Kevin Vierboom - Principal Solicitor
Kevin is an experienced investigative and litigation lawyer. He has conducted and managed numerous complex fraud and criminal investigations. As an advocate, Kevin uses his investigative skills to identify practical lines of defence in matters before the Courts.
Qualifications
Supreme Court Admission 1991
Solicitors Admission Board 1992
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice 1992
Master of Laws 1997
Memberships
Denise McCarthy - Senior Associate
Denise McCarthy was first admitted to practice in 1992 and is an experienced court advocate representing clients in criminal, civil and traffic matters. Denise was highly regarded as an associate lecturer in commercial and consumer law at Sydney University for six years before returning to private practice.
Denise is results driven and meticulous in her preparation. Her focused approach allows her to gain real insight into each client's circumstances and to achieve the best possible results in court. She will explain the proceedings in plain English so that you feel comfortable about going to court and know what to expect at every stage of your matter.
Qualifications
Supreme Court Admission 1992
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice 1991
Bachelor of Laws 1991
Memberships
Jodhi Coady - Senior Associate
Jodhi Coady is a highly skilled and experienced Lawyer with more than 20 years’ post-admission experience.
Jodhi has spent a significant portion of her career practicing in Family Law, developing extensive experience across complex and often highly emotional matters. She previously operated her own legal practice, where she managed her clients, files, and practice responsibilities, giving her a strong understanding of both the legal and practical aspects of running matters from start to finish.
Jodhi has strong end-to-end litigation experience, including preparing pleadings, managing discovery and subpoenas, conducting interim applications, attending court, negotiating settlements, participating in mediations, and briefing counsel where appropriate.
Jodhi relocated from Sydney to the Central Coast in 2024. She brings to Fourtree Lawyers extensive litigation experience, a practical approach to resolving disputes and a strong commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for her clients.
Jodhi is passionate about providing clear, practical, and strategic legal advice, while ensuring her clients feel informed and supported throughout their matter.
Qualifications
Master of Laws 2018
High Court Admission
Supreme Court Admission
Solicitors Admission Board 2001
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice 2001
Memberships
NSW Law Society
Daniel Lambley - Senior Associate
Daniel is an experienced civil litigation lawyer. He has attended to conducting a wide variety of litigation matters, specialising in litigation associated with Wills and Estates, including disputed wills and family provisions matters. He regularly appears before the Supreme Court of NSW for all manner of disputes within the Wills and Estates practice area.
He has also attended to the conduct of litigated matters in Criminal Law and Employment Law and has previously attended to matters before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, including Guardianship, Tenancy, and Building Dispute matters. He has appeared before the Local Court, District Court, Supreme Court of NSW, and the Court of Appeal in various interlocutory and hearing matters.
Daniel seeks to achieve the best possible outcomes, with care for each client, regardless of their legal issues.
Qualifications
Supreme Court Admission 2015
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice 2015
Bachelor of Laws 2014
Bachelor of Social Science 2011
Memberships
Alison Dawes - Senior Associate
Alison is a highly skilled Associate Solicitor solely practicing in family law. She assists clients with a blend of experience, empathy, and dedication ensuring comprehensive and exceptional care for her clients with their parenting, property, and divorce matters.
Prior to joining the team at Fourtree Lawyers, Alison previously worked for Orbell Family Lawyers, Conditsis Lawyers, and Resolve Family Lawyers providing her with a wealth of knowledge in family law. This experience together with her previous roles in finance, welfare, and as a business owner give her a unique perspective to provide insightful and pragmatic advice to her clients.
Alison regularly appears in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, conciliation conferences, dispute resolution conferences, and family law mediations. Alison understands that every client has unique circumstances that require a tailored legal solution she is able to guide clients through complex legal situations with compassion and continuing support to obtain the best outcome possible for her clients.
Qualifications
Supreme Court Admission 2020
High Court of Australia Admission 2020
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice 2019
Bachelor of Laws 2019
Associate Degree in Law 2015
Memberships
NSW Law Society
Central Coast Law Society (Committee Member)
Hunter Valley Family Law Practitioners Association
Family Law Section
NSW Young Lawyers Family Law Sub Committee
Women Lawyers Association NSW
NSW Regional Women Lawyers Association
Holly Easey - Senior Associate
Holly is a dedicated and knowledgeable solicitor with strong expertise in corporate law, personal injury, litigation, and dispute resolution.
Having worked across both private practice and in-house legal environments, she brings a wealth of experience advising a diverse range of clients and stakeholders.
Holly completed her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws at the University of Newcastle and was admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in January 2020.
