RMB Lawyers - Staff

RMB Lawyers Chairman,
Murray Steele

Chairman: Murray Steele

In June 2008 RMB Lawyers appointed one of the Illawarra region's most experienced businessmen Murray Steele as its first external chairman.

Mr Steele, the former chief executive officer of Metal Manufactures (MM), is an experienced senior executive who has managed large scale international businesses. He has brought wide commercial experience to RMB at a time when the firm is experiencing strong growth.

RMB managing partner Craig Osborne said appointing an external chairman was a logical step for the expanded RMB Lawyers group, which has the strongest legal presence on the NSW South Coast and is one of the largest regional law firms in NSW.

"We have effectively doubled the size of our business between 2005 and 2008, and we are delighted to have someone of Murray Steele's experience and business acumen to help guide the firm's strategic objective of sustainable and sensible growth.

"We were looking for a chairman from a non-legal background with strong business skills and experience as well as local knowledge, and Murray fits the bill perfectly."

"We aim to take the businesses to an even higher level of professionalism, while continuing to provide high quality, affordable legal services. Murray has a strong background in high-level commercial operations, in mergers and acquisitions, and in improved productivity. We are excited by the new perspective he brings to our business."

Mr Steele said he is enjoying helping the firm develop strategies for continued growth, while meeting the expectations of existing clients.

"RMB has an excellent track record and reputation in the Illawarra, and we'll be building on that," Mr Steele said. "The firm is going through a major expansion phase with the move into the Shoalhaven, and we will certainly be targeting new opportunities in the future."


Name:	Michael John McGrath
Position:	Partner
Accreditation:	Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury
Email address:	michaelm@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Michael specialises in compensation law.
Training:	Michael graduated from the University of NSW in 1978 with a Bachelor of Laws degree. He also holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Accounting and Financial Management from UNSW. In September 1994 Michael was appointed as an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law by the Law Society of NSW.
Date joined RMB:	1 July 1989
Professional background:	Prior to joining RMB, Michael worked for 10 years in a smaller firm in Wollongong. Michael's practice at that time was a general one which included all facets of litigation including criminal law, family law and other civil work. Since joining RMB, Michael has specialised in compensation law and has earned a reputation as one of the Illawarra’s leading compensation law lawyers. As well as conducting major claims for the firm, Michael is also a mentor of our strong litigation team.
Personal details and interests:	Michael grew up in the Sutherland Shire but found the lure of the Illawarra too strong and has lived here since 1979. He is married with two adult children. His interests involve cycling, distance running and in the winter, snow boarding. He follows rugby with a keen interest and is involved with the Illawarra Basketball Association as Judiciary chairman and company secretary. In addition, Michael volunteers his services at the advice nights for of the Illawarra Legal Centre.


Name:	Alexander (Sandy) Meadows Rendel
Position:	Partner
Accreditation:	Accredited Specialist in Property Law
Email address:	sandyr@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Sandy operates at the value added end of property law where his accumulation of knowledge and experience is of benefit to clients. Sandy's main focus is on property development and planning, joint ventures and major sales and purchases. Sandy handles rural land transactions and subdivisions. Sandy acts in compensation for compulsory land acquisitions, both for the acquiring authority and for the dispossessed landowner. Sandy also has expertise with Old System title, including title conversion.
Training:	Dip Law SAB 1972 Accredited Specialist in Property Law 1 September 1995
Date joined RMB:	1973
Professional background:	Sandy is an active member of many professional organisations, including the Urban Development Institute of Australia (NSW) Southern Chapter and the Illawarra Planners Association, Southern Group Institute of Surveyors NSW. He is also active in a number of community organisations and activities including Kiama Rugby Football Club (life member) and co-organiser (with a very experienced team) of the annual Kiama Sevens tournament for 30 years. Sandy has been a member of the Kiama Show Society since 1980, and was president in 2005 and 2006. He has been co-organiser, with wife Dianne, of the annual Show Ball for approximately 10 years during which the ball moved from an attendance of 150 to upwards of 750. On behalf of the Show Society, Sandy has also been Kiama Wine Show chairman from 2004. He is a life member of the Show Society. Sandy has also been strongly involved in Kiama Pre School Incorporated, North Kiama Children's Centre Incorporated, Kiama Public School P & C, Kiama High School P & C, Hurlstone Agricultural High School P & C, Hurlstone Agricultural High School School Council, Kiama Chamber of Commerce, The Illawarra Connection and Kiama Tourism.
Personal details and interests:	Born in Scotland. Emigrated to Australia with family at age of 4. Grew up in Mosman in Sydney. Lived in Kiama since December 1969. Interests include wine, food, skiing, reading and travel.


