Founder Story: Melanie Vairawanathan on Redefining Family Law with Kindness and Strategy

For Melanie Vairawanathan, building her own law firm wasn’t part of the plan. But when the system didn’t work for her, she decided to rewrite the rules—and in doing so, she’s changing the way family law is practised in Australia.

“Honestly, Melmark Law was born because life did not go to plan and because I am stubborn enough to make my own rules when the system does not work for me,” Melanie reflects. “By the time I became a mum, I had been practising as a lawyer for over a decade, having been admitted in 2013, and I was at the top of my game professionally. But I quickly realised the legal system was still not built for working mums. There was no village, no flexibility, and no space to do both roles well.

“So I walked away from a secure, well-paying job and decided to start something different, a firm that was fierce in the courtroom but soft with its people, technically excellent but deeply human. Melmark Law is my proof that you do not have to choose between being a great lawyer and being a great mum.”

In just three years, Melanie’s determination has turned heads across the industry. “We are only in our third year, which is still very young in business terms, but we have already been recognised with some of the highest honours in the profession. On 12 August at Rydges in Geelong I won the AusMumpreneur Award for Legal Services. Just two days later, on 14 August at The Star in Sydney, I was named Sole Practitioner of the Year at the Australian Law Awards, which is the most prestigious awards event in law. Out of 1,051 submissions, 344 finalists, and only 35 winners, I was honoured to be one of them. These wins are not just trophies for the shelf. They are proof that it is possible to do law differently and still achieve excellence.”

A Journey That Shapes Every Case

Melanie’s personal journey is the heart of her work. “I came to Australia at 17 as a first-generation migrant with no network, no safety net, and a big dream. Over the years, I have navigated life as a woman of colour in a male-dominated profession, become a mother, and endured personal adversity. I know exactly what it feels like to have the odds stacked against you and to keep going anyway.”

That experience now shapes how she approaches clients at their most vulnerable moments. “My personal journey shapes everything about the way I support my clients. That lived experience means I bring more than just legal expertise to my work. I bring empathy, perspective, and a deep understanding that the law is not just about cases and documents. It is about people at some of the most vulnerable points in their lives. I built Melmark Law to be a place where clients feel safe, supported, and genuinely heard, no matter their background or circumstances. My goal is for every client to walk away feeling not just represented but understood and empowered.”

Collaborative Law: A Kinder Alternative

While family law is often seen as combative, Melanie is one of the few practitioners championing a different approach.

“Collaborative Law is a very different way of resolving family law disputes. Instead of preparing for a court battle where one side ‘wins’ and the other ‘loses,’ both parties and their lawyers commit from the outset to staying out of court. Everyone works together, in the same room, to find solutions that genuinely meet both parties’ needs, especially when children are involved.

“It is an interest-based process rather than a position-based one. That means we focus on the ‘why’ behind each person’s concerns, rather than just the demands they put on the table. The aim is to craft outcomes that actually work for the family in real life, rather than having a judge who has never met you or your children impose a decision.

“I am one of the very few family lawyers in Melbourne who is collaboratively trained, and Melmark Law is one of only a handful of family law firms in the city that actively offers Collaborative Law as an option for clients. This is not yet a common pathway in Australia, but it is growing, and I am passionate about showing families that there is a better, kinder, and often less costly and less stressful way to resolve disputes.”

Building Bridges: The Virtual Office

Melanie’s passion for innovation extends beyond her own firm. Through The Virtual Office, which she co-founded, she’s creating new opportunities for women in Sri Lanka to contribute their skills to the Australian legal system.

“The Virtual Office… provides high-quality legal and administrative assistance to law firms across Australia without the cost and constraints of a traditional office. Instead of hiring full-time, in-house staff, we connect firms with skilled professionals who work remotely.

“What makes this especially close to my heart is the opportunities it creates for women in Sri Lanka. Many of the talented paralegals and administrative staff we work with are Sri Lankan women who have incredible skills but limited access to flexible, well-paid roles in the local market. For those balancing work with caring responsibilities or cultural expectations, traditional office jobs are often not an option.

“Through The Virtual Office, these women can work from home, choose their hours, and still be part of meaningful, professional work that contributes to the legal system in Australia. It is a way of keeping talent in the profession that might otherwise be lost, while also creating a bridge between my two worlds, my heritage in Sri Lanka and my career in Australia.”

Breaking Down Barriers to Justice

Melmark Law is also a JustFund accredited firm, giving clients access to funding options for legal fees.

“Being a JustFund accredited firm has been a game changer for our clients. It means we can offer funding options for legal fees to eligible clients, so they do not have to give up their rights or settle for far less than they deserve just because they cannot pay upfront.

“It has opened the door for people who would otherwise be locked out of justice, especially in matters where financial abuse or power imbalances are at play. Often, the other side is in a stronger financial position and can afford to drag things out. Now, my clients can stand their ground knowing they have the resources to see it through. For me, this is exactly what access to justice should look like. It is not just about having your day in court, it is about having the means and support to get there without jeopardising your future.”

A Team That Reflects Its Clients

Melanie is quick to point out that Melmark Law’s greatest strength lies in its team. “Honestly, it was never part of some grand plan to have a fully female, multicultural team. In the beginning we just kept attracting highly-skilled women who shared the same values and vision for doing law differently. Over time it became one of our greatest strengths, a workplace built on empathy, collaboration, and genuine mutual support.

“Being multicultural is just as important. Our team reflects the communities we serve, and that matters. Clients walk through our doors and see people who look like them, sound like them, and understand the nuances of their cultural background. They know they do not have to explain or justify their traditions, values, or experiences because we get it.”

Leading with Cultural Safety and Trauma-Informed Care

“For me, cultural safety and trauma-informed care are not add-ons to the work we do — they are the foundation of it. Every client interaction starts with respect, choice, and empowerment. I take the time to learn about a client’s cultural background, how they prefer to communicate, and what they need to feel safe.

“Being trauma-informed means I am mindful of triggers and that I pace the process in a way that matches the client’s emotional and mental capacity at the time. I am always aware that most people come to me during one of the most difficult and vulnerable chapters of their life. My job is not just to give legal advice but to guide them through it in a way that feels safe, respectful, and as supportive as possible.”

Vision and Advice for the Next Generation

Looking ahead, Melanie is clear on her ambitions: “My vision for Melmark Law is to grow, but never lose the heart and personal touch that define us. I want to expand our reach so more people can access the kind of legal support that is both strategic and deeply human. That means growing our collaborative law practice, increasing our pro bono work, and ensuring cost is never the reason someone walks away from their rights.

“Long term, I want Melmark Law to be the leading example of how a modern, flexible, and inclusive law firm can thrive without losing its soul.”

And for women trying to carve a place in male-dominated industries? Melanie doesn’t hold back: “My biggest piece of advice is do not make yourself smaller to make other people comfortable. Bring your voice, your perspective, and your way of leading to the table unapologetically. You are there for a reason, and you do not need to dilute yourself to fit a mould that was never designed with you in mind.

“And finally, remember you do not have to play by the old rules to succeed. In fact, some of my proudest achievements have come from breaking them and building my own. You can lead differently, you can practise differently, and you can still be at the top of your game without losing who you are.”

 To get in touch with Melanie, visit the Melmark Law website here.