A dynamic law firm by McGirr
& Snell
Specialised in Commercial Litigation, Insurance Litigation and Media & Defamation Law.
A dynamic law firm by McGirr
& Snell
Specialised in Commercial Litigation, Insurance Litigation, and Media & Defamation Law.
Our key practice areas
01
Disputes & Litigation
Handling disputes on behalf of a diverse client base, Australia wide and in all court jurisdictions.
We specialise in commercial litigation, insurance litigation and media & defamation law.
02
Insurance
We have a combined 60 years’ experience acting for major Australian and international insurers.
We know how the industry works; and now we act for policy holders.
03
Media & Defamation
Specialised defamation and media law experience successfully representing a diverse client base.
We provide top-tier client outcomes without the big firm costs.
Our 2021 awards
Executive of the Year - Finalist
This award recognises Danielle Snell as an outstanding leader setting the benchmark for excellence in the legal profession.
Most Influential Lawyer - Changemaker
This esteemed award recognises Danielle Snell for her significant contributions to the legal profession across the areas of innovation, diversity and leadership.
NewLaw Firm of the Year - Finalist
The Lawyers Weekly ‘New Law Firm of the Year’ award recognises “game changers” in the legal profession, with the firm’s make-up and model taking a different approach to the traditional law firm offering.
Litigation Rising Star
This distinguished honour names Danielle Snell amongst top barristers and solicitors under the age of 40 whose successes in high stakes litigation belie their age.
Most Influential Lawyer - Changemaker - Australasian Lawyer (Danielle Snell)
This esteemed award recognises Danielle’s significant contributions to the legal profession across the areas of innovation, diversity and leadership.
Litigation Rising Star - Lawyerly (Danielle Snell)
This distinguished honour names litigators who contribute above and beyond to their profession, becoming “entrepreneurs and mold breakers who have risen by seizing on the uncertain times the cards have dealt them”
Our key benefits
Elit Cube
t.
Empowering
We empower those we represent. From the very outset, we sit down with our clients to present a digital Elit Scenario Plan which sets out the various stages expected throughout the specific transaction and/or litigation cycle from pre-litigation case management to trial stage. As part of this process, we evaluate and explain the possible scenarios of each stage. Most importantly, we work with our clients from the outset to clearly identify what they want to achieve and articulate their ultimate purpose and objective.
Expert
We have deep expertise and are subject matter leaders in our field with over 60 years combined experience. Our firm offers our clients regular and bespoke legal updates and webinars/seminars so that they are regularly informed about changes and updates in the law. Additionally, we think beyond the law and are not constrained to only the resources within our firm. We collaborate and partner with likeminded stakeholders, service providers and our network of experts to offer our clients access to an array of multi-disciplinary advisors in order to deliver bespoke and integrated services.
Electronic
Gone are the days where clients should be waiting for their lawyer to provide them with information which should be accessible instantaneously. In direct response, our firm has designed a bespoke suite of electronic solutions which creates a dynamic and progressive environment where clients are part of the team and journey rather than removed from it. We provide our clients with 24/7 web-enabled access to the Elit Client Portal, directly connecting them to their file and all relevant documents and information. Our eDiscovery and eTrial Management systems enables key stakeholders including barristers, advisors and service providers the ability to collaborate and work seamlessly with evidence in preparation for hearings and trials, increasing efficiency and reducing costs leading up to and during the course of court hearings and trials.
What does E-lit mean?
Our firm name ‘E-lit’ is inspired by our ethos, underpinned by the following core pillars:
Expert Litigation – offering deep expertise in our field.
Empowering Litigation – offering legal services that empower those we represent.
Electronic Litigation – fully integrated and automated firm with superior efficiency with e-litigation.
Expert
We have deep expertise and are subject matter leaders in our field with over 60 years combined experience. We think beyond the law and are not constrained to only the resources within our firm. We collaborate and partner with likeminded stakeholders, service providers and our network of experts to offer our clients access to an array of multi-disciplinary advisors in order to deliver bespoke and integrated services. Our firm offers our clients regular and bespoke legal updates and webinars/seminars so that they are regularly informed about changes and updates in the law.
Empowering
We empower those we represent. From the very outset, we sit down with our clients to present a digital Elit Scenario Plan which sets out the various stages expected throughout the specific transaction and/or litigation cycle from pre-litigation case management to trial stage. As part of this process, we evaluate and explain the possible scenarios of each stage. Most importantly, we work with our clients from the outset to clearly identify what they want to achieve and articulate their ultimate purpose and objective.