Name:	Grant Gleeson
Position:	Partner
Accreditation:	Law Society Accredited Specialist - Local Government & Planning Law
Email address:	grantg@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Grant specialises in Local Government and Planning Law. He provides specialist advice to local government authorities, councillors and applicants for development. Grant regularly looks after the carriage of cases through the Land and Environment Court, including acting as a solicitor advocate Grant also works in broad areas of the Law, including commercial, industrial relations, negligence, conveyancing, civil and criminal law. In addition to matters in the Land and Environment Court, he has been responsible for cases in all jurisdictions, including District Court, Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court.
Training:	Grant graduated from the University of NSW with BA (1980) and LL.B (1982) degrees. He is currently completing a Masters of Laws degree (Research) at the University of Wollongong. Since the inception of the accreditation in 1998, Grant has been accredited as a specialist in Local Government and Planning Law by the Law Society of New South Wales.
Date joined RMB:	Grant joined Morton & Harris in Nowra in 1987, and as a Partner was one of the architects of the firm's merger with RMB in 2008.
Professional background:	After graduating from UNSW Grant joined Newcastle law firm Harris Wheeler Williams in 1983. In 1985 he joined Trevor Dunn & Associates in Hamilton as an Associate, before joining Morton & Harris as a Partner in 1987. At Morton & Harris Grant has built a successful general legal practice while specialising in Local Government and Planning Law. He is an founding member of the Local Government Lawyers Group, a member of the Environmental Planning Law Association (elected to the committee in 2002), a past president and secretary of the Shoalhaven Regional Law Society and a past member of the Law Society Marketing Committee.
Personal details and interests:	Grant is actively involved in his community. Married with two daughters, Grant is kept busy keeping up with various family activities. Grant has maintained an interest in squash but golf has taken over as the prime recreational activity. Winter often means a brief sojourn with the family for a skiing holiday. Grant still finds time to read widely and to listen to an eclectic range of music, though classical is preferred. Grant is President of the Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra. It seems a long time ago since he was trekking in wilderness and doing activities that gained him a Queen Scout Award all those years ago, but in his quieter moments, the boy scout can still be found lurking in the recesses - just ask those who have gone camping with him about the famous "tea club".


Name:	Paul Hopkins
Position:	Partner
Email address:	paulh@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Business, commercial and property
Training:	Admitted as a solicitor in 1973
Date joined RMB:	40 years ago
Professional background:	Former Wollongong and District Law Society president
Personal details and interests:	Paul has lived in the Illawarra most of his life. He played rugby for Vikings Rugby Club for many years and is a past president and life member of the club. Nowadays Paul enjoys riding a longboard (he is a member of Layback Longboarders Club) and snow skiing.


Name:	Craig Geoffrey Osborne
Position:	Managing Partner
Email address:	craigo@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Commercial litigation
Training:	University of New South Wales, degrees in Law and Commerce (Industrial Relations)
Date joined RMB:	26 January 1988
Professional background:	Commenced work at RMB Lawyers in litigation. Major work areas commercial litigation, industrial law, advocacy, defamation, compensation, trade practices, contaminated land and environmental matters, mediation. In both 2009 and 2007 Craig was named Illawarra Business Person of the Year at the Integral Energy Illawarra Business Awards.
Personal details and interests:	Born in Sydney. Resided in Wollongong, Towrang, Hillston, Narranderra and Sydney during his childhood. Craig represented the state NSW in soccer and athletics at schoolboy level. Interests include all sport particularly soccer, cricket and athletics, writing, reading, sunshine and humour.


