Our People

Kaela Carter

Principal Solicitor

Contact

kaela@umbrellalegal.com.au

Practice Areas
  • Family Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Workers Compensation
  • Civil Litigation
  • Wills & Estates
  • Conveyancing & Property

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.

Alan Arnold

Senior Consultant Solicitor

Contact

ajarnold@umbrellalegal.com.au

Practice Areas
  • Family Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Wills & Estates

Alan Arnold has been in the legal profession for 40 years, the last 37 years as a solicitor/lawyer. Before that time he worked in Local Government for 7 years as a Clerk then an Accountant, then managed a Credit Union for 10 years, before completing his Law Degree.

Alan has worked in two National Law Firms both as a Senior Solicitor then a Partner, before commencing his own Law Firm 23 years ago in the Newcastle, Maitland and New Lambton areas. Alan has practiced in all areas of the law, particularly in all Court work, but mainly being involved in Family Law, in both Property and Children issues.

Kayla Haasnoot

Senior Solicitor

Contact

Kayla@umbrellalegal.com.au

Kayla holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Criminology from UNE, along with a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from ANU.

Kayla has worked in the Legal Industry for over 20 years and was admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2015. Kayla has extensive experience in Family Law, Family Provision Applications, Estate Planning and Criminal Law.

Outside of work, Kayla enjoys spending time with her family.

Hannah Shearman

Solicitor

Contact

hannah@umbrellalegal.com.au

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.

Lisa Robertson

Paralegal

Contact

Lisa.r@umbrellalegal.com.au

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.

Alyssa Carr

Paralegal Singleton

Contact

Alyssa@umbrellalegal.com.au

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.

Elizabeth (Liz) Mason

Paralegal

Contact

Liz.m@umbrellalegal.com.au

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.

Edward Smit

Paralegal

Contact

eddie@umbrellalegal.com.au

Edward is currently in his 5th and final year of his Bachelor of Law whilst already having achieved his bachelor of business in 2022 at the university of Newcastle.

Edward has utilised his time volunteering with the University of Newcastle’s legal clinic where he’s developed his passion for helping people use and understand the legal system. Outside of work, Edward enjoys actively participating in the Newcastle Beach Surf Lifesaving Club and Surf Boat Rowing Squad. Edward also engaged himself with the university of Newcastle’s soccer team, where he spends time with friends.

Edward is excited for the opportunity to work in a caring team that facilitates growth and assistance for members of the community.

Hayley Doonar

Administrative Assistant

Contact

hayley@umbrellalegal.com.au

Hayley has joined our team as an administrative assistant and comes from a background in sales and administration. She is currently studying with the University of Newcastle with the goal of graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Secondary).

In her spare time, Hayley enjoys reading, finding a fun new restaurant and spending time with friends, family and of course her fur babies.