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Partners & Staff
Rae & Partners is a broad-based Tasmanian legal firm. The firm contains a blend of ages, background experience, both interstate and overseas, in a wide variety of areas of legal practice amongst both the qualified practitioners and long-serving law clerks, who provide an essential part of the total undertaking of the firm's services.
Our Principal Offices are located at 93 York Street, Launceston.
The Firm services its Branch Offices which are conducted on a permanent, part-time basis at St. Helens, St. Marys and Scottsdale. Offices are also located at Flinders Island and are visited at regular intervals, usually monthly. The firm maintains a commitment to being available to represent its clients throughout the State and will maintain close relationships with a number of national legal firms, acting both as Tasmanian Agent and as a referral network.
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PROFILE OF PARTNERS, ASSOCIATES, CONSULTANTS AND SENIOR LAW CLERKS
PARTNERS
PHILLIP JOHN LEBSKI, LL.B.
Phillip Lebski is Launceston-born, a graduate of the University of Tasmania and was admitted to practise in 1976. He is married and resident near Launceston. He is a member of the Conveyancing Committee of the Law Society.
Mr. Lebski specialises in areas of business and commercial law including conveyancing, corporate and personal tax planning and wills and estate planning and estate administration.
phillip@raepartners.com.au
ROSS ANTHONY HART, LL.B.
Ross Hart is the practice's Managing Partner and a graduate of the University of Tasmania. He is married and resident in Launceston and was admitted to practise in 1985. He has practised in Launceston since admission and as a Partner of the firm, he has specialised in the commercial and litigious areas with complex project planning and development, including major tourist resorts, resource export and the complexities of Local and State Government compliance. A member of the Council of the Law Society of Tasmania for over 17 years, only to retire from that body in 2007, he is a Past President of the Law Society of Tasmania as well as being former Tasmanian representative on The Law Council of Australia.
ross@raepartners.com.au
SCOTT ERNEST CHELLIS, B.A. LL.B.
Scott Chellis is a graduate of the University of Tasmania. He has practised in Launceston since his admission in 1989. He is responsible for the firm's extensive Mortgage preparation and settlement practice.
He initially practised with Launceston firm Douglas & Collins and joined Rae & Partners to specialise in litigation practice, particularly in the Courts of Petty Sessions across Northern Tasmania.
He is now primarily involved in conveyancing and general commercial law including corporate law, wills and estate planning and estate administration. He is a past member of the Executive of the Launceston Chamber of Commerce and was committee member (1 of 5) of the David Boon Testimonial Year 96/97.
scott@raepartners.com.au
NICHOLAS RICHARD REABURN, B.A. (Hons), LL.B., Grad. Dip. Corp. & Sec. Law
Nicholas Reaburn is a law graduate of Melbourne University and is married with two daughters. His major local clients include Public Companies, Local Authorities as well as large Property Developers. He has worked in Tasmania for the last 16 years having been a principal in two Tasmanian firms, after having been a Senior Associate in prominent Melbourne and National Firm, Gadens, with whom the firm now practices as Gadens NMS.
He has extensive experience in negotiating and drafting commercial leases, and the sale purchase and development of commercial property for private corporate and semi-governmental clients as well as financing transactions, with an emphasis on Primary Industry. He is a Past Councillor of the Law Society of Tasmania and served as Chairman of the Law Society of Tasmania's Business and Commercial Law Committee and Chairman of the Tasmanian Regional Committee of the Business Law Section of the Law Council of Australia. He is a member of the State Council of the Taxation Institute of Australia.
nicholas@raepartners.com.au
MELANIE LOUISE KERRISON, B.Sc. LL.B.
Melanie Kerrison practices principally in the area of Commercial Law and Conveyancing.
She commenced work at Rae & Partners in 2000 and became a partner in 2004, being the first female to be afforded this opportunity by the firm.
Melanie graduated with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tasmania in 1999.
