Top Sunshine Coast lawyers revealed
From industry experts in wills and estates to young guns on the rise and some of the region’s leading criminal counsels, these are some of the Sunshine Coast’s top lawyers. See the list.
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The Sunshine Coast is home to some of the best legal professionals around, from law firm directors to criminal lawyers ready to fight for their clients.
With a plethora of accolades to their names, these are some of the top Sunshine Coast legal eagles.
See the list:
Ben Rynderman – Co-director at Lumme Rynderman Legal
Ben Rynderman founded his firm in 2020 with Christopher Lumme and works in criminal, domestic violence and mental health law in South-East Queensland courts.
He has been involved in the legal scene since he was admitted as solicitor in 2015, the same year his son was born.
Prior to this, Mr Rynderman played several different roles in the creative industry, from music lecturer to professional musician.
He also managed hip hop label Obese Records more than 10 years ago and still likes to get involved with his creative side in his free time.
“I think it’s important to have a creative outlet, I’m still really passionate about it,” he said.
Mr Rynderman said criminal lawyers had a rare opportunity to use their skills to do good in the world.
‘There are people in this system who are in desperate need of assistance and representation where they could otherwise be lost,” he said.
“Every matter is different and I’m really lucky to work in an industry where no two days are the same.”
Chris Lumme – Co-director at Lumme Rynderman Legal
Lumme Rynderman Legal’s other founding principal, Christopher Lumme has operated primarily in criminal law since his admission in 2014.
Mr Lumme was marked as a recommended lawyer for the 2022 Best Criminal Lawyers in Queensland list by Doyles Guide.
On top of appeals and mental issues, Mr Lumme also has a special interest in animal law and advocacy for your pet and has been involved in prosecutions on behalf of RCPA.
Anna Smith – Smith Criminal Law
Anna Smith has lived through more than 23 years’ worth of legal matters as a crown prosecutor, barrister and solicitor advocate.
Ms Smith began her legal career in New South Wales in 2000, and then was admitted again in Queensland in 2009.
Working in courts across Queensland, Ms Smith also takes matters in New South Wales occasionally.
Ms Smith has been running Smith Criminal Law for the past 11 years and has offices in Maroochydore and Gympie.
Ms Smith originally travelled across the world as a ski instructor after completing a journalism degree, before she returned to Australia to complete a degree in law.
“I had an interest in crime and criminal law for as long as I can remember – I read every true crime book I could get my hands on as a young teenager,” she said.
Chelsea Emery – Chelsea Emery and Associates
Chelsea Emery has been steering her own ship since 2010 on the Sunshine Coast, with her career in criminal and traffic law tracking back to 1999.
She also previously worked as a criminal law lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast and has been invited back frequently to speak about the profession.
“Throughout my career, I have travelled to various courts throughout Queensland which keeps things interesting,” Ms Emery said.
In 2016, Ms Emery was certified criminal law accredited specialist through the Queensland Law Society.
“I have been recognised by both the Sunshine Coast Law Association in 2021 and the local Suncoast Community Legal Service in 2016 with life membership,” she said.
Ms Emery’s name also appears as a recommended lawyer in the Leading Criminal Lawyers lists by Doyles Guide between 2019 and 2022.
“Defending criminal charges is an enormously stressful experience particularly when a client has had no prior dealings with the criminal justice system,” Ms Emery said.
Matthew Cooper – Chelsea Emery and Associates
Matthew Cooper has been working at Chelsea Emery and Associate for more than seven years, two of which spent as a law clerk before he was admitted as solicitor in 2018.
Mr Cooper works in criminal and domestic violence matters in mainly South East Queensland courts.
One of Mr Cooper’s notable achievements include his appearance in the Sunshine Coast Daily’s list of top 12 young Sunshine Coast lawyers in 2022, he said.
Belinda Robinson – Robinson Law
Belinda Robinson said she had a “vision” at 16 and applied for an age exemption in an adult tertiary course for a university OP.
After starting law in university at 17 and graduating at 23, Ms Robinson continued on to complete three more law degrees.
Backed by 15 years of working in the industry, Ms Robinson opened her own firm in 2022 and now operates three offices in Noosaville, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Ms Robinson’s law firm appears in all courts of Queensland in criminal and domestic violence matters.
