RAE & PARTNERS - Key Persons
Amber manages the civil litigation team, including mentoring the other lawyers that make up the Rae & Partners team. She practices primarily in Estate litigation and in Industrial Relations and Employment Law. Amber was admitted to practice in 2003 and is a Trustee of the WD Booth Charitable Trust. In her spare time, she's a cultured sort, and loves to go to the theatre, travel and sample Tassie's lovely wines.
Amber provides advice and assistance to clients regarding legal issues relating to children and parenting arrangements, child protection matters, change of a child's name, divorce, and matrimonial property settlements.
She is the President of the North West Young Lawyers Committee, the Public Officer of the management committee of the North West Community Legal Centre and a committee member of the Family Law Practitioners Association of Tasmania. Amber was admitted to the legal profession in 2019 and has a Bachelor of Laws degree.
In 2022 Amber was awarded the Tasmanian Law Society Young Lawyers Award in recognition for her outstanding contribution to the Tasmanian Legal Profession.
Having filled our Devonport office with house plants, when she's not at work Amber is often collecting more plants for her jungle office.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate - Commercial, Property and Estate Planning
Amelia's specialities are estate planning, commercial and property transactions, with particular expertise in business and farming transactions.
Prior to the law, Amelia pursued a career in nursing and worked in aged care. These days, she volunteers her time for Launceston based boards and committees. Amelia attends our Scottsdale office on Tuesdays fortnightly and is available by appointment.
Outside of work, Amelia is an avid reader and believes she will write the great Australian tell-all novel (under a pseudonym of course).
Job Titles:
- Associate - Commercial Law, Property and Estate Planning
Two things Amy loves are, firstly, meeting new people and secondly, the intricacies of the law. That makes her absolutely passionate about her role at Rae and Partners.
Amy completed her Bachelor of Laws with Distinction in Victoria and worked extensively with multiple legal organisations throughout her education. She demonstrates her passion for the law on a daily basis and is determined to achieve the best possible outcomes for her clients. Amy returned to Tasmania with a vision to support her local community, individuals and businesses and now practices primarily in commercial law, property law and estate planning.
When she takes a break from helping you with your legal ventures, Amy can be found keeping active and exploring new places with her family.
Job Titles:
- Conveyancing Clerk - Property Team
Bevan is your go-to for facilitating property purchases and sale transactions. He's been working in the legal industry since 1982, which gives you a hint at his broad knowledge in the field. Something few people know about him is that, had he not signed on for the law, he'd be working in hospitality, Basil Fawlty style.
Job Titles:
- Conveyancing Clerk - Property Team
Brodie is a clerk in our conveyancing team and works with our firm's directors and solicitors on residential and commercial conveyancing matters.
With over 15 years' experience in conveyancing practice, Brodie is well-poised to assist our vendor and purchaser clients with their conveyancing transaction.
Brodie prides herself in developing strong relationships with our firm's clients. She approaches the conveyancing process by providing clear, timely and open communication and is committed to working towards an efficient and timely settlement on our clients' transactions.
Job Titles:
- Lawyer - Family Law and Estate Planning
- Member of the Family Law Practitioners Association of Tasmania
Caitlin is a part of our Family Law and Wills and Estate Planning teams.
Caitlin began working at Rae & Partners in 2021 after completing her Bachelor of Laws with Honours in Law, Bachelor of Arts and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of Tasmania. Throughout Caitlin's studies, she volunteered as a Family Engagement Worker with Onesimus Foundation, facilitating communication between Risdon Prison inmates and their families, and as a General Representative with the Community Engagement Tasmania Society, educating youth about various areas of the law. Caitlin is passionate about assisting people to understand and utilise the law to meet their needs.
Caitlin is a member of the Family Law Practitioners Association of Tasmania and the North West Young Lawyers Committee.
When Caitlin is not working, she enjoys keeping active and exploring Tasmania.
Job Titles:
- Commercial Solicitor
- Principal - Commercial Law, Property & Estate Planning
Cassandra is a commercial solicitor and an absolute dab hand at everything - from property law, property development, conveyancing and auctions, to leasing and licensing, mortgages, local government to estate planning and wills.
She was admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2013, the same year that she commenced work with Rae & Partners.
Cassandra is an achiever; she was the goody-two-shoes at school and things haven't changed. Except that now, the day ends with a good glass of red.