Melanie is involved in the arts and education in the Launceston community. She has been a member of the Board of Tasdance, the State's only professional 'dance in education' company since 2002. Melanie is also the Immediate Past President and Secretary of the Old Launcestonians Association, the old scholar's association of Launceston Church Grammar School.
In October 2006 Melanie was named the Telstra Young Business Women of the Year for Tasmania. This award has given her the opportunity to speak to a large number of professional and community groups about the value of making a contribution to the local community, whilst also encouraging young people to consider regional Australia as a career destination.
Melanie enjoys Regular Swimming, Walking, Cooking and Entertaining and Travel. She also enjoys contributing to her community through voluntary work.
Melanie's practice areas are principally in commercial law including; Conveyancing transactions, Business transactions, Stratum and Subdivisional Work, Leases and Wills.
melanie@raepartners.com.au
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATES
ANDREW WOODGATE, B.A. (Hons) LL.B. (Hons) B.A.
Andrew Woodgate is a graduate in Law of the University of Tasmania in 1986. Andrew is member to the litigation team at Rae & Partners and a valued mentor to many of our professional staff. He accepts instructions in personal injuries actions with an emphasis on motor vehicle accident claims.
Andrew has wide experience in civil and criminal jurisdictions, practising in the Criminal Jurisdiction at a high level. He is a former employee of the Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania in its Launceston office, gaining extensive experience in private practice prior to, and after his period with the Legal Aid Commission. He has a commitment of voluntary assistance to the Community through the Launceston Community Legal Centre.
Andrew has interests of Chamber music, writing, North Launceston Football Club, reading, gardening and the use of Computer Software.
awoodgate@raepartners.com.au
ROWENA HOLDER, B.A. LL.B. Grad. Dip. Legal Prac.
Rowena graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws (combined) Degree from the University of Tasmania in 1995. She was admitted to practice in 1996. Since that time she has practiced in Launceston in areas of Civil, Criminal and Family Law.
Rowena is a member of the Litigation Team at Rae & Partners. She specialises in Family Law, Personal Injuries actions arising from motor vehicle accidents and also Victims of Crime Compensation claims.
Rowena's interests include bush walking, running, travelling and reading. She is a Board Member of an Aged Care Residence. Rowena has recently celebrated the birth of her first child and will be on maternity leave until approximately mid 2008.
rowena@raepartners.com.au
DONALD GASSNER B.A. LL. B.
Donald Gassner is a graduate of the Australian National University.
He was admitted as a solicitor in Queensland in 1978 and as a legal practitioner in Tasmania in 1991.
Donald spent 10 years in private legal practice in Queensland. He was employed by the Legal Aid Commission in Tasmania from 1991 until 1999.
Donald was Launceston Regional Manager of the Legal Aid Commission for 5 years until October 1999. In late 1999 Donald moved to Brisbane to take up an appointment as a Registrar of the Family Court of Australia and later as Registrar of the Federal Magistrates Court as well.
For most of his career Donald has practiced mainly in the Family Law jurisdiction.
Donald is a member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia and the Tasmanian Family Law Practitioners' Association.
In April 2008 Donald returned to Tasmania to take up a position as Senior Associate in Rae & Partners Family Law Division.
Donald's personal interests include studying German & French, following the Brisbane Lions, organic gardening and reading.
donald.gassner@raepartners.com.au
KATE McEWAN L.LB; Graduate Legal Studies, Barrister and Solicitor, FDRP
Kate is a law graduate of the University of Tasmania and has also completed a Graduate Diploma of Legal Studies.
Kate was admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor in Tasmania on the 19th October, 1993. Kate is also admitted in the ACT and Queensland and is registered on the High Court Roll.
Kate initially practiced in a number of different areas of the law and has practiced exclusively in Family Law since 1996.
Kate has been:
A past board member of the Hobart Community Legal Service,
A past committee member of FLPA (Tas)
A past committee member of FLPA (QLD)
Kate is currently a member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia and a current member of both FLPA (TAS) & (Qld).
Kate has completed certificate courses in:
Arbitration (Family Law) Bond University
Mediation Bond University
Children's Representative Course Legal Aid Queensland
Kate is also a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP).
