Kaela holds a Bachelor of Laws from Southern Cross University and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Australian National University.
Admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2014 and the Register of Practitioners of the High Court of Australia in 2015, Kaela founded Umbrella Legal in June 2018 with a view to creating a law practice that “stood out from the crowd”.
Kaela is an approved Legal Service Provider for the WorkCover Independent Review Office (WIRO) and is also on a number of Legal Aid Panels including Family Law, Civil Law and Criminal Law.
Kaela has several interests outside of legal practice, including learning other languages as well as leading a double life as a fitness instructor and woodwind instrumentalist.
Brian is the former Principal Solicitor of Cragg Braye & Thornton, which was incorporated into Umbrella Legal in 2024. Brian has 40 years’ experience as a legal practitioner, and is also a Notary Public. Brian was admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW in 1984.
Brian primarily practices in the areas of Conveyancing, Family Law, Criminal Law, Litigation and Commercial Law. Brian acts for a variety of clients including individuals, small and large business owners, trustees and companies.
Brian represents clients in family law disputes including divorce, property settlements and matters involving children. He regularly appears in the Federal Court and Family Court for family matters.
Brian also has vast experience in the civil and criminal Courts and Tribunals. He has experience across all disputes ranging from crime, employment, debt recovery, negligence, insurance, personal injury, disputed estates, tenancy and property.
Outside of work, Brian is a licensed pilot and has performed numerous missions for charity over the years. When he isn’t up in the air, this foodie can be spotted at one of the Hunter’s many restaurants and vineyards.
Peter brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge.
Peter has a particular interest in unfair dismissals, workers compensation and Estate matters, however is very experienced in a wide range of general practice areas, including:
Kayla holds a Bachelor of Law degree from Charles Sturt University and an NMAS accreditation in mediation.
Kayla has worked in family law for 6 years and has a passion for keeping her clients out of court.
Kayla has experience in facilitating mediations from business disputes to property law settlements and has worked alongside the NSW small business commissioner conducting mediations.
Kayla’s experience is in Family law but has an interest in criminal and conveyancing.
Hannah completed a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Newcastle in 2019 and was admitted into the Supreme Court of NSW in 2020.
She also completed a Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology due to her interest in human behaviour. Hannah’s interests in law are focused around the areas of Family and Employment. Outside of work Hannah enjoys a good crime novel or crime doco, has an immense love of all creatures big and small and enjoys catching up with her family and friends. Hannah is very excited to be working with such a down to earth and nurturing team at Umbrella Legal and is looking forward to learning from such knowledgeable people.
Danielle came to Umbrella Legal when Cragg Braye Thornton merged with the firm. Danielle is a Brazilian lawyer who graduated in 2002 and passed the Brazilian Bar exam. Danielle has practiced law in Brazil for over 10 years with an expertise in civil litigation contracts and corporate legal risk mitigation. She finished her Diploma in Law studies through LPAB / University of Sydney and is going to start her PLT in January 2025.
Danielle practiced law in Brazil as an Attorney General, drafting legislation, opinion letters on public law, analysing public bidding procedures, participating on public hearings with the local house of representatives. Later Danielle became a legal consultant and advised government agencies on legal administrative issues. Then Danielle opened a Law Firm she negotiated high-level commercial contract terms and conditions and managed a team of experienced civil litigation attorneys and acted for large organisations. Danielle assisted the Principal Solicitor at Cragg Braye & Thornton for seven years in criminal, estate, family law, conveyancing and commercial matters, liaising with clients, preparing draft documents and attending to research.
Danielle assists in criminal, estate, family law, conveyancing and commercial matters, liaising with clients, preparing draft documents and attending to research.
Outside of work, Danielle loves spending time with her son and her partner, going out and trying new restaurants and foods, travelling, and gathering with friends
Alyssa commenced working in the legal industry in 2014, quickly working her way up from a junior legal secretary to paralegal. She holds a Diploma in Legal Services and is a registered Justice of the Peace for NSW.
