Catherine Wallace
Legal Practice Director
FAMILY LAW
BSc (Hons)
Juris Doctor (Hons)
Grad Dip Legal Practice
Queensland Bar Practice Course
Member of the Queensland Law Society
Admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland, Australian Federal Courts and the High Court of Australia
Contact:
1300 011 123 | 0409 923 426
catherine@wallacelawgroup.com.au
With nearly two decades of legal experience, Cat has had the privilege of serving her clients as their legal advisor, strategist and advocate.
Throughout her career, Cat has been guided by an unwavering commitment to integrity, empathy, and excellence, values that underpin her approach to every case and interaction.
The essence of being a lawyer, to Cat, lies in unravelling the complexities of her clients' cases, deciphering their goals and limitations, and empowering them to make informed decisions amidst the intricacies of the legal system. Cat believes in fostering genuine connections with her clients, building trust, and translating the often-daunting language of the law into clear and understandable terms.
Cat takes pride in demystifying the legal process, explaining the intricacies of the system, the applicable laws, and the range of options available to her clients. Cat believes in honesty and transparency, providing a realistic assessment of potential timelines, costs, and challenges involved. This open communication ensures that her clients are well-equipped to navigate the legal landscape with confidence.
Her role extends beyond simply explaining the law; she is their advocate, their voice in the courtroom. She represents their interests, relentlessly pursuing their objectives while always keeping their best interests at heart. She is committed to crafting effective legal strategies that align with their goals and limitations, taking into account the actions of the opposing party, their legal representation, potential court proceedings, and the range of achievable outcomes.
Her approach recognizes that legal matters often intersect with personal and financial realities. She strives to provide holistic guidance, understanding that each case is unique and requires a tailored approach. Her clients can rely on her to be a steadfast partner, providing unwavering support and empowering them to make informed decisions that have a meaningful impact on their lives. Each case presents a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others, and Cat is deeply grateful for the trust her clients have placed in her.
Chelsey Grbcic
Legal Practice Director
LITIGATION
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (College of Law)
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Business (Management)
Admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland
Registered to practise in the High Court of Australia
Contact:
1300 011 123 | 0403 213 205
chelsey@wallacelawgroup.com.au
Location:
Paradise Point Office
Chelsey has dedicated the past decade to her career in commercial litigation.
While experienced in small and large-scale litigation, Chelsey is skilled in contractual disputes, employment related disputes (acting for both employers and employees), debt recovery and property and building related disputes. Chelsey has acted for a range of clients including private companies and individuals both independently and in group proceedings.
Professionalism, transparency and a firm commitment to client service generate repeat business for Chelsey.
She prides herself in consistently going the extra mile, building personal relationships with her clients and referrers, and being solution orientated with a ‘big picture’ mindset.
What this means for Chelsey’s clients is that their lawyer values their relationship, has their best interests at the forefront of her mind and that their litigation is being run both strategically and commercially with an end goal in sight.
“Chelsey is professional, efficient and empathetic. Nothing was too much trouble, even accepting telephones after office hours. It’s not the work she does that impressed me (despite it being faultless) but the way she does it.” – former client.
Career highlights:
Acting for 30+ clients at once in a well-publicized telecommunications scam. Chelsey played a role in successfully setting precedents for these clients, which were sanctioned by the High Court of Australia. At the time, Chelsey published several internet articles in an effort to educate and offer assistance to those effected by the scam.
Together with local pre-insolvency experts, Chelsey negotiated a settlement for a secured debt of over $1.7million dollars owed in respect of the debtor finance and asset finance facilities previously provided to her clients by an Australian bank. The debt was secured by personal guarantees provided by her client’s directors and their family members. The dispute was multi-faceted, fast paced and arose during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Chelsey and the pre-insolvency experts successfully reached a settlement which severed the relationship with the bank and refinanced the $1.7 million debt on favourable terms for their mutual client. This settlement prevented a longstanding family business from an insolvency event.
Chelsey recovered half a million dollars for her clients in a dispute with their builder. The builder breached substantial terms of the contract for the construction of a new residential home. Proceedings were filed in the District Court of Queensland. Intricate settlement terms were agreed and payment later made by the builder without the need of an expensive and lengthy Trial.
