Meet Our Authors

A general practice lawyer for over 50 years, Guy is also highly experienced in business and is the co-founder of By Lawyers Global Publishing. As the original author of many By Lawyers publications, he is one of the most widely read legal authors in Australia and maintains active oversight of all By Lawyers publications.

Guy’s extensive legal and commercial experience is reflected in the practical, client-oriented focus that is the hallmark of By Lawyers.

Danni developed her management and communications skills in merchant banking and journalism before co-founding By Lawyers Global Publishing. A ground-breaking online publisher and talented legal author, Danni has contributed to many By Lawyers publications. She holds a Master of Business Administration and a law degree.

Danni managed a busy legal practice – an experience that drove her desire to make the practice of law more enjoyable.

A NSW solicitor since 1994, Brad completed a corporate management traineeship before more than 20 years in private and government legal practice, including as a partner, director, and consultant. After 10 years as a contributing author, Brad joined By Lawyers full time in January 2018.

As Managing Editor, Brad oversees all of the Australian publications.

Before joining the By Lawyers team, Doug practised as a litigation, commercial, and property lawyer. Highly client-focused and commercial, Doug plays a critical role in shaping By Lawyers’ vision and goals, keeping By Lawyers at the forefront of the legal publishing industry and providing high-quality legal resources and solutions to clients globally.

Paul’s experience working in small law firms helps him to bring a practical focus to his role at By Lawyers. Paul is focused on the needs of the profession and helping lawyers enjoy practice more.

Paul is responsible for overseeing By Lawyers’ day-to-day operations.

Kate has extensive experience in a general practice law firm. After qualifying as a licensed conveyancer in 2005, she completed the LPAB and was admitted to practice as a lawyer in 2014. Kate is passionate about delivering industry-leading content for law firms.

Having been with By Lawyers since the beginning, Kate works closely with our software developers, leveraging technology to improve delivery and user experience while staying ahead of industry trends in legal publishing.

Sigrid is a highly experienced practitioner, particularly in the areas of dispute resolution, financial regulation, banking, and insurance. With a strong focus on communication and plain language drafting, Sigrid ensures that publications are accessible to everyone in a firm.

John completed the LPAB after previous qualifications in surveying and teaching. He has a deep love for the English language, and working as an editor at By Lawyers has enabled him to intensify this connection.

Russell is a renowned lawyer, specialising in all aspects of property law and conveyancing. He authored the Law Institute of Victoria’s Ethics Handbook, writes a monthly Property Law column in the Law Institute Journal and is the principal Victorian author for By Lawyers. He is a co-author with Guy Dawson of the By Lawyers Contract of Sale of Land and the main author of By Lawyers popular 1001 Conveyancing Answers reference manual.

Russell has contributed to the Victorian Conveyancing, Leases, and Mortgages publications and 1001 Conveyancing Answers.

Keleigh is an experienced, widely regarded family law specialist who holds a Master of Applied Law (Family Law). She has been Chair of the LIV Junior Family Lawyers Committee and a member of the LIV Family Law Executive and the Maintenance and Property Committees. She volunteers at the Women’s Legal Service and the Inner Melbourne Community Legal Centre.

Keleigh has contributed to the Family Law publication.

Roz is CEO and Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives. She also lectures in the law and is actively engaged in succession law review whilst running her own general practice.

Roz has contributed to the Victorian Estate Administration and Wills and Lifetime Planning publications.

Nawaar was called to the Victorian Bar in 2012 and practises primarily in commercial law, with particular expertise in insurance, contractual, and superannuation litigation. She has previously worked in a national insurance firm and as a Judges’ Associate in both the County Court and Supreme Court of Victoria.

Nawaar has contributed to the Victorian Litigation publications.

With over 20 years of experience as a commercial lawyer, including as a partner, Paul specialises in franchise systems and dispute resolution.

Paul has contributed to the Companies, Trusts, Partnerships, Self Managed Superannuation, Joint Ventures, and Sale and Purchase of Business publications.         

Peter Breen is a defamation and media lawyer and a former member of the Legislative Council of the New South Wales Parliament. He practises on the north coast of New South Wales and is the author of several books.

Peter has contributed to the Defamation and Protecting Reputation publication.

Simone was called to the Victorian Bar in 2018, accepting briefs in criminal and administrative law matters. Previously, Simone was a federal prosecutor at the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and a lawyer at the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission.

Simone has contributed to the Victorian Criminal and Traffic Offences publications.

For over 20 years, Lauren O’Brien has worked exclusively in commercial and property law. Lauren always approaches matters with a commercial as well as a legal perspective.

Lauren has contributed to the Queensland Leases publication.

Donna Cooper is an ethics lawyer. She was admitted in 2004 and worked in private practice and government before moving to the Law Institute of Victoria. She was head of the Ethics Department for 10 years and also the Secretary to the LIV Ethics Committee, Ethics Liaison Group, and Ethics Guidelines Review Sub-Committee.

