Angela Yates

James established JCL in 1992 as a specialist practice in commercial litigation and insolvency. Driven by a desire to achieve positive outcomes for his clients, James’ focus has always been on effective and efficient problem resolution. By establishing his own firm, James has also pursued his desire to help younger lawyers learn the art of law and problem solving. James has a broad range of legal experience, with extensive experience in commercial litigation and insolvency. He has acted...

Kathleen is a Partner practising exclusively in Family and Relationship law. Kathleen has extensive experience advising on relocation matters, international disputes, family violence and general parenting issues that arise upon the breakdown of a relationship. Kathleen advises clients on the financial issues arising upon a separation and ensures settlements are finalised as quickly as possible. As an Accredited Specialist (Family Law), as well as a responsive and accomplished practitioner, Ka...

Kim is a Special Counsel who practices in all areas of banking and finance law with a focus on corporate and business finance. Kim provides strategic and practical advice on a range of project documentation, including finance documents, charges and mortgages, and also advises parties receiving finance. Kim has experience undertaking due diligence for a variety of lenders who provide commercial loans. He also advises clients on the impact of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 on their b...

Michael is a Partner in HopgoodGanim Lawyers' Corporate practice with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital raisings, due diligence, takeovers, joint ventures, corporate restructuring and private equity transactions. Michael is also the co-lead of our Asia Business Unit and in this role he predominantly works with Asia-based clients investing in Australian corporations. Michael has a specific interest in working with clients to achieve great deal outcomes in the resources, technology...

Angela Cornford-Scott is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates and Wealth Management / Succession Planning Practice. Angela, who practices law in Toowong, Australia, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Angela is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian Moller is a Brisbane-based lawyer with HopgoodGanim, where he advises clients across a wide range of commercial and corporate matters. His practice focuses on commercial law, corporate and governance issues, equity capital markets and mergers and acquisitions. He works closely with boards, executives and in-house teams to navigate transactions and ongoing business arrangements with clarity and commercial focus. Brian’s experience includes acting on share and asset acquisitions, ca...

Annie Smeaton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Labour and Employment Law. Annie, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Annie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ann’s Vision Ann Janssen founded the firm in 2009 based on her vision to deliver first-class estate planning and administration services to clients at an accessible cost. Her reasoning was that if a law firm only focussed on this area of law, it would quickly become expert and efficient at it. This has proven to be true, and now Estate First Lawyers has become one of the largest estate planning teams of its type operating Australia wide. The firm consistently receives very high feedback...

Greg Hassall is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Property Law. Greg, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Greg is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael has 20 years’ experience in construction law and litigation obtained at firms in Australia, London, and in-house at some of Australia’s leading contractors. Michael’s advice is clear, pragmatic and considered. His comprehensive understanding of how major contractors operate, based on his own experience, gives him an appreciation of how legal and commercial risks fit within the bigger picture. He has also been involved in many high profile and complex construction dis...