Karena Callahan
Senior Paralegal & HR Manager
PROPERTY LAW
Senior Paralegal
Justice of Peace (Qualified)
Contact:
1300 011 123 | 0414 907 460
karena@wallacelawgroup.com.au
With over 25 years of experience in the legal industry in the areas of litigation, property and family law matters, Karena is dedicated to delivering unparalleled service to our clients in a personal, approachable and relationship-focused manner.
The broad range of knowledge gained over her career means Karena is able to combine the precision of expert advice with practical and timely assistance to her clients and colleagues alike. The feedback from Karena’s clients always mentions her willingness to assist, friendly nature and the quality of the advice and service received.
It was Karena’s client focused dedication and enthusiasm for both the Law and business that has seen her role within our firm expand to include management. As our Operations Director, Karena not only successfully balances her clients with the utmost care and attention, but ensures our staff, service providers and referrers are looked after.
Blake Lashmar
Senior Associate
LITIGATION
Contact:
1300 011 123
blake@wallacelawgroup.com.au
When your business is facing financial pressure or you’re involved in a commercial dispute, you need clear advice that helps you make informed decisions, not legal jargon that creates more uncertainty. Blake advises business owners, company directors, insolvency practitioners, creditors and individuals on insolvency, commercial litigation and debt recovery matters. Whether it’s recovering money that’s owed, resolving a dispute or navigating financial distress, Blake focuses on achieving practical and sensible outcomes.
After receiving a scholarship to Bond University, Blake graduated with a Bachelor of Laws at just 19 years of age and was admitted as a solicitor in 2014. Over the past decade, he has built extensive experience across insolvency, commercial litigation, commercial law and property, giving him a broad understanding of the legal and commercial challenges businesses face.
Throughout his career, Blake has acted for liquidators, bankruptcy trustees, company directors, creditors, businesses and individuals across a wide range of complex disputes and insolvency matters. That experience allows him to quickly identify the key issues, explain the available options and help clients move forward with confidence.
Blake believes legal advice should be practical, honest and easy to understand. He explains complex issues in plain English, provides realistic advice from the outset and helps clients understand both the legal and commercial implications before making important decisions.
He’s also a strong believer that litigation isn’t always the best answer. While he’s an experienced litigator, Blake’s priority is solving the client’s problem in the most effective way possible. Sometimes that means negotiating an early commercial outcome. Other times, it means confidently representing a client’s interests through the Courts.
Clients appreciate Blake’s straightforward communication and pragmatic approach. He doesn’t avoid difficult conversations or overcomplicate issues. Instead, he provides clear guidance, realistic expectations and a strategy that aligns with the client’s objectives.
Outside the office, Blake enjoys spending time with his wife and their two young children. When he gets the chance, you’ll usually find him foiling, playing golf or heading to the snow.
Blake is known for providing practical advice, commercial thinking and the confidence to help clients make informed decisions during some of the most challenging periods for their business or personal affairs.
Ashlee Maria
LITIGATION
Solicitor
Contact:
1300 011 123
ashlee@wallacelawgroup.com.au
Having trained and practised in a generalist law firm, Ashlee has worked across a broad range of areas of law, developing a versatile and commercially astute approach to legal problem-solving. This breadth of experience has allowed Ashlee to quickly distil complex issues and identify the most effective path forward for her clients.
Ashlee’s experience in a high-performing practice, has built her reputation for sound judgment, attention to detail, and delivering outcomes in demanding and fast-paced environments. Ashlee is now focused on litigation, where she combines strategic thinking with a results-driven mindset to resolve disputes efficiently and effectively. Ashlee takes a considered and proactive approach to every matter, anticipating risks, identifying opportunities, and tailoring strategies to achieve the best possible outcome—whether through negotiated resolution or formal proceedings. Ashlee is committed to advocating for her clients with clarity, precision, and determination.
Equally important to Ashlee is the client experience. Ashlee understands that legal issues often arise at critical moments, and prides herself on being approachable, responsive, and clear in her advice. Ashlee works closely with her clients to ensure they feel informed, supported, and confident at every stage. Ashlee is driven by achieving practical, commercially sensible outcomes, while building strong, trusted relationships with those she represents exercising diligence, integrity, and a genuine commitment to client care.
