what we believe
Our clients come first.
The world has changed a lot since we first opened our doors in 1975. Our mission hasn’t. McManus & Co Lawyers has remained steadfastly committed to providing our clients with trusted, quality legal services.
In those early days, we made it our business to really get to know our clients and their families. We still do. In fact, the third generation of some of our very first clients are still with us today.
So what’s changed? Over 50 years, our team has grown, and we’ve become accredited specialists in wills and estates by the Law Institute of Victoria while expanding our expertise in conveyancing.
Meet the team
At McManus & Co Lawyers, we’re one big family. And we’re all passionate about what we do.
Our amazing team work together to achieve great results. So, while you may have one primary contact here at McManus & Co Lawyers, know that our collective know-how and experience will be applied to get the best outcome for your legal matter.
Beate A. McManus
Principal Lawyer and Notary Public
One of the first female lawyers in Melbourne, Beate is a true trailblazer. She founded B.A.McManus Barrister and Solicitor at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Maribyrnong at just 25 years of age. Since those early days, she has worked on a huge range of cases. Her experience is second-to-none – our clients love her well-honed ability to provide frank and upfront advice.
Beate speaks fluent German.
Gabrielle McManus
Principal Lawyer,
Accredited Specialist in Wills + Estates and Notary Public
Gabrielle is recognised by the Law Institute of Victoria as an Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates—an accreditation awarded to lawyers who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in their field. She is also a Trust and Estate Practitioner with the global Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), a member of the Law Institute of Victoria’s Succession Law Committee, and holds an Applied Double Masters in Wills & Estates and Family Law. Additionally, she has received specialised training as a collaborative lawyer in Wills, Estates, and Family Law.
With decades of experience, Gabrielle understands that making a will can feel daunting—too complex, overwhelming, or easy to put off. She takes a clear, practical approach, guiding clients step by step to ensure they have a strong, tailored estate plan that protects what matters most.
For those facing an estate dispute, she knows the process can be emotionally charged, stressful, and uncertain. Gabrielle provides calm, strategic guidance, helping clients understand their options and work toward the best possible outcome—always prioritising solutions that minimise risk, cost, and unnecessary conflict.
Whether planning ahead or navigating a dispute, Gabrielle’s goal is to give clients clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Gabrielle is also a Notary Public and speaks fluent German.
Taylah Hollands
MANAGING LAWYER
Taylah is a revelation. She’s a lawyer so capable, we can quite confidently call her the next rising star.
Taylah has communication skills beyond her years, a hawk like eye for detail, organisation skills to die for and an ability to make complex legal concepts easily understood (harder than assembling Ikea furniture).
Madeline Rintoul
LAWYER
Madeline joined McManus & Co after over 5 years working in the Supreme Court of Victoria. She has experience in estate litigation and working with clients under legal disabilities, although she much prefers to use this experience to help clients reach resolutions outside of the courts.
Madeline loves working with people to achieve their personalised best outcome – no one-size-fits-all approach here! She is a fantastic problem-solver, innovative and adaptable, and strives to give her clients peace-of-mind and certainty through the estate planning process.
Carolyn Martin
Senior Conveyancer
Carolyn loves to help her clients through the conveyancing process and does it backed up by decades of experience.
Nothing is too much for her when it comes to protecting and supporting her clients. With Carolyn in your corner, you can rest assured you’ll be well looked after.
Leila Calafati
reception
Leila is the warm and welcoming face that will greet you at our Melbourne office. Currently in her third year of law at Victoria University, Leila brings both warmth and growing legal knowledge to every administrative task. Whether it's booking your appointment or emailing documents, Leila’s got it all covered with a smile.
Susanne White
oFFICE MANAGER (and Head of Vibes)
Susanne keeps the wheels at McManus & Co turning. She’s the friendly voice on the phone and the one who keeps the back end of our practice shipshape.
Ask her a question and she’ll go above and beyond to get you the answer.