I have been a Family Lawyer for 30 years, and have gathered some qualifications along the way (see below)- but the most valuable experience I have had, is the personal experience of having been through a separation involving children and property.
I know how difficult this time is for families. I know that you need to be treated with kindness, respect and honesty. I know that you don’t have unlimited funds and you might need flexible payment options. I know that you need us to be upfront with you about your case, and offer you realistic solutions.
It will always be my aim, and that of my firm, to settle your matter as efficiently and affordably as possible. My hope for you is that you can avoid court, but if you do need to go there, we will be you for every step.
There are two other things I really am passionate about. The first is children, that children deserve their parents to be the best they can be and that means parents resolving their differences. I have been an advocate for children for many years now as an Independent Childrens lawyer. More recently I qualified as a Parenting Co-ordinator. You can read more about that on our website.
The second, is that you can Divorce with Dignity. What I mean by that is you and you former partner can resolve your matter amicably and fairly, if you choose to do so. We can help you with tips about communication, parenting after separation, and getting through this process with the least amount of distress.
My qualifications and experience are:
I have also been on a number of Boards and Tribunals.
In my spare time I love spending time with my (now adult) children and new grandbaby, travelling, concerts, reading, watching rubbish on Netflix, and buying stuff I don’t need on Marketplace.
Emily was my first employed lawyer since moving to Cairns and every day I congratulate myself for taking the plunge to employ a lawyer; and think how lucky I was that Emily wanted to work here!
Emily joined us in June 2023. She has extensive experience working solely in family law since 2004. Prior to working at Collier Family Law, Emily gained invaluable experience working close with Judges of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia for 10+ years as a Judge’s Associate.
Emily’s impressive list of quals are:
Emily has solely devoted her career to family law with a particular interest in property division and representing clients at mediations. Emily’s focuses on resolving matters without costly court proceedings. Where matters required judicial resolution, Emily has represented a wide range of clients in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Emily is able to assist with all family law matters but has a particular interest in property settlements.
Ingrid was my second lawyer to join the Team. It’s like she has been with us forever, and I am grateful to her every day. Ingrid is an experienced Senior Associate at Collier Family Law, with over eight years of exclusive practice in family law. She has an interest in complex parenting matters.
Ingrid completed her Bachelor of Laws at the University of Queensland before going on to obtain her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. She was admitted to both the Supreme Court of Australia and the High Court in 2017 and holds a Certificate in Family Dispute Resolution.
Qualifications:
Ingrid is known for her strategic, empathetic approach and her strong advocacy on behalf of clients navigating sensitive family issues.
Outside of work, Ingrid enjoys reading, staying active through running (slowly), socialising with friends, cooking and spending quality time with her family.
Paralegal
Farah keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes, supporting the team with day-to-day tasks and client needs. She is responsible for assisting Nardine with the Independent Children's Lawyer work. She has been working with us for 5 years as a paralegal and is brilliant at all things legal. She’s also the first person we ask when something doesn’t work.
Farah previously worked as a lawyer in Hong Kong before moving to Australia with her family. Wisely perhaps, she decided not to resume being a lawyer, and instead enjoys the more relaxed pace of life in Cairns and values the time she gets to spend with her family. She speaks fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Indonesian, and is always happy to assist whatever she can.
Paralegal
Courtney is our amazing senior paralegal specialising in litigation matters and supporting our Principal Lawyer, Nardine, and Senior Associate, Ingrid.
Before joining Collier Family Law, Courtney worked as a paralegal and with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, including as the Deputy Associate to our resident judge. Courtney is fantastic at drafting court documents and is a great help to our lawyers.
Courtney is a proud Cairns local. Outside of work, Courtney enjoys running, reading, and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Paralegal
Jess became a part of the Collier team in 2024, and her enthusiasm, approachable demeanour, and genuine desire to help others have quickly made her an indispensable member of the firm. She started with us as a receptionist and now works closely with Nardine, providing dedicated paralegal support to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
Outside of work Jess loves everything outdoors and spending quality time with her friends, family and dogs.
Paralegal
Our lovely Maddie joined our team in 2022 as a receptionist and quickly became an integral part of the office. Maddie's strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and dedication help ensure the office runs seamlessly every day.
With over 15 years of experience in administrative roles, she now supports Emily as her paralegal. When she’s not working, Maddie enjoys hiking and camping with her family.
Accounts
Contracting to Collier Family Law on a weekly basis, Jodi sees all the hard work Nardine and the team put in to look after their clients and make sure the best, most timely and fairest outcomes are achieved.
Jodi has a Commerce degree and loves the number side of the business, so her role is to work with Collier Law clients to best manage the financial costs relating to their Matter.
Reception
Anne is the face and voice of Collier Family Law and the one who has to juggle all of our commitments which she does with calm and good humour!
Anne is a UQ Alumni with a Major in English Literature.
She loves gardening which is great as she also keeps all of our plants alive. She hates mowing the lawn.
Payroll
We are all very nice to Ashley, as he is in charge of payroll.
Ashley also looks after some accounting and general running of the office.
Social Media
Kelly does our social media. She is going to make us famous.
, I honestly cannot thank you enough. You made this process so easy and were a pleasure to work with.