David Lester

Richard Leahy is the Legal Practitioner Director of Cochrane Leahy Litigation. Richard was a partner in an award winning, national firm, practising in commercial and insurance litigation. Identifying a gap in the Queensland legal market, he has now created his own boutique commercial litigation firm, with an emphasis on expert but commercially pragmatic service for businesses and individuals.

Madeline acts for aged care providers, retirement living operators and disability service providers, with a particular focus on regulatory compliance, administrative law and dispute resolution. Madeline provides practical advice to aged care providers on how to manage complex regulatory issues and respond to administrative decisions. She also frequently advises providers about managing critical incident investigations and acts for providers in coronial investigations and inquests. In the reti...

Philip has over 30 years' experience practicing in business, commercial, and corporate law. Philip's range of industry experience includes agribusiness (private sector and public sector), mining services, large commercial and residential property development projects, acquisitions and sales, manufacturing, food service, medical practices, wills, and estates. Philip's areas of expertise are: Corporate acquisitions - company and business acquisitions, mergers, buy outs, and joint ventures. Corp...

Priya Paquet is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Priya, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Priya is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Leeann is a Special Counsel in our Family and Relationship Law practice. Leeann practices exclusively in family and relationship law and advises clients on both matrimonial and de facto property settlements. Her experience includes advising on alternative dispute resolution (including collaborative law), child-related matters, spousal maintenance and binding financial agreements.Most recently, Leeann was named in the 12th edition of Best Lawyers, Australia for Family Law. Leeann holds qualifi...

Keith Carl is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Property Law. Keith, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Keith is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Elizabeth Harvey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Natural Resources Law and Oil and Gas Law. Elizabeth, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elizabeth is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Janelle Metcalf is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leasing Law and Real Property Law. Janelle, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Janelle is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Katrina is a Partner in our Corporate team. Her practice includes licensing and commercialisation of IP, assistance with IP ownership and structuring issues, research and development collaborations, alliances and joint venture arrangements, the sale and purchase of IP assets and companies, IP audits and due diligence, establishment of franchise systems, manufacturing, supply and distribution agreements, general contracts law and commercial and corporate law. Katrina also advises in relation t...

Kirsten Van Der Wal is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Negligence. Kirsten, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kirsten is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.