Rachel Stubbs – Solicitor
Rachel is the principal of the Firm. Since her admission in 2000, she has practiced predominantly in the area of family law, becoming an Accredited Specialist in family law in 2007. She is also a qualified Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and trained in the area of Collaborative Law.
Her primary focus in working predominantly in the area of family law is to assist parties in resolving their family law issues without the need for court intervention. In the event that court proceedings are unavoidable, clients have the reassurance associated with working with a practitioner with an expertise in the area of family law.
Rebekah Gates – Solicitor
Rebekah completed a Bachelor of Law at the University of Technology, Sydney. She qualified for a degree with Honours after completing a Thesis in relation to Collaborative Law. More recently she has completed her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and is currently studying to obtain her Masters in Applied Family Law.
Since her admission she has practiced exclusively in Family Law. Prior to admission and whilst studying Rebekah worked in other Law Firms and a local Financial Planning and Accounting firm which provided her with a wider scope of understanding in her pursuit of a successful career in law.
Rebekah has expertise and experience in all aspects of Family Law and is able to effectively manage both the negotiation aspects and litigations aspects of her client’s matters. Rebekah recognises the stressful situation clients often find themselves in and always seeks to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients in a cost effective and timely manner. Her ability to communicate with and provide advice to clients in an understanding and empathic manner is an important aspect of the way in which she supports her clients.
To compliment her speciality in Family Law Rebekah also has experience in Wills and Estates and Conveyancing matters.
Rebekah is also involved in various Community Associations through direct support and fundraising. She is particularly involved with the Mater Dei Organisation and sits on the committee for the Lipstick Ladies Luncheon.
Magdalena Orczykowski – Solicitor
After having completed her Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Western Sydney, Maggie was admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW in 2004. Maggie has since her admission practiced in the Camden area, joining Rachel Stubbs & Associates in 2006.
Over a period of 18 months from 2007 to 2008, Maggie lived and practiced law in the United Kingdom in the area of Public Child Care law for a London Local Authority.
Maggie devotes most of her practice to Family and Criminal Law, but is also competent in handling enquiries relating to property, wills and estate matters. In all of her matters Maggie is focused on achieving her client’s goals with a minimum of fuss. Maggie’s primary aim is to ensure that her clients have an understanding of the legal pathway their matter will take so they maintain confidence and do not feel lost in the legal system.
Maggie is the current President of the Macarthur Law Society.
Sandra Soden – Solicitor
Sandra enrolled in the University of Western Sydney in 2005 where she studied Law and also completed elective studies in German Language and Community Services.
Sandra graduated in April 2008, completing her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice in June 2008. Her passion for Family Law along with a desire to help the community is what attracted Sandra to Rachel Stubbs & Associates.
Sandra prides herself on her work. Her caring and compassionate nature is well served in this sensitive area of practice. She is committed to making her clients legal experience as pleasant as possible.
Sandra is also available to assist in many other areas of law including wills and estates, victims’ compensation, criminal law and other areas of general litigation with her working knowledge of the German language being a huge asset.
She has assisted the community through various programs including fundraising for underprivileged children in Ghana, Community Legal Work, Zonta and programs for disabled children. Sandra has also travelled extensively throughout Europe, giving her the benefit of experiencing different cultures and an ability to communicate with people from all walks of life.
Ngoc Le – Solicitor
Phone: (02) 4861 3344
Ngoc studied a combined degree in Law and Commerce at Macquarie University and was admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of NSW in February 2005.
She started off her legal career predominantly working in civil and commercial litigation. Since 2007 she has focused on Family and Criminal Law and enjoys the human and personal aspects of these two areas of law. She thoroughly believes that clients in the midst of family disputes or criminal proceedings require guidance and assistance through what is otherwise a very confusing and emotional time in their lives.
Ngoc is a strategic lawyer who always tries to achieve the best outcome for her clients and understands that the best way to do this is through competent advice and advocacy. Ngoc encourages negotiation in an attempt to resolve matters in a timely and cost-effective manner but understands that this is not always possible and clients require confident and experienced lawyers to represent them.
Ngoc has been appointed to the legal aid family law, criminal law, care and protection and mental health advocacy panels. She is also able to speak read and write Vietnamese. Her experience with clients as a result of her appointment to these panels and her language skills ensures that she is well equipped to communicate and assist with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Ngoc has recently joined the team here and Rachel Stubbs & Associates and looks forward to progressing her career and developing a successful relationship here with her colleagues and our clients.
Brendan Hanks – General Manager
Brendan is our General Manager. He has an Economics degree and prior to joining our office was employed extensively in the area of Logistics, assisting clients such as 3, SOCOG, Dell Computers and Australia Post. He has also been employed with foreign Telecommunication Companies and has worked in several positions in Asia.
Brendan joined our team in 2005. Presently, he is responsible for overseeing all staff members and managing the day to day running of the business.
Should you have questions requiring clarification on non legal issues, you should feel free to contact him directly.
Catherine Van Luenen – Operations/Paralegal
Catherine (Cat) undertakes many roles within our office. She has been employed with Rachel Stubbs & Associates since 2007 and is currently studying at Southern Cross University completing her Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies).
In a paralegal capacity, she supports all our solicitors, particularly Rebekah Gates in all areas of Family Law.
In addition, Cat will most likely be your the first point of contact if you are making a Victims Compensation claim. Cat has developed expertise in handling claims from their inception through to finalisation. Cat works closely with our solicitors and with clients, working primarily with sexual assault and domestic violence cases. She also assists clients with Probate matters.
Cat heads up our paralegal team and our shared services team, organising and managing internal support and providing training to support staff at our branch office.
Cat has excellent managerial and organisational skills which she utilises to assist our Solicitors and develop other support staff. Her professionalism and willingness to assist our clients in any way possible during a challenging period in their lives makes Cat a vital part of our team.
Melissa Kolster – Accounts
Melissa Kolster heads up our Accounts Department. Prior to joining Rachel Stubbs & Associates, Melissa worked in another local law firm and prior to that, obtained experiencing working in the banking industry. Her meticulous attention to detail and organisational skills coupled with her easy going nature make her a valuable part of our team.
Melissa enjoys her position in the accounts department, offering behind the scenes support to the solicitors, as well as face to face contact with clients. Melissa manages the day to day running of the accounts department including accounts payable and receivable, payroll and the solicitors trust account.
Melissa is happy to help you with any inquiries you might have in relation to her area.
Lauren Rigoli – Reception
Phone: (02)4861 3344
Lauren joined the Rachel Stubbs & Associates team at the beginning of 2011. Lauren will be your first point of contact in the Rachel stubbs & Associates Bowral branch office.
Lauren provides assistance to all our Bowral Solicitors and will be sure to greet you with a friendly, yet professional approach to any query or request you endeavour.
Lauren upholds a caring and out-going personailty and strives to make all clients feel as comfortable as possible in what can often be a very stressful time.
Erin Monahan – Reception
Erin joined the Rachel Stubbs & Associates team in 2011. Erin provides assistance to all solicitors and will most likely be your first point of contact at Rachel Stubbs & Associates.
Her organisational skills ensure the smooth running of day to day activities for everyone involved in the firm.
Erin has an enthusiastic and easy-going nature. Her professionalism is matched by her friendliness which enables her to put our clients at ease.
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