Kate's interests include reading, cooking, walking and cycling.
kate.mcewan@raepartners.com.au
SHERYL-LEE SCHUH LLB.
Sheryl-lee completed a Bachelor of Laws at the Queensland University of Technology in 1989 and was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1991. Sheryl-lee brings to the firm a diverse legal background. She gained her early legal experience in Queensland Crown Law working in the Litigation, Construction Law and Administrative Law Divisions and then went on to Policy and Legislation roles in the Queensland Office of Fair Trading, Tourism Queensland and the Queensland Department of Tourism, Sport and Racing.
Sheryl-lee moved with her family to Tasmania in early 2003 for a lifestyle change and worked in politics for a time before returning to law. She was admitted to the Supreme Court of Tasmania in October 2005 and worked as an associate to Shaun McElwaine before joining Rae & Partners. Sheryl-lee has had experience in many areas of litigation including professional negligence, personal injury, Testator Family Maintenance Act matters, Anti-Discrimination matters and contractual disputes
Sheryl-lee's personal interests include yoga, running, cycling, bush walking, art house films, travel and German language.
sheryl-lee@raepartners.com.au
KATHRYN LEVI. B.A. LLB
Kathryn completed a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws (Combined) Degree at the University of Melbourne majoring in History, in 1999. Kathryn has been a solicitor in the commercial litigation departments at Corrs Chambers Westgarth in Melbourne, and Dobson Mitchell and Allport in their Launceston office, prior to joining Rae & Partners in July 2005. Since being admitted as a barrister and solicitor to the Supreme Court of Victoria in May 2001, Kathryn has had experience in many areas of litigation including customs and excise, stamp duty, personal injury, medical negligence, vehicle bailment disputes, contractual disputes, investor and shareholder disputes, trade practices, debt recovery, motor vehicle accidents and defalcations under the Legal Practice Act 1996.
Kathryn's interests include travelling around Australia and overseas, bushwalking, swimming, basketball, netball, cycling and reading. She is a member of the Commercial Litigation Team.
kathryn@raepartners.com.au
BETHAN FRAKE LLB (Hons.) Grad. Cert. Legal Practice
Aged 30 years, Bethan graduated with honours in 1998 from the University of Bristol (UK). British born, Bethan immigrated to Australia in 2001 when she commenced working for Rae & Partners. Bethan was admitted as a Practitioner of the Supreme Court of Tasmania in January 2006.
She specialises in litigious areas including mortgage recovery, civil and criminal matters, she also practices in commercial areas such as Conveyancing, Business transactions, Subdivisional Work, Leases and Wills.
Bethan is married and enjoys walking her dog and visiting the gym.
bethan@raepartners.com.au
LAUREN BARTLETT. B.A. LLB. Grad. Dip. Legal Prac.
Lauren has joined the Firm in 2006 having graduated from the University of Tasmania.
Lauren is gaining experience in a broad range of litigation, property and commercial areas of law, prior to choosing the areas she shall concentrate on in practice. Her interests include meeting people, reading, violin, swimming, walking. Spanish, cooking, and film.
lauren@raepartners.com.au
SENIOR LAW CLERKS
TOM BAIN
Mr. Tom Bain is the firm's Senior Law Clerk, and with more than forty years conveyancing experience is based in the Launceston Office. He regularly attends the St. Helens and St. Marys' Offices of Rae & Partners and is more widely known in Northern Tasmania than a large percentage of the legal profession.
tom@raepartners.com.au
BEVAN FRENCH
Bevan French joined Rae & Partners in 2004 bringing with him over 25 years of Conveyancing experience. As one of our senior Conveyancing clerks, Bevan works alongside Partner, Melanie Kerrison, and together they have been instrumental in growing the firm's residential property service.