Charlene comes to the Rae & Partners Family Law Team with a broad background in family law, property and wills and estates. With a passion for social justice, she started her career representing women and children who found themselves living in refuges. Balancing empathy with solid, practical legal advice was a lesson quickly learnt and applied diligently ever since.
When she is not at work, she is often on her on her yoga mat, visualising her next life as a singer in a rock band.
Christie provides advice and assistance to clients regarding legal issues relating to children and matrimonial property settlements. Christie was admitted to the legal profession in 2015 and has a combined Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degree, with honours in law. She has a background in commercial and property law, but now practices family law. On weekends, Christie loves day trips with her family. Once, Christie skydived with her 80-year-old Pop in New Zealand. True story.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Senior Associate - Commercial Law, Property and Estate Planning
Clare specialises in commercial and property transactions, and estate planning, with particular expertise and interest in subdivisions, commercial and farming transactions.
Prior to the law, Clare had a successful career in agribusiness banking with one of the big four banks, including strategic planning and strategic projects of significance to the rural sector.
Clare also has health sector experience having originally practiced as a nurse, which has provided invaluable interpersonal skills for navigating negotiations on behalf of her clients.
Clare is currently a board member of a number of boards in and around Launceston. Outside of work, Clare is kept busy raising a family and pursuing swimming, cycling and bushwalking.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor - Civil Litigation and Estate Administration
- Vice - President of the Early Career Lawyers North Committee, and Vice - Chair
Claudia is part of our Civil Litigation and Estate Administration teams.
Claudia started out at as a paralegal in 2018, while completing a Bachelor of Laws through Deakin University, and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice with the College of Law. Since being admitted to the legal profession in February 2021, Claudia has gained experience in a range of practice areas including civil and estate litigation, debt recovery and residential tenancy disputes. She has also represented clients in relation to Guardianship and Administration matters before the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT).
Claudia is Vice-President of the Early Career Lawyers North Committee, and Vice-Chair of the the firm's Diversity Committee.
Outside of work, Claudia enjoys spending time with friends and family, and exploring Tassie.
Job Titles:
- Conveyancing Clerk - Property Team
Having been a real estate agent for 10 years Courtney brings a unique level of expertise to the conveyancing team.
Courtney has worked alongside the directors at Rae & Partners for over 8 years, assisting in both residential and commercial transactions.
Courtney's work ethic, coupled with a high level of service to clients, ensures they feel well-informed and supported throughout the whole transaction.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate - Commercial & Property Law
Ella has recently relocated back to Tasmania to join our commercial and property law practice group.
Ella has worked with some of the largest national property portfolio groups and property developers in Australia, including publicly listed companies.
Ella has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Business from La Trobe University in Melbourne. After being admitted to practice in the Victorian Supreme Court and to the High Court of Australia, Ella worked for a top tier law firm in Melbourne as part of their Infrastructure, Construction & Property Practice Group.
Ella was a presenter at the Property Council of Australia Retail Leasing Seminar in both 2017 and 2018.
Areas of expertise include:
Emily is a senior family lawyer with expertise across all family law services including children's matters, property matters, financial agreements, consent orders, mediation and divorce. She mentors other family law team members across our offices, providing advice and guidance.
Emily has been practising family law exclusively since her admission in 1999 and is a member of the Family Law Practitioners Association (Tasmania) and the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators. Importantly, Emily is passionate about her work, guided by empathy and common sense, the proof being that many of her cases are resolved in mediation, sparing clients unnecessary anxiety and expense.
She is extremely organised. Meticulously so. And that would be because she's the doting mother of twin girls.
Georgia is one of our freshest faces at our Devonport office having recently completed her Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at UTAS. With a keen interest in all things commercial law, property law, and estate planning, Georgia loves pursuing new opportunities and wants to help others to do the same!
When she's not in the office Georgia is a social butterfly, having recently become a member of the North West Young Lawyers, and joining the local netball scene. Whether in a café or on the court Georgia is always having fun.
Job Titles:
- Conveyancing Clerk - Property Team
Jane has been working in the legal industry for 22 years, 8 of which have been in the area of conveyancing. She finds it deeply satisfying to be able to help people change their lives. If she hadn't worked in the law, you would have found Jane in the maternity ward, delivering babies as a midwife.