Ms Robinson said her father and “best friend” was a driving force behind her passion for law.
Her father David Robinson died after a four-year battle with motor neurone disease in 2016.
“He used to tell me as a child, ‘what matters is how much you have helped others, that is all you leave behind at the end of your time’,” Ms Robinson said.
“I have dedicated my life to helping people in the criminal justice system.
“For every individual I help, I am carrying on my father’s legacy.”
Jacob Pruden – Clarity Law
Jacob Pruden has been working as a solicitor for Clarity Law since 2021 as the primary solicitor for the Sunshine Coast and Gympie region.
Making appearances in Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts across Queensland, Mr Pruden has represented clients in criminal and traffic matters.
“Appearing in court is an integral part of the job, and I love that aspect of it,” Mr Pruden said
“I also appreciate I get to use my mind and my heart – my mind for working out complex problems and legal arguments, my heart for putting myself in the position of my client and other parties.”
Before making the move to Queensland, Mr Pruden gained experience working as a barrister in Victoria and even taught criminal law and advocacy at Leo Cussen Centre for Law.
He also was an actor in school, university and after he graduated, he said.
Mr Pruden said he has been able to challenge himself with difficult court matters since joining Clarity Law, and enjoys writing for the firm’s blog and receiving positive reviews from clients.
“I do feel it is a privilege to do this job, because it allows me to meet all sorts of people from all walks of life,” he said.
Jaimee Burns – Smith Criminal Law
Ms Burns has been working at Smith Criminal Law for almost six months, predominantly taking criminal matters as well as child protection and domestic violence.
Her work usually spans between the Sunshine Coast and Gympie, but often takes her throughout all of Queensland.
Ms Burns took part in a Supreme Court bail program last year aiming to reduce the amount of men on remand with entire Queensland prisons reserved for people on remand, she said.
“Prisoners with mental health struggles, disabilities and generally vulnerable people are largely overrepresented,” she said.
“It is something I am still very passionate about and use to inform my daily practice.”
Ms Burns said she chose a career in criminal law due to her “inherent fascination with the courts.”
“In my opinion, criminal law has to be the most fascinating area of law,” she said.
Katie Paterson – KLM Solicitors
Katie Paterson has been working with KLM Solicitors for the past two years and is currently the only criminal lawyer from the firm’s Sunshine Coast office.
Usually taking criminal, child protection and mental health matters in Sunshine Coast courts, Ms Paterson works across the state, including recently in her hometown at Nanango and Kingaroy courts.
Ms Paterson said she pursued a legal career due to a desire to help people.
“Through my position I have the privilege of supporting and guiding clients – both adults and juveniles – during some of the most difficult periods of their lives,” she said.
“A lot of the time they are just people who have made a mistake, it is not that they are necessarily a bad person or a ‘criminal’.
“I work to address their underlying offending behaviours, reduce their risk of reoffending and better protect the community.”
Laura Nightingale – Principal and co-director at Nightingale Law
Ms Nightingale worked in the criminal justice system for more than 20 years, about 10 of those spent as a police prosecutor in New South Wales, her page states.
Switching to a career as a solicitor in Queensland in 2018, Ms Nightingale started her own firm based at Cooroy in 2020.
Nightingale Law tackles criminal, traffic, domestic violence and family law matters in courts across South-East Queensland.
Ms Nightingale has a particular passion for working with domestic violence victims.
Luke Shanahan, Shanahan Family Law
Founder of Shanahan Family Law, Luke Shanahan, puts his legal success down to his to deep personal commitment to family life and understanding of the Sunshine Coast community.
“I wanted to be known in the community for what I stand for and as a role model,” Mr Shanahan said.
“Both professionally and to my children. Business is about people and people matter.”
Shanahan Family Lawyers plans to expand the firm to five locations Australia employing 20 lawyers.
Leisa Toomey, Toomey Family Law
Family lawyer and director of her own law firm, Leisa Toomey began her legal career 30 years ago on the Sunshine Coast
Toomey Family Law began in Mooloolaba in 2020, after Ms Toomey took a three-year break from her legal career.
Ms Toomey said she found her role in family law brought her “great satisfaction”.
