- Opening : Mon-Fri 08:00 - 17:00
About Melino Legal
Melino Legal is a specialised legal practice delivering advice and representation in compensation, workplace, liability and insurance issues.
About Us
Melino Legal is Committed
"We are committed to providing exceptional legal expertise and support."
We are on a mission to assist employers and insurers achieve better outcomes and to have influence over their results.
We will deliver strategic and risk management advice and we will support our clients navigate compensation and workplace issues in a way that is transparent. Our approach is to keep it simple so that our clients can understand.
We are about timely, practical and cost effective solutions.
We service all industries and are members of Self-Insurers of South Australia and Law Society of South Australia.
Tahlia Melino
Our Team
Tahlia Melino
Principal & Director
Tahlia Melino
The Founder and Principal
Tahlia is energetic and driven and believes in having a collaborative approach with clients and opposing parties is the best way to achieve outcomes.
Tahlia has always practiced in the areas of liability, compensation and insurance. Client centred outcomes is what she is passionate about.
Tahlia is a member of the Young Lawyers Support Group, providing guidance and support to fellow members of the legal profession.
Acting almost exclusively for employers, self-insurers and insurers Tahlia has developed a diverse practice and client base.
She provides risk management and strategic advice and is passionate about helping clients influence and control their outcomes and be involved in the process.
Tahlia is determined to find solutions for her clients that are practical and cost effective.
She appears predominantly in the South Australian Employment Court as well as the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts. She is also admitted to practice in the High Court.
Tahlia is a member of the South Australia Employment Tribunal Legal Stakeholder Group and is a mentor to young lawyers. She has been recognised in Doyle’s Guide as a Leading Defendant Workers Compensation and Insurance Lawyer.
When Tahlia is not at work she enjoys her time with her husband and two young boys, who keep her active and fulfilled!
Karmilla Chenia
Special Counsel & Practice Leader
Karmilla Chenia
Special Counsel
Karmilla is a passionate and driven Special Counsel with a dynamic background in personal injury litigation, workers compensation, and insurance law.
Over the course of her career, Karmilla has worked closely with individuals, employers, and insurers to provide pragmatic legal advice with technical precision with and while focussed on achieving client centered outcomes.
Karmilla brings knowledge from both sides of the fence, having previously represented both workers, as well as employers, self-insurers, and the Compensating Authority in South Australia. Karmilla is focused on guiding clients with clarity and building strong, solution focused relationships.
Karmilla brings a depth of knowledge and energy to the firm and is recognised by her peers as a strong advocate.
In her spare time, Karmilla enjoys keeping active through long walks, gym and pilates, cooking and reading.
Melanie O'Callaghan
Lawyer
Melanie O'Callaghan
Lawyer
Melanie holds a double degree in Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice. She was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia in September 2025.
Melanie undertook her practical legal training with Melino Legal and has since moved into the role of Lawyer following her admission to practice.
Melanie has an interest in work injury. She has an attention to detail and experience in assisting our clients with legal drafting and a special interest in legal and medical issues associated with lump sum claims.
Her intelligence and critical thinking make her a valuable asset to our team. Combined with her approachable nature, sharp wit, and sense of humour, Melanie brings a positive energy to the office, while consistently delivering successful outcomes.
Originally from Mildura, Melanie enjoys returning home to spend time with her family.
Arkja Singh
Lawyer
Arkja Singh
Lawyer
Arkja is an energetic and passionate lawyer with a forensic mind and effective communication style. Arkja’s background was in corporate and commercial and general personal injury work before deciding her passion lies in workplace, compensation and injury litigation.
Arkja holds a degree in Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice, is a member of the Law Society of South Australia and Self-Insurers of South Australia. She is open-minded and focused and wants to help our clients navigate legal issues. Arkja’s kind and open-minded approach makes her a great fit for our firm and clients.
In her spare time, Arkja enjoys spending time cooking, sewing, reading and hiking.
