Deborah Culhane

Deborah Culhane is the Director of Country Life Law and is renowned for her dedication to empowering local communities through nuanced legal guidance. With a rich background as a corporate lawyer for a prominent hospitality and tourism company, Deborah brings invaluable insight into these sectors, ensuring clients receive comprehensive legal support tailored to their unique industries. She excels in working with agricultural enterprises, assisting them in navigating complex legal landscapes to secure sustainable growth. Deborah’s approach is distinguished by her commitment to understanding her clients' individual stories, needs and objectives. Recognising that rural settings often require distinct strategies compared to urban environments, she crafts bespoke legal solutions that fit each client's specific circumstances. Her genuine interest in clients' aspirations allows her to deliver holistic services that go beyond mere legal advice. Having practised law and provided business consultancy for over two decades, Deborah is deeply invested in the hospitality, leisure, and events sectors of regional businesses. Her tenure as In-House Counsel at Village Roadshow Limited equipped her with extensive experience in both domestic and international commercial law. This expertise has honed her ability to offer strategic legal support to tourism-based businesses, fostering transformative impacts on regional communities. Deborah also assists clients seeking lifestyle changes, guiding them in acquiring properties ranging from olive groves and wineries to charming bed and breakfasts in picturesque rural areas. Her passion for property and rural lifestyles dovetails perfectly with her legal practice, making her an invaluable ally for those pursuing a "tree-change." Active in her community, Deborah contributes her expertise as a lawyer, amateur violist, and advocate for women entrepreneurs. She is a board member of Business Wodonga and Metavision Institute Pty Ltd. Her enthusiasm extends to sailing, having participated in the 2013 Sydney to Hobart yacht race, and she avidly supports Women and Girls in Sailing.