“People just want a pathway to move through their separation in a way that means they come out the other end with a solution they can live with at a reasonable cost. That is not much to ask for and that is what I strive to deliver,” Ms Toomey said.
“I take great satisfaction from my role as a family lawyer when my client has a result that lets them get on with their lives and move forward”.
Liz Catton, Catton and Tondelstrand
Liz Catton said she started out working in commercial and corporate law before moving over to family law 20 years ago.
“I have a particular interest in representing business owners through their divorce and the adjustment of family assets. As a trusted adviser working with clients when they are most vulnerable, I am privileged to witness some remarkable transformations in my clients,” Ms Catton said.
“At Catton and Tondelstrand Lawyers we are all about making lives better.
“This applies not just to our clients but through positive outcomes for families, our whole community.”
Angela Tondelstrand, Catton and Tondelstrand
Angela Tondelstrand is a self-described “trailblazer” when it comes to her career and it seems her hard work has paid of with the family lawyer maintaining her rankings in Doyle’s List since 2018.
Ms Tondelstrand established Catton and Tondelstrand alongside Liz Catton after working as the co-practice group leader for the family law division of Slater & Gordon.
“My career has been one that I have had to carve out largely on my own, as a bit of a trailblazer, having come from a blue-collar family and being the first to hold a tertiary qualification,” Ms Tondelstrand said.
Pippa Colman, Pippa Colman and Associates
Pippa Colman kickstarted her impressive legal career at the age of 17 in Caloundra, often finding herself the only woman working in law on the Sunshine Coast.
Ms Colman opened the doors on Pippa Colman and Associates in 2001 after working for some of the biggest firms in the region.
Ms Colman said since starting in family law in 1995, she had never looked back.
“One of my most satisfactory outcomes was when I helped a single mother recover some money she was due,” Ms Colman said.
“She and her two kids were down to beds, table and two chairs, and a car they had to pray over before it started; they had sold all their possessions just to get by.
“After she received the money, her kids could buy tuck shop, some new clothes and go on school excursions, just like their classmates.”
Micaela Chomley, Chomley Family law
Director of award-winning law firm, Chomley Family law, Micaela Chomley, said she is “extremely grateful” to work in her role after founding the business in 2017.
“I have practised exclusively in family law for the last 15 years of my career and would have it no other way,” Ms Chomley said.
“We now have offices in Buddina, Noosa and Brisbane. I have an amazing team who are extremely passionate and will provide advice in plain English.
“I am extremely grateful to work in family law; I love being able to help families and client’s, rebuild for a better tomorrow. I have learnt over the past decade no family law matter is ever the same and each person has their own story.”
Sarah Quilliam, Pippa Colman and Associates
A director and owner of Pippa Colman and Associates in Maroochydore, Sarah Quilliam, began her law career in 2010.
“I was drawn to the practice of law as I am the 5th generation of lawyer in my family, but I came to develop a real love for this profession, and in particular the area of family law,” Ms Quilliam said.
The firm employs 13 family lawyers.
Samantha Bolton, Pippa Colman and Associates
Starting her legal career more than 15 years ago on the Sunshine Coast, Samantha Bolton is now a director and owner at Pippa Colman and Associates.
Ms Bolton said she hadn’t looked back after moving from general practice into family law, where she deals with domestic and family violence as well as children’s matters.
“I have developed a particular love and interest in children’s matters. I am a member of the Independent Children’s Lawyer Panel and Separate Representative Panel for Legal Aid Queensland in which I am appointed to assist in complex parenting matters,” Ms Bolton said.
Kathryn Hodges, Integrated Family Law
Principal lawyer at Integrated Family Law, Kathryn Hodges, lives and breathes family law, even writing her own book on the issues that arise from separation and divorce.
Ms Hodges was recently recognised by the Queensland Law Society for more than 25 years of work in the industry, 19 of which she has spent as a principal lawyer dealing with family law issues.
Ms Hodges also wrote the book, ‘Who gets the dog? A real conversation about separation, divorce and finding your happiness again’.
Lucy Wood, Lucy Wood Family Law
Working for 17 years in law, spread across three different countries gave Lucy Wood the perfect experience to open the doors on her own firm in 2017.
