Our People

Directors

Steven Johnson

Areas of Law

Business, International Law and Sports Law

stevenjohnson@qldlawgroup.com.au
Steven is the founder of the QLD Law Group and as such has been responsible for the Group growing from humble beginnings to its present position as one of QLD’s best regarded, mid-sized, law firms. Steven has degrees in Commerce and Law which assist him in his position as the responsible Legal Practitioner Director for […]
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Shane Alexander

Areas of Law

Motor Vehicle Matters, Business, Litigation and Dispute Resolution

shanealexander@qldlawgroup.com.au
Shane has lived on the Gold Coast for the past twelve years and has an extensive local knowledge and contacts within its commercial sector. Shane represents many high profile Gold Coast organisations and acts as the legal adviser to sporting and charitable bodies. He is highly regarded for his ability to achieve excellent outcomes for […]
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Peter Tregenza

Areas of Law

Motor Vehicle Matters, Business, International Law and Sports Law

petertregenza@qldlawgroup.com.au
Peter holds degrees in Economics and Law and is admitted as a Solicitor to the Supreme Court of Queensland. He previously practiced as a Barrister and has extensive experience in the practice of Criminal Law and, since joining QLD Law Group, has broadened his knowledge and experience in the field of motor vehicle matters tribunal […]
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Consultants

John Maccallum

Areas of Law

Commercial Property and Liquor Licensing

johnmaccallum@qldlawgroup.com.au
QLD Law Group is fortunate to have the services of a Senior Practitioner of John’s experience. John has practiced throughout Queensland, particularly in the areas of property, property development and commercial transactions including purchases and sales of businesses, licensed premises, leasing and commercial property. When not at work, John is a very keen golfer.
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Paul Sayer

Areas of Law

Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Insolvency and Estates

paulsayer@qldlawgroup.com.au
Paul holds degrees in Arts and Law from the University of Queensland and has practised as a solicitor since 1972. To his position as consultant at QLD Law Group, Paul brings many years’ experience in the field of litigation. He also has a particular interest in insolvency and in the administration of deceased estates. Paul […]
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Team Leaders

Chris Green

Areas of Law

Compensation, Property and Estates

chrisgreen@qldlawgroup.com.au
“The Baron of Burpengary” Chris is the Managing Solicitor of the Burpengary and Woodford Offices of Qld Law Group. He heads a multi disciplinary team that offers “across the board” services including Compensation, the buying and selling of real estate and businesses, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Leases, Commercial and Criminal matters. Chris has practised extensively […]
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Denise Hawthorne

Areas of Law

Negligence, Breach of Duty of Care, Compensation, Criminal, Business Law

denisehawthorne@qldlawgroup.com.au
Denise’s legal career began in 1987 and after Articles of Clerkship was admitted as a solicitor in 1989. For nearly 30 years, Denise has enjoyed a legal career covering diverse areas, all including a commitment to looking after the interests of the individual client. Those areas have included criminal law, negligence and damages, compensation and […]
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Jennie Goff

Areas of Law

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

jenniegoff@qldlawgroup.com.au
Jennie holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wollongong. She worked as a Medical Scientist at leading Sydney hospitals while studying law. After completing her Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the University of Wollongong, Jennie was admitted to practice in New South Wales approximately 15 years ago. Jennie worked for a number […]
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Simon Pattison

Areas of Law

Property, Business/Commercial Law, Wills and Estates, and Family Law

simonpattison@qldlawgroup.com.au
Simon was a partner in another medium sized legal practice in the city and for the four years prior to joining QLD Law Group, he had been operating as a sole practitioner. Simon is unusual in the sphere of Family Law as he is from a Commercial Law background. As such he brings a realistic […]
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Solicitors

John Merlo

John Merlo

Areas of Law

Construction Law

Considered one of the foremost go-to experts in Australia for the construction and engineering industry John Merlo
provides any level of advice and assistance with front end or back end project requirements from conception through inception and completion.

Prior to joining Qld Law Group John operated his own nationally operative firm Merlo Law and acted in all states except Tasmania. John was approached by the international consultancy firm Clariden Global and designed and lead a series of thought leadership conferences on contract negotiation and preparation to ASX 100 clients in four states.

John’s experience is multifaceted and he is a leader in his field.

Adjudication

John is one of the foremost exponents in adjudication in Australia, having handled millions of dollars in claims Australia wide.

John has expert knowledge of the different state and territories payment legislation regimes and the different nuances of case law in each jurisdiction.

John has been regularly renowned for his incisive application of the law and ability to utilise expert evidence to produce results.

