Catherine Wallace
Partner and Head of Family Law
Qualifications
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
Partner and Head of Commercial Litigation
Qualifications:
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (College of Law)
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Business (Management)
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland
Solicitor of the High Court of Australia
Contact:
1300 011 123 | 0403 213 205
chelsey@wallacelawgroup.com.au
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
Operations Director
Senior Paralegal
Qualifications:
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.
Alexia Marinac
Solicitor
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Law (Honours)
Bachelor of Commerce (Majoring in Accounting)
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (College of Law)
Admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland
Member of the Queensland Law Society
Member of the Golden Key Honour Society
Real Estate Sales Representative (REIQ)
Contact:
1300 011 123
alexia@wallacelawgroup.com.au
Alexia is a focused, disciplined, and dedicated Solicitor with a passion for business. With a Bachelor of Commerce (Majoring in Accounting) and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), she was admitted to the Legal Profession in February 2024 and is now part of the Litigation team at Wallace Law Group.
Having exposure to small business and various areas of law, including Corporate, Commercial, Construction, Body Corporate, Property, and Wills and Estates, Alexia is committed to working with clients and supporting them in achieving their desired outcomes.
Her willingness to get involved in complex matters drives Alexia to deliver the best possible results for her clients and her team. She is professional, diligent, and tenacious in everything she does and applies herself totally to any and all matters.
She thrives on challenges that stretch her to achieve the highest standards, whether it be with work, sport, or personal endeavours. Alexia enjoys contributing her knowledge and experience to help others achieve their goals and is absolutely dedicated to her own ongoing learning and career development.
Cheryle Middleton
Head of Conveyancing
Qualifications:
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.
Michelle Franklin
Paralegal
Qualifications:
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.
Tanya Robson
Executive Assistant
Qualifications:
Executive Administrator
Contact:
1300 011 123 | 07 5620 1125
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.
Tegan Castellaro
Administrative Assistant
Qualifications:
Administrative Assistant
Contact:
1300 011 123 | 07 5620 1154
tegan@wallacelawgroup.com.au
Meet Tegan, our Administrative Assistant. Since moving to the Gold Coast 4 years ago, Tegan has worked in the legal industry where she has developed her passion for providing exceptional customer service.
Tegan works hard to assist our pumping property team with their client’s transactions and is the first point of all for our valued clients.
Each transaction that Tegan assists on is handled with care and consideration. She is very approachable and always go above and beyond to make sure everyone around her is looked after.