Our Team

The Heart of Sibley Lawyers

We’re more than just a collection of legal professionals; we’re a cohesive unit of passionate advocates, driven by a shared commitment to justice and a deep understanding of the unique challenges our clients face. 

Our Legal Experts

Sibley Lawyers - Our Team

Justin Sibley

Director

With a unique background as a Barrister and former police officer, particularly in criminal investigative teams such as the Child and Sexual Assault Unit, Justin brings invaluable insights into the criminal justice system.

Justin joined the Police Service at 20 years of age. He worked in a range of operational roles, including at Logan, Cairns, Yarrabah and the Railway Squad, before commencing his career in Major and Organise Crime including the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Investigations Unit. He was admitted as a Barrister in 2001, whilst still working as an investigator.

Justin then went on to work with the Commonwealth Government as a Counter Terrorism expert, with postings to Manila, Lebanon and Iraq, before deciding to return to Legal Practice in Qld as a Barrister. In 2017 he formed Sibley Lawyers to assist clients directly by ensuring they receive high level specialist advocacy and representation.

His experience in high-stakes investigations and counter-terrorism informs his strategic approach to defending clients facing complex charges. Justin’s insider knowledge of the workings of Police and wider Government ensures his clients receive an added advantage in defending their matters. Justin has extensive experience in criminal defence, as well as administrative, employment, and family law matters.

Sibley Lawyers - Our Team

Robert Sibley

General Counsel

A seasoned barrister with over four decades of experience, Robert has worked in diverse legal settings, including public defence, prosecution, and private practice.

Sibley Lawyers - Our Team

Jack McDonald

Senior Associate (Employment)

Jack joined Sibley Lawyers in 2020 to grow the Employment and Essential Services offering. During that time, he has managed a large case load of diverse matters, including complex civil and criminal proceedings, judicial and administrative review cases, and hearings involving unfair dismissal and general protections proceedings in both State and Federal courts and commissions.

Jack started his career in a Trade Union, before being admitted in 2018. He has an exceptional foundation to support our clients to defend their employment entitlements. His main area of focus is employment law, where he has experience advising clients across the full range of employment law matters including workplace investigations, employment contracts, and anti-discrimination actions.

He has a particular interest in helping clients navigate the power imbalance in the employment relationship and understands that challenges at work can impact every aspect of a client’s life. Jack has a demonstrated record of taking on the might of large Government departments on behalf of his clients, and winning – righting the wrongs perpetrated against them.

Jack also has a keen interest in the community sector and is a regular volunteer at Caxton Legal Centre.

Sibley Lawyers - Our Team

Hannah Rhodes

Senior Clerk

Hannah has worked in criminal defence since 2020. She practiced as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2023 and, since relocating to Queensland, works at Sibley Lawyers as a senior clerk while awaiting her admission in Australia.

She holds an LLB (Hons) and a Master of Laws. Her experience includes serious criminal matters such as murder, sexual offending, drug and financial crime, as well as summary offences including common assault, theft and traffic matters. She has also worked across all stages of proceedings, including police station interviews, court advocacy, inquests and Parole Board hearings.

In addition to bringing a wealth of criminal experience to our criminal practice, Hannah also works on employment and disciplinary matters, including workplace investigations and the preparation of show cause responses.

Hannah is committed to upholding justice and approaching complex issues in a way that is clear, practical and persuasive. She approaches matters with empathy and without judgement, recognising that clients are often navigating some of the most difficult periods of their lives. She remains supportive throughout the process while applying her academic knowledge and practical experience to achieve the best possible outcome for each client.

Sibley Lawyers - Our Team

Ryan Lindeberg

Solicitor

Ryan worked in the medical and academic profession before becoming a lawyer, holding a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Bachelor of Laws (Hons). He has a scientific mind that he brings to legal problems in a keen way to produce excellent outcomes for our clients.

Sibley Lawyers - Our Team

Merlynne Posner

Solicitor

Merlynne’s strong experience with the firm, across both criminal and employment law, makes her a valuable asset to your legal solutions.

Sibley Lawyers - Our Team

Brianna Elliott

Solicitor

Brianna has been working with Sibley Lawyers for a number of years, and has exposure to a range of criminal and employment law matters. She was admitted to the Supreme Court in 2025 to further her legal work.

Sibley Lawyers - Our Team

Cassandra Dillon

Practice Manager

Cassandra is our Practice Manager and has worked as a psychologist since 2005 in a range of private, not-for-profit, and government roles, supporting diverse client populations across various settings. Her extensive experience has provided her with a strong understanding of the personal, emotional, and psychological challenges individuals can face during difficult life circumstances.

Cassandra’s background in psychology provides valuable insight into the emotional and psychological challenges that legal disputes can have on clients, helping us deliver a more informed and compassionate approach. Her understanding of human behaviour, wellbeing, and effective communication supports our commitment to providing clients with a positive and supportive experience throughout the legal process.

In her role as Practice Manager, Cassandra combines her professional knowledge with strong organisational and client service skills, helping to ensure the practice operates efficiently while maintaining a client-focused approach.

Barristers we brief include

We're here to fight for you

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Every moment counts when you’re facing criminal charges. Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Contact Sibley Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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