Contract preparation and negotiation

John is internationally renowned for his contract preparation and negotiation skills, having drafted and negotiated all manner of contracts at all tiers for the construction industry Australia wide.

In 2014, John was invited to design and lead a series of thought leadership conferences and workshops in contract preparation and negotiation skills in four states for ASX 100 companies.

johnmerlo@qldlawgroup.com.au

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Branko Pesev

Areas of Law

Compensation, Criminal Law, Litigation and Dispute Resolution

brankopesev@qldlawgroup.com.au
Branko has obtained a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of International Business (International Management/Business) from Griffith University. He has obtained Post-Graduate qualifications in Legal Practice Management from Bond University. Branko was born in Macedonia to specialists doctors who relocated to Zimbabwe when Branko was only 3 years of age. Branko spent his school years […]
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Esther Wangatau

Areas of Law

Compensation Law

Esther began working with the QLD Law Group in 2019. Prior to 2019, Esther has worked with other prominent compensation firms specialising in compensation law. Esther is very passionate about making a difference in her community and feels specialising in Compensation Law helps make a difference. Esther truly believes she has the ability to make […]
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James Tregenza

Areas of Law

Compensation, Litigation and Criminal Law

jamestregenza@qldlawgroup.com.au
James holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Diploma of Legal Practice from the Queensland University of Technology. He is currently studying for his Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting and Finance. James has been recently admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court, having previously worked as a Law Clerk with the firm since […]
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Amber Legge

Areas of Law

Compensation, Property, Business and Litigation.

amberlegge@qldlawgroup.com.au
Amber holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree, Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice and a Certificate in Business Administration and Office Skills. Amber has worked in the legal industry for over 20 years in various positions before completing her Law Degree and being admitted as a Solicitor. Amber commenced her Law Degree during a 3 year […]
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Sean Higgins

Areas of Law

Compensation, Criminal Law, Wills & Estates and Commercial Law

seanhiggins@qldlawgroup.com.au
Sean began working at the QLD Law Group as a Law Clerk in 2014, and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2018, upon completion of his Bachelor of Laws with Honours / Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from QUT. Sean is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for clients who’s lives […]
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Chelsea Mcpherson

Areas of Law

Compensation, Commercial Law, Litigation and Criminal Law

chelseamcpherson@qldlawgroup.com.au
Chelsea started work at the QLD Law Group as a Law Clerk and was admitted as a Solicitor to the Supreme Court of Queensland on 16 October 2017. She now has conduct of her own matters in Compensation, Commercial and Criminal Law. She attended Griffith University and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and a […]
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Cherie Flowers

Areas of Law

Compensation Law

cherie.flowers@qldlawgroup.com.au
Cherie has been practising Law since the completion of her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice in 2000. Cherie’s focus is on compensation law and is dedicated to achieving the best outcome for her clients, to allow them to positively move on with their lives. Cherie works from our Springwood office within the compensation team. For […]
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Executive Team

Branko Pesev

Areas of Law

Compensation, Criminal Law, Litigation and Dispute Resolution

brankopesev@qldlawgroup.com.au
Branko has obtained a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of International Business (International Management/Business) from Griffith University. He has obtained Post-Graduate qualifications in Legal Practice Management from Bond University. Branko was born in Macedonia to specialists doctors who relocated to Zimbabwe when Branko was only 3 years of age. Branko spent his school years […]
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Peter Scanlan

Areas of Law

Group Practice Manager

peterscanlan@qldlawgroup.com.au
Peter is responsible for all the non-legal aspects of our practice. This includes staff, systems, finance, technology and marketing. Peter and his small administrative team are working constantly to improve the firm’s operational efficiency and therefore provide our clients with a better service. Peter commenced his career with professional accounting firms and is a qualified […]
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Dolly McGowan

Areas of Law

Accounts Manager
BAS Agent

Dolly joined the QLD Law Group team in 2015 and has worked in the legal industry for over 13 years. Her expertise comes from working at a number of top tier firms previously, where Dolly’s experience ranges across accounts management, operations, human resources and practice management. Dolly has a particular interest in financial accounting, auditing […]
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Conveyancing Manager

Jan Wallace

Areas of Law

Conveyancing

janwallace@qldlawgroup.com.au
Jan immigrated to Australia in 1999 and, after 10 years in banking and finance in Australia, has over 10 years experience in conveyancing. Jan’s wealth of knowledge in the local property and finance markets is a great asset to the firm’s clients. Outside work, Jan is a member of a local shooting club and a […]
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Kirsty Steen

Areas of Law

Conveyancing

kirstysteen@qldlawgroup.com.au
Kirsty has extensive experience in dealing with residential conveyancing. Kirsty resides in the southern suburbs so is well informed about the local area. Kirsty is able to efficiently manage the very important transaction of buying or selling your property be it: Your first home Family home Investment property Unit or residential development So whether you […]
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Solicitors

John Merlo

John Merlo

Areas of Law

Construction Law

Considered one of the foremost go-to experts in Australia for the construction and engineering industry John Merlo
provides any level of advice and assistance with front end or back end project requirements from conception through inception and completion.