Name:	Michael Naughtin
Position:	Partner
Email address:	michaeln@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Estate Planning, Commercial Law
Training:	Michael graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Law in 1992. Michael also holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Masters of Tax Law.
Date joined RMB:	30 August 1998
Professional background:	Prior to joining RMB Lawyers Michael worked in the banking industry in Sydney for five years. Michael worked as a law clerk from 1985 until graduation. Since joining the team at RMB Michael has completed a Masters of Taxation Law to compliment his economics and banking background.
Personal details and interests:	Michael grew up in the country and settled in Wollongong with his family in 1996. Michael is an active member of the community having been involved with Rotary and currently a member of the Council for the Aged of the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong. Michael is involved with his children with their sports commitments to hockey, rugby, athletics and surfing.


Name:	Peter Moggach
Position:	Partner
Accreditation:	Law Society Accredited Specialist - Local Government & Planning Law
Email address:	peterm@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Peter specialises in Local Government & Planning Law. He also acts extensively in property and commercial matters. Peter appears as an advocate in Land and Environment Court litigation; most particularly for his long-term client Kiama Council.
Training:	Peter obtained a Bachelor of Laws from Sydney University in 1977. In 1998, Peter was amongst the first group of lawyers to be accredited as a specialist in Local Government and Planning Law by the Law Society of New South Wales.
Date joined RMB:	July 1982
Professional background:	After completing practical legal training and obtaining his practising certificate in 1977, Peter was employed by the Commonwealth Crown Solicitor in Sydney. He worked there until 1982 (with one year off for overseas travel) before moving to Kiama. Not long after Peter joined Kearns & Garside at Kiama, he started acting for Kiama Council. This was in the early days of the Land and Environment Court. He has concentrated on this area of law over the years as it has grown in importance and complexity. Peter's involvement in acting for a council has allowed him to bring a balanced perspective to the other side - ie acting for a developer. Peter now spends as much, if not more, of his professional time advising and acting for developer clients in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven areas as he does acting for Kiama Council. Peter was a founding member of the Local Government Lawyers Group (an association of lawyers from small to medium firms who act for councils) and has been a member of the Environmental & Planning Law Association (NSW) Inc since its formation. Peter is currently on the Committee of EPLA.
Personal details and interests:	Peter moved to Kiama from Sydney in 1982. He and his family (wife and two children) are entrenched in the Kiama community. He has no intention of leaving. Peter's main interests are sport of all kinds (most particularly cycling and golf), travel, film and reading.


Name:	Martin Culleton
Position:	Partner
Email address:	martinc@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Martin practices extensively in compensation law. Martin also has extensive experience in Land & Environment prosecutions and building claims.
Training:	Martin obtained a law degree in England and moved to Australia in 1998. He has also obtained a Masters in Insurance Law.
Date joined RMB:	5 December 1999
Professional background:	Prior to immigrating to Australia and joining RMB, Martin qualified as a solicitor in the UK. Martin has extensive experience in the litigation area, and in all Local Court, District Court and Supreme Court levels of compensation matters. Martin also has extensive advocacy experience, as well as a keen interest in local town planning and government work.
Personal details and interests:	Martin was born in London. He now lives in Australia with his young family and intends to remain in the Wollongong area.


Name:	Mark Saunders
Position:	Partner
Accreditation:	Accredited specialist in Family Law
Email address:	marks@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Commercial litigation
Training:	Mark has Bachelor of Commerce, and Bachelor and Masters degrees in Law from the University of NSW
Date joined RMB:	13 July, 1981
Professional background:	Mark has been a lawyer with RMB since 1981 and a partner since 1985. Mark has practised extensively in Family Law and became an accredited specialist in 2004. Mark's practice has diversified into large commercial transactions, developments and commercial litigation.
Personal details and interests:	Mark grew up in Sydney and moved to Wollongong in 1981 after completing university. Mark's interests outside of work are mainly connected with his family and sport. Mark is a director/official of local sporting and charity organisations.


