Mikaela French

Solicitor

Meeanjin| Brisbane

Mikaela is a proud Torres Strait Islander from Mabuiag Island with family connections to the Wagadagem and Ngaragi Tribe and an emerging leader in her field.

Listed as a Rising Star in Native Title in Doyle’s Guide for the first time in 2022, Mikaela brings a unique perspective and ‘on ground’ experience to provide commercial and culturally appropriate advice to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients and organisations looking for practical outcomes to complex issues.

Mikaela has worked in the commercial and native title sector with project proponents, statutory entities, local government, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and other stakeholders. In her practice she provides commercial advice on transactions, governance, obligations and duties for entities including commercial enterprise, not-for-profits, Indigenous corporations and businesses.

Mikaela has been involved in, and assisted with, negotiations for native title claim proceedings in the Federal Court and advises clients in relation to native title processes, Cultural Heritage Management Plans/Agreements and Indigenous Land Use Agreements. She also supports clients with post-determination assistance to facilitate the empowerment of their communities and protection of cultural heritage and significant sites.

Mikaela is proud to work in an area of law that creates positive and genuine change for her clients, particularly in native title determination processes. 

Beyond her practice, Mikaela works hard to promote Indigenous voices in the legal profession as a Committee Member of the Indigenous Lawyers Association of Queensland, Australia’s Lawyer’s Alliance and Queensland Young Lawyers. Mikaela also sits on community boards to support the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and their organisations.