Legal

JD, BA, GDLP

David may have a very common name (and surname) but he demonstrates very uncommon skill as a commercial lawyer with specific experience in commercial and contract law, intellectual property, limited recourse borrowing arrangements and disputes.

Having grown up in Brunei, David can offer you his own personal interpreter service, having a high level of language proficiency in both Mandarin (intermediate) and Malay (business proficient).

If that were not enough, David also seems to possess an endless supply of “dad jokes” and amusing stories which ensure our team meetings, and your consultations with him, will never be dull.

Louisa joined Partners Legal in 2019, having previously worked for an international top tier law firm, and a large ASX listed insurer.

Louisa brings with her a variety of experience in areas including, commercial litigation, insurance, and dispute resolution.

Louisa loves working on challenging and complex matters, and ensures that a personalised service is always delivered to her clients.

Louisa is also an avid coffee lover and traveller, with her favourite destinations so far being New York and Milan

Nicole joined Partners Legal in 2018 assisting the property team as a paralegal.  Nicole has spent 11 years in conveyancing in a Sydney law firm and holds qualifications from Macquarie University in Conveyancing.

Nicole’s extensive experience and knowledge allows her to assist the property team in delivering our clients an exceptional conveyancing experience.

Nicole has recently relocated to Melbourne with her husband and is dedicated to making the beautiful city of Melbourne her new home.

Matt is currently in the final year of a double degree in Law/Arts at Monash where he is majoring in International Relations. As a paralegal, Matt provides assistance across the estate planning and commercial teams.

Matt has experience in taxation and family law and seeks to contribute to the team in whichever way possible. Matt has an interest in litigation and is keen to learn all he can from the legal team!

In his spare time, Matt plays local footy and supports Collingwood. Neither pursuits are particularly successful.

Rachel has over 20 years of experience in the legal industry. Prior to joining Partners Legal, she worked as a litigation paralegal for a national top tier firm across many different practice areas including securities enforcement, debt recovery as well as assisting in general property and commercial transactions.  Rachel has now commenced studies to obtain her conveyancing licence.

Rachel enjoys working closely with her clients and is dedicated to ensure that an exceptional conveyancing experience is delivered to her clients.

In her spare time, Rachel loves spending time with her husband and three children and is partial to good food and wine.

LLB(Hons), BA

There are few Legal Property Teams who can claim a world champion as their head. But Lauren Gillett is ours. When not beating the rest of the world in her chosen sport, Lauren is busy providing you with the expert advice you require in residential and commercial property transactions, property developments, leasing and licensing, trust and SMSF transactions, as well as trust and foreign investment structuring advice.

You can rest assured that Lauren has deep understanding of her field. Prior to joining Partners Wealth Group, she was part of the property law team at a large national law firm, as well as working on property, commercial and estate planning within a Melbourne boutique firm.

You will discover that Lauren brings the same level of dedication, hard work and enthusiasm to her world trampolining championships as she does to your property law requirements.

Ellena is currently in her final year of a double-degree in law and international relations. She has over three years of experience as a paralegal, and provides invaluable assistance within the commercial and estate planning teams.

Ellena goes the extra mile to ensure that all clients are kept comfortable and informed no matter how complex their matters may be. Her considerable experience in estate litigation means that she has a firm grasp of what can go wrong, and how to avoid it.

When Ellena isn’t in the office she spends her time keeping active with mixed martial arts, watching bad rom-coms and planning her next holiday.

Jessica heads up our property team and brings experience in a range of property matters including residential and commercial property transactions, trust and SMSF transactions, property development, leasing and licensing, as well as sales and purchases of business.

Jessica enjoys working with clients to provide a responsive and personalised service.

In her spare time, Jessica is currently studying a Master of Construction Law (with a property law focus) at the University of Melbourne and she enjoys keeping active through a range of activities, including dancing, surfing and bike riding.

As Special Counsel for Partners Legal, Nick brings with him a wealth of knowledge and vast array of experience, spanning over 30 years.

Before joining Partners Legal, Nick was a Barrister at the Victorian Bar for over 16 years, and is also a qualified Mediator, appearing as an advocate in all Australian Courts and Tribunals.

Nick has a broad range of dispute resolution expertise on general commercial disputes, insolvency and reconstruction matters, banking, securities and corporations regulatory enforcement matters, real property and leasehold disputes, owners corporation disputes, planning and environment disputes, shareholders disputes, estate litigation, and occupational health & safety claims.

When Nick isn’t resolving client disputes, he can be found on his local bowling green, supporting the Demons or eyeing up the classic Mustang market.

Katie has over 10 years experience in the legal industry and her knowledge, communication and organisational skills are a valuable contribution to Partners Legal.

As Practice Manager, Katie manages the operations of the legal business. Katie’s responsibilities include further developing and maintaining our workflow practices and processes, achieving commercial productivity and reporting on our day to day activity to keep us accountable and moving forward.

