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Hi, I’m Stephanie. I'm an experienced family lawyer based in North Lakes and Toowoomba. I have practised exclusively in family law since 2021; beginning my legal career at Legal Aid Queensland. I have worked across family law, domestic violence, child protection and regional services, both in support roles and as a Lawyer. My experience at Legal Aid gave me exposure to a broad range of family law and domestic violence matters and provided the foundation for my approach to practice today. During this time, I developed a particular passion for complex and high-risk parenting matters and have been fortunate to continue working in these specialist areas throughout my transition into private practice in early 2025. I completed a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at Bond University. After growing up in Toowoomba and attending Fairholme College, I moved to the Gold Coast for university before relocating to Brisbane. In addition to working out of our North Lakes office, I also work closely with the BWB Toowoomba team, assisting clients throughout the Darling Downs and broader South-East Queensland region. Why family law? When I started working in law, I knew that I wanted to work in the domestic violence space. At the time, I did not realise how closely domestic violence and family law intersected. Once I was exposed to family law matters, I quickly knew that it was the area in which I wanted to build my career. I am passionate about family law and the unique challenges that each matter presents. I especially enjoy assisting clients in complex parenting disputes and matters involving multiple jurisdictions, where thoughtful planning and tailored strategic advice can have a significant impact on the outcome for families and those navigating separation. How would clients describe your approach? Clients often describe my approach as empathetic, supportive and practical. I understand that coming to a family lawyer can be an incredibly difficult step, and I take the time to ensure my clients feel heard and have the opportunity to tell their story. My role is to provide practical and realistic advice about the options available, while helping clients understand the steps involved in progressing their matter. I believe that having a clear plan and understanding the bigger picture can help clients make informed decisions throughout what can be an uncertain and challenging time. Advocacy and strategy One of my favourite parts of practising family law is court-based advocacy. I enjoy strategically preparing matters, developing long-term case plans and advocating for my clients when their matter requires court intervention. I am confident running matters as a solicitor advocate, which can assist clients in minimising costs where appropriate. My experience has also reinforced for me the importance of careful and strategic planning. A well-prepared matter can often put clients in the best position to resolve their dispute as early as possible, while ensuring they are prepared to advocate strongly for their position if resolution cannot be achieved. Ultimately, I want my clients to feel supported, well-informed and confident that their matter is being approached with both empathy and careful consideration.