Electronic
Gone are the days where clients should have to wait for their lawyer to provide information which should be accessible instantaneously. Our firm has designed a bespoke suite of electronic solutions which creates a dynamic and progressive environment where our clients are part of the team and journey rather than removed from it. We provide 24/7 web-enabled access to the Elit Client Portal, directly connecting our clients to their file and all relevant documents and information. Our eDiscovery and eTrial Management systems enables key stakeholders including barristers, advisors and service providers the ability to collaborate and work seamlessly with evidence in preparation for hearings and trials, increasing efficiency and reducing costs leading up to and during the course of court hearings and trials.
About us
Danielle Snell
CO-FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
Danielle is an award-winning litigator who has worked at several top tier law firms and on many high stakes and high-profile cases.
She has a passion for promoting Diversity, Inclusion & Equality in the sector and for challenging the traditional law firm model in order to provide a more transparent and authentic legal service to clients.
Robert McGirr
CO-FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
Rob, an industry veteran, was admitted to practice in 1978 and became one of the Victoria’s first Accredited Commercial Litigation Specialists in 1993.
Rob has over 40 years experience in the legal industry as a Senior Partner responsible for commercial litigation and insurance legal teams.
Our specialty expertise
Solving Legal Conflicts
Since founding Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell, Danielle and Robert have become the ‘go to’ lawyers for other legal professionals who encounter conflict issues and are highly regarded as a trusted pair of hands.
Legal Case Reviews
With highly regarded reputations in the industry for creative solutions to complex issues, Danielle Snell and Robert McGirr are often sought out as a fresh pair of eyes, someone new to examine and critique a dispute or legal case.
Our latest news
News
The Insurance Claims Handling Process: Is your claim being determined correctly and in a timely manner?
News
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.
News
Defamation News: The first time a Qualified Privilege Defence holds up in Australia!
News
The reality of the new ‘serious harm’ element in defamation cases: Newman v Whittington [2022] NSWSC 249
News
When changing its position on indemnity as an insurer can be a breach of its duty to act with the utmost good faith
News
What is a mediation clause in a commercial contract?
"
"This was a “David v Goliath” fight as our dispute was with a large global corporation. The attention, compassion and guidance that Danielle and the team showed us was absolutely incredible."
CEO & Founder
National mental-health support organisation
We recently instructed Danielle from Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell to help with a legal dispute. As a small purpose led business, this was a “David v Goliath” fight as our dispute was with a large global corporation. This dispute was during a very emotional time as we were in the middle of a global pandemic, Melbourne’s sixth lockdown, homeschooling and no childcare – all while trying to keep our small business alive.
The attention, compassion and guidance that Danielle and the team showed us was absolutely incredible. I have 10 years legal experience myself and even with that, I was reluctant to litigate, especially during such a difficult time. However Danielle always gave us confidence in knowing that she was in our corner and always working for our best interests, so my reluctance was quickly appeased.
Today I am pleased to share that David defeated Goliath and we could not be more thrilled with the result we received thanks to Danielle and the team from Elit Lawyers. Danielle not only saved our company, but ensured that we could continue doing the good work we were previously and helping improve the lives and mental health of mothers across Australia.
I could not recommend Danielle and the team from Elit Lawyers more highly. I am *hoping* that I will never need their services again, but feel very reassured knowing they are there and always in my corner.
Thank you Danielle and team.
"
"Danielle is a well-known and respected lawyer who knows how to handle difficult and intensive litigation."
Queens Counsel, Devers List
Victorian Bar
Danielle Snell is a very intelligent and impressive lawyer whom I have worked with in my role as senior counsel on various litigation matters. She is a well-known and respected lawyer who knows how to handle difficult and intensive litigation. Danielle combines a deep knowledge of the law across many practice areas with a practical approach to litigation, and is authentic and charismatic in her dealings with others.
"
"Danielle and Robert demonstrate outstanding expertise and approach all matters methodically with a clear and practical focus..."
Chief Operations Officer
Peak industry body for fire protection
As Chief Operating Officer it is extremely important to work with lawyers who are easily accessible, honest and trustworthy. We have briefed Elit Lawyers by McGirr and Snell across various legal disciplines and now use them as our “go to” solicitors. Danielle and Robert demonstrate outstanding expertise and approach all matters methodically with a clear and practical focus on achieving the best possible result.
"
"Danielle demonstrated a refreshing and unique ability to narrow the issues, and succinctly explain complex matters."
General Counsel
Leading home building company
Having worked alongside Danielle in litigation matters I have found her approach to be thorough and strategic. In particular, Danielle demonstrated a refreshing and unique ability to narrow the issues, and succinctly explain complex matters.
