Maddocks' team is under the leadership of Michael Winram, who regularly advises government agencies and local councils, energy companies, developers and other private entities on native title matters and appears in the Federal Court in native title applications. Susanne Rakoczy is well-versed in mining, land access, native title, cultural heritage and stakeholder engagement matters, whilst Joshua Same advises clients on environmental legislation, native title and statutory processes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The practice has very well-qualified lawyers who work diligently for their clients' causes. They communicate really well and are always on top of the issues that arise.’
‘Michael Winram and Susanne Rakoczy are each outstanding in the work they do on the matter in which I am briefed. They are always well-prepared and informed about the matter.’
‘Maddocks have provided excellent service - second-to-none.’
‘Chong Ming Goh is brilliant and advice is always much appreciated.'
'Susanne Rakoczy is not only a native title lawyer but also an archaeologist and anthropologist which makes her work in our field - second-to-none.'
‘The team has extensive experience in public law and also specialisation in the area of dealing with native title and aboriginal land rights. The team well-understands the challenges and needs that the local council faces and the advice they provided was solid, thorough and reliable.'
'They are easy to work with, patient in communicating, clear and concise in explaining, and produced very complete advice on the matter within the timeframe.'
‘Susanne Rakoczy has extensive knowledge and industrial experiences in native title, aboriginal land rights and culture heritage. Susanne showed excellent skills in interpersonal and communication, time management, and professionalism in their work with us.’
Key clients
- Corangamite Shire Council
- Ararat Shire Council
- Warrnambool
- Southern Grampians
- Colac Otway Shire
- Parkes Shire Council
- Richmond Valley Council
- Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water
- Victorian Government
- Waverley Council
- Watsonville Aboriginal Corporation
Work highlights
Acting as trusted legal adviser to NSW local councils undertaking capital works projects, engaged for our expertise in native title, Aboriginal heritage and Aboriginal land rights.
Providing comprehensive legal advice to Waverley Council to ensure compliance with native title obligations and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocols when preparing their plans of management (PoM) for 13 coastal reserves.
Providing Watsonville Aboriginal Corporation on advice concerning an electricity pole on native title land.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Michael Winram
Other key lawyers
Susanne Rakoczy; Joshua Same; Chong Ming Goh