Ammers with the Award for Medical Litigation. Congratulations Edmond.
• On Thursday 13 May 2010, we attended RMIT's Prize Giving Ceremony.  It was our pleasure to present Ms Nicole Bagnell with the Prize for the student with the best result in the Advanced Diploma of Business (Legal Practice), the Prize for the Law of Torts. Congratulations Nicole.
• With the introduction of the Fair Work Act 2009 and the New Awards which commenced on 1 January 2010, Monahan + Rowell are available to assist with your particular Award.  We have already held a specific training session for many Architect Professionals covered by the Architects Award 2010 and will shortly be announcing a training session for Accountants.  If you would like an individual or a group session to be conducted at your practice or at our offices, please contact Cheryl Asquith on casquith@mrlaw.com.au. In fact there are 122 new Awards and we are available to assist.
• On Thursday 29 April 2010, we attended the Monash Law Awards ceremony and presented the following prizes:  The Prize for Professional Practice - Mr Gregory Shinsky and The Prize for Legal Issues in Medicine - Ms Chelsea Hill.  Congratulations to both students who were an absolute delight to meet.
• On Wednesday 14 April 2010, we presented the following prizes at the Deakin University Law Awards:  The Prize for Law Society and Civil Rights - Natasha Robins and The Prize for Health and Biotechnology Law to Katherine Antonopoulos.  Congratulations to each student.
• Congratulations to Rita Zammit, a former partner of M+R.  Rita has been appointed as an Associate Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria. Congratulations Your Honour !
• Congratulations to Lynne Lawler-Hodge of Interactive People.  Lynne correctly answered the three questions in our summer edition of Moving forward.  Lynne was presented with some very good red wine!
• On 25 March 2010, M+R will hold a seminar on the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2010.  This will be joint session in conjunction with SED Practice Management Services.  The guest speaker will be Sean Millard, Accredited Specialist in Workplace Relations and the session will be chaired by Mary Edquist and Vicki Hayward.  For a registration form, email casquith@mrlaw.com.au.
• On 1 March 2010, our three new legal trainees will commence a twelve month legal traineeship with M+R.  Joining us will be Penelope Mason, Adam Stevens and Chris Jones. Welcome aboard !
• The Melbourne Summer Cycle took place on Sunday 21 February 2010. The M+R team consisted of Andrew Brennan, Melissa Quinton and Melanie Saunders.  Both Andrew and Melanie's partners joined in for the ride and became honourary M+R members.  The team was named the Mono-Rowells.  The energy on the day was electrifying and the team camaraderie and spirit of cyclists shone as bright as the sun! Thank you to those who donated - The Mono-Rowells raised an impressive $441. Overall the ride has raised a staggering $539,504.
• On Saturday 12 December 2009, M+R held their Annual Christmas function.  This year's function was held at the CUB BrewHouse in Abbotsford.  Staff and their partners were treated to a tour of the brewery, a meeting with the infamous CUB Clydesdale horses, followed by a three course dinner, drinks and a great DJ.  A good time was had by all.
• On 19 November 2009, M+R held a joint function with Zoos Victoria.  Guests were treated to presentations from Jenny Gray (CEO), Graeme Gillespie (Director Wildlife Conservation & Science) and Rachel Lowry (GM Community Conservation), talking about wildlife conservation, the exciting future for Zoos Victoria and community conservation.  Prizes for the night included two behind the scenes gorilla experiences and family passes to visit the Melbourne Zoo.  The evening was followed by some bubbly and finger food. Thank you to Zoos Victoria for participating in this function. M+R continue to support Zoos Victoria, their community campaigns and their vision for the future of our wildlife.
• In our latest edition of Uncommon Sense, we held a competition, composing three statements which were either true or false.  The winners of the competition were Jamie Thomson of Unimutual Limited and Khanh Duong of Toll Group. Both answered all three statements correctly within one minute of each other.  A fine bottle of wine was sent to each winner. Congratulations!
• On 22 October 2009, M+R held a fashion parade, inviting our female staff and female clients. The fashions were provided by OBUS Designs and the millinery collection of Ann Shoebridge. Three staff members posed as models for the day, starting the day with a visit to Christian Dior at Myer for a make over, followed by a glass or two of bubbles before starting the parade. The event was a lot of fun and enjoyed by all.  Thank you to Kylie Zerbst, Lauren Perna and Kate McKinnis of OBUS Designs, thank you to Ann Shoebridge, a very talented milliner and a special thank you to our three models - Emma Blakeney, Kate Devinish and Nadia Tucker.  Thank you also to Mary Edquist, partner, who hosted this event. 
