Hannagan brings experience in rural and agricultural sectors, and will focus on succession planning in the rural sector. Since 2005, he has worked on behalf of MDP on a variety of projects with farming families and rural and regional businesses throughout Victoria. He is due to graduate from Deakin University School of Law in April.

“We have had enormous success within the agricultural sector, particularly with family farms and small businesses that have adopted our succession planning strategies,” Hannagan said.

“The future of the family farm is central to both rural and urban communities due to the integral role agriculture plays in the greater economy. Taking both direct and indirect effects into account, agriculture employs over 1.6 million Australians, with half of these jobs found in the six capitals.”

Hannagan received his bachelor in forest science from the University of Melbourne in 1994, and has over 10 years’ experience as a forester in Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania in both the public and private sectors.

“The bush and the courtroom may seem worlds apart, but in reality the two are strikingly similar,” he said.

“When you are fighting a bush fire, you work under considerable pressure. Teamwork, precision and attention to detail carry great consequence. The law is no different. Both professions require grace under fire.”