Our Leadership Team
Our team consists of:
Christopher, who is our Legal Practice Director and Founder.
Kathleen, an admitted Solicitor to the Supreme Court of Queensland and High Court of Australia, with experience in the Magistrates and Supreme Courts, who is our Wills and Estates Senior Associate.
Alyson, our Office Manager, who is a qualified book keeper with years of administrative experience.
L to R: Alyson – Christopher – Kathleen
About Our Team
Heritage Legal Group is headed by solicitors who are admitted to practice under the Legal Profession Act 2007 (QLD). They are all members of the Queensland Law Society and admitted to the High Court of Australia.
They are supported by paralegal professionals who have decades of experience which means that your matter is in safe hands.
Our team will take you through any property or business contract and are available to discuss your matter at any stage. We will keep you informed of the progress of your transactions and contact you immediately if there is any issue with your settlement.
Our solicitors can assist with a suite of legal services associated with your property transaction including:
- Binding Financial Agreements
- Probate & Letters of Administration
- Wills & Power of Attorney’s
- Commercial Leases
- Guarantor Advice
- Mortgage Advice
Christopher Trace LL.B. (Hons) GDLP MBA MQLS – Legal Practice Director
Mr Trace is admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia.
Christopher was bestowed the honour of being named as the University of Southern Queensland Law & Justice Alumnus of the Year for his works in the community.
He is an executive Board Member of the Ipswich Show Society which was founded in 1873 and has over 150 years of tradition in supporting primary producers, exhibitors and community organisations.
Mr Trace also sits on the James Cook University advisory board for the development of the Masters of Business (MBA) program.
He loves to spend time with his family and is involved with various school projects throughout the year.
Mr Trace has also assisted a number of community groups through Pro-Bono Legal works and is an active member of Rotary. Christopher Considers it a privilege to assist:
Metro Arts
DVAC – Domestic Violence Action Centre
Ipswich Show Society
Childers Festival
Farm Angels
Ipswich Girl Guides
ISIS Masonic Lodge
Compassion for Animal Society
Our Principal has assisted the Post Graduate Law School at the Queensland University of Technology, with legal graduates as they prepare for admission to the Supreme Court as Solicitors, and the University of Southern Queensland undergraduate law degree program.
Mr Trace has appeared in the Supreme, District and Magistrates Courts as an advocate on behalf of a variety of clients.
He leads the Heritage Legal Group Team, can assist with a broad spectrum of legal matters and takes the time to understand the issues you may face.
Kathleen Trace LL.B. (Hons) GDLP MQLS – Senior Associate
Kathleen has been awarded degrees in Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the University of Southern Queensland and Graduate Diploma of Practical Legal Training from Queensland University of Technology.
She is admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland and High Court of Australia.
Kathleen has represented clients in a number of jurisdictions including the Magistrates and District Courts and QCAT. She specialises in Estate Matters including Probate, Letters of Administration and Family Estates.
In addition, she has carriage of a variety of matters including litigation and property disputes. Kathleen has a wealth of experience in Debt Collection and Consumer Credit proceedings, and looks forward to assisting you with your next legal matter.
Kathleen approaches any matter with a deep appreciation of the impact upon her clients and works diligently towards the best possible outcome.
Brodie Farley BBus LL.B. GDLP – Senior Associate
Brodie completed a Bachelor of Business in 2009 before beginning his career as a manager with Logan City Council. He later broadened his professional experience overseas, working with leading companies in Canada, before returning to Australia to study law. After completing his Bachelor of Laws and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, he was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia in 2017.
Since admission, Brodie has represented clients in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts of Queensland and regularly appears in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia in complex property and parenting disputes. Before focusing primarily on family law, Brodie gained extensive experience in criminal, estate litigation, succession planning, personal injury, civil litigation, and domestic and family violence matters. His diverse background allows him to provide clients with practical, well-rounded advice that is often essential in resolving family law issues.
A dedicated advocate both inside and outside the courtroom, Brodie is known for his ability to explain complex legal issues in straightforward terms and for his commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients. His approachable manner, professionalism and tireless work ethic make him a trusted adviser and a valued member of our team.
