Donna McManus

Donna was raised to work hard, to believe in the equality of people and to stand strong on her beliefs.  A strong sense of justice and fairness arose from this upbringing and is what led her into law, and ultimately to be Founder of the Premier Legal & Murphy’s Law Group.

Qualifying as a lawyer the old way via a 5-year articled-clerkship on the Sunshine Coast, Donna completed her degree through Queensland University of Technology.  Whilst qualifying and since then, she has worked extensively in many areas of law – property, commercial, insolvency, family, building disputes, and in personal injury litigation at Murphy's Law Accident Lawyers.  More recently Donna has led the firms expansion into Covid vaccine injury scheme claims to assist those who suffered adverse effects from a Covid vaccine within Australia. Donna has researched the subject extensively and is one of Australia's most knowledgeable experts on vaccine injury law.

Donna says "Helping people to the other side of very stressful situations is probably the most rewarding part of my role as a lawyer. Ultimately, it's our job to help people work through society's complex rules and structures. But we must always...always...have a laser-sharp focus on what a good outcome looks like and keep our eye on the ball."

Health issues in Donna’s family, including her father’s diagnosis with and passing from mesothelioma (asbestos-related cancer), further piqued Donna’s interest in health science, research, policy & law.  Coming back to the law from a stint looking after her kids full-time to open the Premier Legal & Murphy’s Law Group, she was drawn back to the areas of personal Injuries which are now the focal point for the business.

Following the role out of the Covid Vaccine Claims Scheme by the Australian government, Donna has also been leading our team in Covid vaccine injury compensation claims for those suffering severe side effects.

Donna is regularly called upon for referrals relating to areas outside of our focus areas.  Her extensive experience assists her identifying some initial practical advice that can be given and in and making referral recommendations.

As a young solicitor with more time on her hands Donna enjoyed an active involvement in community organisations, spending many hours each week.  Amongst other things she volunteered at the Sunshine Coast Community Legal Service, was Secretary of the Sunshine Coast Law Association and, whilst working in family law, was a Founding Member & original Secretary of Harmony House, a charity assisting children in cases where assistance is needed to exchange children between parents for contact visits.

Donna has 3 kids and loves spending any spare time she has with them. She loves music, singing and her long-term weekly commitment playing touch footy with her team at Bardon.

In recent years, through family, she’s also developed an interest in BMX Racing in Australia which has resulted in the business’s substantial sponsorship of the sport.