Ellie Walker
Paralegal
Ellie Walker
Paralegal
Meet Ellie, the organisational powerhouse that elevates our team’s performance to new heights! As a key player in delivering top-notch legal services, Ellie’s super-organised approach ensures that we operate at our best. A shining example of intelligence and focus, she was the Dux at her school and continues to excel in her legal studies.
Ellie’s dedication extends to supporting our lawyers in providing quality work and the excellent service our clients expect. With unparalleled attention to detail, she’s the secret ingredient that enhances our legal work.
We love having Ellie on our team, and we secretly hope (please!) that she chooses to stay with us even after she’s qualified to appear in court
Ella Onofrio
Paralegal
Ella Onofrio
Paralegal
A student of Law and Health Sciences, she excels in both her legal aptitude and ability as well as her communication skills.
Ella is in our client services team where she sits as a Law Clerk and Administrative Assistant. In this role, Ella’s skills and passion as well as her teamwork and motivation can be seen.
Ella’s sharp mind and authentic empathetic character makes her fit perfectly with our team and she is well liked by her peers and our clients alike.
She attributes a lot of her commitment and drive to her upbringing and family values. Feel free to reach out to Ella who is always happy to lend a hand.
Sylvie Botuch
Legal Administrator
Sylvie Botuch
Legal Administrator
Meet Sylvie, the backbone of our team! With a knack for keeping the gears turning, Sylvie is all about delivering top-notch client service with efficiency that perfectly aligns with our values.
Her role involves providing crucial support to both our professional staff and clients, playing a key part in ensuring the seamless functioning of our firm. Sylvie’s dedication to our brand is evident in her commitment to delivering projects on time and always with a smile.
Beyond her work with our team and clients, Sylvie is passionately pursuing her academic journey, working towards a degree in Law.
We consider ourselves lucky to have Sylvie as a permanent member of our team, and we’re confident that her unwavering dedication will continue to be a valuable asset for years to come.
Chelsea Hatton
Legal Secretary/Office Coordinator
Chelsea Hatton
Legal Secretary/Office Coordinator
As our Legal Secretary and Office Coordinator, Chelsea is the driving force behind the smooth operation of our office. Chelsea is an essential member of the team - managing administrative tasks, coordinating schedules, supporting staff, and keeping the workplace organised and efficient. Chelsea is proactive and has an attention to detail that ensures we can keep providing our clients with good results. Known for her ability to forward plan and use initiative, Chelsea’s leadership in the office is just what we need to keep the wheels turning.
Chelsea has always had a keen interest in the law and loves a good challenge! Her friendly demeanour and warm smile make her a natural fit within our team and a welcoming presence in the office.
Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys unwinding with walks along the beach and is an avid Formula 1 fan.
Arnott’s Biscuits - Ltd Injury Management Coordinator
From my experience, Melino Legal, along with their commitment to integrity, prides itself on providing expert, realistic advice that they consistently deliver. Working in the field of Workers Compensation in South Australia, there is significant pressure to achieve positive outcomes, and Melino Legal consistently rises to the challenge, thanks to their extensive experience in this area. I frequently work with both Tahlia Melino and Will Duddy, and I can confidently say they’ve earned the respect not only of myself but also of the wider industry for their ability to negotiate and resolve matters promptly and cost-effectively. They’re a pleasure to work with, always going the extra mile in pursuit of client satisfaction.
LGA Authorised Officer / Manager – IM | LGA Workers Compensation Scheme
For over a decade the LGASA Mutual Scheme has worked with Tahlia Melino and has enjoyed the benefits of working with a collaborative and strategic legal adviser. During this time, we have been able to achieve some resounding success stories in navigating the challenging workers compensation industry and Melino Legal has been an instrumental part in our success. We commend and recommend the services of Tahlia and her team at Melino Legal for all your workplace employment law matters.
Why Choose Us
Giving You The Best Services
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Gary Ulmer
Santos Senior Adviser – Workers Compensation and Injury Management