Katie has a thorough understanding of Partners Legal and its practices. Prior to moving into the Practice Management role, Katie worked closely with both the Wealth Management and Property teams as a Paralegal.

When Katie isn’t working, she spends her time chasing sunsets, keeping active and planning her next adventure.

Lucy works across the property, commercial and wealth management legal teams, assisting our clients with a broad range of private and commercial matters. With a predominant focus on property transactions, her knowledge of commercial agreements and superannuation structuring offers a holistic and tailored service.

Lucy enjoys getting to know her clients and working closely with their accountants and advisors to streamline what can seem like complex processes.

In her spare time, Lucy enjoys challenging herself in charity fun runs, trying her hand at various crafty projects and cheering for Richmond.

With 15 years’ experience in Corporate Finance and Project Management, as Legal Operations Coordinator, Karen supports the team to enable them to focus on their work efficiently.

Karen stays sane by running and planning adventures for her kids.

Sophie brings a broad commercial and legal perspective to Partners Legal, backed by over 20 years of experience across a number of industries.

As Head of Partners Legal, Sophie ensures our team delivers exceptional legal advice, collaborating with other professional advisors including wealth managers, accountants, and lending specialists, to provide integrated and holistic outcomes for clients.

Sophie also leads the wealth legal services division, providing effective strategies and solutions in the areas of estate planning, business succession, superannuation and trusts.

Above all, Sophie cares about people and values open communication, and building genuine connections with her team, our clients, their families and their trusted advisors.

Sophie shares her life with her husband and 4 beautiful children. She enjoys keeping active, through running, swimming, and her social futsal team called the ‘Deepdene Divas’.

ADLP, LLB, GDLP, LLM

Claire Van Raay is one of our Wealth Management lawyers, having joined us in 2018. Claire has demonstrated experience in both estate planning and deceased estates, in Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia. Her approach is based on understanding her client's motivations as they are vital in creating a trusted and professional relationship with them, and their team of financial advisors.

A wealth of knowledge in:

• Simple and complex Wills
• Wills incorporating Trusts
• Multi-generational family wealth
• Revoking, Altering or Renewing Wills
• Asset protection
• Testator Family Maintenance issues
• Deeds of Family Arrangement
• Superannuation
• Powers of Attorney
• Business and Trust Succession
• Guardianship and Administration applications
• Vulnerable and disabled people
• Financial abuse
• Deceased estate applications (small, large, complex and unusual)

As an outstanding lawyer in these areas, Claire can work collaboratively with accountants, financial planners and advisors, to advise on her client's whole wealth structures, ensuring every aspect of their wealth follows a consistent strategy of control and distribution.

Claire's primary motivation consists of building and maintaining ongoing relationships with her clients and advisors, which she achieves by never losing her true self. Quick-witted, and down to earth, she is equally comfortable sharing a funny, personal anecdote or explaining complex laws, powers and strategies using plain English. 

With a real passion for farms and the outdoors, Claire spends her free time wandering and exploring nature with her two rambunctious boys.

Patrick joined our Wealth Management team as a Solicitor in 2020. Patrick brings with him previous experience dealing predominantly with both Estate Planning and Probate.

Patrick understands that every Estate will come with some level of nuance and complexity, and subsequently he is well equipped to identify and handle all of your Estate needs.

Prior to joining the legal industry, Patrick’s career centred around hospitality management and corporate sales.  His down to earth nature and abovementioned experience makes him an ideal inclusion not only to our Wealth Management team but the company overall.

When Patrick is not at work or studying, you will find him supporting his beloved Melbourne Demons, and given his love for all things food and drink, he enjoys exploring the restaurants and bars that Melbourne has to offer.

Kathryn joined Partners Legal as a Graduate in 2020, working across our Property and Commercial teams.

With a predominant focus on property and complex property transactions, Kathryn enjoys working closely with clients, their accountants and advisors to streamline what can seem like a complex process.

Kathryn has completed a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor. While completing her studies, Kathryn worked as a paralegal for a not-for-profit employment law service, assisting vulnerable workers with employment law issues. She also volunteered at Flemington and Kensington Community Legal Centre.

When she’s not working, Kathryn loves to cook and share a meal with friends and family. 

With over 15 years’ experience, Geoff has a wealth of knowledge across all aspects of property law.  Geoff has worked in both private legal practice and for a major petroleum company, initially as in-house property legal counsel, and more recently as the General Manager of Property where he was tasked with managing the company’s national property department.   

Having worked with clients from a range of industries including property development, real estate, retail and accounting, Geoff has a broad base of first-hand knowledge of the risk and challenges faced by different businesses.

Apart from his legal acumen, Geoff’s strength is his strong communication and interpersonal skills, focusing on providing clear, efficient and practical property advice. His high level of service builds long-lasting relationships with his valued clients.