Jenna is passionate about justice. Even from a young age, she has always had a strong desire to speak up for those who need support - even if her many siblings never actually asked for any!
Today, she practices Family Law based at Rae & Partners Devonport, advising in relation to both children's and property matters.
Jenna strives to provide practical advice that is easy to understand. She enjoys getting to know her clients so she can understand their unique needs and family dynamic to achieve the best possible resolution.
Jenna was admitted to the legal profession in 2018 and has a combined Bachelor of Arts and Laws with First Class Honours in Law.
When not in the office, Jenna enjoys reading too many books at once and spending time with friends and family. A complete food obsessive, Jenna can always be found either reading a cookbook, investigating a menu, or eating as much as possible.
Job Titles:
- Principal - Commercial Law, Property and Estate Planning
Jillian is a senior Commercial Lawyer and Principal at Rae & Partners. She also assists in managing the Devonport office of Rae & Partners and the Devonport Commercial team, and mentors young lawyers within the firm. Jillian graduated with a combined degree of Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws with Honours in Law and a Bachelor of Business with Postgraduate First Class Honours in Accounting and Corporate Governance.
Since graduating in 2010, Jillian has worked exclusively for Rae & Partners. She maintains a loyalty to the firm and, it follows, a loyalty to the firm's clients. Having grown up on the North-West Coast and returned to work in Devonport after her studies, Jillian's local integration and knowledge are an invaluable contribution to any transaction touching or concerning local property or business.
Jillian's extensive experience and particular interest in Property and Commercial Law transactions, along with her enthusiasm for problem-solving, gives her the confidence and expertise to negotiate and deliver practical and efficient commercial outcomes for her clients.
Jillian also has a strong commitment to product quality and a passion for delivering comprehensive and pragmatic pre-contractual advice to her clients.
Practising in all areas of the firm's Commercial Law, Property and Estate Planning streams, Jillian's particular areas of expertise include:
Commercial and property transactions
Retail, commercial and residential leasing and licencing
Purchase and sale of commercial, agricultural and residential real property
Property development, including subdivision, strata and staged developments
Financing, securities and mortgages
Local Government property and commercial transactions and advice
Business and personal asset protection and structures
Superannuation and trusts
Wills, estate planning and business succession planning
Estate administration
Business and farming transactions
Although Jillian has a solid work ethic, evident in all aspects of her practice, she also manages to find the time and energy outside of her practice to fulfil her role in the Zonta Club of Devonport and enjoy life with her husband and four young boys on their hobby farm.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate - Estate Administration and Civil Litigation
Jo works from the Launceston office advising on legal issues ranging from Wills and Estate settlement to commercial matters. She moved to Tassie in 2017 after graduating earlier that year and working for Lavan Lawyers in Perth, WA. She's an achiever! During her honours degree she was recognised as the National Indigenous Law Student of the Year 2016, awarded by the Federal Attorney General. She also received the Southern Cross University Academic Excellence Award, the Bruce Miles Foundation Prize for Excellence in Law, the Tony Pagotto Prize for the highest mark in law placement and was sponsored by the Far North Coast Law Society. And if that's not enough to impress you, she did it all by distance education while raising seven children and working as a florist. These days Jo is a Committee Member for the Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (Tasmanian rep) and the Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (Indigenous Sub-committee). I think you can see why Rae & Partners snapped her up.
John brings expertise in personal injury law, criminal law, and commercial litigation to the Rae & Partners team.
John commenced his career as a member of the Royal Australian Navy. He then moved into working with a state-owned insurer, where he held several key positions and was appointed by the Minister to be part of the Legislative Review Team to review the Motor Accidents (Liabilities and Compensation) Act 1973. John was also involved in the drafting of amendments to the Motor Accidents (Liabilities and Compensation) Act 1973 and Regulations.
John is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the Supreme Court of Tasmania. He worked within several firms as a legal practitioner before starting his own law firm, Pedder Schuh, in 2011. Pedder Schuh's merger with Rae & Partners in 2023 saw John join the Dispute Resolution team as a consultant, bringing his extensive experience and knowledge to the team.
Outside of work, John enjoys music, either listening to his favourite bands, going to concerts or playing his guitars. He also attempts to surf when he can, quite badly.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate - Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Keagan joins the Rae & Partners team with over 10 years of experience he has gained whilst working in Melbourne. He joins us with strong general litigation experience, including contract disputes, partnership disputes, large-scale and class action litigation, Royal Commission work, and insolvency work. He has also undertaken work in the personal injury space (both plaintiff and defendant work).
