Your Skilled and Dedicated Law Team in Townsville, QLD (2024)

• 07 4722 0222
• mkeir@kswlawyers.com.au

Mick is renowned in North Queensland for being a leading solicitor when it comes to commercial transactions and complex legal issues, especially where ‘left field’ thinking is required.

With 25 years of experience, he has a knack for seeing problems from a different perspective in order to find innovative solutions that are tailored to his client’s individual goals.

His practical, straight-shooting approach in the areas of commercial, corporate, mergers and acquisitions, rural law and property development, is refreshing for clients who want to see solid, tangible outcomes.

Mick knows that providing advice to clients in these areas of business requires not only an understanding of the relevant law, but also a healthy appreciation of the commercial realities involved in each particular transaction.

Mick provides advice to small, medium and large agribusiness operators, local governments, government owned corporations, corporate and family businesses across a diverse range of industries. He has quality experience in the beef, cane, aquaculture, aviation, energy, solar, marine, mining, quarry, health, probity, property development and construction industries and sits on several private advisory boards in that regard. Mick is recommended by Doyles as a Leading Agribusiness Lawyer – Queensland, and is also a director of Mercy Community Services NQ.

When the weather’s good, Mick likes to hitch his boat to the back of his 4WD and set out with his four teenage sons Connor, Harri, Darcy and Sam, exploring the hidden gems of North Queensland.

• 07 4722 0220
• 07 4776 1488

Jayson has an approachable and genuine style coupled with an ability to take complex legal issues and break them down for clients, so they can gain a full understanding of their matter.

Jayson is known for delivering practical clear advice to clients across regional Queensland. Having grown up in Ingham, Jayson has a strong connection with rural Queensland and a better understanding than most about what makes regional communities tick.

Jayson provides advice to private clients, family businesses, small to medium enterprise and rural enterprise on a range of corporate and commercial matters including all aspects of property law, estate and succession planning, elder law and rural law.

Jayson has an approachable and genuine style coupled with an ability to take complex legal issues and break them down for clients, so they can gain a full understanding of their matter.

Jayson is passionate about helping local businesses and individuals succeed, which is why he has built such a loyal client following and professional network over the past 20 years.

“Clients and community have always underpinned my approach to business. Throughout my career I’ve received unwavering support from the Hinchinbrook and greater North Queensland community, which is why it is important for me to do my utmost to return the favour and achieve positive outcomes for my clients and give back to the community.”

When he’s not at work you will likely find Jayson running one of his four boys to training or a sporting event on the weekend.

• 07 4722 0252
• mcolleton@kswlawyers.com.au

As the General Manager of Keir Steele Waldon Lawyers, Matt is a driving force behind the scenes, ensuring that the practice is supported at every turn.

While he might not (yet) have the grey hair to show it, Matt has worked in the legal industry for over a decade, providing commercial leadership and identifying opportunities for growth. Being a Certified Practising Accountant means that Matt has the technical skills to provide the best strategic planning, business development and financial management at Keir Steele Waldon.

Day to day, Matt is also responsible for overseeing the lawyers, paralegals and administrative staff who make up the diverse team at Keir Steele Waldon. He empowers individuals to reach their potential through his calm leadership and excellent communication, while ensuring the team remains client focused.

Prior to his life in the legal industry, Matt earned his commercial stripes in his hometown of Cairns, where he was able to combine his love of business and sport working as an Event Manager, producing a professional golf tournament and also in sports administration with the Cairns Taipans.

• 07 4722 0289

Relationship breakdown is a stressful time in a person’s life and making decisions about the care of children or the division of property can be difficult. Every day, Diana helps clients by guiding them through the family law process and developing workable strategies to resolve their matters.
Diana has worked exclusively in the area of Family Law since 2003, practicing in all areas including child protection, domestic violence and child support.

Diana is regularly involved in parenting and property settlements, divorce and spousal maintenance and child support arrangements. She has extensive experience in representing clients before the Family Court of Australia, Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Magistrates Court of Queensland and the Children’s Court of Queensland. Diana also regularly represents clients at family dispute resolution conferences and mediations.