“After studying law in the UK, I began my career practising in Manchester, England before emigrating to New Zealand, where I practised as a Barrister & Solicitor for a number of years,” Ms Wood said.
“Since 2011, I have been very fortunate to call the Sunshine Coast home, and have practised exclusively in Family Law since.”
Suzanne Stannett, Freedom Law
Director at Freedom Family Law, Suzanne Stannett is well and truly an expert when it comes to everything family law.
Ms Stannett started her legal career in 1992 before becoming a principal lawyer in 2003, two years later she became an accredited specialist in family law.
“What I love about being a family law lawyer is while you are part of the cast of characters in what is usually one of the worst times people have to go through, navigating clients through the family law system and out the other side to start their next chapter of their lives is very emotionally and intellectually fulfilling,” Ms Stannett said.
“All family lawyers trust and hope they have made a positive difference in what is otherwise some very challenging circumstances.”
Travis Schultz – Travis Schultz and Partners
Travis Schultz is a legal force to be reckoned with on the Sunshine Coast as one of Queensland’s industry leaders in compensation law.
After being admitted in 1994 he became an accredited specialist in personal injury law in 1999 and founded Travis Schultz and Partners in 2018 after being a partner in another firm previously.
Mr Schultz was admitted in 1994 and became an accredited specialist in personal injury law in 1999. He founded his firm, Travis Schultz and Partners in 2018 after being a partner in a different firm.
He is a five-time Doyle’s Guide recommendations recipient in his field and in 2021 was acknowledged as the only lawyer in the country to be pre-eminent in all three compensation law areas.
In 2019 and 2021, his firm were winners of the Professional Services Category in the prestigious Sunshine Coast Business Awards.
Malcolm McColm – McColm Matsinger Law
Malcolm McColm is one of the Sunshine Coast’s longest serving lawyers, with about 50 years’ experience in the profession.
Mr McColm opened his practise McColm Matsinger Law in 1998, but has been a partner in several firms for more than 45 years.
His expertise includes planning, commercial law, wills and trusts.
He has held several positions in the community including the chairman and director of Sunshine Coast Grammar School, the director of the Sunshine Coast Events Centre and was on the management committee of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide Ltd.
Ashley Gullo – Brandon and Gullo Lawyers
Director of Brandon and Gullo Lawyers Ashley Gullo began his career on the Coast as a law clerk at McInnes Wilson at the turn of the century, where he stayed until mid-2005.
After spending some time working abroad in England with his wife Karen, Mr Gullo returned to the Coast to start a family – and his own law firm.
“Brandon and Gullo Lawyers started out of my garage in February 2007,” he said.
“We have now grown to a team of 25 specialising in motor vehicle and workplace accident compensation with offices on both the Sunshine Coast and Innisfail.”
Mr Gullo has extensive experience in personal injury law and negotiating within complex cases, and has been recognised on the Doyle’s List since 2018 as one of Queensland’s leading work injury and compensation and motor vehicle accident compensation lawyers.
His law firm has been on the Fast 100 List thrice as one of Australia’s fastest growing companies and was nominated in 2022 as a finalist in Queensland Law Society’s Workplace Culture and Health Awards.
Mr Gullo said he and his wife run several businesses together and have authored various books and courses.
Brendan Bathersby, Bathersby Legal
Director of Bathersby Legal Brendan Bathersby has been on the Sunshine Coast since 1992, and in that time has seen “enormous changes”.
Mr Bathersby said he has practised as a commercial litigator for his entire career on the Coast, but for the last 25 years had a particular interest in the building and construction industry.
He started his firm, which is located in the heart of Maroochydore, in 2020, where he still practises as a commercial litigator.
Mr Bathersby said during his entire time on the Coast, he has been very active in the business community including TAFE, Compass Institute, WishList, Australian Trade Industry, Master Builders and the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce.
He has been the chairman of Master Builders for the last four years but been on the regional executive committee for more than 20 years; and has been the president of the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce for the last five years.
Mr Bathersby said he remains heavily involved in discussions about activities on the Coast, particularly passenger rail infrastructure to the new City Centre.
John Gallagher, Argon Law
Director and co-founder of Argon Law John Gallagher has spent two decades as a commercial and property lawyer.
