Patrick Cavanagh

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...

John McKenna QC has been in practice at the commercial bar in Queensland for over 30 years, including over 18 years within the ranks of senior counsel. He has a particular interest in appellate and legally complex matters. Mr McKenna is also a Nationally Accredited Mediator, with over 15 years of experience in the mediation and expert determination of commercial disputes. He graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in economics) and a Bachelor of Laws (Hon...

Tony is a senior lawyer with more than 35 years' experience in complex agreements and disputes, particularly across intellectual property (IP), information technology (IT), life sciences, and franchising. Tony also has broad international experience, particularly in the USA, UK, and Asia. Tony has been involved in many seminal deals and cases. His experience includes cases involving expert evidence and cross jurisdiction co-ordination with an emphasis on technical and parallel issues. Tony ha...

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...

Stephen practises in construction and infrastructure matters, specialising in construction litigation, arbitration, expert determination and BCIPA claims. Stephen has significant major international and local project experience across the commercial construction, mining and road infrastructure sectors. He specialises in dispute avoidance and resolution with extensive experience in mediation, arbitration, expert determination, litigation and claims under the security for payment legislation na...

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...

Chris Nyst is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defence. Chris, who practices law in Gold Coast, Australia, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Chris is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David Grace is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Commercial Law, Competition Law, Corporate / Governance Practice and Corporate Law. David, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lisa is a Partner in our Family and Relationship law practice with over 25 years of experience advising on all facets of family law, including complex property and children’s matters. Lisa’s interest is in problem solving and helping her clients navigate difficult times by finding suitable options for them to resolve their family law matter with a minimal level of conflict, where conflict does not serve their purpose. Lisa is very respectful of individual circumstances, prompt to ...

Kathy Prince is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Property Law. Kathy, 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 Kathy is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.