An initial meeting with Diana will provide a clear pathway through the legal process, giving clients comprehensive legal advice that allows them to feel involved and in control of each step. Diana has exceptional skills to quickly uncover the needs of her clients, providing them with clarity and an understanding of outcomes.

Diana focuses her engagement with clients on a best outcome approach, ensuring a transparent and conflict free process. She will discuss a realistic approach to a matter, and clients receive clear and achievable advice on all available options.

Diana also represents children separately from parents in parenting disputes and child protection matters. She is included on the panel of solicitors held by Legal Aid Queensland that are appointed by the courts to represent children as an Independent Children’s Lawyer and / or Separate Representative.

• 07 4722 0226

Nadette heads up the Wills & Estates team at Keir Steele Waldon Lawyers.

Practicing exclusively in this area for many years, Nadette has an intricate knowledge of estate planning and administration. Her experience spans simple wills and enduring powers of attorney to complex family and business succession planning. Nadette enjoys working collaboratively with clients, exploring different options and crafting comprehensive solutions to best suit their circ*mstances.

When administering an estate, Nadette guides clients through the entire process, from obtaining probate through to asset distribution and litigation if required. Her meticulous attention to detail combined with her ability explain complex legal issues, means clients are confident that their matter is getting the attention it deserves.

Outside the office Nadette is heavily involved in local netball both as a coach and player. She is a mum to three young children and loves the company of a good book in her “spare time”.

• 07 4722 0264

Finding the right commercial lawyer can be tricky. Matthew has the proven experience and right attitude to guide you through your property and transaction matters.
Matt is passionate about achieving the best outcome, which is why he has a loyal following of clients.

“I build strong relationships with the people I work with and I really get to know their businesses. My clients know they can trust me to handle their matters whether it’s a higher-level property acquisition and sale, or a standard conveyance.”

Matt’s been in property law for over 12 years, and currently supervises the conveyancing practice at Keir Steele Waldon Lawyers. He works on a day to day basis with individual, commercial and retail clients on property acquisitions and sales, and has developed a skillset and passion for agri-business, having worked on a number of significant rural sales and property acquisitions in North Queensland.

Matt’s job requires an expert level of multi-tasking. One of his proudest career achievements was recently settling three large commercial and business transactions, including sale of an aquaculture operation, purchase of a pharmacy and acquisition of a transport company, in three days. The trifecta was achievable through relentless work ethic and countless iced lattes.

When he’s not on the tools at Keir Steele Waldon, Matt enjoys his charity work as a board member of the Tropical Brain and Mind Foundation, and is proud of the fact that the board successfully championed for Townsville to be named as Australia’s first Mentally Healthy City.

• 07 4722 0218

The law is constantly evolving, especially in the areas of industrial relations, commercial and estate litigation.
With the increase in contested estates in Queensland, Jess works with clients and families to ensure the least stressful, and best possible outcome for families during what can be a difficult time in life.

In the industrial relations sphere, Jess makes sure that both employees and employers have the right industrial relations advice at the outset, and are able to navigate through developments that are relevant to them, and their workplace.

While prevention is better than cure, Jess has over ten years of experience acting for clients in litigated matters, including representing clients across all state and federal courts and tribunals.

“People tend to have a bit of a negative attitude towards lawyers, but I love the fact that we can take the weight off a person’s shoulders during really stressful times in their life.”

She understands that for business, it is imperative that matters are turned around quickly, and within budget. Jess has a track record of meeting and exceeding these expectations. She prides herself on being commercially perceptive and instilling confidence in clients.

As well as working in employment and succession law, Jess is also an experienced commercial litigator and dispute resolution lawyer, working with clients to provide solutions in a wide variety of commercial matters including insolvency, debt recovery, contract disputes and local government matters.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say the best part of my job is getting a win for the client, either through court or through an excellent negotiated outcome. Those are the best phone calls to make.”

• 07 4722 0229

Luke is a commercial lawyer who works closely with clients to make sure that the purchase or sale of their property or business, proceeds as smoothly as possible.
“To put it simply, I like helping people do something positive. Buying and selling property is exciting, and it’s fun to be a part of that in someone’s life.”

Luke is a James Cook University graduate and has strong family connections to Townsville and North Queensland.

With over ten years experience, he has a good feel for understanding people and helping them make sense of the legal processes involved in their matter, and how it applies to them.

