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.

Paris Drinkwater

Paralegal

Contact

paris@umbrellalegal.com.au

Paris is currently in her final year of a Bachelor of Laws and a Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of Newcastle.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology in 2019.

From her studies Paris has found that her passions lie within criminal law and has found a particular interest for helping female and young offenders.

Her hopes for life after university are to use her knowledge to help educate and support young people when they engage with the legal system. 

Sarah Smith

Paralegal

Contact

sarah@umbrellalegal.com.au

Sarah is currently in her third year of a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Newcastle.

Sarah is also studying a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Criminology, and is expected to complete this degree at the end of 2021.

Sarah has many interests outside of her study and work commitments, including netball, fitness and cooking.

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.