Meet Our Team of Divorce Lawyers
Jessica Carney – Senior Associate
Jessica is a graduate of Murdoch University having completed a Bachelor of Laws with Honours in November 2011. She was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Western Australia in April 2013.
Jessica has worked in the Perth family law sector since her first year of tertiary study in 2008. Following completion of her degree, she had the pleasure of working as the Associate to the late Honourable Justice Carolyn Martin and the Honourable Justice Brian Jordan at the Family Court of Western Australia (“FCWA”).
Whilst she practises in all areas of family law, she is particularly interested in child-related matters and family dispute resolution.
Jessica is collaboratively trained and looks forward to playing a part in growing this method of family dispute resolution in Perth.
Sabrina Tan – Senior Associate
Sabrina graduated with a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies) degree and a Postgraduate Certificate in Chinese Law from Murdoch University in mid 2012.
After graduation, she commenced her legal career with one of Perth’s prominent criminal lawyers for 3 years. In addition to her experience in criminal advocacy, she also undertook the conduct of the firm’s family law matters and subsequently became the “in-house family lawyer”. During this time, Sabrina assisted counsel and Senior Counsel in a wide range of parenting and property disputes.
Sabrina was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of WA in July 2014. She has been practicing exclusively in all aspects of family law as a divorce lawyer since 2016, and worked at a first-tier family law firm in Western Australia for nearly 5 years. She has developed a strong interest in both simple and complex property settlements.
Sabrina adopts a considered and practical approach to client matters and strives to provide quality services.
Jaime Lee Richardson – Senior Associate
Jaime Lee holds degrees in both Psychology and Law, together with a diploma in social work.
She practices in all areas of Family Law and has experience with complex property settlement matters as a divorce lawyer, including those involving high net worth parties and international aspects. She also enjoys both simple and complex parenting matters.
In her practice, she is able to rely on her knowledge of family violence, addiction and mental health issues to help tailor client’s service to their individual needs.
She prides herself on being organised and efficient, completing work a high standard to ensure her clients receive the best service. Whilst she has experience representing clients in the Family Court, including instructing Counsel at trial, she strives to assist clients to resolve matters without the need to go to this expense, if possible.
In addition to being a Family Law practitioner, Jaime Lee has extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector working with young offenders and victims of domestic violence.
In her spare time, she volunteers at the SCALES Community Legal Centre Property Clinic, where she provides free legal advice to vulnerable clients, in relation to financial matters.
Kate Withers - Senior Associate
Kate graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from Murdoch University in December 2017 and completed her Diploma of Legal studies from College of Law in 2018.
Upon completing university, Kate commenced employment at a boutique law firm which practiced primarily in Family Law but also Family Violence Restraining Orders. In November 2018, Kate was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Australia and commenced her practice in all areas of Family Law.
Kate has a strong interest in assisting her client’s to reach an early and amicable resolution of matters through mediation and negotiations. However, she is also well versed in the preparation of Court documents and representing clients in the Family Court of Western Australia as a divorce lawyer, should it be required.
Kate has experience in representing clients in all areas of Family Law, including simple and complex property settlements, spousal maintenance, parenting arrangements, de facto relationships, divorce and restraining orders. She takes a practical, cost effective approach whilst still providing strong legal advice and care.
Elisha Rayner – Solicitor
Elisha is a graduate of both the University of Western Australia and Murdoch University, having completed a Bachelor of Arts (Communications) in 2015 and a Graduate Bachelor of Laws in 2018. Upon graduating, she commenced as a Magistrate’s Judicial Legal Research Associate in the Family Court of Western Australia.
Elisha completed a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Western Australia in July 2020.
She is experienced in negotiation and gives due consideration to all forms of alternative dispute resolution. She is passionate about advocacy when litigation becomes necessary. Elisha has worked predominantly in family and divorce law, but has experience in both criminal and international law.
Elisha works within all areas of family law, but has developed a particular interest in restraining orders, children’s matters, Hague Convention proceedings (international recover orders), surrogacy and complex financial matters.
In her spare time she loves travel, the arts and continuing to learn and train in Australian Sign Language (Auslan).
David Voisey – Solicitor
David is a graduate of Curtin University having completed a Bachelor of Laws in November 2019. He completed his Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice in July 2021 and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Western Australia in October 2021. David has also completed his Master of Applied Law (Family Law) with the College of Law in February 2023.
