Meryem Apak

Meryem Apak is a distinguished legal professional and the founding force behind Melbourne Lawyers and Mediators. With an exceptional blend of international legal expertise and unwavering dedication to community service, Meryem has carved out a notable career that spans various legal domains including criminal law, commercial contracts, and family violence matters. Her dedication to cultural sensitivity and excellence forms the cornerstone of the firm's ethos. Meryem's legal journey began at Victoria Legal Aid in Broadmeadows, where she served as a criminal lawyer and duty lawyer at the Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court and Children's Court. Her commitment to justice saw her rise to the position of Senior Duty Lawyer, where she travelled to regional Victoria, before advancing to the role of Associate Public Defender within the Criminal Law Division of VLA. In 2004, Meryem was called to the Victorian Bar, where she further honed her skills as a Barrister, handling cases related to Criminal Law, Family Violence, Intervention Orders, and proceedings in the Children's and Family Courts. Her transition to private practice was preceded by her overseas experience as in-house counsel at the Qatar Financial Centre and later, the prestigious Alfardan Group Holding Company in Doha, Qatar. Her role in these capacities involved advising on and negotiating complex commercial contracts for prominent hotel developments and corporate lease agreements with entities like Boeing and the USA Government Military. Meryem's return to Australia and her decision to establish Melbourne Lawyers and Mediators marks a full circle in her career, as she reconnects with the community where her legal journey began. The firm reflects her vision of providing efficient, culturally sensitive legal services that cater to the unique needs of Melbourne's vibrant and multicultural community. As a fluent Turkish speaker with NAATI Level 3 Accreditation, Meryem also ensures that the firm delivers comprehensive bilingual services, further enhancing its community-focused approach. Her reputation as a passionate court advocate and her excellent rapport with clients underscore her commitment to delivering personalised legal solutions. Under Meryem's leadership, Melbourne Lawyers and Mediators continues to stand as a testament to her legal acumen and dedication to community wellbeing.