He established Argon Law in 2013 which at the time focused on commercial and business law, property law and wills and estates; but has now grown to include litigation, dispute resolution, employment law, asset protection and more.
Mr Gallagher said he has had the privilege of representing some of the Coast’s largest organisations including local councillors and various property developers; but from a community standpoint has spent the last 12 years volunteering at the Sunshine Coast Legal Service.
“Additionally, Argon Law has proudly sponsored various community events on the Sunshine Coast, including the Buderim 9 cycling event for six years and the Sunshine Coast Art Prize for five years,” he said.
“Giving back to the Sunshine Coast community is a cause we’re passionate about.”
Jacob Corbett – Bradley and Bray Solicitors
Director at Bradley and Bray Solicitors Jacob Corbett was admitted to the legal profession at age 26 and has been making leaps and bounds ever since.
Mr Corbett bought half of Bradley and Bray Solicitors shortly after he was given a start by solicitor and now co-director Mark Bray.
Mr Corbett has had a short but distinct career, with eight honours since 2019, including winning the 2022 International Advisory Experts Business Lawyer of the Year and the 2021 Australasian Lawyer ‘Most Influential Lawyers – Changemakers’ (National) award.
He specialises in commercial and business law, but has won honours in property law too.
Chloe Kopilovic – FC Lawyers
FC Lawyers director Chloe Kopilovic moved to the Sunshine Coast from Western Australia in 2011, and has risen through the ranks at her firm over a decade.
She started as a trainee at FC Lawyers, then became a solicitor, then became one of its directors in 2021.
Ms Kopilovic was the youngest member of the Queensland Law Society for the 2016/2017 term and was re-elected for the 2018/2019 term, all while finishing her Masters in Applied Law.
The same year she became a director at FC Lawyers, the Doyle’s Guide included her as Queensland’s recommended lawyer in wills, estates and litigations.
Ken Waddington – Pacific Law
Ken Waddington was admitted as a lawyer in 1980, and since then has dedicated his work to commercial and property law, along with giving advice as well as estate planning.
After January 2023, Mr Waddington’s firm Garland Waddington merged under the Pacific Law banner, and Mr Waddington went from being a principal lawyer to special counsel.
He has previously been quoted saying he has acted for those who have built the Coast over the last 40 years.
A love for problem solving has gained him work with firms in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Among his clients have been councils, universities, and large developers who have contributed to the increase in high rise buildings over the years as the Coast grows into a thriving business hub.
Richard Thompson – Kruger Law
Kruger Law Associate Richard Thompson worked for the firm in 2016, before taking a break to focus on coaching and athletics, and returned to the firm in September 2023 after its founder, John Kruger, retired.
Mr Thompson, who has a Bachelor of Law and Accounting, held the record for the quickest time for completing the Ultraman triathlon in 2017, until it was beat by a New Zealand athlete in 2023.
The Kruger Law website states Mr Thompson was “keen to apply the focus, motivation and attention to detail that saw him succeed as a coach and athlete for the benefit of his clients” after returning to the firm.
Greg Spinda – Travis Schultz and Partners
Greg Spinda is an accredited specialist in Personal Injury Law at Travis Schultz and Partners.
The firms website states Mr Spinda escaped a communist regime in Hungary and arrived in Australia when he was six-years-old.
The personal injuries lawyer regularly meets with regulators of Queensland Workers’ Compensation, Compulsory Third Party schemes and others to advocate for protections for injured people, the website states.
“He has a strong passion for making sure injured people are treated fairly and our compensation schemes provide the best possible support, so he regularly prepares submissions to government through his representation on the ALA and has appeared before Parliamentary Committee proceedings to advocate on various issues,” the website states.
His accolades include being recognised in the 2023 Doyle’s Guide Australia for Leading Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Lawyers and Recommended Work Injury Compensation Lawyers.
Vicki Holmes – Slater and Gordon
Slater and Gordon Principal lawyer based at Birtinya Vicki Holmes has been practising in Australia since 2008.
Before that, Ms Holmes worked for leading law firms in London and the United Kingdom in medical negligence law, the Slater and Gordon website states.
Her accolades include a mention in the 2023 Doyle’s Guide Queensland for Leading Medical Negligence Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff).
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