Resolving family conflict one mediation at a time.
Hi, I’m Rachael. I keep Australian families out of court by helping you find practical solutions.
Separation and Divorce is one of life’s most difficult moments. When you layer conflict on top of that process, it can impact on your mental health and your ability to move on with your life.
My priority is simply allowing people to be heard without judgement through the process of mediation. With a Masters in Law (Dispute Resolution) and over 20 years of practice as a barrister, I help people listen and hear each other even when they feel like they are entrenched in unresolvable conflict.
Wherever you are in Australia, I can help you settle your family law dispute quickly and without having to go to court.
Why Choose Me?
I offer a kind, non-judgemental approach to family dispute resolution. I help you make decisions so that everyone in your family can move on and be free of conflict after separation and divorce.
YEARS OF LEGAL EXPERIENCE
YEARS OF MEDIATION EXPERIENCE
MEDIATIONS CONDUCTED
A little bit more about me….
I grew up on a farm in rural NSW, and like a lot of country kids I couldn’t wait to get to Sydney as soon as I’d finished school. I started my degree at Sydney University (after a short stint in performing arts) and later transferred to the University of New England which allowed more flexibility to study remotely (and to backpack and work my way around the world!)
In 2001, I commenced my legal career as a clerk at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions QLD (ODPP). In 2003, after I was admitted as a barrister to the Supreme Court of QLD, I took on various roles as a DPP legal officer including as a committals legal officer and sentencing prosecutor.
In 2004, I sat the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test at the College of Law in London and gained admission as a solicitor in England and Wales. Between 2004 - 2008, I was employed by a criminal defence firm in East Sussex and appeared for clients at various police stations and Magistrate’s Courts across London, Kent and Sussex.
In 2008/2009 I spent nearly 8 months in Africa largely to volunteer for a wonderful charity called RIPPLE Africa. I spent my time living in and working with a small rural community on the shores of Lake Malawi. I gravitated towards the women’s and children’s projects and co-founded the Women’s Community English Class that still runs today.
In 2009 I returned to Australia and the ODPP. I was employed in a number of different roles in Brisbane, Beenleigh and Southport, including as a Crown Prosecutor.
In 2013, I embarked on a career pivot towards family law and mediation at the private bar in Queensland. As a result of that pivot I hold a Master of Laws (Dispute Resolution) from Bond University and am a nationally accredited mediator and family dispute resolution practitioner registered by the Department of Attorney General.
In 2016, I co-founded and now co-direct French Quarter Chambers and Mediation Centre at Emerald Lakes on the Gold Coast with my good friend and colleague, Simone Fraser. I now specialise solely in family mediation both in-person in SE QLD and Northern NSW and online right across Australia (and sometimes internationally too).
I am a senior teaching fellow at Bond University for the Faculty of Law in the subject of Negotiation. I also am a mediation coach and assessor for the Bond University Centre for Dispute Resolution, assisting mediation students gain their national accreditation and family dispute resolution registration.
I have previously volunteered my time as a Committee Member and Gold Coast Bar Association and as a mentor for the Gold Coast District Law Association Mentor Program, GLAD.
I’m also mum to 3 medium sized humans, wife to a fabulous husband, and I love to travel with my family. My all time favourite spots are Lady Elliot Island, Rwanda, Malawi, Japan and Zambia.
