Our Family Law Experts
Learn more about our team of family law solicitors on the Gold Coast.
Meet our Legal Practitioner Director, Clare Quinn.
Clare was admitted as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2008 and the High Court of Australia in 2009.
After finishing her secondary school education at St Hilda’s School in Southport, Clare attended Bond University on the Gold Coast where she attained a Bachelor of Laws.
With over 10 years practising exclusively in family law, Clare has a wealth of experience representing clients in a wide range of matters arising out of divorce and separation, including property and financial matters ranging from a simple division of assets to complex investment structures and high net worth individuals, and parenting matters involving care arrangements, surrogacy, relocation, child recovery and child support. She also has significant experience representing clients in respect of their family violence and child protection matters.
Clare is known for her empathetic, yet pragmatic and commercially minded approach. She is a strong advocate for her client and is well appraised of the Court processes and pertinent case law concerning family law. Although Clare has a keen focus on early resolution, she is also a skilled yet respectful litigator, dedicated on minimising the impact of litigation on the parties and any children of the relationship.
Clare is a collaboratively trained family law practitioner. Her passion for the modern more conciliatory approach to the practice of family law saw the inception of Quinn Family Law in 2018.
A proud Gold Coast local (and working parent), in her spare time Clare enjoys spending time with her young children and partner, family and friends, water sports and bush camping in the Great South East.
Clare has followed both of her parents into law.
Memberships:
- Queensland Law Society
- Gold Coast District Law Association
- Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia
- Family Law Practitioners Association
- Bond University Alumni
- St Hilda's Old Girls Association
- Queensland Association of Collaborative Practitioners
Meet Ella Thomas, Senior Associate.
Ella was admitted as a solicitor in the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2014 and the High Court of Australia shortly thereafter.
After completing her secondary schooling, Ella attended James Cook University in Cairns where she attained her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Psychology). During her tertiary studies, Ella spent a semester studying abroad at the University of New Brunswick, Canada.
In 2014, Ella was employed as the Associate to His Honour Judge Harrison of the District Court of Queensland whilst she completed her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice through the Australian National University.
In 2015, Ella began working as a family law solicitor in Cairns before relocating to the Gold Coast in June 2017. Ella continued her work as a family lawyer at a local firm on the Gold Coast before she joined Quinn Family Law in April 2019.
Ella has a keen interest in all facets of family law, particularly complex property and financial settlements.
Ella is committed to providing her clients with pragmatic and tailored expert family law advice in order to support and guide them towards achieving a resolution.
In her spare time, you will find Ella exploring southern Queensland/northern New South Wales with her family, two dogs and surfboards in tow.
Memberships:
- Queensland Law Society
- Gold Coast District Law Association
- Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia
- Family Law Practitioners Association
Ella was a sitting Ordinary Member of the Future Leaders Committee ("FLC") 2021, honoured to have been democratically elected by her peers to represent and advoctate on behalf of the next generation of lawyers for 2021 and 2022. The FLC is a platform for Queensland lawyers aged either 35 years or under, or whom have less than 5 years post experience (PAE) to launch their dreams, ideas and thinking for the legal progession.
In 2023, Ella was identified by her family law colleagues as a 'Family Law Rising Star' and listed in the prestigious Doyles Guide for 2024. The 2024 listing of Regional Queensland Family Law Rising Stars details individuals practising across Family, Divorce, Parenting and Matrimonial matters across Regional Queensland legal who, while not included in our Leading Family or Parenting Lawyer Rankings have been specifically noted as being a “Rising Star” within the aforementioned areas and operating at an extremely high level of professionalism and ability.
Meet Julie Fotheringham, Senior Associate.
In 1999, Julie commenced her distinguished career as a barrister-at-law, gaining admission to the Supreme Court of Queensland and shortly thereafter securing admission in the High Court of Australia. A high achiever from the start, she earned accreditation as a mediator, an Independent Children’s Lawyer and a Separate Representative in 2001, showcasing her commitment to the nuanced realm of family law.
Throughout her dynamic career, Julie has seamlessly transitioned between roles as counsel and a solicitor advocate, dedicating her expertise to every facet of the legal landscape. Julie’s experience exhibits where legal prowess meets a passion for justice and unwavering dedication to the intricate tapestry of family law.