Name:	Ian Dalgleish
Position:	Partner
Accreditation (if any):	Property Law
Email address:	iand@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Property, mortgages, leasing
Training:	Graduate in Arts and Law from Sydney University; Accredited Specialist in Property Law since 1994; TAFE Certificate III in Italian 2006
Date joined RMB:	1977
Professional background:	Solicitor since 1977, secretary/treasurer of Wollongong & District Law Society since 1980.
Personal details and interests:	Raised in Sydney, but since arriving in Wollongong in 1977 has never wished to leave the area. Interests include classical music, Italian language and culture and cricket.


Name:	Chris Sheppard
Position:	Partner
Email address:	christophers@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Chris practices primarily in the area of compensation litigation. Chris also has extensive experience in the employment and commercial litigation field.
Training:	Chris graduated from the University of Wollongong in December 1999 with a Bachelor of Laws Honours degree. He also holds a bachelor degree in Commerce (Industrial Relations) from the University of Wollongong.
Date joined RMB:	17 January 2000
Professional background:	With a local blue collar background, Chris excelled at Keira High School and went on to graduate from the University of Wollongong. As a talented student with a solid grounding in the local community, Chris was identified by RMB Lawyers and commenced employment with the firm following the completion of his tertiary education. Chris became a partner of the firm during 2005.
Personal details and interests:	Chris grew up in the Wollongong suburbs of Balgownie and Corrimal where he achieved state representation at both cricket and soccer. He maintains an active playing involvement at Balgownie Cricket Club where he is presently the first grade captain. Chris is also a member of the Appeals Committee of the Illawarra Football Association. Chris' young family and his large extended family in the Wollongong area ensures his close ties with the local community.


Name:	Ross Dixon
Position:	Consultant
Accreditation:	Law Society Accredited Specialist - Wills and Estates
Email address:	rossd@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Ross is the only Accredited Specialisit in Wills and Estates practising on the NSW South Coast between Sydney and the Victorian border. He has expertise in estate planning, estate litigation, the Family Provisions Act, probate applications, property law and commercial and residential conveyancing (including Old System Conveyancing). Over more than three decades as a practising lawyer, Ross has developed considerable expertise in broad areas of the Law, including commercial and corporation law.
Training:	Ross graduated from the University of NSW in 1976 with degrees in Commerce and Law. In 1995 Ross was accredited as a specialist in Wills and Estates by the Law Society of New South Wales.
Date joined RMB:	Ross joined Morton & Harris in Nowra in 1980. As a Partner, he was one of the architects of the firm's merger with RMB in 2008.
Professional background:	After graduating from UNSW Ross joined Willshire Britten & Dunn, where he worked for four years. He joined Morton & Harris in 1980 and became a Partner in 1981. Ross is a member of the Wills and Estates Specialist Discussion Group and is on the Law Society's Elder Law and Succession Committee.
Personal details and interests:	Ross is married with three adult daughters, and is a proud grandfather. He is an active member of the Nowra Baptist Church and chairman of the Nowra Christian School board. Ross enjoys outdoor activities such as camping and getting off the beaten track in his four-wheel-drive. His most memorable trip to date has been crossing the Simpson Desert.


Name:	Adam Barlow
Position:	Associate
Email address:	adamb@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Family Law, Defamation
Training:	Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Wollongong 2000, and a Bachelor of Laws in 2002. Diploma of Practical Legal Training from the University of Technology Sydney in 2003.
Date joined RMB:	January 2003
Professional background:	Prior to joining RMB, Adam worked in the legal department of the Commonwealth Bank.
Personal details and interests:	Adam was born and bred in Wollongong. Having grown up in a large family, Adam understands the importance of family and the need for sound advice in a family dispute. Adam is actively involved in the surf lifesaving movement. He has competed on a national and international level in surf boat rowing. He currently holds a position on the Committee of the Bulli Surf Lifesaving Club. Adam is also a current director with the Bulli Football Club and still enjoys a game of soccer on the weekend. Snowboarding is Adam's other passion, after he studied for a year at the University of Colorado in the USA.


