Richard Clayton

Lisa Lahey is a Brisbane-based family lawyer at HopgoodGanim. She advises individuals and families on a broad range of family law matters, with a focus on practical guidance during periods of change. Her approach reflects a clear understanding of the legal framework and the personal considerations that often accompany family law disputes. Lisa’s practice includes assisting clients with parenting arrangements, property settlements and related negotiations. She works closely with clients ...

Don is one of the senior partners in HopgoodGanim Lawyers' property practice and leads our work across residential and mixed-use developments including community title projects and other commercial property transactions. Don’s experience includes acting for property developers, banks and managers such as Aria Property Group, Gurner, Sunland Group, St George Bank and Balmain Asset Management in acquiring development sites, establishing community title schemes and selling proposed lots. D...

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.

Kirsty is an experienced construction dispute lawyer and front-end lawyer, specialising in litigation, expert determination, mediation and arbitration concerning a wide range of issues on construction projects that often lead to complex negotiations, disputes and settlements. Kirsty works as part of a specialised team to successfully achieve objectives set by clients, including coordinating high pressure adjudication proceedings. Her understanding and interest in her client’s business a...

Sarah Macoun is a Brisbane-based lawyer with HopgoodGanim, where she focuses on government practice, land use and zoning law, and planning and environmental law. She works with clients navigating the regulatory frameworks that shape development and infrastructure across Queensland, offering practical guidance grounded in an understanding of how policy and planning intersect. Her work regularly involves advising on development approvals, planning schemes and environmental assessments, as well ...

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.

Stephanie is a construction contracts specialist with experience gained in-house and in private practice. Stephanie has advised in relation to a wide range of projects, including commercial, industrial and residential developments, civil and infrastructure projects, and engineering and mining projects. She is focused on applying strong technical drafting skills and providing commercial and practical advice to assist clients to best position themselves for each project. Her experience includes...

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.

Michaela Manning is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Regulatory Practice. Michaela, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michaela is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Drew has over 20 years’ experience as an insurance and commercial litigation lawyer. His area of focus has been the defence of professional negligence claims, directors' and officers' claims and medical malpractice. His commercial dispute practice includes shareholder, partnership and joint venture disputes, domestic and commercial building disputes, injunctive and declaratory relief and administrative law. Drew advises on risk management for professional service firms. Drew has been re...