She is committed to delivering practical, client-focused legal solutions and building strong professional relationships.
Outside of work, Holly enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Qualifications
Supreme Court Admission 2020
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice 2019
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) 2019
Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations) and Psychology 2017
NSW Justice of the Peace
Memberships
NSW Law Society
Paris Blair - Solicitor
Paris was recently admitted to practice, having completed her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Social Science (Anthropology) at Macquarie University in 2024, and her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice with the College of Law in 2025.
Paris has worked in the legal profession throughout her time at university and since, developing a strong foundation and practical experience across a range of practice areas. Her experience includes employment law, industrial relations law, and family law, allowing her to assist clients with a broad spectrum of legal issues while maintaining a professional, client-focused approach.
In her spare time, Paris enjoys playing soccer, relaxing with a good book, and spending time with family and friends.
Qualifications
High Court Admission 2025
Supreme Court Admission 2025
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice 2025
Bachelor of Laws 2024
Bachelor of Social Science (Anthropology) 2024
Memberships
NSW Law Society
Jessica Laidlaw - Solicitor
Jessica completed a Bachelor of Social Science in 2024 and a Bachelor of Laws/Diploma of Legal Practice in 2025. She was admitted as a lawyer to the Supreme Court of NSW IN 2026.
Through her studies and experience as a paralegal, Jessica has developed a genuine passion for the law, with a commitment to providing a thoughtful, personable, and client-focused approach.
As Jessica begins her career in legal practice, she is enthusiastic about continuing to develop her expertise while contributing meaningfully to the firm and its clients.
Outside the law, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends and is an avid reader and enthusiastic coffee-and-cake lover.
Qualifications
Supreme Court Admission 2026
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice 2025
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) 2025
Bachelor of Social Science (Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations) 2024
Memberships
NSW Law Society
Jo Maclean Childs - Licenced Conveyancer
Jo is an organisational superstar who joined the Fourtree Lawyers team in 2021. She co-ordinates Newcastle reception, liaises with clients, arranges appointments, assists the Family Law Team with administrative support and attends to all our Conveyancing needs.
Jo began her career as a Legal Secretary over 38 years ago and gained experience over the years on the Central Coast, running her own Conveyancing Business for over 18 years and in more recent years in the Hunter Valley and Newcastle.
When she is not busy keeping the Newcastle office running smoothly, Jo loves exploring the historical aspects and townships of the Hunter Valley with her family and friends and home life in her garden.
Qualifications
BCom(Mgmt) 2002
Licenced Conveyancer 1202622
Justice of the Peace 128256
Jane Hogan - Practice Manager
Before embarking on a career in the legal sphere, Jane held a number of senior roles in the marketing and manufacturing industires including general manager, marketing director, creative director, and headed up numerous international logistics & distribution projects.
Her diverse experience allows Jane to communicate openly with people from a wide range of backgrounds and to put the law into context with a practical and common sense approach when supporting our clients.
One of Jane's strengths is her ability to translate legal concepts into straightforward, plain English. She believes it is important that advice is communicated as simply as possible, without complicated legal jargon.
Jessica Atchison - PA to the Principal
Jess joined the Fourtree Lawyers team in 2025 . She is a highly experienced legal support with 22 years’ experience in the industry. With a wealth of knowledge in numerous areas, she plays a vital role in supporting the principal solicitor with day-to-day business matters and ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and on time. Her organisational skills and attention to detail are vital to the smooth running of the office.
Outside of her role, Jess enjoys going to the beach, singing and spending time with her teenage daughter.
Sabrina James - Legal Support
Sabrina joined Fourtree Lawyers in 2023, bringing with her extensive administrative and office support experience. Sabrina thrives in fast-paced environments, and you will always see her with a big smile on her face.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, feeding her caffeine addiction, and curling up on the lounge with a good book or movie.
Yasmina Hill - Legal Support
Yasmina joined Fourtree Lawyers in early 2023. Yasmina has many years of administration experience working in high pressure environments meeting tight deadlines. Client satisfaction is always number one to Yasmina.
When not at work Yasmina likes to spend time with her family and going to the beach.
Qualifications
Certificate IV Business Administration
Sarah Baxter – Receptionist
Sarah joined Fourtree Lawyers in 2026 and is currently in the fourth year of her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Criminology at University of New England. She is enthusiastic about building her career in the legal profession and is excited to apply her skills in a practical environment while continuing her studies.
Sarah enjoys working with people and is committed to ensuring every client feels welcomed and supported.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying new cafés, and making the most of Newcastle’s beaches and coastline.