Keagan's most recent experience was with a Victorian Government sector regulator, Safe Transport Victoria, which involved administrative review work, procurement and contract drafting.
Outside of work, he's an avid North Melbourne AFL supporter, even with the emotional toll that comes with this, so he jogs obsessively (mostly after games we've heard). Since moving from Melbourne, he has also enjoyed exploring Northern Tasmania with his family.
Job Titles:
- Conveyancing Clerk - Property Team
Laura is a dedicated Conveyancing Clerk at Rae & Partners, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience from her background in the legal and health industries. With a passion for providing exceptional client service, Laura is committed to making the conveyancing process as stress-free as possible for all our clientele through her expertise and professionalism.
With a remarkable five years of experience in the legal industry, all of which have been spent at Rae & Partners, Laura has developed a deep understanding of the intricacies of conveyancing procedures. Her extensive knowledge and attention to detail ensure that clients receive accurate and timely information, providing them with peace of mind and confidence in their transactions.
Education has been a cornerstone of Laura's professional development. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Media & Communication (Public Relations), with an expected graduation in 2024. She also holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing), which has provided her with a solid foundation in strategic thinking and effective communication.
Job Titles:
- Principal - Litigation & Family Law
Lauren is a pro in all areas of family law, regularly appearing in the Federal Circuit Court and the Family Court of Australia. She also leads our Financial Secured Recoveries team, acting for major banks and other financial institutions, advising on recovery options and enforcement strategies. Lauren is a member of the Family Law Practitioners Association of Tasmania and is part of the Executive Committee of the Council of the Law Society of Tasmania (of which she has been a member since 2013). Importantly, she loves a good laugh, and her chuckles can be heard a good mile away.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor - Commercial and Employment Law
Louis practices in Commercial and Property Law, and Employment Law. In the Commercial and Property sphere, Louis' matters include business sales and purchases, leasing, conveyancing advice and Wills. In the Employment sphere, he represents and advises employer and employee clients alike in relation to a number of matters, including preparation of employment contracts, participation in disciplinary processes, procedural fairness and unfair dismissal.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Law with Honours in Law and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, along with an earlier qualification in technical engineering.
Prior to entering the legal profession, Louis accrued 13 years of experience as a mechanical draftsman. This background has made him an experienced, dedicated and detail-oriented problem-solver, with practical design thinking skills which combine perfectly with his interest in the technical side of the law.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board for an NDIS Service Provider
- Consultant - Commercial Law, Property & Estate Planning
Matthew advises on high-level commercial transactions, business entity structuring, governance and corporations law, trusts, tax, wills and estate planning and business succession planning. He is passionate about helping clients transform ideas and aspirations into reality, while protecting their interests along the way.
Matthew's career spans over 20 years as a commercial lawyer in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport, eight years as a Board Member of The Tax Institute (of which he was National President in 2017, is currently a Chartered Tax Advisor and was awarded Life Membership in 2018). Matthew is also a member of the Law Society of Tasmania, the Australian Legal Practice Management Association, the Continuing Legal Education Association of Australia. He is also the Australia Area Director for the J. Reuben Clark Law Society. In 2022 Matthew was recognised by his peers in Doyle's Guide as a leading corporate, commercial and business lawyer in Tasmania.
Matthew has a great interest in teaching commercial law and particularly enjoys mentoring young legal practitioners, both inside and outside the Firm. In 2019 Matthew was appointed as the Commercial and Corporate Practice course convenor for the Centre for Legal Studies (an adjunct of the University of Tasmania) where he teaches post-graduate commercial law practice. He has also published extensively on legal practice management and frequently presents on GST and other commercial law-related topics.
Outside the law, Matthew is also Chair of the Board for an NDIS service provider company, Enriched Care Solutions, which makes a real difference in the lives of those who are differently-abled. What few people know is that Matthew is also an AFOL (adult fan of Lego), a fair-weather motorcyclist and an avid pianist of 40 years. He particularly enjoys composing songs for his family, especially for his grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director - Commercial, Property and Estate Planning
Drawing on a broad range of commercial experience, Mel provides clients with practical and commercial oriented guidance and advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
With over 20 years' experience of legal practice, Melanie has developed a special interest in Property law, particularly in property development and real estate transactions. Her clients also rely on her experience in the practice areas of Commercial law and Wills, Estate Planning and Estate Administration.
