Meet Our Team

LEISA TOOMEY
DIRECTOR

Leisa Toomey is a voice of authority in Family Law, providing high-quality one-on-one service to each of her valued clients. Admitted as a Solicitor in 1998, she became a Qld Law Society Accredited Family Law Specialist in 2003, has been a Qld Law Society Mediator since 2004, and an Independent Children’s Lawyer since 2005.

Leisa also holds memberships with Qld Law Society, Sunshine Coast Law Association, Law Council of Australia, Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia (FLS) and Family Law Practitioners Association of Queensland.

A partner at Schultz Toomey O’Brien Lawyers from 2000 to 2014, Leisa stayed on at the firm as Head of the Qld Family Law Department, following its sale to Slater & Gordon. In December 2016 she began a three-year break, before being called back to this dynamic and purposeful arena.

Her desire to help clients by designing clear blueprints for solutions to complex family and high-value property settlements encouraged her to start Toomey Family Law in February 2020. Uniting a dedicated team committed to providing empathetic and pragmatic results, has allowed the firm to provide personalised, trusted advice and timely action that enables clients to focus on positively building their futures.

EMMA MIDDLETON
Senior Associate

You could say that Family Law is in Emma’s blood. Having grown up with a dad in the industry, both she and her brother now practice in the field. Fulfilling her ambitions, Emma, now a Solicitor, has attained a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma in Practical Legal Training. She is admitted into the and the High Court of Australia. Emma humbly sees these achievements as the means by which she is able to help others rebuild their lives at incredibly difficult times.

In addition to her work in the arena, Emma is a member of Family Law Practitioners Association (FLPA), Queensland Law Society (QLS), Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia (FLS), is on the committee board of the Sunshine Coast Law Association and is a Volunteer Lawyer at Sunshine Coast Community Legal Service.

Emma is delighted to again be in practice with Leisa. Having worked with the whole Toomey Family Law team at Schultz Toomey O’Brien Lawyers between 2015 and 2017, she and the staff are able to coordinate seamlessly in the pursuit of the common goals of their clients.

Wendy Faithfull
Practice Manager

Wendy is unreservedly dedicated to Toomey Family Law, which is evident in every element of her work. With more than three decades of experience handling legal communications, research, scheduling and general Frontline Management, her client’s experience remains front and centre.

This wealth of experience began in Bundaberg, where, straight out of high school, Wendy took a job with a local law firm before the commencement of her university course. Enjoying the position so much, Wendy chose to forego her original field of study and make her career in the legal field.

The trusted affiliation between Wendy and Leisa, stems from the 20-plus years of service they’ve experienced together in multiple law firms across the Sunshine Coast. This is a dynamic duo to be reckoned with!

As Practice Manager, Wendy is certified as a Commissioner for Declaration. She is also responsible for the smooth functioning and cohesiveness of the Toomey Family Law team, and the holistic legal settlements they make possible.

ERIKA GILES
Paralegal

Originally from Kingaroy, Erika moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2012, where her previous experience in Conveyancing and Family Law secured her position at Schultz Toomey O’Brien Lawyers, working under Leisa. She then transitioned to another firm to pursue the specialty of Wills & Estates; however, her passion to be of service in Family Law sees her reunite with Leisa and her team.

Erika’s current Diploma studies in Business Administration complement the attention to detail she offers in direct support of Leisa and Emma. In her position as Paralegal at Toomey Family Law, she helps clients throughout their legal journeys, ensuring that their administrative and legal obligations are met in an uncomplicated, effective and prompt manner.

When not working or studying, Erika prioritises family time with her husband and two children and keeping in touch with friends.

KATE GORDON
Associate

Kate supports clients during their relationship breakdown by guiding them through the administrative and legal requirements of their divorce, property settlement, post-separation parenting arrangements, financial agreements, domestic violence and child support matters. Her skills and experience ensure this process is efficient and pragmatic; Kate’s primary objective is to assist clients to make a fresh start without any associated toxicity.

Kate has worked with Leisa since 2011– first at Schultz Toomey O’Brien Lawyers and now at Toomey Family Law as a Lawyer on our team. She finds the interpersonal aspects of family law hugely rewarding.

With a Bachelor of Business (Management) and following her graduation with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at USC in 2023 Kate was admitted as a Lawyer. In addition to being appointed as a Commissioner for Declarations, Kate is internationally accredited by the IAP2 in Communications and Community Engagement, is a member of the Family Law Practitioners Association (FLPA), Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia (FLS), the Sunshine Coast Law Association, and the Queensland Law Society.

Francesca Choppin
Junior Paralegal

Originally from New Zealand, Francesca became interested in working in the legal field during her time as a receptionist for another Law Firm. Here, she learnt the insides of the legal industry and completed a Certificate 3 in Business Administration.

Working for Toomey Family Law, she is excited to extend her learnings and knowledge with our close and very experienced team.

Outside of work, she likes to spend time with her friends and sister. She is also dabbling in film and photography, so is often found with a camera around her neck when visiting many of the beautiful places on the Sunshine Coast.

KATEY CHAMBERS
Paralegal

Born and raised on the Sunshine Coast, Katey has worked as a Legal Assistant in both Property Law and Family Law, including five years at Leisa’s previous firm, Schultz Toomey O’Brien Lawyers.

A mum of two boys, Katey is currently also studying a Bachelor of Laws and has a Diploma in Legal Services, a Commissioner for Declarations Licence and Certificate II in Business Administration.

Katey is attracted to Family Law at our firm due to her desire to help people when they need it the most.

“I love being able to work with a supportive, extremely knowledgeable and empowering team.”

When she isn’t working or studying, Katey loves getting out and going on adventures with her family, whether it be spotting wildlife, climbing mountains, chasing waterfalls or going to the beach.

JENNA RYAN
Lawyer

Jenna found her passion for law in her final years of secondary school, completing Legal Studies and introductory university courses.

In 2023, Jenna graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast with a Bachelor of Laws and received the Student Leadership Award as recognition for her contributions through co-curricular activities, particularly with the UniSC Law Students Association.

Jenna joined Toomey Family Law in September 2023 before obtaining a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and being admitted to the Queensland Supreme Court and High Court of Australia in June 2024.

Jenna is drawn to family law due to the meaningful impact a family lawyer can have on the lives of clients going through what is often the most challenging time they will ever experience.

Jenna is a member of the Family Law Practitioners Association (FLPA), Queensland Law Society (QLS), Sunshine Coast Law Association (SCLA) and the University of the Sunshine Coast Law Students Association (USCLSA).

TANNAH McCAUL
Junior Legal/Admin Assistant

Hailing from Gympie, Tannah Mccaul moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2023 to be closer to her family. Joining Toomey Family Law appealed to her due to their shared values, prompting her shift from hospitality to a unique role as a junior legal/admin assistant. This change marked a significant point, recognizing the potential for advancement and knowledge within the legal field. 

Driven by commitment and a thirst for growth, she looks forward to tackling new challenges and contributing to a profession aiding individuals in overcoming hurdles.

In her free time, she values family moments, BBQs, and bonding with her Cavalier puppy, Rosie. Together, they enjoy spontaneous adventures exploring waterfalls, beaches, and rock pools, ending weekends with treats for Rosie and cosy snuggles.