Our People

Kaela Carter

Principal Solicitor

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

kaela@umbrellalegal.com.au

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

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

ajarnold@umbrellalegal.com.au

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.

Xander Gee

Solicitor

Contact

xander@umbrellalegal.com.au

Xander has been with Umbrella Legal since early 2019, initially starting as a paralegal. Admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in February 2020, Xander is now a solicitor with our firm. He currently holds a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice from Griffith University.

Xander was recently awarded the 2019 HVFLPA Hura Herman Award in Family Law Practice and has also been continuously praised for his efforts in family law from many of our clients.

With a strong work ethic and interest in a broad range of practice areas, Xander is committed to developing his skills so that he can help you achieve the best possible result in the future.

Elisha Lansdowne

Solicitor

Contact

elisha@umbrellalegal.com.au

Elisha graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New England in 2015.

She also holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Criminology) from the University of Western Sydney.

Elisha was Admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in December 2015 and the Register of Practitioners of the High Court of Australia in July 2016.

Elisha began her legal career in the community legal sector before joining private practice. Prior to entering the legal profession, Elisha was a High School Teacher for over ten years. Outside of law, Elisha enjoys gardening, crafting and baking.

Hannah Shearman

Law Graduate / Paralegal

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.

Sarah Neville

Paralegal

Contact

Sarah.n@umbrellalegal.com.au

Sarah is in her final year of study at the University of Newcastle completing a Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Diploma of Legal Practice.
She recently graduated from a Bachelor of Business (with Distinction), majoring in Human Resource Management.
During her placement at the University of Newcastle Legal Centre, Sarah became passionate about engaging with clients and helping solve complex and challenging legal problems.
She is eager to continue such rewarding work and gain further experience under the guidance of the team at Umbrella Legal.
Sarah is interested in the areas of wills and estates, criminal and family law.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys reading, painting, tap dancing and walking her dog at the beach.

Brooke Meier

Paralegal

Contact

brooke@umbrellalegal.com.au

Brooke is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws with the University of New England. She is also studying a Bachelor of Criminology and is expected to complete this degree in 2022.

Brooke is interested in several areas of law, particularly criminal and family law.

Outside of her study and work commitments, Brooke enjoys reading, going to the local markets and watching the sunrise.

Brooke is thoroughly enjoying learning under the guidance of the Umbrella Legal team to further her practical skills which will be beneficial in her future career.