HANNAH MILLS / co-founder & MANAGING PARTNER

Passionate falls short of describing Hannah Ellis, co-founder of The Workplace.

Hannah co-founded The Workplace to change the way people think about their lawyers. She doesn't over-complicate matters or over-sell.

Instead, Hannah helps clients proactively manage their employee relationships and stay out of court when ever possible. When conflicts arise, Hannah applies an empathetic and rational approach, controls the damage, and works with clients to minimize future risk.

Before co-founding The Workplace, Hannah worked as a senior solicitor within the incorporated legal practice of an HR solutions company. Before that, she worked in a large global law firm. She graduated with first class honours and has HR/IR experience. She understands the commercial and legal pressures that employers face—and she lives for helping her clients navigate them.

Hannah prides herself on her vibrant, personable and dynamic approach. “My philosophy? Work hard, be nice to people, and stay humble,” she says.


ALINA KAYE / PARTNER

Alina combines her brilliant legal mind with a calm approach, to help her clients achieve practical, commercial outcomes.

Alina is client-focussed and practical, always looking to find commercial solutions to complex problems and issues.  She believes in forming strong client relationships so that she can find solutions that align with client goals and strategy.

Alina is an experienced employment and industrial law specialist, who has worked with clients across a range of industries including media, finance, education, telecommunications, retail and hospitality.  Alina has previously worked in a boutique employment law practice and in the employment teams of large, national and international firms. Her clients praise her calm, considered and highly strategic approach to workplace issues.

Alina is passionate about employment law and keeping on top of the constantly evolving legal and political space.  She has also spent part of her career working as a Senior Writer for one of the world’s leading legal publishers Thomson Reuters. She prides herself on keeping up-to-date with the latest developments and assisting clients to proactively navigate these changes.


PATRICIA RYAN / CO-FOUNDER & Consultant

After decades in practice, The Workplace co-founder Patricia Ryan is still surprised, excited, and inspired by her work. She continues to support the team in a mentorship capacity, bringing her wisdom to the team’s advice on complex workplace situations.

“Employment law is about human relationships—and it’s fascinating,” she says. “There’s a constant pull between enabling a business, and working within defined regulations.”

Precise and pragmatic, Patricia navigates this give-and-take by analysing a given issue, identifying goals, and building a plan of action from the ground up. Trained as a mediator, Patricia has a special flair for conflict resolution. She successfully trains clients and their staff, offers concise solutions, and builds enduring client relationships.

Prior to co-founding The Workplace, Patricia worked in law firms and in-house, as well as with an employer association. Working extensively in employment and industrial law and human resource management, Patricia honed her pragmatic, people-oriented approach. “Most of the time, effective conflict resolution isn’t about one party winning and the other losing. It’s about finding a solution that keeps everyone’s dignity intact.”


James Lovibond / SOLICITOR

James is a people focused lawyer. He thrives on providing solutions that leave your business in better shape and building solid client relationships.

James’ warm nature and passion for helping employers prevent and manage workplace issues ensures our clients feel understood and supported when issues arise.

James was admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2021 after completing his Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Technology Sydney. James worked in a number of legal domains including commercial law, conveyancing and estate planning before discovering his passion for employment law.


marie scott / practice manager

Marie’s passion for organisation, strong problem-solving skills and extensive legal industry experience makes her the operational backbone of The Workplace.

Marie has worked in the legal industry for more than 22 years, most recently in the litigation and employment teams of one of Australia’s top tier corporate law firms.

Marie has extensive administrative experience, a meticulous eye for detail and a calm demeanour.

She is passionate about developing and nurturing client and working relationships and prides herself on the ability to really listen and understand the needs of others.


Pip Negus / Credit Assistant

Pip’s unwavering positivity and friendly client service approach make her a firm favourite and one of the nicest credit controllers you could meet!  

Pip holds extensive accounts, sales, and debtor management experience across many industries. 

Strategic and solution-oriented, Pip’s no-nonsense common sense makes her a highly valued and effective member of the team. 

Always looking to achieve the best financial outcomes for The Workplace and its clients, her practical and compassionate communication style results in a personable, expedited accounts experience for our clients.