Michelle Hannon

She was one of the first full time pro bon lawyers employed in Australia, starting in that role with G+T in 1997.

She has also been the partner responsible for our CSR practice since it was formally established in 2007.  The CSR practice compliments G+T’s pro bono practice with a particular focus on working with First Nations people and communities, the development and implementation of G+T’s Reconciliation Action Plan, a First Nations Youth Program supporting Fist Nations law students through employment and development opportunities during their studies.

Michelle acts for marginalised and disadvantaged individuals and organisations representing those who cannot otherwise afford legal assistance. The practice acts across a range of legal areas and has a focus on legal issues affecting First Nations Australians, People with Disabilities and Refugees and conducts more than 500 matters a year.

Michelle has a broad experience in a many areas of law impacting the practices clients.  Her practice is varied and includes litigation for individual and organisations at all levels of the judicial system in matters involving human rights, contractual disputes, administrative review, burial disputes, native title work, corporate governance work for not for profits, advocating for legal change to create a fairer legal system and increased access to justice for our client groups.  Michelle has a particular focus on in discrimination and human rights law, particularly in the area of disability, race and gender.  She has conducted several public interest and test cases in these areas and made successful communications to the United Nations Human Rights Committee alleging human rights breaches by the Australian Government.  She has also advocated for changes to domestic discrimination laws to provide protection for all against discrimination.