Bevan was educated at Scotch College in Launceston. Being a keen sportsman Bevan played football for both Longford and Hagley, was in the Australian Under 19's squad for cricket and presently coaches the Riverside Junior Cricket Club. Apart from his wife and three children, Bevan's main passion is for his 1962 Valiant S model restored in all its glory.
bevan@raepartners.com.au
LISA MAREE ROBINSON
Lisa grew up in a farming community in the north-east of the State. After finishing her education in Launceston, she joined a well known legal firm and for a number of years worked part-time on the weekends in a small retail outlet where she gained valuable experience in customer service.
She joined the firm in 2004, and has over 20 years of conveyancing experience.
She is directly responsible to Nicholas Reaburn, and her speciality is residential conveyancing.
Lisa is married, and has two children who keep her very busy. In her spare-time she enjoys reading, entertaining, music and travelling.
lisa@raepartners.com.au
ROB GREATBATCH
Rob is one of Nicholas Reaburn's conveyancing clerks, predominantly assisting with residential property purchase and sales. He also has a number of years experience in the mortgage industry, attending to security requirements for a wide selection of local and National lenders.
Rob was born in Tasmania, before moving to Queensland a few years later. Rob has since returned to his state of birth, and is recently married. His extracurricular interests include camping and all things considered sport, with a particular passion for AFL (The Mighty Hawks (!)) and basketball.
robert@raepartners.com.au
MAREE MAROLD
Maree Marold joined Rae & Partners in 2007. Educated at Marian College in Launceston, Maree moved to Queensland where after a number years of Queensland conveyancing, she embraced a role as an investment manager for a Gold Coast merchant bank. Her love of people and customer service skills came to the fore and she relished that role. After returning home in 2003, Maree transferred her skills to Tasmanian Conveyancing and she too, assists Melanie Kerrison grow the firm's conveyancing practice.
In her spare time, Maree is the Secretary of the Launceston branch of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Australia, and is active in granting wishes to fabulous children.
maree@raepartners.com.au
Mr PETER RAE
FINALLY, and because of the seniority and variety of experience which the senior Consultant in the firm, Peter Rae, brings, his profile is provided in greater detail. His experience can be pivotal to the breadth of services which the firm can offer to our clients.
PETER ELLIOT RAE, A.O. B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) A.A.D.M. FAICD
Peter Rae is a graduate of the University of Tasmania and was admitted to practise in 1960.
Mr. Rae is the consultant to the firm with both the longest and the broadest experience.
Mr. Peter Rae's other current roles include that of immediate past Chairman of Hydro Tasmania. He is Chairman of a number of other businesses, as well as the Chairman of Renewable Energy Generators of Australia Ltd. Mr. Rae is also involved in the provision of legal services to major national corporations and organisations.
The experience which he has gained in Government relations, both at a Local Government, State Government and Federal Government level is something which is exceptional to any legal firm in Tasmania and with the increasing relationship between Governments and many major institutions, his experience at a Federal level would be of particular value to many client's needs.
The fact that he is required to be present due to other commitments in Hobart from time to time would enable ready representation and consultation with Government, and so far as necessary, liaison with the Local, Federal and State Governments in Hobart. This allows for all forms of liaison and representation to be undertaken without any extra duplication or unnecessary wasted cost. As Chairman of Hydro Tasmania, Peter Rae was in relatively constant touch with many of the major issues which involve business enterprise relationships, associations with State Government Departments and Ministers and associations with Federal Departments and Members.
Mr. Rae's experience in advising in the drafting of legislation, both at a Federal and at a State Parliamentary level, may well be useful to the many large client's needs. Parliamentary drafting is something which is a relatively uncommon experience outside the specialist areas of Parliamentary draftsmen; however Peter Rae has been involved in drafting such a wide variety of legislation and Bills as the State Authorities Financial Management Act through to a Foreign Ownership of Land Bill and the re-drafting of the Evidence Act. He has been involved in the drafting of Federal legislation and Constitutions of a variety of bodies.
Mr. Rae is (by invitation) also a Foundation Member of the Australian Academy of Design, involved particularly in educational and planning design areas of activity. He is a Commissioner of the Supreme Court and a Justice of the Peace.
peter@raepartners.com.au
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