People

Paul Magagnino

Paul Magagnino

Managing Partner

Peter Chodat

Peter Chodat

Partner

Amy Harper

Amy Harper

Partner

Michael Hatfield

Michael Hatfield

Partner

Mario Quintiliani

Mario Quintiliani

Partner

David Addinall

David Addinall

Partner

Jarrad Downs

Jarrad Downs

Partner

Ashleigh Georgopoulos

Ashleigh Georgopoulos

Partner

Patrick Schmidt

Patrick Schmidt

Partner

Terri Anderson

Terri Anderson

Special Counsel

Alice Laurence

Special Counsel

Nicki McNamara

Nicki McNamara

Special Counsel

Melissa Pacheco Zizic

Melissa Pacheco Zizic

Special Counsel

Franca Parolin

Franca Parolin

Senior Associate

James Watt

James Watt

Senior Associate

Kareena Abraham

Kareena Abraham

Associate

Cassandra Bujaroska

Cassandra Bujaroska

Associate

Colleen Issa

Colleen Issa

Associate

Taylah Jensen

Taylah Jensen

Associate

Karsandra Mantis

Karsandra Mantis

Associate

Brooke Sharp

Brooke Sharp

Associate

Valentina Zmijanjac

Valentina Zmijanjac

Associate

Daniel Blake

Daniel Blake

Lawyer

Shaneen Dhondy

Lawyer

Travis Hardaker

Travis Hardaker

Lawyer

Cornelia Joyce

Cornelia Joyce

Lawyer

Jana Massingham

Jana Massingham

Lawyer

Teagan McConchie

Teagan McConchie

Lawyer

Remy Rovere

Remy Rovere

Lawyer

Genevieve Van Yzendoorn

Genevieve Van Yzendoorn

Lawyer

Harry Webb

Lawyer

Oliver Dostal

Oliver Dostal

Law Graduate

Georgia Robson

Georgia Robson

Law Graduate

Shanae Allen

Licensed Conveyancer

Kim Duffy

Kim Duffy

Licensed Conveyancer

Vanessa Gordon

Vanessa Gordon

Licensed Conveyancer

Shayne Lopeman

Shayne Lopeman

Marketing Manager

Jessica Tate

Jessica Tate

Human Resources Manager

Michael Williams

Michael Williams

Finance Manager

Aaron Schwarz

Aaron Schwarz

IT Manager and Paralegal

Angelique Grossi

Angelique Grossi

Paralegal

Zoe Weekes

Zoe Weekes

Paralegal

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The team at Kells bring a fresh approach to legal services in the Illawarra and Sydney.

Read Our Latest Insights

Compensation lawyer Colleen Issa returns to Kells Lawyers

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

Peter Chodat named in Best Lawyers Australia for Family Law (Sixth Consecutive Year)

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

Why you shouldn’t rely on AI for legal advice

By Shayne Lopeman, Marketing Manager • April 24, 2026

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way people access information, but when it comes to legal advice, it’s important to understand its limits. AI tools can generate fast, confident responses to legal questions, which can make them appear authoritative. However, they do not “understand” the law. Instead, they predict patterns based on existing data. This means they can produce answers which may sound correct, but they could be incomplete, outdated, or entirely wrong. Courts, such as the NSW Supreme Court , expect legal professionals and self-represented litigants to take certain precautions, and at times make certain declarations, with respect to generative AI for documents that come before the court. Both legal professionals and self-represented litigants have been negatively impacted by their use of generative AI in matters before the court. AI doesn’t apply legal reasoning Unlike a qualified lawyer, AI does interpret legislation or apply legal principles to a specific set of facts. It does not weigh competing authorities, assess credibility, or consider how courts have applied the law in practice. Legal advice requires: Understanding current legislation and case law Applying that law to your unique circumstances Exercising professional forensic judgment. AI simply cannot replicate this process. The risk of incorrect or outdated information AI-generated responses may: Misinterpret statutes or legal terminology Rely on outdated laws or cases Overlook key exceptions or nuances. The result is advice that may appear reliable, but could expose you to significant legal risk if acted upon. Privacy and confidentiality concerns When you input information into an AI tool, you may unknowingly disclose sensitive or confidential details. This can include: Personal information Financial details Sensitive communications. Consequences using of AI in legal services It is clear there are many risks of using AI for legal advice or to prepare a dispute that may go before the courts and there are many potential consequences of relying on AI for legal services. It is important that people know when and how using AI could impact their potential legal matter. The bottom line Legal matters are rarely one-size-fits-all. AI cannot properly assess your individual situation or provide advice tailored to your needs. It also carries no professional responsibility or accountability for the outcomes of its responses. There is growing recognition that while AI can assist with general information, it should not replace qualified legal advice. AI can be a helpful starting point for general knowledge, but it is not a substitute for professional legal guidance. If you’re dealing with a legal issue, particularly something as important as family law, property settlements, or contractual matters, seeking advice from an experienced lawyer remains essential. Legal issues deserve careful consideration and trusted expertise. Our experienced lawyers are here to provide clear, tailored advice to protect your interests. If you need guidance, we encourage you to reach out to our team. Get legal advice you can actually rely on. If you need clear, accurate legal guidance, speak with the team at Kells. As a full‑service law firm, we provide practical advice tailored to your circumstances, so you understand exactly where you stand and the best course of action to take. With five offices across the Illawarra and an office in the Sydney CBD, wherever life is taking you, we’re ready to help you get there with confidence.

Kells supports Helensburgh Community through Salvation Army Wills Day

By Shayne Lopeman, Marketing Manager • April 22, 2026

Kells recently took part in the Salvation Army Community Wills Day held at Helensburgh Community Centre, reinforcing the firm’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities it serves. As part of the initiative, Estate Planning lawyers Nicki McNamara and Genevieve Van Yzendoorn volunteered their time on the day, working directly with community members to assist with the preparation of Wills and contribute to an initiative focused on practical support and community connection. Community Wills Days, delivered in partnership with The Salvation Army, bring together legal professionals and local organisations to provide accessible estate planning services in a welcoming community setting. Managing Partner Paul Magagnino said initiatives like the Helensburgh Community Wills Day reflect Kells’ broader approach to community involvement. “Giving back is a core part of who we are at Kells. Community events like this allow us to use our skills in a practical way while building meaningful connections with the people and organisations that make our region strong. It was fantastic to see our team involved and to support the important work being done by The Salvation Army.” Kells continues to support communitybased initiatives across the Illawarra and surrounding regions, with a focus on access, connection, and contributing positively to local communities. For more information on Salvation Army Community Wills Days, visit . 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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