Legal Team

Your One Stop Melbourne Commercial & Expert Litigation Lawyers
We Provide Legal Services across a range of Practice Areas
We are located in the suburb of Niddrie approximately 20 minutes from Melbourne CBD. We have been providing legal services to clients for more than a decade.

Sidney Mendis

Principal Barrister & Solicitor (MCIArb)

Bachelor of Laws, Graduates diploma of laws (Melbourne University)

Sidney is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia.

Sidney has over 35 years of experience as an advocate in commercial, civil, family law and criminal litigation. He has studied at Melbourne University. He continues to provide advice on a wide range of legal matters, mainly in his speciality area in commercial law and commercial litigation.

On October 2017, Law Institute of Victoria Lawyers Journal featured Sidney Mendis, the principle lawyer of Mendis & Gibson Lawyers in their article. The article shared how in 35 years of practice he has grown as a legal practitioner. Throughout his career he has developed his legal skills and knowledge as an advocate for the vulnerable who are not familiar with the legal system.

Sidney has developed exceptional people skills which has enabled him to excel in all areas of law. His strength stems from his ability to read people; this attribute is a credit to his ability to build an amazing team that focuses and cares about clients and their needs. “LIV Journal Link’’

Sidney has supervised and trained many legal practitioners and mentored lawyers throughout his legal career who are currently in different levels of the legal profession. He has contributed to the legal profession and the community with his continued mentorship and to give voice to the vulnerable amongst his other efforts.

Shawn Mendis

Shawn Mendis

Solicitor & Partner at Shawn Mendis Lawyers (Pakenham Office)

Juris Doctor (Monash University) & Bachelor of Accounting

Shawn Mendis is a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia and also admitted as a barrister and Solicitor of High Court of New Zealand. 

Shawn comes from a Legal and Accounting background and he focuses primarily on Business Advisory, Tax Law Matters, Contracts and Commercial Disputes. He has sound knowledge of the Commercial and Business Environment. He has completed his Law School in Monash University.

He advices individuals, small and medium business clients. He specialises in Sales of Business/Purchase of Business. He deals with individuals setting up business from scratch to business-to-business clients with complex business structures, franchise involvement, Intellectual property, and employee transfers. Shawn is well equipped to advice on any complex business transfer/sales matters given his skill set and background in accounting. He is also great at advising on various business matters such as director’s duties, shareholder disputes and partners disputes.

Shawn is currently the driving force of the business, as the practice manager he overlooks and steers the strategic growth and continued improvement of the firm. He has introduced latest technology and methods so that the firm can deliver consistently and uphold their quality standards on legal services with enhanced customer relationship and satisfaction.

Shawn Mendis is a Solicitor and Partner at Shawn Mendis Lawyers, leading the Pakenham office while managing practice operations at the Niddrie office. Primarily based in Pakenham, Shawn regularly attends the Niddrie office to ensure consistent and high-quality legal services across both locations.

Shawn is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia and is also admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. With qualifications in both Law and Accounting, Shawn brings a unique blend of legal expertise and financial acumen to his practice.

A graduate of Monash University Law School, Shawn specializes in Business Advisory, Wills & Estate, Family Law, Contracts, and Criminal Law. He is adept at navigating complex legal environments, providing strategic advice to individuals and small to medium-sized enterprises. His areas of focus include business sales, purchases, franchise dealings, intellectual property issues, employee transfers, and criminal defense. Shawn’s accounting background further enhances his ability to handle intricate business transactions and disputes.

As the driving force behind Mendis & Gibson Lawyers, Shawn is committed to strategic growth and client satisfaction. He has introduced modern technology and innovative practices to ensure clients receive efficient, reliable, and tailored legal support.

Shawn’s approachable nature and commitment to delivering practical, client-centered solutions make him a trusted advisor. His leadership across both offices reflects his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of service and professionalism. 

Aypril Ahmet

Aypril Ahmet

Solicitor at Mendis & Gibson Lawyers

Aypril Ahmet is a friendly, approachable, and highly knowledgeable solicitor at Mendis & Gibson Lawyers. She has extensive experience across various legal areas, specializing in Commercial Law, Family Law, Estate Litigation, Wills & Power of Attorney, Contract Law, and Criminal Law.

Aypril is dedicated to guiding clients through their legal matters with clarity and compassion. Her approachable nature ensures that clients feel comfortable discussing their concerns, while her commitment to thorough, practical advice guarantees the best possible outcomes.

Whether managing complex commercial transactions, advocating in family disputes, preparing wills, or navigating criminal cases, Aypril’s expertise and client-focused approach make her a valued member of the Mendis & Gibson Lawyers team. 

Melinda Reece

Melinda Reece

Solicitor at Mendis & Gibson Lawyers

Melinda Reece is a dynamic and approachable solicitor at Mendis & Gibson Lawyers, known for her proactive and client-focused approach. She brings a wealth of experience in Family Law, Criminal Law, Wills & Estate, and Property Law.

Melinda is passionate about helping clients navigate legal challenges with confidence and clarity. Her friendly and engaging nature puts clients at ease, while her commitment to achieving positive outcomes sets her apart. Melinda takes pride in being an active listener, ensuring that every client feels heard and supported throughout their legal journey.

As a dedicated team player, Melinda works collaboratively with her colleagues to deliver comprehensive and well-rounded legal solutions. Her enthusiasm for the law, combined with her practical problem-solving skills, makes her an essential member of the Mendis & Gibson Lawyers team. 

Dr Joane Jonathan

Dr Joane Jonathan

Business Development Manager

PHD in Accounting & CPA

She is an highly enthusiastic business manager with vast experience in the areas of Management Consulting, Accounting and in Corporate Governance. She started her early career in Auditing and later moved into Academia. She has sound knowledge in Business Advisory and Accounting. Joane holds a Phd in Accounting and specialises but not limited to Public and Corporate Governance, Performance and Management Accounting. Joane is a people savvy person who understands and caters to the personalised business needs of clients and the firm. She is also a Certified Practising Accounting (CPA).