Donna has contributed to the Victorian Estate Administration and Wills and Lifetime Planning publications.

Brad specialises in employment, industrial relations, and safety law. He brings a unique blend of investigative and legal skills to his workplace investigations, having previously worked as a decorated police officer.

Brad has contributed to the Employment Law publication.

A former police prosecutor, Steve completed a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Western Sydney. He currently practises in criminal, administrative and coronial law, and District and Supreme Court litigation.

Stephen has contributed to the New South Wales Criminal and Traffic Offences publication.

Marcia Jarvis is a director of Jarvis Nixon Legal and has worked with commercial law firms and the Public Trustee of WA. She is highly experienced in civil litigation, particularly trusts, estates, and family provision claims.

Marcia has contributed to the Western Australian Estate Administration publication.     

Emily Nixon is a director of Jarvis Nixon Legal in Western Australia. She has considerable experience in conducting complex trust and estate litigation matters in the Supreme Court.

Emily has contributed to the Western Australian Estate Administration publication.

Kim has specialised in civil litigation, particularly professional negligence claims, for over 35 years.

Kim has contributed to the New South Wales Personal Injury, Workers Compensation, and Criminal and Traffic Offences publications.

Amir is a lawyer and registered migration agent with extensive experience in complex immigration law matters. He has provided legal assistance and advice in jurisdictions including the Migration Review Tribunal, Refugee Review Tribunal, Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and Federal Court.

Amir has contributed to the Immigration publication.

Bruce Ryrie is an accredited specialist in family Law and advocacy. He was for many years a sole practitioner, partner, and consultant in suburban legal practices. He was also a Local Court arbitrator, a Supreme Court costs assessor, and a family law arbitrator and mediator.

Bruce has contributed to the New South Wales Conveyancing and Family Law publications and 101 Costs Answers.

Sarah has an active practice in corporate and commercial law and over 10 years of experience as a lawyer, including providing complex, high-level legal and corporate governance support to ASX-listed companies.

Sarah has contributed to the South Australian Conveyancing, Business and Franchise, and Practice Management publications.

Michelle practised for many years in family law, business structuring, franchising, intellectual property, conveyancing, and property.

Michelle has contributed to Queensland Conveyancing, Mortgages, Business and Franchise, and Trade Marks publications.

Jo is a member of the SA Bar and practises in criminal, commercial, administrative, and personal injury law. She enjoys teaching at the University of Adelaide and has a special interest in legal research.

Jo has contributed to the South Australian Criminal and Traffic Offences and Immigration publications.

Michael has 30 years of experience in Australia as an insolvency lawyer, academic, and author. He writes through Murrays Legal Commentary, is the co-author of Keay’s Insolvency, and is a Visiting Fellow at QUT Faculty of Law and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law.

Michael has contributed to the Insolvency publication.

Philippe is a barrister at the Sydney bar. He is an experienced and strategic litigator who excels at handling complex cases requiring meticulous analysis and creative thinking. Philippe’s specialties include legal profession regulation and legal costs.

Philippe has contributed to the Litigation publications and 101 Costs Answers.

With over 40 years of experience in areas such as commercial, property, wills, deceased estates, and family provision claims, Phillip is a fervent proponent and teacher of plain language drafting.

Phillip has contributed to the Companies, Trusts, Partnerships, Self Managed Superannuation, Victorian Business and Franchise, and Litigation publications.

Carolyn has over 25 years of experience in legal practice. Her experience managing disputes extends across jurisdictions, and she is passionate about employment and industrial relations law.

Carolyn has contributed to the Queensland Estate Administration, Wills and Lifetime Planning, and Family Provision Claims publication.

Greg is an accredited specialist in business and personal tax and a regular speaker on taxation, estate planning, superannuation, and business structuring for legal and accounting groups.

Greg has contributed to the Companies, Trusts, Partnerships and Self Managed Superannuation publications.

Robyn, now a Crown Prosecutor, was previously a busy barrister practising in various jurisdictions.

Robyn has contributed to the Victorian Criminal and Traffic Offences publication.

Mitchell advises small to large businesses in all aspects of commercial enterprise – negotiating, drafting, and advising on contracts and commercial agreements; corporate and trust structuring; and estate planning, including business succession planning and complex wills.

Mitchell has contributed to the Western Australian Business and Franchise publication.

Anthony, a lawyer and former Australian Rugby Wallaby, worked with Clifford Chance in their offices in Paris, Sydney, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His primary specialty was property and construction.

Anthony has contributed to the Trade Marks, Practice Management and New South Wales Security of Payments publications.

Naomi worked in top-tier environments in the Northern Territory and Western Australia before commencing her own Queensland practice. With years of experience in in-house positions in the oil and gas industry, Naomi also has a wealth of corporate law and commercial knowledge.

