JAMES NAUGHTON

DIRECTOR

BEcon LLB M App Law (Family Law)

James is an experienced litigator with more than 25 years’ experience and has expertise in conducting negotiations, mediation and litigation in all major areas of family law including property settlements, spouse maintenance, prenuptial and nuptial agreements, Part VIIIAB (de facto) relationship agreements and settlements, parenting and child support matters. 

He is known as a trusted advisor and fearless advocate. His meticulous preparation means he thrives in resolving complex matters where there is significant uncertainty of outcome and where he can negotiate for the best result or deftly navigate complex litigation. 

Doyle’s Guide has repeatedly recognised James, including as a “Recommended” family lawyer in Brisbane in 2024.

KIERAN MCCARTHY

DIRECTOR

BA (Hons) LLB

Kieran has practiced Family Law for more than 25 years and has been an Accredited Family Law Specialist since 2001. He has a well established reputation for providing expert and empathetic advice to become a trusted advisor to his clients. He is focused on working towards a resolution before litigation. Kieran is recognised by his peers as a “Leading” family lawyer and Recommended High Value and Complex Property Matter lawyer in the most recent Doyle’s Guide.

Kieran counts some of his most rewarding experiences as those coming from assisting people to resolve issues that have international complexities, such as the treatment of overseas trusts. He has acted for clients in and from overseas jurisdictions including the UK, New Zealand, The Philippines, India, PNG, Thailand and the UAE.

His legal formation in regional Queensland has also given him a special interest in matters involving rural property disputes. Other areas of interest include injunctions and other interim relief.

Outside of family law, Kieran also sits on one of Queensland’s major not-for-profit boards and leads military history tours to the Australian battlefields of France and Belgium. He is an established speaker regarding the First and Second World Wars on the after-dinner circuit.

PHOEBE COURTNEY

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

LLB; Grad Dip Legal Prac

Phoebe was admitted as a solicitor in 2017 and has practised almost exclusively in the family law sphere since then. She has represented clients in mediations, arbitrations and litigation across all areas of family law, including parenting disputes, property settlement matters, spouse maintenance issues, domestic violence proceedings and child support matters.

 As an Accredited Duty Solicitor, Phoebe regularly appeared in Magistrates Courts in relation to domestic violence matters.

 Since 2021, Phoebe has volunteered with the Women’s Legal Service and the Suncoast Community Legal Service. She appreciates access to justice remains an obstacle for many people facing family law issues.

 Phoebe’s empathetic and approachable nature help to develop rapport with clients, which engenders effective communication in relation to sensitive matters. She recognises that this is particularly important during what is often a stressful period in people’s lives.

 Phoebe is a member of the Family Law Practitioners’ Association, the Queensland Law Society and the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia.

JULIAN LADD

solicitor

BA LLB (Hons) Grad Dip Legal Prac

Julian was admitted as a solicitor in 2018, having obtained invaluable experience as Judge’s Associate in state and federal spheres. He was Associate to Justice Mullins in the Supreme Court of Queensland, and Legal Associate to Justices Forrest and Hogan in the Family Court of Australia. Julian has also had experience at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, the Director of Public Prosecutions and most recently worked on the Family Law Team at Legal Aid Queensland.

Julian has been an award-winning volunteer for community legal bodies over a number of years and has a demonstrated commitment to law reform through this work, particularly with the LGBTI Legal Service and the Environmental Defenders Office.

Julian currently also engages with the Incorporated Council for Law Reporting Queensland on the Queensland Judgments project, where their goal is to compile “a complete and functional collection of Queensland case law which can be made available to the community free of charge”.

Julian looks forward to bringing his knowledge and public sector experience to bear in the private realm to assist and advise our Directors, employed solicitors and you.

SAMUEL PATCHETT

SOLICITOR

LLB, Grad Dip Legal Prac

Sam is a dedicated family lawyer commencing his career in 2018. 

Sam brings a strategic mindset to every matter, aiming to bring effective communication and meeting clients' objectives with bespoke and creative solutions. 

Known for his energetic advocacy and approach to family law, Sam has a particular keenness for property settlements for high net worth individuals and complex care arrangements. With a deep understanding of both early stages of dispute resolution and necessary litigation pathways, Sam is well-versed in navigating the difficulties clients face within family law to achieve the best possible outcomes for them.

Sam is a regular volunteer at women’s charity, 4Voices, where he has provided pro bono advice on domestic violence, parenting and property related matters.

Outside of practice, Sam is an avid reader and greatly enjoys experiencing the thrills of life; from water rafting, skiing, parapenting and sky diving.