Business Details
26 Years
experience
Indigenous Legal & Cultural Governance Specialists
Established in April 2000, Terri Janke is Australia's oldest and largest private Indigenous-owned law firm. Our practice focuses on Commercial Law and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), serving Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients across Australia and internationally. With over 25 years of experience, we combine legal expertise with deep cultural understanding to deliver tailored solutions for businesses, entrepreneurs, and government organisations. Our team holds certifications including Supply Nation accreditation and maintains positions on the Whole of Australian Government and Queensland Government Legal Services Panels. We are committed to empowering First Nations peoples through legal advocacy that enhances cultural and economic outcomes.Our multidisciplinary approach enables us to manage large-scale projects while maintaining personalized service standards. Recognized as 2024 First Nations Law Firm of the Year, we prioritize culturally appropriate legal frameworks and innovative problem-solving. Our practitioners regularly contribute to industry discourse through publications, workshops, and advisory roles in Indigenous data sovereignty initiatives. Client testimonials highlight our expertise in complex IP negotiations, governance training, and strategic business development for creative industries. We maintain active collaborations with Indigenous communities, government agencies, and corporate entities to advance self-determination through legal empowerment.
Services
Commercial Law
Indigenous Cultural Property
Legal Consultation
Data Sovereignty
Governance Training
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- Australia's oldest and largest Indigenous-owned law firm
- 25+ years of specialized ICIP legal expertise
- Certified Supply Nation supplier
- Government Legal Services Panel member
- Award-winning Indigenous data sovereignty specialists
Associations and certifications
- Supply Nation
What people say
Culturally appropriate legal frameworks
Exceptional IP negotiation skills
Transformative business support
Award-winning expertise
Innovative data sovereignty solutions
Services
Indigenous Cultural Property
Specialized legal protection for Indigenous cultural expressions and traditional knowledge. Our practice safeguards songlines, art, language and ceremonial practices through tailored intellectual property frameworks. We advise on commercial agreements that maintain cultural integrity while creating economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.
Data Sovereignty
Expert guidance on Indigenous data ownership and management protocols. We develop governance frameworks that ensure First Nations control over their data while meeting legal compliance requirements. Our services include creating data sharing agreements that balance community interests with research or commercial objectives.
Commercial Law
Comprehensive legal support for Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses. Our expertise covers contract negotiations, corporate structuring, and intellectual property management. We specialize in creating commercially viable agreements that respect cultural protocols while protecting business interests in both domestic and international markets.
Governance Training
Customized workshops on legal-cultural governance frameworks. Our programs combine legal requirements with traditional decision-making processes to strengthen organizational governance. Participants gain practical tools for implementing culturally appropriate governance structures that meet regulatory standards while maintaining community authority.
Legal Consultation
Strategic legal advice across multiple jurisdictions. Our consultation services address complex IP negotiations, policy development, and dispute resolution. We provide culturally informed legal analysis for government agencies, corporations, and Indigenous organizations seeking to navigate legal frameworks while respecting Indigenous rights and interests.
People
Dr Terri Janke
Solicitor Director
Wuthathi/Meriam woman and founder of Australia's leading Indigenous law firm. Recognized for 25 years of legal innovation in Indigenous cultural and intellectual property. Recipient of multiple industry awards including 2024 First Nations Law Firm of the Year. Regular contributor to international legal discourse on Indigenous data sovereignty.
Anika Valenti
Legal Practitioner
Specialist in Indigenous cultural governance frameworks with extensive experience delivering training programs. Co-facilitator of acclaimed governance workshops that combine legal requirements with traditional decision-making processes. Recognized for expertise in developing culturally appropriate legal protocols for Indigenous organizations.
Laura Melrose
Solicitor
Legal expert in Indigenous data sovereignty initiatives with demonstrated success in complex IP negotiations. Key contributor to landmark agreements protecting Indigenous intellectual property rights. Experienced in advising government agencies and corporate entities on culturally appropriate data management practices.
Andrew Pitt
Business Consultant
Specializes in strategic business development for Indigenous creative industries. Recognized for transforming small enterprises through comprehensive business planning and trademarking services. Instrumental in developing marketing strategies that maintain cultural integrity while achieving commercial success for Indigenous-owned businesses.
Clare McKenzie
Legal Professional
Experienced practitioner in Indigenous intellectual property law with focus on arts and cultural heritage protection. Regularly contributes to legal education programs on Indigenous cultural rights. Known for developing innovative legal frameworks that balance commercial interests with cultural preservation requirements.
Questions
What areas of law does Terri Janke and Company specialize in?
We specialize in Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), commercial law, data sovereignty, and cultural governance frameworks for Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients.
Are you certified as an Indigenous-owned business?
Yes, we are 100% Indigenous-owned and certified through Supply Nation as a verified Indigenous business enterprise.
Do you work with international clients?
Yes, our legal expertise extends beyond Australia to international jurisdictions requiring Indigenous cultural and intellectual property guidance.
What government accreditations do you hold?
We maintain positions on the Whole of Australian Government and Queensland Government Legal Services Panels, and are Supply Nation certified.
How do you handle large-scale legal projects?
Our multidisciplinary team manages complex projects while maintaining personalized service standards, combining legal expertise with cultural knowledge to deliver comprehensive solutions.
What training programs do you offer?
We provide customized workshops on cultural governance, data sovereignty, and IP management, combining legal requirements with traditional decision-making processes.