Name:	Stephen Warwick
Position:	Associate
Accreditation:	BA.LLB
Email address:	stevew@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Property - residential and commercial; mortgage lending - residential & commercial; mortgage defaults - residential; franchising.
Training:	Graduated from Sydney University in 1985
Date joined RMB:	March 2000
Professional background:	Professional background: Between 1986-1998, Stephen worked at Heidtman & Co Lawyers in Sydney, attaining the position of Partner in 1992. In 1998 Stephen re-located to the South Coast. He worked as a consultant to Heidtman & Co as well as to Kells The Lawyers and Access Business Lawyers before joining our firm in 2000. At Heidtman & Co, Stephen practised predominantly in banking and finance (mortgage lending), acting for many lending institutions. He also acted for those institutions in mortgage default and bankruptcy matters. He now acts mainly in the conveyancing area involving both residential and commercial transactions.
Personal details and interests:	Stephen was born in 1961 and grew up near Parramatta. He moved to Kiama with his wife and two children in 1998. He is actively involved in the local community as the leader of the Kiama Cub Scout Pack with his children. He is the honorary Solicitor for the Roo Theatre Company in Shellharbour as well as an active participant in its stage productions. Stephen is also a member of the Kiama Rugby Club for whom he plays touch football. He writes regularly with the Kiama Writers Club.


Name:	Ryan Grove
Position:	Associate
Email address:	ryang@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Ryan specialises in litigation including commercial litigation, contract disputes, insurance claims, building and construction disputes, trade practices matters, property development matters and compensation matters. He appears for clients in State and Federal courts and tribunals.
Training:	Ryan graduated from the University of Wollongong in 2002 with a Bachelor of Laws Honours degree. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wollongong. In 2003 Ryan completed a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. In 2005 Ryan qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales.
Date joined RMB:	January 2002
Professional background:	During his time spent with RMB Ryan has successfully completed many litigation cases and claims for his clients. In addition to his work at the firm, Ryan completed a 12 month secondment with a law firm in London. During this time qualified as a solicitor in England and gained valuable experience running litigation cases before the English Courts.
Personal details and interests:	Ryan spent his early years growing up at Kiama on the south coast of NSW. Ryan has strong links to the Illawarra and actively participates in sports including basketball and golf.


Name:	Kelly Maidla
Position:	Associate
Email address:	kellym@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Kelly practices in litigation, particularly compensation matters and industrial/employment matters.
Training:	Kelly graduated from the University of Wollongong in August 2002 with a Bachelor of Laws Honours degree. Kelly also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from UOW.
Date joined RMB:	April 2001
Professional background:	Prior to joining our firm Kelly worked as an administrative assistant for a group of psychologists. This employment allowed Kelly to gain further understanding of the psychological effect of injuries and other issues upon people of different ages and cultural backgrounds. Kelly's education and experience allows her to understand and assist her clients to reach an effective resolution of their issues.
Personal details and interests:	Kelly grew up in Albion Park and attended local schools. Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and is also interested in home renovation. Kelly has travelled to many places including Europe, USA, Canada and New Zealand, and she hopes to be able to take her daughter overseas in the future.


Name:	John Castrission
Position:	Associate
Email address:	johnc@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Wills, powers of attorney and guardianship documents as well as conveyancing, commercial leasing and contested estate matters
Training:	Legal Practitioners Board, University of Sydney- Graduated 2001 Admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW in April of 2003
Date joined RMB:	February 2005
Professional background:	John has worked for a number of firms with a background involving compensation litigation for both plaintiff and defendant firms in Sydney. John also worked for NRMA Insurance in its motor accident division and as a claims officer for QBE Workers Compensation. After graduating John worked for Sheekey Williams of Wagga as an associate solicitor and had carriage of a broad range of matters from workers compensation, wills and estates, victims compensation, conveyancing, sales of business and commercial leasing. John moved to Kiama in February, 2005 and has been employed as an associate solicitor with the firm since then. His practice involves regular preparation of wills, powers of attorney and guardianship documents as well as conveyancing, commercial leasing and contested estate matters.
Personal details and interests:	Born and raised in Wagga. Schooled in Wagga. SPORT: Open wheel motor racing (Formula Ford) competing in three NSW Formula Ford State Championships. Fishing and summer on the coast are other favourite pastimes.


