Mary Dorley

Mary Dorley

Hello, I'm Mary.

I'm a Ipswich Family Lawyer at Best Wilson Buckley.

I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard, respected and supported, particularly during times of uncertainty. My approach combines practical legal advice with genuine empathy, ensuring my clients understand their options and feel empowered to make informed decisions about their future.

Background

My professional journey has always centred around helping people and making a positive difference in their lives.

Since being admitted as a Solicitor in 2020, I've gained experience across family law, child protection, domestic and family violence, and immigration law.

Before joining Best Wilson Buckley, I worked at a Community Legal Centre supporting First Nations communities with child protection, domestic violence and parenting matters. I've also practised as an Immigration Lawyer, assisting refugees and migrants with protection visas, partner visas and citizenship applications.

My experience extends beyond the legal profession, having worked in youth services, disability support and community-focused roles throughout South East Queensland. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the challenges people face and strengthened my commitment to providing accessible, practical and compassionate legal support.

In 2026, I was proud to be nominated for the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards in the Pro Bono/Community Lawyer category, reflecting my ongoing commitment to community service and access to justice.

Why Family Law?

I've always known I wanted a career where I could advocate for others and contribute to meaningful change.

While my initial ambition was to become a criminal prosecutor, my experiences working alongside vulnerable individuals and families led me towards family law. I discovered a profession where I could combine my passion for justice with the opportunity to make a genuine difference during some of life's most challenging moments.

What I find most rewarding is helping people move through difficult circumstances towards greater stability and a more positive future. I believe that challenging experiences should not define a person's future, and I feel privileged to support clients as they work towards the next chapter of their lives.

Best Wilson Buckley's values of Vision, Contribution, Nurture and Connection closely align with my own, and I'm proud to be part of a team that places such importance on supporting people and building meaningful relationships.

My Approach

I would describe my approach as compassionate, approachable and practical.

I understand that family law matters can be emotionally overwhelming, which is why I place great importance on creating an environment where clients feel comfortable, listened to and supported. Clients have particularly appreciated my clear communication, responsiveness and ability to explain complex legal matters in a straightforward and reassuring way. I believe strong relationships are built on trust, honesty and open communication. I take the time to understand each client's individual circumstances and provide realistic advice tailored to their needs and goals.

Above all, I want my clients to feel confident that they have someone in their corner who genuinely cares about their circumstances and is committed to helping them move forward.

Areas of expertise

Awards

Qualifications

  • -  Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (2019) – Griffith University
  • -  Bachelor of Government and International Relations (2019) – Griffith University
  • -  Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (2020) – Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
  • -  Graduate Certificate in Human Services (2021) – Griffith University
  • -  Graduate Certificate in Management (2025) – Australian Institute of Management
  • -  Community Justice Services Qualification: Qualified Justice of the Peace (Qualified) 2025
  • -  Admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland (2020)
  • -  Admitted to the High Court of Australia (2025)
  • -  Legal Practitioner registered with the Department of Home Affairs
  • -  Qualified Justice of the Peace (Qualified) appointed through the Queensland
  • -  Department of Justice and Attorney-General
  • -  Active volunteer providing community justice services through my role as a Justice of the Peace

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Cassie Boland

Cassie Boland

Acting Chief Legal Officer & Special Counsel
Natalia Hutchison

Natalia Hutchison

Legal Practice Manager & AssociateFamily Dispute Resolution Practitioner
Adele Bentham

Adele Bentham

Legal Practice Manager & Special Counsel
Rachel Stuart

Rachel Stuart

Senior Associate
Fadzai Mamvura

Fadzai Mamvura

Senior Associate
Brittany Kelly

Brittany Kelly

Associate
Stephanie Millar

Stephanie Millar

Associate
Sophia De Klerk

Sophia De Klerk

Associate
Govind Sharma

Govind Sharma

Solicitor
Katie Cottle

Katie Cottle

Graduate Solicitor
Monica Jamil

Monica Jamil

Graduate Solicitor
Rebecca Howe

Rebecca Howe

Law Clerk
Jade Davies

Jade Davies

Law Clerk
Chloe Hodgson

Chloe Hodgson

Law Clerk
Taylor Ross

Taylor Ross

Paralegal
Ashleigh Potter

Ashleigh Potter

Paralegal
Emma Fitzsimmons

Emma Fitzsimmons

Paralegal
Elisabeth Fritz-Joughin

Elisabeth Fritz-Joughin

Paralegal
Kylie Nicholls

Kylie Nicholls

Finance Manager
Jessica Chapman

Jessica Chapman

Operations Leader
Esther Patterson

Esther Patterson

Accounts Officer
Cassandra Bate

Cassandra Bate

Receptionist
Amber O’Brien

Amber O’Brien

Reception and Administration Support
Jasmine Day

Jasmine Day

Reception and Administration Support
Aleeyah Maqbool

Aleeyah Maqbool

Reception and Administration Support
Sarah Kelly

Sarah Kelly

Reception and Administration Support

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