Meghan Thomas-Richards

Associate

Meg graduated from the Australian National University in 2015, while working part-time at the Australian Federal Police Association.

Following admission to practice in the ACT in 2016, Meg moved back to her home in Melbourne and worked at the Fair Work Commission as a Researcher in the award modernisation team. She then worked as a Relief Associate to various Commission members on a wide variety of matters that come before the Fair Work Commission. During this time, Meg also volunteered at the JobWatch telephone information service.

Meg then worked as an Industrial Officer with the Police Association in Victoria for almost 5 years, with 12 months dedicated to representing members’ interests in disputed worker’s compensation claims.

Meg also led several significant disputes against the employer, including those related:

  • to flexible working arrangements;
  • recognition of prior policing service;
  • fitness for work; and
  • consultation for organisational change.

Meg was also integral in organising and educating early career members in the months leading up to the membership taking protected industrial action in 2019. In 2020, Meg was a bargaining representative who drafted a log of claims, and negotiated and finalised the enterprise agreement that covered staff members at the Association.

Meg moved to Hobart in October 2022 and worked as a generalist solicitor at a local community legal service. She specialised in all employment law matters and took great pleasure in assisting southern Tasmanians with their rights and entitlements at work, including securing excellent outcomes for unfair dismissal and general protections matters.

She then, along with her husband, spent several months travelling Australia in a converted four-wheel drive troopcarrier.

Meg understands and knows the value of providing an empathetic ear and information about a client’s legal options. She strongly believes in collective activism for all social justice issues and the power of collective bargaining. She is also a proud union member.

In her spare time Meg enjoys any outdoor activity including twitching, nature photography, hiking, sailing and kayaking.

Reviews for Hall Payne Hobart

26 Jun 2025  Google Kaylene C

I must say that the service I received from Hall Payne Lawyers was exceptiional.

Everything was handled in an efficient and timely manner and all advice recieved was spot on all the way throughout a complicated, protracted and difficult case.

Thanks to the professional and unwavering support from Pierre Dordain and his assistant Dominique Van Bakel, a successful conclusion was the outcome.

Highly recommend to all. 5* all the way.

29 May 2025  Google Jacinta S

I can not recommend Hall Payne Lawyers high enough. My union referred me to Hall Payne Lawyers to gain legal advice on a workers compensation and I was contacted directly to Pierre Dordhain and his legal assistant Dominique van Bakel.

Their quick response time and professional advice and guidance assisted me to make the correct decisions to gain an outcome.

Many thanks

09 May 2025  Google Mariah C

I had a stress leave claim done, alot of people told me to go see a lawyer but in the back of my mind i thought whats the point i wont win.

Contacted Hall Payne lawyers they organised me a lawyer. Now I am so glad i went down that road Because i WON and it was all because of this team.

They were so helpful with instructions and what was best for me.

I will recommend them to anyone

Thanks so much guys ❤️

09 Apr 2025  Google Dainis J

I would like to sincerely thank Pierre Dordhain and Dominique Van Bakel of Hall and Payne Lawyers Hobart for their recent professionalism, guidance, advice and patience with my situation.

Pierre was truly my white knight and champion in a truly challenging time. He has allowed me to regain my dignity and to move forward.

Pierre on behalf of myself and my family thank you so very much. Keep up the good fight.

08 Apr 2025  Google Garyy S

I can’t thank Henry and the team at Hall Payne Lawyers enough. Henry was fantastic, he supported me through such a challenging time I had with my former employer. Henry went above and beyond and was committed from the start in giving me the confidence to fight for my rights against a large organisation and the outcome was way more than I ever imagined possible.

I highly recommend Henry Pill for anyone that needs an employment lawyer he is a great bloke that cares about his clients.

Thanks again Henry you’re a legend!

07 Apr 2025  Google Tina H

For something that was out of my control the Hall and Payne team made it easier to work through. Thanks

02 Apr 2025  Google Karen S

I can not recommend Hall Payne Lawyers high enough

Having to gain legal advice on a workers compensation claim l was referred to Hall Payne Lawyers and directly to Pierre Dordhain and his legal assistant Dominique van Bakel.

Their professional advice and guidance assisted me to make the correct decisions to gain an exceptional outcome.

Thankyou Hall Payne Lawyers

12 Nov 2024  Google Karen A

I had a challenging experience with my former employer, but thanks to Henry Pill and the Hall Payne Lawyers team, I found the guidance and support I needed.

Henry's expertise and clear communication made a world of difference. He not only validated my concerns but also helped me take a stand against an employer who thought they could mistreat their employees without consequence. The outcome was positive, and I can't thank him enough for his assistance.

I highly recommend Henry Pill for anyone seeking an employment lawyer who truly cares about their clients!

More Reviews 

Recent Blogs by Meghan

Tasmanian worker’s compensation win – administrative action was not reasonable nor taken in a reasonable manner

Tasmanian worker’s compensation win – administrative action was not reasonable nor taken in a reasonable manner

In February 2025, Hall Payne secured a significant win in the Supreme Court of Tasmania, when the Court handed down a decision clarifying what the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal must consider when determining whether an employer has a “reasonably arguable case” to dispute a worker’s compensation claim.

Read more

More Blogs From Meghan