Name:	Justine Hall
Position:	Associate
Email address:	justineh@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Justine practices exclusively in criminal law, appearing in Local, District and Supreme Court matters. She has a background in general litigation and advocacy.
Training:	Graduate Diploma in Linguistics majoring in Japanese- Obirin University Japan - 2001 Bachelor of Arts majoring in Japanese University of Wollongong 2002 Bachelor of Laws University of Wollongong 2002 Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice University of Wollongong 2002 Admitted to Supreme Court of NSW February 2004
Date joined RMB:	December 2003
Personal details and interests:	Justine moved to Wollongong approximately 15 years ago. She grew up in the towns of Menindee, Wagga and Albury but now calls Wollongong home. She enjoys outdoor activities and travel.


Name:	Imran Khan
Position:	Associate
Email address:	imrank@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Imran works extensively in compensation law. Imran also has experience in commercial and civil litigation.
Training:	Imran graduated from the University of Wollongong in July 2004 with a Bachelor of Laws degree. He also holds a degree in Information and Communication Technology with honours.
Date joined RMB:	November 2004
Professional background:	Imran practices extensively in compensation law and commercial and civil litigation. He is also one of two Muslim lawyers on the RMB team (with Hayley Kelloway), who provide specialised legal services including Islamic Wills to the Islamic community.
Personal details and interests:	Imran is a local Wollongong boy having been raised here, attending school and university in the area. He has a particular passion for cricket and technology.


Name:	Catherine Holz
Position:	Lawyer
Email address:	catherineh@rmblawyers.com.au
Fields of Law:	Estates, wills, powers of attorney and enduring guardianship, conveyancing, retail leasing and general property matters.
Training:	Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Wollongong - graduated in 1995. Admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW in 1995.
Date joined RMB:	May 2009
Professional background:	Catherine joined Kearns & Garside in Kiama (now part of RMB Lawyers) in 1995 to 2000. She took a 12-month break to travel overseas and then returned to Kearns & Garside from 2001 to 2004. She then spent four years on the NSW North Coast for Hertzberg Heydon Solicitors at Byron Bay, practising in the areas of conveyancing, estates, wills and powers of attorney and enduring guardianship and general property matters.
Personal details and interests:	Having been born and raised in the Kiama area, Catherine is happy to have returned home to continue her career and be closer to family. She is working principally from RMB's Kiama and Nowra offices.


Name:	Hayley Kelloway
Position:	Associate
Email address:	hayleyk@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Family Law
Training:	Hayley graduated from her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Social Science Degrees from the University of Western Sydney Macarthur, in September 2004. In April 2005, Hayley further graduated from the University of Western Sydney with a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
Date joined RMB:	October 2004
Professional background:	Hayley is a key member of RMB's Family Law Division. She is also one of two Muslim lawyers on the RMB team (with Imran Khan), who provide specialised legal services including Islamic Wills to the Islamic community. Hayley is registered as a Migration Agent with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) [Registration No. 0745691], and registered as a Collaborative Lawyer through Collaborative Professionals NSW Inc. To view the Migration Agents Registration Authority Code of Conduct, go to www.themara.com.au
Personal details and interests:	Hayley has always resided in Coledale, and attended Bulli High School. Hayley has been involved in taekwondo for over 15 years, during which time she has gained her 4th Dan black belt, won the Australian championship four times and run her own taekwondo school. Hayley is family oriented and is married with one child.


Name:	Joshua Bignell
Position:	Associate
Accreditation:	Josh is an Accredited Specialist in Property Law.
Email address:	joshb@rmblawyers.com.au
Fields of Law:	Real Estate and Property; Business, Banking and Leasing Law; Inheritance Planning Law; and Planning and Development Law.
Training:	Josh studied Law at the University of Sydney (1998-2002), and was admitted as a solicitor in NSW in 2002. He was also admitted to practice in the United Kingdom in 2007. Josh gained Specialist Accreditation in Property Law in 2007.
Date joined RMB:	January, 2009
Professional background:	Josh worked from Kells The Lawyers before joining RMB at the beginning of 2009. Josh has extensive experience in Real Estate and Property Law.
Personal details and interests:	Josh grew up in the Illawarra and has lived most of his life in the 2519 Postcode - Balgownie, Fairy Meadow and now Mt Ousley. Josh attended Keira High School and studied Law at the University of Sydney. Married with a family, Josh lists his hobbies as surfing, travelling, music and (real) football. He played with Balgownie before representing Wollongong Olympic in the Illawarra Premier League.