“In conveyancing, communication is key, whether it’s between us and our client, or us and the other party. I like to make sure that my clients are fully aware of the process and understand what’s going on with their matters, without overloading them with unnecessary information.”

Luke is no stranger to hard work, being husband to an oncology nurse, and the dad of three young kids.

• 07 4722 0267

Claudia is a member of our litigation and dispute resolution team and has experience in a board range of litigation matters in both State and Federal jurisdictions. She practices predominantly in the areas of debt recovery, business disputes and estate litigation, but has also spent time working in family law, primarily in property matters.

Claudia’s broad litigation experience has made her a versatile and reliable advocate for her clients. Claudia instills confidence in her clients by providing timely and pragmatic advice that align with their needs and expectations.

Claudia enjoys spending time in good company (relevant to both her work and personal life) and dedicates much of her spare time to the local performing arts community.

• 07 4722 0286

Riana’s legal career has spanned across both public and private practice, giving her experience dealing with many unique and complex estate administration matters. Riana prides herself on her timely service and regular communication throughout a matter, so that clients are always kept up to date and matters progress as efficiently as possible.

Riana is known for her ability to immediately connect with clients and the commitment she demonstrates (by always doing what she says she will). She is passionate about continually learning and honing her craft to be better able to support her clients.

When she is not working, Riana is busy being a mother to two young kids. On the odd occasion that she finds some time for herself, it is spent with a good book or with good friends and family.

• 07 4722 0257

• 07 4776 1488

Paige practises in the areas of commercial property and estate planning. She is renowned for her ability to quickly build a rapport with clients and prides herself on timely and commercially astute advice.

Paige conducts property transactions for small businesses and individuals including residential and commercial conveyancing, leasing, easem*nts and rural transactions. Paige also advises clients in relation to estate planning matters such as Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney.

Paige recently relocated from Townsville to our Ingham office where she has immersed herself in the community. She is the current captain of the Herbert River Women’s Rugby League team and a committee member of the Herbert River Netball Association.

When she’s not at work you’ll find Paige catching up with friends and family, watching her beloved Parramatta Eels or playing local league for Herbert River.

• 07 4722 0225

Haidee is a vibrant young lawyer passionate about helping regional Queenslanders achieve their property goals. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of buying or selling a home, an agricultural property, or require assistance with general property law matters, Haidee provides the guidance and support for a hassle-free transaction.

Originally from Mackay, Haidee graduated with honours from the Queensland University of Technology before returning to North Queensland to begin her career with Keir Steele Waldon Lawyers.

Beyond her legal expertise, Haidee is a dog lover at heart, and shares her free time with her two French Bulldogs, Maude and Cosmo.

• 07 4722 0224

Moya is one of Queensland’s leading planning and environment lawyers, providing strategic advice to all groups within the development industry.
I get your property development projects done, bringing it all together to approval and beyond.

Day to day, I am working at the strategic level with MDs, CEOs, Development and Project Managers, providing development advocacy, handling expert teams or representing regional issues on Boards and speaking at events.

People say I am practical, non-lawyer like, work as a team and don’t waste time on the purely technical. I keep the team clear on the strategy and outcomes.

I am known for my strategic insight and collaborative approach, believing that only by the collective intelligence of my knowledge of the approvals process and the development outcomes intended by my client can an efficient and effective strategy be actioned to completion. Built over a 20 year involvement in partnership with clients, this understanding of what makes development commercial and valuable to clients and the community, my focus is always on being the proactive and constructive problem avoider. I work with clients on the pre-work in advance that creates a smooth, transparent and effective process.

Clients say I am strategically efficient, solution first, big picture – in work and life, open minded and safe. I don’t get distracted even in long complex statutory processes, I am focused and partner with clients to solve issues and we move forward.

I thrive on being a valuable proactive strategic partner and a member of the clients team. We get the results and everyone grows along the way.

I am passionate and excited about growth in Queensland. I choose to work with regional Boards and organisations to be part of bringing growth about.

I am driven to living life and creating a good life for others. We have such great places to live, work and play in Queensland. I enjoy everything from hiking and biking our mountains to a great brunch with friends experiencing our great cities!

• 07 4776 1488