Hugh Powell

Nicole is a Partner in our Corporate practice with a focus on corporate structuring, due diligence and corporate governance, capital raisings, mergers and acquisitions and takeover defences. Nicole acts for public and private companies and private equity investors across a range of industries including resources, property, agribusiness, retail and the services sector. She also acts for some of Queensland’s most prominent sporting enterprises. Nicole is recommended by Doyle’s Guide...

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...

Michael has practised exclusively in the area of accident compensation for over 25 years. He has extensive experience in all areas of insurance litigation; however, in recent years has devoted his time to practising in the area of motor vehicle accident compensation. He is highly regarded by his clients and colleagues across the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, Michael has acted for private and government CTP insurers, WorkCover Queensland and public liability insurers. Mich...

Scott Guthrie draws on his more than 25 years’ of expertise to advise clients in the finance, insolvency and property industries. A significant part of Scott’s practice involves acting for various stakeholders in the unsecured and secured insolvency market. Scott regularly advises and acts for receivers, liquidators, administrators and bankruptcy trustees in identifying, preserving and recovering assets for secured and unsecured creditors. Scott also represents directors and compa...

Deano is the managing Director of Simonidis Steel lawyers. From the commencement of operations in 2001, Deano has expanded the firm to the Gold Coast and more recently to Brisbane’s Northside to cater for a growing clientele. Practicing Family Law for 26 years, Deano has been Accredited by the Queensland Law Society as a Family Law Specialist due to both his experience and credentials in the field. It is no surprise that the hard work of Deano and the firm collectively were recognised b...

With nearly two decades experience in employment and industrial law, Louise is a trusted advisor to Australian employers, especially when navigating complex workplace challenges. She delivers clear, strategic and commercially focused advice across all stages of the employment life cycle. Louise is deeply experienced in matters arising under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) – from enterprise bargaining and industrial action, to transfer of business, redundancy, interpretation of industrial i...

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.

Richard Cowen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation. Richard, 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 Richard is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Laura is a Special Counsel in the firm's Disputes Resolution & Litigation team, specialising in the areas of family business succession, estate planning and superannuation. She has over 16 years’ experience working with private clients and family businesses in crafting and executing succession plans. Laura’s key focus is to understand each individual or families motivation for their succession planning and tailor an appropriate plan for the individual or family. Her areas of e...

Linda Tapiolas is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Linda, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Linda is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.