Name:	Maire Grimes
Position:	Lawyer
Email address:	maireg@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Maire practices in the fields of compensation law, criminal law and commercial litigation.
Training:	Maire graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Bachelor of Law from Macquarie University and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the College of Law.
Date joined RMB:	June 2006
Personal details and interests:	Maire grew up in Sydney and is interested in travel and dance


Name:	Michael Lewis
Position:	Lawyer
Email address:	michaell@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Commercial
Training:	Degrees in Law (undergraduate and postgraduate) and Exercise Science from the University of Wollongong.
Date joined RMB:	May 15, 2006
Professional background:	After graduating Michael went to London where he worked in London for a top tier firm for a year and a half. Whilst there he worked predominately in the Old Bailey on a multi-million pound train disaster case that received wide media coverage.
Personal details and interests:	Grew up in Canberra. He has travelled the world and loves the cultural diversity that is available when visiting other countries, especially in the third world. Loves to surf and play all sports, and considers Wollongong offers the best of both worlds - surf town meets city life.


Name:	Tanya Emmett
Position:	Lawyer
Email address:	tanyae@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Tanya practices in the areas of property, local government, planning and environmental law.
Training:	Tanya graduated from the University of Wollongong in July 2004 with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws degree. She was admitted to practice as a legal practitioner in July 2004.
Date joined RMB:	4 June 2007
Professional background:	Tanya worked as a clerk in Sydney practising in family and personal injury law before joining Kearns & Garside in 2004. She left to live, work and travel in the UK. In London, Tanya gained experience working for an international law firm in the areas of commerce and finance. Tanya returned to Australia and rejoined the firm in June 2007.
Personal details and interests:	Before relocating to the UK, Tanya lived and grew up in Jamberoo, NSW. Tanya enjoys travel and spent most of 2006 exploring the UK, most of mainland Europe and Scandinavia.


Name:	Kathryn Telford
Position:	Lawyer
Email address:	kathrynt@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Works extensively in property law with a strong background in compensation law.
Training:	Kathryn graduated from the University of Wollongong in 2007 with a Bachelor of Laws degree.
Date joined RMB:	June 2007
Professional Background:	Prior to joining RMB Kathryn worked in the compliance department of an investment bank, then moved to the NSW Police Association for eight years.
Personal details and interests:	Kathryn grew up in Wollongong and moved to Sydney for work, before returning to her hometown to study Law.


Name:	Janine Bennett
Position:	Lawyer
Email address:	janineb@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Commercial Law, Family Law, Debt Recovery, Personal Injury, Victims Compensation, Workers Compensation.
Training:	Completed studies in Dip Law 2004 LPAB
Date joined RMB:	August 2008
Professional Background:	Janine has worked exclusively in the legal industry since 1991, initially as an administration assistant, then a paralegal and now as a lawyer.
Personal details and interests:	Janine grew up in Thirroul and attended Bulli High School. She studied Law in Sydney while working full-time in the legal industry. Janine's interests are family-orientated, and include water skiing, exercising, reading, travelling and outdoor activities. She is also a member of the Illawarra Women In Business organisation.


Name:	Tom Stewart
Position:	Lawyer
Email address:	toms@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Tom works in the fields of compensation law, general litigation, debt recovery and estate planning
Training:	Tom graduated from the University of Wollongong in 2007 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Italian.
Date joined RMB:	January 2008
Professional background:	Since joining RMB Lawyers, Tom has been gaining experience with a number of the firm's Divisions.
Personal details and interests:	Tom is passionate about international travel, especially in Latin America. He has studied in both Costa Rica and in Italy, and spent much time backpacking around the world. He loves languages and speaks Spanish and Italian. He also has a passion for photography, and has his own photography website.


