.png?width=600&quality=75&resize=contain&format=origin)
.png?width=1920&quality=75&resize=contain)
Michelle Whitehead is a legal practitioner based in South West Rocks who works remotely with Newcastle Legal, specialising in business and commercial law along with intellectual property matters. She assists small businesses and sole traders by drafting clear contracts and advising on copyright and trade mark protection. Michelle also provides mediation services for business disputes, family dispute resolution and Child Inclusive Mediation, delivered online or face-to-face on the Mid-North Coast of NSW. With a strong academic background including a Master of Laws focusing on Alternative Dispute Resolution, and admission to the NSW Supreme Court, she combines practical legal experience with dispute resolution expertise. Beginning her career in a rural law firm handling family and commercial matters, Michelle shifted towards alternative dispute resolution to pursue more collaborative approaches to conflict. Since 2015, she has operated her own online legal practice educating Australian entrepreneurs about legal compliance and providing dispute resolution services. As Special Counsel with Newcastle Legal, Michelle continues to offer remote assistance on contracts, intellectual property and dispute resolution. Clients appreciate her clear communication, prompt advice and ability to manage legal needs tailored to small businesses.
Solicitor
Sheridan Legal Pty Ltd
Mar 2025 - Present • 1 year 8 months
Special Counsel / Solicitor
Newcastle Legal
Jun 2015 - Present • 11 years 5 months
Content Developer
College of Law
May 2015 - Jan 2023 • 7 years 8 months
Solicitor and Mentor to brilliant business owners
Carefree Counsel
May 2015 - Present • 11 years 6 months
Mediator
Self-employed
May 2015 - Jul 2022 • 7 years 2 months
FDRP
May 2015 - Jan 2021 • 5 years 8 months
Research Consultant
ISDR Mediation
Oct 2014 - Dec 2017 • 3 years 2 months
Editor in Chief
Jathenview Pty Ltd
Aug 2014 - Sep 2016 • 2 years 1 month
Research Assistant to Marilyn Scott
University of Technology, Sydney
Apr 2014 - Mar 2018 • 3 years 11 months
Sole Trader
M M Whitehead
Jan 2011 - Aug 2020 • 9 years 7 months
Solicitor
C A Williams Legal
Dec 2010 - Jun 2015 • 4 years 6 months
Vocational Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution
Institute of Family Practice
2013 - 2014
Master of Laws (LLM), Dispute Resolution
University of Technology Sydney
2011 - 2014
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Law
College of Law (St Leonards)
2008 - 2009
LLB, Law
University of New England (AU)
2001 - 2006
BA, English
University of Sydney
1993 - 2001
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws, · English
University of Sydney
1993 - 2001
HSC, English
Mt St Benedict GHS
1986 - 1992
Last checked: 15 May 2026 • Checked with The Law Society of NSW
