The journey into law…
I started my working life as a junior legal secretary and progressed through the ranks to become a senior paralegal predominantly responsible for high rise development on the Gold Coast. I returned to study as a mature age student and completed a Bachelor of Laws at QUT with honours. I was admitted as a Solicitor in 1997.
Experience in family law
Gillian’s first role after completing her law degree was with a small criminal law specialist firm. While she was involved in some criminal matters, she predominantly represented clients in family law. Working in a small firm gave her broad family law experience, ranging from divorces and mediation through to complex property and children’s matters. After seeing firsthand how mediation can help clients reach a resolution, she completed the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner Course at Bond University and participated in the FDRP resolution process for a period of time.
She also worked at the Bayside Community Legal Service, providing family law advice to clients seeking free legal assistance.
Other areas of expertise
Gillian has a strong background in property law, having been involved in all aspects of property development and conveyancing. She has also assisted clients with wills and estates, civil law, and employment matters, as well as domestic violence, traffic, and criminal matters.
The passion for family law
Gillian enjoys family law because it gives her the opportunity to assist clients during a difficult time in their lives. Family law also allows her to draw on her experience in other areas of law, including property, wills and estates, and criminal law such as domestic violence matters.
Our care for clients
Gillian believes it is important to listen carefully to a client to understand the issues, and then provide practical and empathetic advice on the best way to proceed. She believes advice should be delivered in clear, plain language without excessive legal jargon. She also believes work should be carried out in a timely manner without delays, and clients should be kept informed about the progress of their matter, even if it is simply to advise that there is no news yet but the matter is being actively managed.
Why Unified?
Unified Law was highly recommended to Gillian by a former colleague whose opinion she values. After conducting her own research and from her interactions with Unified, she believes the firm is progressive and values-driven, and she would be proud to be part of it.
Passion outside of the law
Gillian is passionate about all animals, particularly horses. She owns a small farm with many animals, mostly rescues that seem to find their way to her. She has four horses, three of which are retired, and she rides one for low-level competition. She also enjoys gardening and all types of craft.