Julie was born in England where she attended the University of Kent and obtained a Bachelor of Laws Degree with Honours. In 2014, she obtained a Professional Certificate in Arbitration with Distinction from the University of Adelaide and Resolution Institute, before being awarded her Master of Laws Degree from the Queensland University of Technology in 2017, solidifying her expertise in family law.
With an impressive 24-year tenure as a family law practitioner, Julie is a seasoned expert navigating the intricacies of divorce and separation. Her expertise extends from streamlined asset divisions to intricate financial matters. Julie is not only well-versed in parenting matters, including care arrangements, relocation, child recovery, and child support, but she also brings significant prowess in handling domestic violence and child protection cases.
As a seasoned advocate, Julie has left her mark in appellate jurisdictions and served as Counsel assisting at the Crime and Corruption Commission in the Public Inquiry into the misuse of confidential information in the Queensland public sector codenamed Operation Impala, which focused on protecting the privacy of domestic violence victims. Beyond her legal prowess, Julie is recognised for her unwavering work ethic and determination to secure the best outcomes for her clients. Her foundation in advocacy, extensive knowledge of family law case law, and adept handling of court procedures set her apart.
Julie is a nationally accredited arbitrator and mediator. She has mediated parenting and property disputes for 20 years and presided over property arbitrations since 2017.
While Julie is dedicated to early resolutions and optimal results, she is equally skilled as a deliberate yet courteous litigator, committed to minimising the impact of family law proceedings on all parties involved, especially the children of the relationship.
In her spare time Julie enjoys spending time with her young daughter and husband, including taking her family dogs to the beach, going on bushwalks in the Gold Coast hinterland, and staying fit.
Memberships:
- Queensland Law Society
- Family Law Practitioners Association
- Gold Coast District Law Society
- Resolution Institute
Meet Katarina Kyle, Associate.
Katarina was admitted as a solicitor in the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2020 and the High Court of Australia shortly thereafter.
After completing her secondary schooling in British Columbia, Katarina immigrated to Australia and attended the Queensland University of Technology where she attained Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Second Class Honours, Division A. Thereafter, she gained invaluable experience working with notable local practitioners and firms until joining Quinn Family Law in 2023.
Katarina has a keen interest in all facets of family law, particularly financial matters and family violence.
Katarina is a strong advocate for her clients and is committed to the provision of expert family law advice and achieving the desired result. Katarina has a keen interest in her continuing professional development and growth as a trusted family lawyer.
In her spare time, you will find Katarina spending time with her partner and adorable pooch Datsun, who joins us in the office each Monday.
Memberships:
- Queensland Law Society
- Gold Coast District Law Association
- Family Law Practitioners Association
Meet Hannah Carter, Associate.
In 2020, Hannah completed her Bachelor of Laws at Bond University and was admitted as a solicitor in the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2021 and the High Court of Australia shortly thereafter.
Since her admission, Hannah has practiced exclusively in family law with a local boutique firm before joining Quinn Family Law in 2024.
Hannah has a keen interest in complex parenting matters and domestic and family violence matters having represented both aggrieved applicant’s and respondents in the Specialist Domestic Violence Court at Southport and other Courts throughout Queensland as an Accredited Duty Lawyer.
Hannah is dedicated to achieving positive and cost-effective results for her clients, striving to attain a negotiated resolution as early as possible, with litigation as a last resort.
Also a proud Gold Coast local, in her spare time you will find Hannah travelling and spending most of her time at the beach with her partner and puppy, Yuki.
Memberships:
- Queensland Law Society
- Gold Coast District Law Association
- Family Law Practitioners Association
Meet Bonnie Cush, Legal Administration Assistant.
With a warm and friendly smile, our Legal Administrative Assistant Bonnie is ready to welcome you at Quinn Family Law.
Bonnie’s professionalism and caring nature shines through in every interaction, making her an invaluable asset to our firm. Having a genuine interest in our clients and area of expertise, you can trust that Bonnie will take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions and ensure that your needs are met promptly and effectively.
A Gold Coast local and Trinity College Alumni (and past School Captain), Bonnie enjoys spending her time with family and friends, hiking and snorkelling in the great outdoors and sharing a meal at our popular local eateries. In addition to her other pursuits, Bonnie has developed a keen interest in property investment and development.
Organise your consultation with our family law solicitors on the Gold Coast.
In an effort to assist people in understanding their position and pathway through their current matter, we offer new clients an obligation free 1-hour consultation. To enquire about meeting with one of our team, follow the link below.