• On 5 October 2009, Ross Donaldson joined M+R working as a part-time Consultant. Ross joins the team of Mark Attard and Allison Grice.  Welcome Ross !
• M+R has now appointed three new legal trainees, who will commence in March 2010, as part of the firm's traineeship program.  Joining us will be Penelope Mason, Adam Stevens and Chris Jones.  Penelope, Adam and Chris were wined and dined at our annual dinner held at Pop Restaurant & Bar on Tuesday 22 September 2009.  Welcome to M+R.
• M+R is working closely with Zoos Victoria to promote their latest campaign - Don't Palm Us Off. See the Zoos Victoria page for further information on this most worthwhile campaign.
• Sean Millard, Special Counsel, is currently travelling to regional areas to educate businesses on the new IR law reforms.  If you would like further information on these new reforms or if your business would like to book a briefing, contact marketing@mrlaw.com.au.
• M+R has recently launched the Green Team who will be responsible for environmental issues and planning the firm's carbon footprint.  It is intended to educate staff on environmental issues both within the firm and from a personal perspective, with the aim being that each staff member will then be able to be responsible for their own personal carbon footprint.  
• On 28 October 2009, M+R will hold their next self insurance seminar which will cover topics including circumstance investigations, vocational assessments, using expert evidence and reports and a panel discussion.  To pre-register your interest in attending this event, email marketing@mrlaw.com.au.
• On 5 August 2009, M+R will hold a boardroom discussion related to health law and medical issues.  For more information, see www.lawyersfordoctors.com.au.
• On 16 July 2009, M+R will host a seminar on the exciting topic of "the Fairwork Act" covering the latest changes to our industrial relation laws.  To pre-register your interest in attending this exciting event, email marketing@mrlaw.com.au.
• On 1 July 2009, two exciting changes took place at M+R.  Philip Rowell officially became a Consultant to the firm, retiring from the partnership.  Philip celebrated his first day as an employee, with a day on the golf course - why, because he could !  Also on 1 July 2009, Sarah Metcalfe (nee Vorwerg) was appointed as a Senior Associate - congratulations Sarah.
• On 29 June 2009, Kate Devenish joined M+R working as a Lawyer in Mark Attard's team, working in the area of construction law.  Welcome to M+R Kate.
• From 5 June to 26 July 2009, Mary Edquist will hold an art exhibition at Yering Station in the Yarra Valley.  Mary's exhibition "A New & Impulsive Voice: Paintings & Collage Kaleidosapes" will be her very first solo exhibition.  The official opening of the exhibition will take place on Sunday 14 June 2009, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  Yering Station is located at 38 Melba Highway Yarra Glen.  Admission is free and all commissions from sales will be donated to the Leukemia Auxiliary of the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.
• On 14 May 2009, M+R celebrated their fifth anniversary, celebrating in style with a firm wide cocktail function.  The evening also celebrated the official retirement (as from 30 June 2009), of two of the firm's partners - Philip Rowell and Robert Tuck - each of whom will continue working at the firm as Consultants.
• On 22 April 2009, Kristy Aiken, Suzi Craig and Ben Shoebridge were admitted to practice.  The ceremony was followed by lunch at Tozzetti and a few well earned glasses of bubbly!
• On 2 March 2009, three new legal trainees joined M+R - Connor Burdon-Bear, Natalie Bodak and Robert Chandra.  Connor, Natalie and Robert will each undertake a twelve month traineeship with the firm.
• Effective from 1 March 2009, Vanessa Kemp, formerly a Senior Associate has been appointed as a Partner with the firm.  Vanessa practices in the areas of professional indemnity insurance, public and product liability insurance and general insurance. Congratulations Vanessa !
• Breakfast session on 26 February 2009 - As the Senate Committee which has been reviewing the Fair Work Bill is to report back to the Senate this Friday and with the potential for a number of issues then to be vigorously debated before the Senate, we have decided to postpone our breakfast seminar set for this Thursday until mid year.  Our sincere apologies for the change though we believe it will make it a more worthwhile exercise for participants to await the Bill in its final form.  We will provide notice of the new date and look forward to seeing you then.
• In 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 31 December 2008, Robert Tuck retired from the Partnership.  Robert will continue to work with the firm as a Consultant.
• 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!