OHLAW - Key Persons
Ares graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce in December 2022. He was admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in February 2023.
He has an interest practicing in the areas of Family Law and Estate Planning. Whilst working towards a specialised career in Family Law, he also works with other members of the team to expand his skills and knowledge.
Ares is passionate about all sports but particularly loves soccer. In his spare time, if he isn't playing soccer, he enjoys spending time with his family and travelling.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Member of the Australian Restructuring Insolvency
Ben specialises in commercial and business law, insolvency and civil litigation.
Ben holds a Bachelor of Commerce from The University of Newcastle and a Bachelor of Laws from Macquarie University. He was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales and to the Register of Practitioners of the High Court of Australia in 2005.
Ben has been a member of the Australian Restructuring Insolvency and Turnaround Association of Australia (ARITA) since 2009.
Ben began his career with O'Hearn Lawyers in 1997 and became a partner of the firm in 2007. He is a sports enthusiast with a passion for mountain and trail bike riding, snowboarding and soccer.
Since joining O'Hearn Lawyers in 2017, Johanna has brought energy to the team, with her specialist expertise in the practice of insolvency matters, civil litigation, Probate & administration, family law and estate planning.
Johanna holds a Bachelor of Arts with Bachelor of Laws from Macquarie University and was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales and to the Register of Practitioners of the High Court of Australia in 2017.
In her free time, Johanna enjoys walking her very energetic dogs and traveling.
Having worked in the conveyancing field since 1997, Leah is the ideal person to lead the O'Hearn Lawyers conveyancing team. She holds an Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) from Southern Cross University and has been practicing as a Licensed Conveyancer since 2001.
With her vast experience and extensive knowledge of property law, Leah has a proven track record in delivering a smooth settlement process for clients. She ensures there is always someone from the team available to answer questions from our clients.
On the weekend, Leah enjoys spending time with her family, teaching craft classes and camping in the great outdoors.
Leah was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2013 and holds a Diploma of Law from the Legal Profession Admission Board.
Joining the firm in 2020, Leah brings with her over 10 years experience in property and commercial law. Leah is a results driven individual with a commercial and common sense approach to the law.
When not at work, Leah enjoys camping, playing netball and spending time with her family and friends.
Maryanne holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Diploma of Legal Practice and a Master of Medical Science (Health Promotion) from the University of Newcastle. She was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2004 and admitted to Practice in the High Court in Australia in 2004.
After a stint in country Victoria and Maitland, Maryanne joined the team at O'Hearn Lawyers in 2008. Maryanne practices in Family Law, Wills and Estate Planning, Disputed Wills and Estates and Elder Law.
Maryanne holds affiliations with the Law Society of New South Wales, the Hunter Valley Family Law Practitioners Association and the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia.
Outside of work, Maryanne's interests include reading for her book club, cycling, walking and gardening.
Melanie holds a Diploma of Law from the Legal Practitioners Admission Board and is a member of the NSW Law Society. Melanie was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales and to the Register of Practitioners of the High Court of Australia in 2012.
Nathaniel Duggan graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Laws / Diploma of Legal Practice (Honours) in November of 2022 and was admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in March 2023.
Nathaniel has a keen interest in and forms part of, our Commercial and Corporate Law team as well as our Litigation team.
Having obtained his Bachelor of Strategic Communications in 2021, Nathaniel has a professional background in agriculture (wagyu supply chain), hospitality, marketing and sales.
Nathaniel is a passionate Novocastrian and outside of work surrounds himself with friends, family, sport and music.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Honorary Solicitor for Macquarie Soccer Football Association
- Member of SMSF
Philip is one of the founding partners and holds a Bachelor of Legal Studies from Macquarie University. Philip was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1987 and to the Register of Practitioners of the High Court of Australia in the same year.
Philip is the Honorary Solicitor for Macquarie Soccer Football Association and is a former director of Northern New South Wales Soccer Football Federation Limited.
Philip practises in business and commercial law, estate planning, superannuation and trusts. Philip is a member of SMSF Professionals' Association of Australia. Philip has an interest in beef cattle and crop farming and enjoys travelling in the desert regions of central Australia.
Stephanie joined O'Hearn Lawyers in early 2021 as our newly appointed Business Manager. Stephanie comes from a business background and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. Studying at La Trobe University, she focused her studies and is most passionate about applied business management, human resource management, analysing business data, diversity, sustainability practices, finance, and marketing.
Prior to joining the firm, Stephanie spent the last 4 years as the Business Development Manager for two large hotel franchises, managing corporate accounts from mining, construction, project management to government contracts, and leading a large team to success. Stephanie achieved the honour of Top 3 Finalist for Business Development Manager of the year for Australia, New Zealand and the UK in this time. Stephanie has spent years living around the world learning about business and people management.
Stephanie is currently learning Spanish, and in her free time Stephanie loves reading, traveling, hiking and spending time with her friends.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- General Practitioner
Steven was an inaugural student at Bond university when it opened in May 1989 and attained a Bachelor of Law. He was admitted as a solicitor of the supreme court of NSW in 1992 and at the High Court of Australia in 1998
Steven is a general practitioner with a special interest in Wills & Estates, Property Law and Criminal Law.
Steven enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, music, playing guitar, kayaking & travelling. His dream after work is to buy a yacht and sail into the sunset.