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
Katie Jolliffe – Senior Associate
Katie completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) at the University of Newcastle in 2017 and subsequently obtained her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law in 2018.
Prior to her admission as a solicitor, Katie was employed as a Paralegal and Law Clerk in Newcastle during 2012 to 2018. Because of her significant experience in the legal field (over 12 years), Katie brings a wealth of knowledge and sophisticated professionalism to her practice.
Katie primarily practices in family law and has expertise in parenting matters, property matters and divorce. Katie regularly appears in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Katie also has experience in assisting clients in mediation, arbitration, conciliation conferences and (general) family dispute resolution. Katie prides herself on her client-focused approach to family law and obtaining the best possible outcome for her clients.
Katie has experience in criminal law, traffic and license matters. Katie regularly appears in Local Court and District Courts around the Newcastle, Hunter Valley, and Central Coast areas.
Katie is a strong advocate for her clients and is well respected within the community as a talented family law solicitor.
Qualifications
Supreme Court Admission 2018
High Court of Australia 2018
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice 2018
Bachelor of Laws (with Honours)
Bachelor of Arts
Memberships
NSW Law Society
Newcastle Law Society
University of Newcastle Alumni|
Hunter Valley Family Law Practitioners Association
Hunter Women’s Business Network
Arabella Munro – Associate Solicitor
Arabella has a wealth of experience in criminal, civil and family law matters having worked as a solicitor at several private firms in Sydney and regional NSW. In these roles she appeared in the Local and District Courts of NSW, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).
Her role as a criminal solicitor at Legal Aid NSW, servicing Tamworth, Gunnedah, and Quirindi Local and Children’s Courts, included bail applications, S14 Mental Health Diversion applications and defended hearings in the Local Court. Many of these were complex matters which required arguing for the exclusion of evidence (including CCTV) and cross-examining prosecution witnesses including police officers and civilians.
As a criminal lawyer at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) in Alice Springs, Arabella spent virtually all day every day in Court. The Northern Territory has some of the toughest criminal laws in the country. Her role included running defended hearings, bail applications and sentence matters in the Local Court. Some of these were complex matters in which she opposed tendency applications, attempted to have evidence excluded, and cross-examined police, civilians, expert medical witnesses and others.
Arrabella has also appeared in the Supreme Court for Supreme Court sentences and breaches.
Areas of interest include ‘No case to answer’ submissions and exclusion of evidence.
Qualifications
Supreme Court Admission 2019
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice 2019
Bachelor of Laws 2018
Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations) 2018
Memberships
NT Law Society
Legal Aid Summary Crime Panel
Legal Aid BUDS Panel
Alison Dawes – Associate Solicitor
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 NSW 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
Hannah Bramich - Associate Solicitor
Hannah completed her Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Law, and Diploma of Legal Practice at the University of Newcastle in 2020.
In 2021 she began practicing on the South Coast of NSW where she regularly appeared in Milton and Nowra Local Court and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Since joining Fourtree Lawyers, Hannah continues to appear before the Local Court, District Court, Federal Circuit, and Family Court of Australia. Her practice areas include family law, criminal law, traffic law as well as wills and estate planning.
Away from the office Hannah enjoys the gym, reading, exploring local beaches, and watching documentaries.
Qualifications
High Court Admission 2021
Supreme Court Admission 2021
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice 2020
Bachelor of Laws (Hons) 2020
Bachelor of Arts 2018
Memberships
NSW Law Society
Legal Aid Family Law panel
Legal Aid Summary Crime panel
Ofeina Hushon - Associate Solicitor
Ofeina was admitted to practice having completed his Bachelor of Laws at the University of New England in 2020 and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice in 2021.
Prior to joining the Fourtree Lawyers team, Ofeina worked in the Department of Communities and Justice where he was responsible for the management of people on community-based sentences, assisting in their successful reintegration back into society, as well as providing advice to Courts and release authorities regarding sentencing and parole.
Through his experience, Ofeina is able to draw on his ability to engage and motivate a wide audience and translate complex legal information in a concise and pragmatic manner. As such, Ofeina seeks to assist everyday people navigate through the Criminal Justice system in a client focused and holistic manner.
When not at work, Ofeina enjoys watching and playing rugby, going to the gym, and spending time with his family and friends.
Qualifications
NSW Supreme Court Admission 2021
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice 2021
Bachelor of Laws 2020
Cert IV Correctional Practice 2018
Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) 2009
Memberships
NSW Law Society
Legal Aid Summary Crime panel
Cidney Jenkins – Solicitor
Cidney is a recent graduate of the University of Newcastle. After completing her Juris Doctor and Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice in 2022, she was admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW in February 2023.
Cidney felt compelled to pursue a career in criminal law after her experience serving as a juror. She has a deep appreciation for the role that a solicitor plays in assisting clients to navigate the complex legal system. Cidney is result-driven and passionate about providing a client-focused approach to all legal matters.
When not at work, Cidney is a proud dog-mum, keen gardener, and amateur chef.
Qualifications
Supreme Court Admission 2023
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice 2023
Juris Doctor (JD) 2022
Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology & Anthropology) 2019
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.
Appointments
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
Cheyenne Sciascia – Receptionist
Cheyenne joined Fourtree Lawyers in early 2024. She is an energetic university student currently undertaking her Bachelor of Laws and Criminal Justice at Charles Sturt University. You will find her cheerfully greeting clients from behind the reception desk at our Newcastle Office. Passionate about helping others, Cheyenne is dedicated to making anyone who enters reception feel welcome and acknowledged. Already halfway through her degree in 2024, Cheyenne is a driven and hard-working person who is excited to continue developing her career in the legal field.
In her spare time Cheyenne likes to hang out with friends, explore the Central Coast, and write movie reviews.
Memberships
NSW Law Society
Victoria McCarthy – Receptionist
Victoria joined Fourtree Lawyers as a receptionist in late 2023. Since then, she has gained valuable experience in the provision of legal services in a broad range of our practice’s areas, predominantly in Wills and Estates and Criminal Law. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Technology, Sydney, and hopes to practice in Tax or Financial Law in the future.
As a second-year law student, Victoria partakes in many of the university’s societies and legal competitions, including Debating, Mooting and Advice Writing. In her free time, she enjoys playing and watching basketball, and listening to podcasts on trade and finance.
Memberships
NSW Law Society – Student Member