In his personal time you may catch Geoff at the football, watching his beloved Magpies – just don’t use that against him!

Bojana has extensive experience in conducting complex civil litigation cases and resolving difficult legal disputes across all jurisdictions.

A pragmatic negotiator and staunch advocate, she is able to cut through the clutter to help clients navigate the Courts and the legal system.  Bojana provides practical and easy to understand advice, while maintaining a strategic and commercial outlook in resolving problems. Comprehensive technical expertise and natural persistence have enabled Bojana to consistently achieve exceptional outcomes for clients. 

Bojana’s background extends to a wide range of commercial law and litigation matters, including disputes arising from contracts, partnerships and joint ventures, building and construction, intellectual property, insolvency, securities and debt collection, consumer and trade practices law, professional negligence, Wills, employment law and so on.  Bojana regularly works collaboratively with a select array of experts to provide clients with meaningful options.

Outside of work, Bojana is an avid skier, scuba diver and a globe-traveller. 

Alexander (Alex) Nielsen has joined Partners Legal as a Legal Consultant.  Alex is an experienced solicitor, having practiced in both Australia and the UK specialising in corporate transactions and compliance, tax, asset management and investment law. 

Alex has previously worked for some of the largest law firms in the world and, accordingly, his skills and experience make him a fabulous addition to the Group.  More specifically, Alex has managed matters from an array of sectors including energy, property, aged care, health care, manufacturing, financial services, technology and hospitality. 

In his downtime, you will most likely catch Alex travelling with his family, supporting his local pub or his cherished Melbourne Demons. 

JD, MA, B.Com, BA (Hons), GDLP

You can confidently call on Christian whenever you have need for his expertise in complex succession planning, commercial law and contracts (particularly with a focus on the Personal Properties Securities Act). He is also adept at intellectual property licensing, as well as trusts and superannuation. To complete the picture, Christian also heads up the Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) service at Partners Legal.

Christian enjoys working with either your accountant or directly with yourself, to deliver services that are carefully tailored to your individual needs.

Christian is currently completing his Master of Laws at Melbourne University where he tries to keep it quiet that he is an avid Collingwood supporter!

Amy took on the role of Office Manager in 2020.

Over the course of her legal career, Amy has supported an array of clients and legal personnel both domestically and internationally across numerous areas of law, ranging from Personal Injury (more specifically, Superannuation Insurance Litigation), Property, Wills & Estates to Corporate Law.  Moreover, Amy’s career has seen her coordinate entire events, legal departments and offices nationally. Amy takes a great deal of pride in going above and beyond for not only her clients and team but for anyone needing assistance.

When Amy isn’t working, you’ll find her thinking about work, completing (or complaining about completing) her never-ending Bachelor of Law, shopping or out and about around town.

Ellen joined Partners Legal in 2020 as our Senior Conveyancer, bringing with her a career spanning over 20 years in conveyancing/property transactions.

If your matter involves anything to do with property, whether it be residential, commercial or rural land, you can be confident that Ellen knows everything that needs to be done, including things that you haven’t even thought about.

Ellen’s extensive career has seen her manage transactions ranging from general residential sales and purchasers to developments, off the plan, mortgagee possessions and so on.  

When Ellen isn’t pushing for settlements to go through, you will find her watching the V8 Supercars fly by or enjoying lazy Sunday lunches with good friends.

Dalton joined Partners Legal at the beginning of 2019 assisting the legal teams as Administrative Assistant. Dalton supports the team to enable them to focus on their work efficiently whilst bringing a positive outlook within the office.

Dalton enjoys being surrounded by wonderful people, with an interest for outdoors as he is an avid sunset observer.

Justine joined Partners Legal in late 2018, bringing with her extensive experience in both commercial and estates litigation. Justine’s encyclopaedic knowledge of civil procedure and award-winning negotiation skills makes her the perfect candidate for handling civil disputes in an efficient, and cost-effective manner. 

When Justine isn’t burning the midnight oil at the office, she enjoys spending time with her young nieces, and catching up on the latest episode of Outlander.

Peter has over four decades of legal experience, and in his impressive career has advised clients on a broad range of private and commercial legal issues.

In addition to this, Peter has served in various professional and business leadership roles including; President of the Law Institute of Victoria, Chairman of Legal Aid Commission of Victoria and Deputy President of Victorian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (VECCI). Moreover, Peter has also served as a long term legal advisers to business and professional associations, including the Design Institute of Australia.

Peter’s astonishing experience ensures that you will always receive expert advice, especially if you require assistance with business negotiations, transactions and contracts, as well as unitholder and shareholder agreements and disputes.

If you own a family business, you will be pleased to know that Peter has a particular interest in ensuring your business interests are protected and transferred according to your wishes.