Anton La Vin LL.B. GDLP – Special Consultant
Anton lectures in Civil Proceedure at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ).
He is currently completing his PhD with a focus on Administrative Tribunals inclidng the Queensland Civil Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
Mr La Vin specialises in litigation matters through out the Tribunals, Magistrates and superior courts. He has previously practiced as a principal solicitor and has a wealth of experience and knowledge.
Anton can also assist with Family Court matters under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) with respect to finalising property, parenting and consent orders.
Michael Stockwell LL.B. GDLP JP (Qual) Bteach BMus (Hons) Dip MLang ATCL MQLS – Solicitor
Michael specialises in complex and convoluted cases requiring cross discipline lateral thinking. After unravelling intricate cases Michael briefs the firm’s respective specialists and then works with them to provide our clients with concise and impeccably researched legal advice.
Michael has particular interest in Body Corporate, Environmental and Heritage Protection law. He also assists the University of Southern Queensland Law Faculty as a tutor and assignment marker.
Aside from his legal career, Michael is also an experienced and awarded violin and viola teacher. Having a background in education enables Michael to exercise great care and patience when explaining complex and often daunting legal concepts and cases to clients.
This critical ability puts minds at rest and empowers clients throughout the legal process.
Sandra Ardelean LL.B. GDLP – Solicitor
Sandra is a Solicitor who is admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland. She has had extensive experience in Criminal, Estate and Property Law.
She has appeared in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts both in her own right and as instructing solicitor for Counsel.
During carriage of your matter you be confident that she is examining all of the available material and application of law to provide you with the best outcome.
Alyson Mathison Cert IV Financial Services, ABA ICB – Office Manager
Alyson originally hails from the Land of the Long White Cloud but has made Australia her home.
She is our Office Manager and is often the main point of contact for our clients and colleagues.
Alyson is a fully qualified book keeper and holds standing with the Australian Bookkeepers Association (ABA), Member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB).
Alyson has 20+ years bookkeeping and administration experience working across a wide range of different businesses ranging from sole traders to large companies.
She specializes in troubleshooting, Trust Accounting, cloud accounting software packages, installation and set-up of software, BAS preparation and lodgements and high level bookkeeping assistance, advice and training.
Alyson is an integral part of our team and keeps everything moving along. She really is the boss but don’t tell Chris….
Rachael Osenton – Conveyancer
Rachael has had nearly a decade of experience in property transactions in Queensland. Our clients often remark how easy she is to deal with and her pleasant demeanor.
She regularly updates our clients on the status of their conveyance and loves letting people know their property has settled.
She is active in our team and is often a go to for other members in relation to the land titles practice manual and contract reviews.
Ayumi Douglas – Paralegal
Ayumi has commenced her journey and is undertaking her Legum Baccalaureus. Yes we are lawyers so we have to use the Latin. The LLB is the first step in becoming a solicitor and is several years of study at University.
In addition to her studies she is responsible for millions of dollars worth of property transactions every week. No pressure!
Ayumi is also a classical pianist and avid musician. She has studied extensively through the AMEB system and spends her spare time arranging Taylor Swift songs in the manner of Franz Liszt.
Her attention to detail and understanding of the ramifications of contract law is already incredibly refined and often brings our clients attention to issues that can be addressed at a precontractual stage.
Michael Hamling BA – Clerk
Michael is so important to our team that we call him Mr Marvelous. Probably not often enough though. If it is in our system then Michael either put it there or designed the thing to start with.
A Bachelor of Arts in Writing gives Michael the edge in communications. He is often the person sending out engagement letters, answering general enquiries and making sure his Magic the Gathering deck is Bussin – No Cap.
Michael is probably the person that you speak with regarding procedural requirements for the Queensland Conveyancing Protocol, making sure your bank details are all correct, or passing on information from our Principal.
So, when you get to speak with him then you are in excellent hands.
Claire Haarhuis – Receptionist
The chances are you will speak with Claire as your first point of contact with Heritage Legal Group.
Claire is an important part of our team and has been us for several years. She is often the person who passes on your messages and replies on behalf of our firm.
She is also Christopher’s boss…