Name:	Claire Osborne
Position:	Graduate Lawyer
Email address:	claireo@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Claire works in the field of family law, based in the firm's Kiama and Nowra offices.
Training:	Claire graduated from the University of Wollongong in 2007 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in History.
Date joined RMB:	May 2008
Professional background:	Since joining RMB Lawyers, Claire has been gaining experience with a number of the firm's Divisions.
Personal details and interests:	Claire grew up in Kiama and attended Kiama High School studying a combined Arts/Law degree at UOW. She enjoys reading, travelling and playing hockey.


Name:	Katharine Young
Position:	Graduate Lawyer
Email address:	kathariney@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Katharine works in the fields of compensation law and general litigation
Training:	Katharine graduated from Wollongong University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Media and Communication Studies.
Date joined RMB:	August 2008
Professional background:	Since joining RMB Lawyers, Katharine has been gaining experience with a number of the firm's Divisions.
Personal details and interests:	Katharine grew up in Kiama and enjoys summer on the coast, cycling and snowboarding in the winter. She also enjoys reading and travelling, both internationally and around Australia.


Name:	Eric Cabrera
Position:	Graduate Lawyer
Email address:	ericc@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Compensation and General Litigation
Training:	Eric graduated from the University of Wollongong in 2008 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Sociology.
Date joined RMB:	2 February 2009
Personal details and interests:	Eric grew up in Sydney and has taken up residence in Wollongong since starting at UOW. He is active in music and sports. As a musician he is primarily a drummer but also plays guitar. While he follows most sports, in his spare time Eric mainly plays basketball, tennis and squash. In winter, he is a keen snowboarder and spent a season in America as a ski/snowboard instructor.


Name:	Anne Barlow
Position:	Graduate Lawyer
Email address:	anneb@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	General Litigation and Family Law
Training:	Bachelor of Communications and Media Studies (Advertising and Marketing) and Bachelor of Laws, University of Wollongong 2008. Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, University of Wollongong 2009.
Date joined RMB:	26 October 2009
Personal details and interests:	Anne grew up in Nowra and moved to Wollongong in 2004 to complete her studies at UOW. She enjoys travel, reading and outdoor activities.


Name:
Position:
Accreditation (if any):
Email address:
Field of Law:
Training:
Date joined RMB:
Professional background:
Personal details and interests:


Name:	Lynette Arts
Position:	Licensed Conveyancer
Email address:	lynettea@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Conveyancing
Training:	Macquarie University - Conveyancing Law & Practice. Lynette is also a member of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers.
Date joined RMB:	February 2000
Professional background:	Started at RMB as an office junior and have been here ever since. RMB helped Lynette through her studies.
Personal details and interests:	Lynette was born and raised in Wollongong. Her interests include tennis and travel.


Name:	Melissa Gorgijovski
Position:	Licensed Conveyancer
Email address:	melissag@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Conveyancing
Training:	Macquarie University
Date joined RMB:	July 2006
Professional background:	HSBC - Commercial Banking for five years, commenced conveyancing in 2000.
Personal details and interests:	Melissa grew up in Figtree. She enjoys spending time with her family and keeping up with her two little boys. She also enjoys reading and swimming.


Name:	Belinda Lambert
Position:	Licensed Conveyancer
Email address:	belindal@rmblawyers.com.au
Field of Law:	Conveyancing
Training:	Macquarie University - Conveyancing Law & Practice. Belinda is also a member of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers.
Date joined RMB:	Belinda joined Morton & Harris in Nowra in 1996, prior to the firm's merger with RMB in 2008.
Professional background:	Belinda commenced employment with Morton & Harris as an Office Junior in 1996. Morton & Harris assisted Belinda through her studies which were completed by correspondence, whilst working full-time as a Conveyancing Paralegal. During her employment Belinda has gained valuable Paralegal experience in many areas of law including property, family law, wills and estates and litigation.
Personal details and interests:	Belinda was raised in Gerringong and her interests are sporting activities and travel, when she has the opportunity.


Name:
Position:
Accreditation (if any):
Email address:
Field of Law:
Training:
Date joined RMB:
Professional background:
Personal details and interests: