“On behalf of the Mitakoodi people, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the dedication and commitment you have shown throughout the journey toward achieving our Native Title Determination. The expertise, hard work, and passion your team invested into our cause have not gone unnoticed and are deeply appreciated by many of our people. Your guidance and advocacy have been instrumental in this significant achievement, and for that, we are sincerely thankful.” – Kristal Chapman, Applicant and Director, Mitakoodi and Mayi native title claim and RNTBC.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank MPS Law and the amazing staff … Michael Pagsanjan, Helen Orr, Reade Allison along with other staff members that worked behind the scenes, for all the hard work [and] dedication in representing myself Maria Bandry as a respondent with the Cooper Respondents…” – Maria Bandry, Indigenous Respondent, WAD647/2017 and WAD297/2020.
Helen is a senior lawyer with over six years of experience in native title law, working alongside Traditional Owners across Australia. Her practice is grounded in a deep respect for self-determination, a commitment to principled legal practice, and a focus on delivering lasting outcomes for clients.
During her time at NTSCORP Limited, the Native Title Service Provider for NSW and the ACT, Helen held a senior role representing native title claimants and Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate (RNTBCs). She has advised on a broad range of matters including complex Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs), discreet compensation claims, future act agreements, and corporate governance. She regularly represents clients in Federal Court proceedings and matters before the National Native Title Tribunal.
Helen has contributed to several successful native title consent determinations, including for the Bandjalang People in New South Wales and the Mitakoodi and Mayi People in Queensland. These outcomes reflect her commitment to working in close partnership with Traditional Owners to achieve enduring, community-led results.
Helen holds a Bachelor of International and Global Studies from the University of Sydney and a Juris Doctor from the University of New South Wales. She is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of South Australia and the High Court of Australia, and is a member of the Law Council of Australia’s International Law Section.
In 2023, Helen was listed in Doyle’s Guide as a Leading Native Title Lawyer – Government & Traditional Owner Bodies. In 2024, she was a finalist in the Law Society of South Australia’s Emerging Lawyer Award and named a Native Title Rising Star by Doyle’s Guide.
Originally from Sydney, Helen is now based in Adelaide. Outside the office, she’s an avid soccer player and long-distance hiker – pursuits that reflect the persistence, teamwork, and endurance she brings to her work.
Helen is deeply committed to delivering exceptional legal services, while building lasting partnerships with First Nations communities and values-driven organisations across the native title landscape.