Prior to joining Qld Law Group John operated his own nationally operative firm Merlo Law and acted in all states except Tasmania. John was approached by the international consultancy firm Clariden Global and designed and lead a series of thought leadership conferences on contract negotiation and preparation to ASX 100 clients in four states.

John’s experience is multifaceted and he is a leader in his field.

Adjudication

John is one of the foremost exponents in adjudication in Australia, having handled millions of dollars in claims Australia wide.

John has expert knowledge of the different state and territories payment legislation regimes and the different nuances of case law in each jurisdiction.

John has been regularly renowned for his incisive application of the law and ability to utilise expert evidence to produce results.

Contract preparation and negotiation

John is internationally renowned for his contract preparation and negotiation skills, having drafted and negotiated all manner of contracts at all tiers for the construction industry Australia wide.

In 2014, John was invited to design and lead a series of thought leadership conferences and workshops in contract preparation and negotiation skills in four states for ASX 100 companies.

johnmerlo@qldlawgroup.com.au

Read More

Branko Pesev

Areas of Law

Compensation, Criminal Law, Litigation and Dispute Resolution

brankopesev@qldlawgroup.com.au
Branko has obtained a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of International Business (International Management/Business) from Griffith University. He has obtained Post-Graduate qualifications in Legal Practice Management from Bond University. Branko was born in Macedonia to specialists doctors who relocated to Zimbabwe when Branko was only 3 years of age. Branko spent his school years […]
Read More

Esther Wangatau

Areas of Law

Compensation Law

Esther began working with the QLD Law Group in 2019. Prior to 2019, Esther has worked with other prominent compensation firms specialising in compensation law. Esther is very passionate about making a difference in her community and feels specialising in Compensation Law helps make a difference. Esther truly believes she has the ability to make […]
Read More

James Tregenza

Areas of Law

Compensation, Litigation and Criminal Law

jamestregenza@qldlawgroup.com.au
James holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Diploma of Legal Practice from the Queensland University of Technology. He is currently studying for his Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting and Finance. James has been recently admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court, having previously worked as a Law Clerk with the firm since […]
Read More

Amber Legge

Areas of Law

Compensation, Property, Business and Litigation.

amberlegge@qldlawgroup.com.au
Amber holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree, Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice and a Certificate in Business Administration and Office Skills. Amber has worked in the legal industry for over 20 years in various positions before completing her Law Degree and being admitted as a Solicitor. Amber commenced her Law Degree during a 3 year […]
Read More

Sean Higgins

Areas of Law

Compensation, Criminal Law, Wills & Estates and Commercial Law

seanhiggins@qldlawgroup.com.au
Sean began working at the QLD Law Group as a Law Clerk in 2014, and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2018, upon completion of his Bachelor of Laws with Honours / Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from QUT. Sean is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for clients who’s lives […]
Read More

Chelsea Mcpherson

Areas of Law

Compensation, Commercial Law, Litigation and Criminal Law

chelseamcpherson@qldlawgroup.com.au
Chelsea started work at the QLD Law Group as a Law Clerk and was admitted as a Solicitor to the Supreme Court of Queensland on 16 October 2017. She now has conduct of her own matters in Compensation, Commercial and Criminal Law. She attended Griffith University and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and a […]
Read More

Cherie Flowers

Areas of Law

Compensation Law

cherie.flowers@qldlawgroup.com.au
Cherie has been practising Law since the completion of her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice in 2000. Cherie’s focus is on compensation law and is dedicated to achieving the best outcome for her clients, to allow them to positively move on with their lives. Cherie works from our Springwood office within the compensation team. For […]
Read More

Paralegals

Our Locations

We have offices all around South East Queensland

  • Level 1, Stradbroke Plaza
    66 Marine Parade, Cnr Cloyne Rd & Marine Pde
    Southport Qld 4215
  • (07) 5591 5511

  • Burpengary Plaza
    17-21 Progress Road
    Burpengary Qld 4505
  • (07) 3888 3555

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