New owners for Cairns law firm Marino Lawyers

A veteran legal eagle has announced his succession plans with two senior associates stepping up to assume control of premier Cairns firm, Marino Lawyers.

BATON CHANGE: Founder of Marino Lawyers, Charlie Marino has sold his longstanding Cairns legal firm to former senior associates Maree Mazur (left) and Letisha Cali.

AFTER more than 30 years heading the prestigious Cairns law firm he founded, Charlie Marino has decided to step back and initiate a changing of the guard.

Mr Marino who founded his eponymous firm Marino Lawyers in 1988, has passed to baton to two of the firm’s senior associates, Latisha Cali and Maree Mazur.

Ms Cali initially joined the firm as a legal secretary before being admitted to practice in 2015, while Ms Mazur joined the legal industry in 2002 and was admitted as a solicitor in 2013.

After 33 years at the helm, Mr Marino confirmed he intends to continue working as a consultant with the firm which will continue to operate as Marino Lawyers under the new ownership.

BATON CHANGE: Founder of Marino Lawyers, Charlie Marino has sold his longstanding Cairns legal firm to former senior associates Maree Mazur (left) and Letisha Cali.

He said it was important to ensure a smooth handover for client transition and provide support for the new directors whom he has been working with for the past six months to transfer proprietorship of the longstanding business.

“It’s time for a renewal of ideas,” Mr Marino said.

“The right candidates are here; they’re people that I know, people that I trust, and I am sure our clients do too and will place the same trust in them.

“The time was right for Latisha and Maree to take charge.”

Ms Cali and Ms Mazur described the past few months as “a bit of a rollercoaster ride”.

“We’re very much a team-based firm and have great supportive staff,” Ms Mazur said.

“Everyone has been on deck contributing in their own way, which has made the whole transition a success.” Marino Lawyers was first established in Cairns by Mr Marino in 1988 and has since expanded to include offices in Port Douglas and Edmonton with a fourth visiting office in Babinda.

“To have the two ladies come on board as proprietors is really fantastic,” Mr Marino said. “How could you go past two born and bred locals, who were educated at JCU Cairns and who have worked for the firm.”

Originally published as New owners for Cairns law firm Marino Lawyers