A dynamic law firm by McGirr
& Snell

Specialised in Commercial Litigation,
Insurance Policy Holder Disputes, Defamation & Media Law, Employment and Family Law.

Listen to The Policyholder Podcast now:

Australian Boutique Law Firm of the Year 2022

Lawyers Weekly, 2022

Our key practice areas

01

Disputes & Litigation

Managing complex, high-stakes, multi-party disputes and litigation, Australia wide and in all Court jurisdictions.

02

Insurance Policy Holder Disputes

Unparalleled expertise to level the playing field between you and the insurance companies.

03

Media & Defamation

Balancing sensitivity and tenacity in the negotiation and resolution of reputational and defamation matters.

04

Building & Construction Litigation

Leading expertise in domestic and commercial property and building matters & litigation.

05

Family Law

Committed to addressing your needs with empathy, determination, and passion.

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 Policy Holder Disputes

We bring unparalleled expertise to level the playing field between you and the insurance companies.

Our mission is to ensure that you, as a policy holder, receive the payout you are contractually entitled to.

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.

04

Building & Construction Litigation

Leading expertise in domestic and commercial property and building matters & litigation.

05

Family Law

A dynamic approach to family law practice, providing empathetic, pragmatic and strategic advice to clients in all areas of family and relationship law.

We are focussed on achieving the best possible outcome for clients taking into consideration their specific needs and objectives.

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.

Our awards

Litigation Team of the Year 2025 - Finalist

Insurance Team of the Year 2025 - Finalist

Litigator of the Year 2025 - Finalist

Danielle Snell. Managing Partner of the Year.

Managing Partner of the Year - Winner

Law Firm Leader of the Year <100 employees - Winner

Boutique Firm of the Year - Winner

Our key benefits

Elit Cube

t.

Elit Cube
Empowering Expert Electronic

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

Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell was founded in November 2020 by award-winning litigator Danielle Snell and industry veteran Robert McGirr.  Born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, our firm disrupts the traditional law firm model by offering an innovative and progressive delivery model to provide a truly authentic and transparent client experience.

Our firm was named Winner: Boutique Law Firm of the Year at the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards in 2022. We were also named by Australasian Lawyer as one of Australia’s Fastest Growing Firms.

In 2023, at the Australasian Law Awards, Danielle Snell emerged as the winner in the category of ‘Law Firm Leader of the Year (<200 employees).’

Danielle Snell

CO-FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER

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.

[email protected]
0401 812 885

Robert McGirr

CO-FOUNDER AND PARTNER

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.

[email protected]
0413 944 023

Aggie Vlahos

PARTNER

Aggie is an astute and sensitive lawyer with a diverse legal skill set, enabling her to support clients across various legal issues during a dispute.

Her clients greatly appreciate her vast and complementary knowledge spanning family law, corporate and commercial agreements, Wills, estates, and probate as well as workplace and employment disputes.

[email protected]
0405 995 057

Jason Chew

Partner

Jason is a seasoned commercial litigator with extensive experience gained from working in leading national and international law firms.

He advises and represents clients across a broad spectrum of commercial disputes, with a particular focus on complex multi-party building and construction claims and third-party property damage matters.

Jason is known by his clients and peers for his pragmatic and cost-effective approach.

[email protected]
0422 128 138

Danielle Snell

CO-FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER

Danielle Snell is an award winning lawyer, specialising in Commercial Litigation, Policyholder Insurance Cases and Defamation & Media Law.

Robert McGirr

CO-FOUNDER & PARTNER

Rob, an industry veteran, was admitted to practice in 1978 and became one of the Victoria’s first Accredited Commercial Litigation Specialists in 1993.

Aggie Vlahos

PARTNER

Aggie is an astute and sensitive lawyer with a diverse legal skill set, enabling her to support clients across various legal issues during a dispute.

Her clients greatly appreciate her vast and complementary knowledge spanning family law, corporate and commercial agreements, Wills, estates, and probate as well as workplace and employment disputes.

