ALPMA’s volunteer branch committees play an integral role in delivering on our promise to members, overseeing local operations including practice management seminars, networking events and, of course, our popular end-of-year functions!
The branches recently held their Annual Branch Meetings where they elected their committee members for the year ahead.
We’d like to take a moment to thank and spotlight the incredible volunteers in each branch as they step down, step up or take on new roles and challenges.
Western Australia
Thank you
Francine Stone, our outgoing WA Chair, recently left the legal industry after an impressive career. As a highly talented and knowledgeable Practice Manager, Francine led the WA Committee as Chair for three years, contributing over seven years of dedicated service to ALPMA. We are deeply grateful for her valuable contributions, sharing her expertise and connections to help grow the ALPMA community.
Sarah Thorpe has been a dedicated volunteer on the WA Committee for the past two years, contributing to the development of events and warmly welcoming new WA members. We are fortunate to continue having Sarah as part of the WA ALPMA community, and we thank her for her valuable efforts and commitment over the past few years.
Meet everyone who contributed to the WA branch committee in FY24 →
Congratulations
The WA Committee warmly welcomes the new WA Chair Jeanna Brady, Office Services Manager at Bennett Law. Jeanna is an experienced member of this committee, hosting seminars and regularly enjoying our 6-weekly ALPMA Perth Breakfast Club. We are looking forward to having Jeanna steer our WA Branch Committee.
We also welcome Karen Cogoli, Practice Manager at Solomon Brothers Lawyers, as Deputy Chair in addition to her current role of Partnerships Representative.
Meet the WA Branch committeeNew South Wales & Australian Capital Territory
Despite one member stepping away, the NSW / ACT Branch Committee has seen some exciting growth and vigor in both its members and branch activities over the past year. Last year, they were joined by Cathy Reynolds as Chair and have begun to bring much-missed live events back to NSW!
Thank you
Rebecca Jones, Practice Manager of Baker Love Lawyers, started contributing to the NSW / ACT Branch Committee when she first joined the legal industry in 2015! We’re grateful for her years of dedication as she steps off the committee this year.
Meet everyone who contributed to the NSW & ACT branch committee in FY24 →
Welcome
The NSW / ACT branch welcomes two new committee members this November: Nidal Zrkoshe – Accountant and Practice Manager at ATW Family Lawyers – and Amanda Little – Director of ALA Law and CEO of Family Law Education Network of Australia, which won Excellence in Technology & Innovation in the 2024 ALPMA Awards!
Congratulations
Kylie Trewartha, Practice Manager at Broun Abrahams Burreket, is excited to work on improving our member experience and value to ALPMA members, taking on the Membership Ambassador role for the NSW / ACT Branch and contributing to the Membership Development Committee.
Simon Dodwell, Applications Manager at Piper Alderman and having already served 7 years on the NSW / ACT branch and ALPMA Board, is expanding his portfolio with Partnerships Representative and Membership Ambassador roles. He also joins the Membership Development Committee.
Meet the NSW / ACT Branch committeeNew Zealand
Thank you
After a remarkable 10 years of service to ALPMA, Mark Beale’s time on the New Zealand Branch Committee reluctantly comes to a close. As a founding member of the committee, Mark has played an integral role in shaping its success. He has served as National Board Representative and New Zealand Partnership Representative, building strong relationships with key business partners. Among his many contributions, Mark initiated the monthly “After 5” catch-ups in Christchurch, coordinated presenters, hosted numerous webinars, is a strong supporter of the New Zealand Financial Performance Benchmarking research, and was honoured as the 2023 ALPMA Volunteer of the Year. His dedication and impact on ALPMA and the New Zealand Branch Committee have been invaluable and we look forward to his continuing support in other capacities!
Meet everyone who contributed to the NZ branch committee in FY24 →
Welcome
Robyn Purcell, Practice Manager at Haigh Lyon Lawyers, was co-opted onto the New Zealand committee at the beginning of the year and has been a great asset, hosting our Auckland Next Level Seminar and organising our Quarterly Auckland Networking Breakfast. We are thrilled to have Robyn onboard as Membership Ambassador!
Devika Kumar, General Manager of Denham Bradwell Lawyers, has rejoined the NZ Committee after a few years’ absence and we are thrilled to have her expertise as part of the NZ Committee again, as Partnerships Representative.
Congratulations
Julie Knowles, Practice Manager of Harmans Lawyers, has been a part of the NZ Committee as Treasurer for 6 years now, dedicating time and energy to the important job of overseeing the New Zealand finances. We are excited to see Julie step into the Deputy Chair role.
Meet the NZ Branch committeeQueensland & Northern Territory
Thank you
ALPMA and the Qld / NT committee give a huge thank you to three volunteer powerhouses who all reach 10 years of service this October, meaning they must reluctantly step down. We know this is not the last we’ll see of them!
