Melbourne criminal law specialist and family lawyer

About Nelson Brown Legal

Getting to know you, not just your legal issue

Nelson Brown Legal was recognised in three different categories in the 2020 Doyle's Guide. Read more about this achievement.

Nelson Brown

Principal

Nelson has been admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor since 2010. Since then, he has practised across three different jurisdictions – South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria. Nelson has been practising in Victoria since 2013. In 2016, Nelson was recognised as an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist by the Law Institute of Victoria. This means Nelson has specialised skills, superior knowledge, experience and proficiency in all areas of criminal law. It also means Nelson is on the Victoria Legal Aid panel and can represent legally aided clients.

Through getting to know his clients, their personal circumstance and background – Nelson can explain complex legal advice in a clear, easy to understand manner. He is a passionate and professional advocate on behalf of his clients and always strives for the best outcomes. He appears regularly for his clients in complex matters in the Magistrates’, County and Supreme Courts across Victoria.

In 2020, Nelson was recognised as a recommended Victorian Criminal Defence Lawyer and a recommended Victorian Traffic and DUI Lawyer in the Doyle’s Guide.

In 2020, Nelson was was recognised in the Doyle’s Guide – he was named a recommended Victorian Criminal Defence Lawyer and a recommended Victorian Traffic and DUI Lawyer. In 2024, Nelson was again recognised as a recommended Traffic and DUI Lawyer. Also in 2024, Nelson was a finalist in the Ally Advocate category of the Connecting Lawyer Mums™️ Inspire Awards.


Kyle McLaughlin

Senior Associate

Kyle is a driven and assertive solicitor advocate, settling for no less than excellent results for his clients. With thorough preparation and clear, constant communication, Kyle ensures that every client is listened to, informed and confident at each stage of their court matter.

Kyle graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from La Trobe University and completed his Practical Legal Training at the College of Law. After being admitted to practice Kyle has worked on a variety of criminal matters, making appearances at both the Magistrates’ Court Jurisdiction and the County Court Jurisdiction as a solicitor advocate, and additionally as an instructing solicitor at the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Kyle maintains a high level of integrity and determination when dealing with his clients, acknowledging the importance of both the legal and personal aspects of each individual case. Kyle prides himself in his confidence and compassion equally, to suit a wide array of criminal matters and circumstances.

In 2023, Kyle was recognised as a rising star in the Doyle's Guide.


Thilini Melanka

Solicitor

Thilini graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from Monash University and completed her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at Leo Cussen Centre for Law. Thilini was admitted to practice in August 2024.

Thilini is dedicated to ensuring all matters are well-organised and researched, to assist her in delivering the best possible outcomes. She is dedicated to approaching each matter with a clear and open mind, with the intention of ensuring all clients are both heard and understood.  

Prior to joining Nelson Brown Legal, Thilini worked in a number of Community Legal Centres which has shaped her skill set to meet the demands of a private criminal law practice. Thilini also spent time working in banking and finance prior to finishing her law degree.


Daisy Brown

Practice Manager

As Practice Manager, Daisy is responsible for overseeing the operational and administrative aspects of Nelson Brown Legal – ensuing the firm operates efficiently and professionally.

With a background in journalism and broadcasting, Daisy can communicate respectfully and humbly to all – clients and their families, colleagues, stakeholders, and the broader justice sector.

Prior to joining Nelson Brown Legal, Daisy was a Senior Communications Advisor at Victoria Legal Aid where she project-managed significant corporate publications, including the annual report. It was at VLA, where Daisy learnt and understood the diverse and complex needs of clients in the criminal justice sector. As Practice Manager at Nelson Brown Legal, Daisy is committed to ensuring all clients are listened to and their legal problems are addressed in a timely manner.

To speak with the team, please get in touch with Nelson Brown Legal today.