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

Federal Court awards more than $125,000 in workplace sexual harassment case
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia awarded more than $125,000 to a young...
How Late is Too Late? Filing Dismissal Claims with the Fair Work Commission
Recent decisions of the Fair Work Commission (FWC) have highlighted the importance of filing applications...
World-first Social Media Ban for Teens Now in Effect – Here’s What you Need to...
Our team sets out in this article what you need to know about the new...
High Court Weighs in on the Scope of ‘Genuine Redundancy’ for an Unfair Dismissal
Our team sets out in this article what you need to know about the High...
Answering Your Most Common Employment Law Questions
In this article, our team answers some of your most common employment law questions
Centre Stage for Justice: Advocating for Iconic Melbourne Theatre Group
Centre Stage for Justice: Advocating for Iconic Melbourne Theatre Group

"

"Danielle guided us through the entire process with confidence and transparency, ensuring we always felt informed and supported."

Insurance Law

Plaintiff

We had an outstanding experience working with Danielle. From the very beginning, she demonstrated exceptional professionalism, clear communication, and a genuine understanding of our situation. She guided us through the entire process with confidence and transparency, ensuring we always felt informed and supported.

What truly stood out was her ability to achieve a fast resolution while securing the exact outcome we were hoping for. Her expertise and strategic approach made a stressful situation significantly easier to manage.

Equally impressive was Danielle’s compassion and friendliness. She took the time to listen, showed real empathy, and made us feel like more than just another case. We always felt valued and reassured

"

"Danielle kept me well-informed and involved, ensuring I was aware of all my options throughout the legal process"

Insurance Law

Plaintiff

Danielle Snell and the Elit Lawyers team acted for me on a high value insurance claim after insurers denied me all cover after my aircraft was damaged during the filming of a Hollywood movie. Given that insurers denied me all cover and offered to pay zero, with Danielle and team’s guidance, I issued proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria – Insurance List against the insurers involved. Danielle kept me well-informed and involved, ensuring I was aware of all my options throughout the legal process.

This was a stressful period for me, but I always felt confident and supported . I was happy to resolve the case prior to trial which involved a pay-out by the insurers. I felt confident to take on the insurers with the representation and support of Elit Lawyers and it proved to be the right move as I was ultimately paid out under my policy which was very different to the insurer’s original decision to pay me nothing.

"

"Within days, the podcast episode was removed and I was also given an apology, undertaking and some payment towards my legal costs"

Defamation – CEO

Plaintiff

I highly recommend Danielle and her team to anyone needing to fight defamation matters, they achieve results! I was defamed on a podcast which was published on various forums. The Elit team prepared detailed Concerns Notices to the original publisher and also to the podcast operator and other forums the podcast was published on.  Within days, the podcast episode was removed and I was also given an apology, undertaking and some payment towards my legal costs. Thank you to the Elit team for helping me with this personal matter.

– CEO 

"

"On advice from Danielle and Mark, I sued the insurer in the Federal Court Insurance List and a settlement was reached within a couple of months!"

Insurance Law

Plaintiff

One night, thieves broke into my home through the garage and stole my car whilst my wife and kids and myself were all in the house. They then abandoned and set the car on fire, resulting in a total loss. My insurance claim was denied because the car was parked in the driveway instead of the garage. On advice from Danielle and Mark, I sued the insurer in the Federal Court Insurance List and a settlement was reached within a couple of months!

"

"Aggie kept me well informed at every step and her supportive and approachable manner made a very stressful period in my life far easier to navigate."

Family Law – Property

Plaintiff

I’m very thankful that my financial planner referred me to Aggie Vlahos. She guided me through negotiating, documenting and completing my family law property settlement with my ex. Aggie kept me well informed at every step and her supportive and approachable manner made a very stressful period in my life far easier to navigate. Would absolutely recommend.

 

"

"I was grateful for Aggie’s expert advice, patience, and support during my family law court case"

Family Law

Plaintiff

Aggie acted for me in relation to my litigated family law matter – during an intense and difficult time in my life.  I was grateful for Aggie’s expert advice, patience, and support during my family law court case which we were able to resolve positively at mediation. I would strongly recommend Aggie and her team to anybody needing legal assistance with their family law matter.

 

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