After 10 years of dedicated service to the Queensland Committee, we honour the outgoing Chair Justine Fletcher for her remarkable contributions to ALPMA while Practice Manager at James Conomos Lawyers. Serving as Summit Representative for all 10 years, Justine played a crucial role in bringing our Annual ALPMA Summit Conference to life. In her final year, she also took on the role of Queensland Chair. Justine, your commitment, leadership, and passion have been instrumental in our success. We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and expertise you have shared with us over the past decade.
For the past 10 years, Karen Short – General Manager of Hillhouse Legal Partners – has been an invaluable L&D representative for the Queensland Committee. Through her extensive network, Karen has brought talented and knowledgeable speakers to our members, enriching our community with their insights and expertise. Karen, your dedication and connections have significantly contributed to the growth and success of our committee. We are immensely grateful for the time, energy, and passion you have invested over the past decade.
Current ALPMA President and Chief Operating & Financial Officer of SLF Lawyers, Stephen van Dorp has also now served 10 years on the Qld / NT committee. Stephen has been involved with ALPMA since moving to Brisbane in 2011, stepping onto the branch committee in 2014 and the National Board since 2019. His current role as ALPMA President reflects his passion and commitment to the association and our community, and we’re grateful for the time and energy he has given over the years.
Meet everyone who contributed to the Qld / NT branch committee in FY24 →
Welcome
The Qld / NT branch committee is thrilled to accept an incredible four new members: Monica Smith, Office Manager at WGC Lawyers; Micaela Chomley, Director of Chomley Family Law; Sarah Sparkes, Head of People and Performance at MacDonnells Law; and Shantel Reid, General Manager of Hartley Family Law.
Shantel steps up to the branch committee after serving two years on the ALPMA Summit Organising Committee, helping bring the conference to her home state just a couple of months ago!
Congratulations
We extend a warm welcome to Maureen Schull, National Family Law Manager at Barry Nilsson Lawyers, stepping into the role of Chair as she begins her 5th year serving on the Qld / NT branch committee. She continues to serve as Membership Ambassador, playing a vital role in welcoming Qld members and developing our ALPMA member experience!
Nicole Anderson, General Manager of Bell Legal Group, also entering her 5th year on the committee and after 3 years served on the Summit Organising Committee, now brings her energy and enthusiasm to the role of Deputy Chair.
Meet the QLD / NT Branch committeeSouth Australia
Thank you
The South Australia branch committee extends their gratitude to Amy Nikolovski and Olivia Zille, who step away from the SA committee this year.
Meet everyone who contributed to the SA branch committee in FY24 →
Welcome
A warm welcome to 2 new members joining the Adelaide-based branch committee: Jenny Seal, General Manager of Johnston Withers Lawyers, and Anna McIntyre, People, Culture & Operations at O’Loughlins Lawyers. Jenny joins as the South Australian Partnership Representative.
Congratulations
Dayna Roberts, Chief Operating Officer of Botten Levinson Lawyers, has contributed to the SA branch committee since 2019 as their National Board Representative. As she enters her 6th year of service, we welcome her as the incoming committee Chair.
Graham Jobling, Executive Director, South Australia, of The College of Law, has held the role of SA Partnerships Representative since joining the committee in 2018, as well as holding the offices of Chair and Treasurer since 2022. We’re grateful for the time and energy he’s contributed over the years, as he moves into the role of Deputy Chair in 2024. Graham continues as the SA Treasurer.
Meet the SA Branch committeeVictoria & Tasmania
Thank you
After 10 incredible years of dedicated service, we bid farewell to our esteemed Victorian Chair, Mike Brookes, General Counsel at Hall & Wilcox. Mike’s leadership in founding and guiding the Victorian Risk Management Group has provided unique opportunities for our members to enhance their skills and share valuable knowledge in Risk Management. Your contributions over the past decade have been immeasurable, and we are profoundly grateful for your unwavering commitment and passion.
Sandra Mooney played the pivotal role of Victorian Membership Ambassador for a remarkable 10 years, and expanded the Small Firms Group by reaching out to those who would benefit from a professional support network. Sandra stepped down from the Vic / Tas branch committee earlier in the year when she headed overseas to travel, but we’re incredibly grateful for her enthusiasm, connections, and support that have been at the heart of this committee for the past decade.
Meet everyone who contributed to the Vic / Tas branch committee in FY24 →
Welcome
The Victoria & Tasmania branch committee is thrilled to welcome 3 new members this November: Erin Gold, Practice Manager at Doogue & George Defence Lawyers; Stephanie Pearce, Practice Manager at Sage Family Lawyers; and Thomas O’Gorman, Head of Workshops, Regulatory & Corporate Programs at Leo Cussen Centre for Law.
Stephanie and Thomas join the committee as L&D Representatives and also serve on the Learning & Development Committee.
Congratulations
Peter McGrath, Practice Manager at Saines Lucas Solicitors, joined the Vic / Tas branch committee in 2023. This year, we’re excited to see him step into a Membership Ambassador role with a focus on Tasmania!
Meet the VIC / TAS Branch committee