Understanding that each matter is unique, Alyssa treats each client as such and builds a strong rapport with everyone she meets. She is meticulous and focused, and this is translated within her work.
Alyssa has experience working within a variety of areas of law but has predominantly worked in family law before coming to Umbrella Legal. She has a strong understanding of the Family Law system and the Court process. This is invaluable when building a trusted working relationship with clients and informing clients of what they can expect during the process.
In addition to working as a Paralegal, Alyssa has also worked as an Office Manager of a law firm and assisted with the opening and operation of firms.
Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling back to her hometown or getting out of the house and being active.
Hollee has commenced employment with Umbrella Legal in our Singleton Office as a Conveyancing Paralegal and is in the process of becoming an accredited Conveyancer.
With 16 years of experience as a local councillor to the Singleton LGA, Hollee knows firsthand what matters to locals, and with her strong understanding of conveyancing, she understands the importance of ensuring that all stages of the conveyancing process are handled efficiently, accurately and in compliance with current legislation to ensure and facilitate a seamless property transaction for clients.
Hollee’s knowledge spans from residential (including strata), commercial, and off-the-plan conveyancing, allowing her to confidently guide clients through purchases, sales, transfers and everything in between. She prides herself on clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and a client-first mindset – making what can be a complex and stressful process feel simple and manageable.
When Hollee is not in the office, you can find her at various community events, out motorbike riding or getting away in the caravan or enjoying her time as a mother to her 2 amazing children.
Be sure to make Hollee feel welcome and say hi to her when you drop in!
Sandra has joined our team following the merger of Cragg Braye & Thornton with Umbrella Legal. Sandra is a Colombian Lawyer, and has practiced law in Colombia for over 10 years with an expertise in Commercial Law, Property Law and Intellectual Property Law. Sandra also holds a Diploma in International Contracts and Commercial Law.
Sandra has provided her professional services working in-house for various law firms, multinational companies and financial institutions, and on a freelance basis for commercial entities and individuals, and speaks Spanish and English.
In her downtime, Sandra enjoys watching good movies (mostly crimes and drama) at home and cycling on weekends.
Lisa is a local to Singleton Shire who has come to us with a conveyancing background and is excited to expand her knowledge in family law working as a paralegal in our firm.
Lisa managed her own building company for over 20 years and understands the importance of a good client relationships.
She is a mum to a small tribe and in her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, crossfit and gardening.
Cynthia has come across to Umbrella Legal following the incorporation of Cragg Braye & Thornton, where she worked as their part time abacus. Cynthia has acted as an in-house accounts manager for many local businesses.
Cynthia now works as a Paralegal, assisting in commercial law and estate administration matters, as well as accounts.
When Cynthia is not at work, she often speeds past us on her way to respond to bushfires as a crew leader of the Rural Fire Service brigade. Outside of fire season, Cynthia is often travelling with her husband around Australia.
Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Business and is affiliated with the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Liz commenced her career from a very young age with the Australian Federal Police in Canberra and Newcastle and then moved on working as a Paralegal with a local firm for the past 20 years. She has vast experience in workers compensation, family law, and criminal law. Liz is eager to learn new skills and wishes to study and further her career in conveyancing.
In her spare time Liz enjoys true crime documentaries, rugby league, live music, weekends at the beach and catching up with family and friends.
With many years experience Liz relishes the opportunity of working day to day with the Umbrella Legal team and our valued clients. Her enthusiasm to guide people through legal protocols has carried her through to still enjoy working in the legal industry to this day.
Jane comes to Umbrella Legal with over 30 years’ experience working as a legal secretary in the Newcastle area across various areas of law, mainly working in generalised litigation and family law.
Jane has a keen interest in animals and animal welfare and current events. Outside of work, Jane enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening, making friends with neighbourhood cats and reading.
Introducing our office all-rounder Holly.
Holly is still at school and working around her educational commitments, but she has the strongest work ethic of any young person we’ve met! We are extremely grateful to her for her amazing efforts so far.
If you see Holly around our Singleton office, please make her feel welcome.
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