Naomi has contributed to the Western Australian Conveyancing publication.

Admitted as a lawyer in 1988, Philip was called to the Bar in 1999. He has brought the benefit of his wide experience in criminal law and practice to By Lawyers.

Philip has contributed to the New South Wales Criminal and Traffic Offences publication.

Cameron is a general practitioner working with clients in conveyancing, business, family law, wills, and estate planning.

Cameron has contributed to the New South Wales Conveyancing, Leases, and Mortgages publications.

As a lawyer, Michael has practised extensively in civil litigation, commercial transactions, and disputes.

Michael has contributed to the New South Wales Conveyancing, Leases, and Mortgages publications.

Dean was admitted to practise as a lawyer in 2006 and called to the Bar in 2011 after conducting a successful appellate practice specialising in TAC and WorkCover matters.

Dean has contributed to the Victorian Transport Accident Claims publication.

Norman was admitted to practise in 1996 and gained specialist accreditation in personal injury law in 2006. He has lived and practised both in NSW and in Victoria.

Norman has contributed to the Victorian Transport Accident Claims publication.

Christine is an accredited specialist in succession law and a Council Member of the QLD Law Society. She is also a regular speaker and presenter for the Law Society. She represents clients in all aspects of inheritance law.

Christine has contributed to the Queensland Family Provision Claims Publication.

Peta has appeared in all Victorian jurisdictions and is an experienced court advocate. She has worked as a Senior Public Defender for Victoria Legal Aid and is currently a team leader with the Victorian Law Reform Commission. She has an interest in human rights.

Peta has contributed to the Victorian Criminal and Traffic Offences publication.

James practises mainly in criminal law and personal injury. He is a regular book reviewer for the Bar Association of Queensland Journal and has tutored in law and ethics.

James has contributed to the Queensland Litigation publications.

Evan sadly passed away in 2023. He had many years of experience in general practice. He appeared regularly in QLD, NSW, and VIC courts.

Evan has contributed to the Queensland Litigation publications.

Deborah is a very experienced, accredited family law specialist and independent children’s lawyer. She is also a past President of the Family Law Practitioners Association.

Deborah has contributed to the Family Law publication.

Trish is a highly experienced barrister practising in the area of Family Law.

Trish has contributed to the Family Law publication.

Glenys is a lawyer and town planner, with interests in community and social justice. She is a member of the QLS Property Law Committee.

Glenys has contributed to the Queensland Neighbourhood Disputes publication.

Bronwyn Fraser was admitted in 1983 and has worked in a number of regional firms. She has a keen interest in wills, powers, health directives, estates, and succession planning.

Browyn has contributed to the Queensland Wills and Lifetime Planning publication.

Kelly has a Master of Laws degree and a Master of Labour Law and Relations from the University of Sydney and is the Industrial Law and Relations Section editor of the Australian Business Law Review.

Kelly has contributed to the Employment Law publication.

Simon is an accredited specialist in property law and was awarded the LIV President’s Award in 2003. Simon was more recently the Executive Director of the National Electronic Conveyancing Office.

Simon has contributed to the Victorian Conveyancing publication.

Chris has in excess of 32 years’ experience in business recovery, reconstruction and insolvency, and has handled many complex and high-profile administrations.

Chris has contributed to the Insolvency publication.

Paul is a lawyer practising in Albury with many years’ experience in NSW and VIC property law. He is an accredited specialist in both business law and property law.

Paul has contributed to New South Wales 1001 Conveyancing Answers.

Sebastian practises in disputed estates, family separation and commercial agreements. He is interested in business systems, technology, and cooking.

Sebastian has contributed to the South Australian Magistrates Court Civil and Conveyancing publications.

Tim was admitted as a legal practitioner in 1982 and practises primarily in property, rural, and elder law. In 2010, he received the TAS Law Society President’s Award for Service to the Profession.

Tim has contributed to the Tasmanian Conveyancing publication.

Malcolm advises legal firms on practice management issues and client-staff relationships. This advice covers practice performance, profitability, and risk management.

Malcolm has contributed to the Practice Management publication.

Judge Alan Troy of the District Court of Western Australia was born in England and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Wales. In 1990, he was called to the Bar, predominantly defending criminal cases. In 2002, he relocated to Western Australia, working with both the Commonwealth and state DPP. In 2010, he commenced practice as a barrister at Francis Burt Chambers. He has a strong interest in the history of advocacy.

His article Improving Written Submissions appears in all By Lawyers litigation guides.

Carolyn is a Prosecutor at the Queensland Police Service. She has also represented Queensland and Australia in netball.

Carolyn has contributed to the Queensland Litigation publications.

Bob is a barrister and former part-time lecturer in practice and procedure. His area of practice includes property, trusts, wills and estates, negligence, insurance and personal injury, bankruptcy, and equity.

Bob has contributed to the New South Wales Litigation publications.