Michelle Franklin
Paralegal
LITIGATION
Paralegal
Certificate III in Business Administration
Diploma of Paralegal Secretarial
Contact:
1300 011 123
michelle@wallacelawgroup.com.au
Michelle assists the directors and lawyers at Wallace Law Group in her position as a paralegal.
Michelle has extensive experience in office administration, previously working in the Body Corporate Management industry for 10 years and more recently for the past 9 years in the legal industry.
Michelle brings a variety of skills to the team. Her compassion, patience, dedication and perfectionism compliments the high level of service provided to our clients. .
Cheryle Middleton
PROPERTY LAW
Senior Paralegal
Senior Paralegal
Justice of Peace (Qualified)
Contact:
1300 011 123 | 0419 651 658
cheryle@wallacelawgroup.com.au
Cheryle is the Head of Conveyancing of Wallace Law with more than 25 years’ experience in Queensland and New South Wales conveyancing and property Law matters. Cheryle specialises in project conveyancing in land and strata title developments, commercial conveyancing and cottage conveyancing.
Prior to joining law firms, Cheryle previously owned a successful real estate business where she dealt with the property management of over 480 properties both residential and commercial properties and sales. At the time her business had the largest rent roll on the Gold Coast.
Cheryle has worked with Marketing Companies for more than 20 years, dealing mainly with purchase and simultaneous refinances, Off the Plan purchases and Self-Managed Super Fund purchases. Cheryle was part of the first successful electronic conveyancing settlement on the Gold Coast through the PEXA platform in 2016. PEXA is now mandatory in Queensland.
Cheryle loves to spend time with her family and in particular her two young grandchildren “Handsome” and “Sumo”.
If you are looking for someone who can help make your next purchase or sale go smoothly without any legal complication, please contact Cheryle Middleton.
Samantha Rains
Conveyancing Manager
PROPERTY LAW
Contact:
1300 011 123
Samantha@wallacelawgroup.com.au
Samantha Rains is the Conveyancing Manager at Wallace Law Group. With extensive experience in property law and client service, Samantha guides clients through every stage of their property transactions, from contract review through to settlement.
Known for her practical advice, clear communication, and attention to detail, Samantha works closely with clients to ensure the conveyancing process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. She takes pride in delivering exceptional service, keeping clients informed at every step, and achieving successful outcomes tailored to their needs.
Her approachable and professional manner, combined with her in-depth knowledge of conveyancing matters, enables clients to navigate property transactions with confidence and peace of mind.
Uma Mesalic
PROPERTY LAW
Paralegal
Paralegal
Contact:
1300 011 123
uma@wallacelawgroup.com.au
With over three years of experience in legal administration, client liaison, and document preparation, Uma is a valued member of the Wallace Law team. Currently working as a Paralegal to the Property Team, she provides essential day-to-day support to ensure smooth operations and excellent service delivery.
Uma is completing her Bachelor of Laws and brings practical experience across a range of legal areas. She has also supported front desk operations, demonstrating a strong ability to manage client interactions with professionalism and care.
Known for her dedication and positive approach, Uma is passionate about helping both clients and colleagues achieve their goals. She is committed to making life easier for her team through reliable support and a genuine enthusiasm for her work.
Tanya Robson
Accounts & Office Administrator
Contact:
1300 011 123
tanya@wallacelawgroup.com.au
Tanya is an invaluable member of our team, serving as one of our Executive Assistants at Wallace Law Group.
Her exceptional customer service and client relationship skills are instrumental in assisting our clients in connecting with the right people at Wallace Law Group.
Tanya's dedication and expertise play a crucial role in ensuring that the team at Wallace Law Group is well-organized, allowing them to focus 100% on providing top-notch service to their clients.
Caitlyn Cooper-Scanlon
Administrative Assistant
Contact:
1300 011 123
caitlyn@wallacelawgroup.com.au
As the Receptionist and Administration Assistant, Caitlyn provides reliable administrative and client support, helping to ensure the efficient operation of the team while delivering a positive experience for clients.
Currently studying a Bachelor of Laws alongside a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Marketing, Caitlyn has developed strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills through academic studies. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality service, Caitlyn enjoys continually expanding her knowledge and applying it to support both colleagues and clients.