News

Cornelia Joyce, Teagan McConchie, and Travis Hardaker
By Shayne Lopeman, Marketing Manager June 30, 2026
Kells Lawyers is proud to announce the promotion of Cornelia Joyce, Teagan McConchie, and Travis Hardaker to the position of Associate. Find out more!
defending a family provision claim
By Cornelia Joyce, Lawyer June 22, 2026
Facing a challenge to a loved one’s final wishes? Defending a Will in NSW can feel overwhelming. Read this to learn how to protect the estate with confidence.
pest and building inspection report
By Brooke Sharp, Associate June 15, 2026
Skipping a pre-purchase property inspection in NSW is a high-risk gamble. Learn why a pest and building report is essential to protect your investment.
Posthumous Gamete Retrieval
By Elena Delaveris, Lawyer June 8, 2026
Facing the loss of a partner in the Illawarra? Learn about the complex laws of posthumous gamete retrieval in NSW and how to protect your future family options.
By Shayne Lopeman, Marketing Manager May 29, 2026
Kells Lawyers is proudly ranked in the Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” Australia list. Contact our award-winning team today for expert legal representation.
Kells Lawyers is proud to support the Woonona Bulli Bushrangers Junior Rugby League Football Club,
By Shayne Lopeman, Marketing Manager May 28, 2026
Kells Lawyers proudly sponsors the Woonona Bulli Bushrangers JRLFC, investing in youth sport, teamwork, and a stronger Illawarra community. Read more.
By Shayne Lopeman, Marketing Manager May 19, 2026
Kells is pleased to confirm that Licensed Conveyancer Shanae Allen is now based in the firm’s Kiama office, where she will lead the delivery of conveyancing services for Kiama and surrounding areas. After several years working with Kells in Wollongong, Shanae’s relocation recognises her experience and capability, while supporting the firm’s continued focus on providing locally based, client centred conveyancing services across the South Coast. Alongside her ongoing conveyancing work, Shanae will take on an expanded role supporting clients throughout the region and strengthening local service delivery. With longstanding ties to the Illawarra, Shanae brings a strong understanding of the local property market and community. Her move to Kiama represents an important professional step and reflects her connection to the area she now serves. Shanae holds qualifications in Conveyancing Law and Practice from Macquarie University and joined Kells during her studies. Since that time, she has gained extensive experience across residential property matters, progressing through administrative and property support roles before becoming a licensed conveyancer. From the Kiama office , Shanae works directly with clients, providing clear, practical guidance throughout the conveyancing process. She is known for her approachable style and commitment to ensuring clients feel informed and confident at every stage of their property transaction. Kells Kiama Partner Michael Hatfield said Shanae’s move enhances the firm’s ability to meet the needs of the local community, noting her strong client relationships and depth of conveyancing experience. With Shanae Allen now leading conveyancing services from Kiama, Kells continues to invest in local expertise and personalised support for clients across Kiama and the wider South Coast region. Kells has grown to become a leading full-service law firm in Sydney and the Illawarra region, working alongside our clients and evolving our services to meet our clients’ changing needs. We have a team of passionate, energetic, and client-focused legal professionals with over 70 staff based across 6 offices in Sydney and throughout the Illawarra. For more information contact Shayne Lopeman Marketing Manager +61 2 4221 9362 slopeman@kells.com.au
By Shayne Lopeman, Marketing Manager May 11, 2026
Kells Lawyers is thrilled to announce the return of Colleen Issa , who has rejoined the firm as an Associate in the personal injury team at its Wollongong office. Ms Issa brings with her a strong understanding of the firm’s values, clients, and approach to compensation law. Her return further strengthens the firm’s personal injury practice and reflects Kells Lawyers’ ongoing investment in experienced and trusted practitioners. Ms Issa has substantial experience representing clients in personal injury matters and is known for her practical, clientfocused advocacy and commitment to achieving fair outcomes during often challenging circumstances. Ms Issa is an empathetic listener who cares for clients. Managing Partner Paul Magagnino welcomed Ms Issa back to the firm and highlighted the importance of continuity and expertise within the team. “We are delighted to welcome Colleen back to Kells,” Mr Magagnino said. “She is a highly capable compensation lawyer who understands both our clients and our practice. Her return as an Associate is a testament to the strength of our personal injury team and the collaborative culture we are proud to foster.” Ms Issa said she was pleased to be returning to a firm she knows well. “It’s great to be back at Kells,” Ms Issa said. “The firm has a strong reputation for client care and legal excellence, and I’m looking forward to continuing my work with the personal injury team.” Ms Issa will be based at the firm’s Wollongong premises, working closely with the broader compensation team to assist clients across all areas of personal injury matters. Kells has grown to become a leading full-service law firm in Sydney and the Illawarra region, working alongside our clients and evolving our services to meet our clients’ changing needs. We have a team of passionate, energetic, and client-focused legal professionals with over 70 staff based across 6 offices in Sydney and throughout the Illawarra. For more information contact Shayne Lopeman Marketing Manager +61 2 4221 9362 slopeman@kells.com.au
By Shayne Lopeman, Marketing Manager May 7, 2026
Peter Chodat has once again been recognised as one of Australia’s leading family lawyers, earning inclusion in the Best Lawyers in Australia list for Family Law. This marks the sixth consecutive year Peter Chodat has been named on the prestigious list, having been recognised annually since 2020. Best Lawyers is regarded as one of the legal profession’s most respected and credible ranking organisations. The publication’s listings are determined solely through peer review, with lawyers assessed by fellow practitioners for their professional expertise, ethics, and reputation within their area of practice. Consistent inclusion over multiple years reflects sustained excellence and standing within the legal profession. Peter Chodat’s continued recognition highlights his reputation as a trusted and highly regarded family law practitioner, particularly in complex and sensitive matters. His approach is known for combining strategic insight with measured, compassionate advocacy, qualities that have earned enduring respect from clients and peers alike. Managing Partner Paul Magagnino said the recognition was well deserved and reflective of Mr Chodat’s longstanding contribution to the firm and the profession. “Peter’s inclusion on the Best Lawyers list year after year is a strong endorsement of his legal expertise, professionalism, and commitment to his clients,” Mr Magagnino said. “This level of sustained peer recognition speaks volumes. Peter is highly respected not only within our firm, but across the broader legal community.” Commenting on the acknowledgement, Mr Chodat said the recognition was particularly meaningful because it comes from within the profession. “Being recognised by your peers is always an honour,” Mr Chodat said. “Family law is an evolving and challenging area, and this acknowledgement reflects the standard of work we strive to deliver consistently. It is also a credit to the team and the values that guide our practice.” The Best Lawyers in Australia list is published annually and recognises lawyers who have demonstrated outstanding professional performance in their respective fields. Mr Chodat’s continued presence on the list since 2020 places him among a select group of practitioners who have achieved longterm, peerrecognised excellence in family law. Kells has grown to become a leading full-service law firm in Sydney and the Illawarra region, working alongside our clients and evolving our services to meet our clients’ changing needs. We have a team of passionate, energetic, and client-focused legal professionals with over 70 staff based across 6 offices in Sydney and throughout the Illawarra. For more information contact Shayne Lopeman Marketing Manager +61 2 4221 9362 slopeman@kells.com.au
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