Mel absolutely loves her clients and takes every opportunity to listen, problem-solve and generally get to know them better.
Molly is a part of our Launceston commercial team with her primary practice in commercial law, property law and estate planning.
Molly started working at Rae & Partners in 2022 after completing her Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Laws, and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of Tasmania. She has returned to Launceston to pursue her passion for the law and looks forward to any challenge that comes her way.
Outside of work, her time is spent exploring all that Tasmania has to offer. She is excited to get involved with the Northern Young Lawyers Committee.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate - Litigation
Olivia specialises in criminal and civil litigation. She conducts hearings in the Magistrates Court and has experience providing advice and representation on a wide range of matters. She has taken great pleasure in volunteering with the Launceston Community Legal Centre since she commenced work at Rae & Partners in 2016.
Olivia's goal in life is to win The Amazing Race and, in preparation, she has been trying to learn various languages. So far, she can count to 10 in Japanese and say hello in Spanish.
Job Titles:
- Conveyancing Clerk - Property Team
Philippa has over 15 years' experience working in the conveyancing industry and works in all aspects of the Purchase and Sale of residential property.
Philippa is known for her efficiency and attention to detail.
Philippa strives to give her clients practical and clear advice - she has worked on a wide range of complex matters during her time working in the property team and has the experience to assist her clients realise their property ownership aspirations.
Job Titles:
- Consultant - Commercial Law, Property & Estate Planning
Phil has extensive experience in all areas of commercial and property law, including development, sales, purchases and subdivisions, with a particular interest in the tourism and hospitality sector. He is a past member of the Property Law and Succession Law Committees of the Law Society, and a Director, both past and present, of various charitable organisations. Phil was a founding Director of Rae & Partners. Amongst a diverse range of interests, from architecture and building to bushwalking and cross-country skiing, an addiction to fly fishing tops the list!
Sheryl-lee joins Rae & Partners with an established career in civil litigation, with an emphasis on personal injury, workers compensation and employment law. She is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Queensland, the Supreme Court of Tasmania, and the High Court.
From her beginnings in Crown Law Queensland, Sheryl-lee moved into roles in several Queensland departments as a Legal Officer, and diversified into policy and legislation work.
Since moving to Tasmania, she has worked as an Electorate Advisor to two Tasmanian Senators and as a legal practitioner in two prominent law firms, before opening her own law firm, Pedder Schuh, in 2011.
In 2023, Pedder Schuh merged with Rae & Partners, with Sheryl-lee bringing her considerable talents to the Dispute Resolution team. She is known for her compassionate approach to her clients.
Outside of work, Sheryl-lee's passions include yoga, travel, champagne, and her family - not necessarily in that order.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate - Commercial Law, Property and Estate Planning
Sophie works in the firm's commercial law department, specialising in property, business and other commercial transactions. Her past experience includes working in-house for a construction company and for a top tier legal firm in Canberra. This unique mix of commercial law and commercial building experience provides her with valuable insight into the industry in which her clients operate. In her spare time, Sophie helps her husband milking cows on their dairy farm.
Job Titles:
- Director - Commercial Law, Property and Estate Planning
Stuart's areas of prowess encompass commercial and property law, Estates and Estate Planning. Stuart is well known for the careful but commercial way he approaches a deal. He is a current Director of NRM North and a former Director of Heritage Isle Credit Union. When he's not helping clients or spending time with his wife and daughters, he's likely to be poring over his other passion: collecting watches. Which might explain a certain saying he's known for in the office, relating to the tick-tock of life's trajectory: "What has been done cannot be undone."
Job Titles:
- Lawyer - Civil Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Job Titles:
- Associate - Commercial Law, Property and Estate Planning
Timothy is part of our Launceston commercial team.
Timothy's areas of practice include corporate and commercial law, wills and estate planning, conveyancing and property law. Prior to joining us, Timothy held paralegal roles in corporate and commercial law practice groups in Victoria. His previous experience provides him with the confidence to assist our clients with their matters.
When he is not working on your commercial matter, Timothy is out exploring Tasmania's historic country-side and appreciating Launceston city's architecture.
Job Titles:
- Consultant - Commercial, Property and Estate Planning