David has primarily worked in the Perth family law sector since completing his tertiary studies, commencing employment at a boutique law firm where he gained significant experience in all areas of family law, including simple and complex Property Settlements, Parenting Arrangements, De Facto Relationships, Divorce and Restraining Orders, both through negotiation and representing clients in the Family Court of Western Australia, if required. David provides a practical approach to resolving all matters and has a strong interest in reaching an early and amicable settlement. He is a pragmatic practitioner, while also friendly and empathetic.
David is a passionate Royal Australian Navy Veteran, with a strong working knowledge of veterans’ entitlements and DVA. He understands the often complex and stressful navigation of everyday Australian Defence Force life, as both a serving member and the spouse of a serving member. He is also an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Outside of work, David is a volunteer Lifesaver with Surf Life Saving WA, and coaches Woodside Nippers throughout the warmer months. He loves spending time with his family, travelling both domestically and internationally, and is always learning to ensure the best experience for each client and their individual circumstances.
Jessica Hewlett – Junior Solicitor
Jessica is a graduate of Murdoch University, where she completed a Bachelor of Criminology (Majoring in Global Politics and Public Policy) in 2017 and a Bachelor of Laws in 2021. Upon graduation, Jessica commenced work as a Legal Case Manager in the Federal Court of Australia.
Jessica completed her Practical Legal Training under the supervision of a National Judicial Registrar and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the High Court of Australia in November 2021.
Throughout her studies and thereafter, Jessica has worked predominantly in Family Law.
Jessica is experienced in representing clients in all areas of Family Law and enjoys assisting clients with both financial and parenting matters. She takes a practical line to providing legal advice and she is very approachable and empathic to the needs of clients and their individual circumstances.
Sophie Walker - Law Graduate
Sophie completed a double degree in Law and Business from Murdoch University in December 2023.
Her studies allowed her to gain legal experience at the Southern Communities Advocacy and Legal Education Service Clinic. She has been a law clerk with Hickman Family Lawyers since February 2022 and has gained a passion for family law.
Sophie began her new role with Hickman Family Lawyers as a law graduate in January 2024.
Helen Davis - Office Manager
Hailing from a business development background in the IT industry, Helen has been installing legal practice management software and supporting small law firms in Australia since 2008. She holds a Diploma in Legal Services (Australia) and, whilst she has experience in all areas of law, family law interests her the most.
Helen has been fortunate to have worked across numerous countries with a diverse range of cultures and business practices. She loves meeting people from different backgrounds.
Rhys Puchar – Management
Throughout his career, Rhys has had numerous managerial positions and enjoys challenge of working in a family law firm with our team of experienced divorce lawyers in Perth.
In his spare time Rhys enjoys spending time in and around the ocean, be it in Perth or overseas.
Louise Lockwood - Executive Assistant
Louise has worked as a Legal Assistant for 10 years, predominantly in family law. She has a particular interest in supporting clients through difficult times.
She studied psychology at the University of South Africa and has worked in a variety of industries over her career.
Outside of work Louise enjoys a holistic lifestyle, candle making, meditation and spending time in her garden.
Claudia Hall - Legal Assistant
Claudia began her legal assistant career over 15 years ago and is experienced in Family, Criminal and Government law. Claudia has found her interest to be Family Law, as it is the most rewarding.
Claudia enjoys meeting new people and listening to their stories. In her spare time, she enjoys her family and the occasional art project.
Sarah Forde- Legal Assistant
With over six years’ experience in family law, across various roles, Sarah is client focused and supportive during difficult times. She has a particular interest in child related matters.
Sarah enjoys motorbiking, getting outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
Taylor Dunstan - Paralegal
Taylor commenced working at Hickman Family Lawyers in August 2019 and has almost five years’ experience in Family Law. She enjoys both financial and parenting matters and loves to see the best possible outcome for families.
Taylors is currently undertaking paralegal studies and she looks forward to further progressing her career in family law.
Outside of work, Taylor is a yoga teacher and aerial acrobatics instructor, and enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family.
Sumira Wijesuriya - Law Clerk
Sumira joined Hickman Family Lawyers in 2023. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Laws and Commerce (Finance) at Curtin University, expecting to graduate March 2024.
Outside of his studies, Sumira loves to keep physically active, spending time at the gym and playing basketball with his friends. He firmly believes in helping others and is excited to begin his legal career at the firm.
So, about that free 15 minute phone consultation...
Why choose Hickman Family Lawyers?
Because we treat you like a person and not just a number.
Because we practise exclusively in family and divorce law. We know our stuff.
Because we’re a small, boutique practice of separation and divorce lawyers focused on providing you with a quality service.
