Merna Harper

Merna Maroky Harper is the principal solicitor, director, and founder of MMH Lawyers. With over a decade of legal experience, Merna initially developed her expertise at a boutique law firm where she led the Commercial and Business Law Department for five years. Recognising the need for a more client-focused approach to legal services, she established MMH Lawyers to deliver clear, effective, and tailored legal support. Merna’s practice encompasses Business Law, Employment Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship and Administration, as well as Litigation and Disputes. She provides clients with practical guidance on selecting the appropriate business structure, negotiating franchising and licensing agreements, managing mergers and acquisitions, and handling the sale and purchase of businesses. Her commercial law experience also includes advising on retail and commercial leasing, preparing employment contracts and independent contractor agreements, as well as drafting joint venture, shareholder, partnership, and terms of trade agreements. In employment matters, Merna assists clients with unfair dismissal and unlawful termination claims. She also offers comprehensive estate planning services, including advice on guardianship, administration, estate administration, and resolving estate disputes such as family provision claims. Merna is skilled in managing letters of administration, probate, and the distribution of deceased estates. Merna is an effective communicator who ensures her clients are informed at every stage of their matter. She is known for her strategic approach, protecting client interests while minimising risk, and maintaining foresight to stay ahead in complex business transactions. In litigation, Merna combines her determination and diligence to vigorously advocate for her clients in courts across various jurisdictions, including the County Court, Federal Court, and Magistrates’ Court. With an entrepreneurial mindset, Merna is particularly committed to supporting start-ups and small to medium-sized businesses, helping them navigate legal challenges and achieve their business objectives within the framework of the law. Merna holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Business (Accounting), was admitted as a Solicitor in 2012, and is also admitted to practice in the High Court of Australia. She is a member of the Law Institute of Victoria and the Victorian Women Lawyers Association.