Our lawyers

Louise Mollross

Louise was admitted to the Supreme Court of Tasmania in 1987. Louise has worked continuously as a Barrister & Solicitor during this time.

Louise specialises in Family Law but also has extensive experience in a broad range of Property Law matters, Conveyancing, commercial transactions and mortgages. Louise is especially interested in the overlap between Family law and Commercial law. Louise’s in-depth knowledge of both areas provides her with the ability to deal with complex matrimonial/de facto property matters.

Louise also works extensively in the area of Wills & Estates, including wills, powers of attorney and estate administration.

Louise is appointed to act as an Independent Children’s Lawyer in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and as a Child Representative in the Magistrates Court. Louise has completed LEADR mediation training, and Australian Institute of Family Law Mediator Training.

She is a member of the Law Society of Tasmania, the Family Law section of The Law Council of Australia, the Australian Institute of Family Law Mediators (AIFLAM) and the President of the Family Law Practitioners Association of Tasmania. Louise is also a member of the Tasmanian Civil & Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) and is the executive commissioner of the VAD commission.

Leigh Mackey SC

Leigh is a partner of Ogilvie Jennings and has been practicing since 1992 when she was admitted to the Supreme Court of Tasmania and the High Court of Australia. Leigh was appointed Senior Counsel of the Tasmanian Supreme Court in August 2024.

Leigh specialises in injuries & compensation litigation, involving personal injury sustained at work, in motor vehicles, at public or private places and whilst undergoing medical treatment.

Leigh holds the current positions:

• Chair of the Parole Board.
• Member of the Law Foundation.
• Member of the Legal Profession Tribunal.

Anthony Laning

Anthony is a commercial and property solicitor in excess of 20 years standing.

During his time he has advised on countless commercial property acquisitions, leasehold transactions, property developments and construction matters.

Anthony’s particular expertise includes:

• Commercial and Private property acquisitions and disposals, leasing, development, land subdivision and contract management;
• Construction advice and dispute resolution (particularly with respect to building and security of payment legislation);
• Local Government and environmental regulation;
• Regulatory and corporate compliance.

Construction: Acts for a number of construction firms and advise on contract procurement/regulation and disputes, alternative dispute resolutions, negotiated solutions, building security legislation and defence of Worksafe and regulatory prosecutions.

Green Field Developments; Acted for a number of corporate clients on various mutli-lot, mulit-staged subdivisions (over 200 lots) and off the plan townhouse developments. Work included strategic planning, planning scheme compliance, contract preparation, and management for long term contracts, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution.

Retirement Village Developments: Acted for clients in the creation, development and ongoing management of multiple freehold retained retirement villages, including initial joint venture structure and documentation, property acquisition and development, regulatory compliance, strategic advice on structure of products, drawing of original documentation in relation to the unique leasehold product, leasing and management of the ongoing turnover of residents.

Corporate Compliance: Acted as the corporate solicitor for state-wide aged care provider including aspects of commercial law and regulatory compliance.

Business Mergers & Acquisitions: Advised from negotiation to completion of large multi-location enterprises in respect of mergers including protracted and multifaceted earn-out arrangements.

Melissa Eddington

Melissa graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2005 with a combined Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts. She was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Tasmania in 2006. Melissa has practised in family law since 2007.

Melissa specialises in family law, providing representation and advice in relation to all areas of family law including:

• Matrimonial and de facto property disputes (including disputes involving a family business in various ownership structures);
• Children’s matters (including parenting orders, paternity disputes and child protection matters);
• Child support matters (including child support agreements);
• Financial agreements (including pre nuptial or pre cohabitation agreements);and
• Divorce proceedings.

Melissa has been recognised for her expertise in family law by her peers in the Doyles Guide for Tasmania in 2022.

Since 2012 Melissa has accepted appointments as separate representative in the child protection jurisdiction.

Melissa appears frequently as both solicitor and counsel in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and has considerable experience with representing clients at mediation.

Imogen Cook

Imogen graduated from the University of Tasmania with a combined degree of Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Law with Honours in Law. Imogen completed the Tasmanian Legal Practice Course and was admitted to practice before the Tasmanian Supreme Court.

Imogen is a member of our commercial and property law team, and comes to Ogilvie Jennings with experience in estate planning, insolvency and all aspects of commercial law.

Imogen has been a Director of Ogilvie Jennings since November 2022.

Since November 2022, Imogen has been elected member of the Law Council of the Law Society of Tasmania and is currently a member of the Executive Committee.

Christine Schokman

Christine Schokman joined Ogilvie Jennings in November 2004 after working with another Hobart firm for 15 years. She was admitted to practice in March 1990.

Christine has practised exclusively in areas of civil litigation since admission. She has extensive experience in areas of injuries & compensation, commercial litigation, and workers’ compensation. Christine has particularly extensive experience in estate litigation.

Ann Schrale

Ann graduated from Macquarie University (NSW) with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws in 1992. She was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia in 1992.

Ann has practised in family law since 1993 and exclusively in family law matters since becoming an Accredited Specialist in Family Law (NSW) in 1999. Ann is recognised by both her clients and her peers as a highly experienced and pragmatic family law practitioner.

Ann relocated to Tasmania in 2022. As family law is a federal jurisdiction, her wealth of NSW based experience is equally relevant to family law matters in Tasmania.

Ann has represented clients across the entire family law jurisdiction. Her expertise includes preparing for and attending mediation prior to Court and assisting clients to enter a legally binding agreement without having to go Court. Ann also appears in Court for her clients in disputed cases.

In financial matters, Ann advises on financial settlements including superannuation splitting, spouse maintenance and binding financial agreements (often called prenuptial and cohabitation agreements). Ann has a particular interest in child support matters (including binding child support agreements).

Ann advises her clients in parenting disputes including dealing with issues of family violence, substance abuse and mental health issues, relocation and recovery of children, and adoption by step-parents.

Ann also provides advice on divorce applications.

Ann regularly appears in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and provides practical guidance to her clients on how to successfully navigate through the Court system.

Amy Burnell

Amy graduated from the University of Tasmania with a combined degree of Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Economics with Honours in Law. Amy completed the Tasmanian Legal Practice Course and was admitted to practice before the Tasmanian Supreme Court.

Amy is a member of the commercial and property law team and can assist in a wide range of matters including conveyancing, wills and estate planning, estateadministration and leasing.

Amy works from our Hobart and Glenorchy Offices.

Kirsten Starkey

Kirsten graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2009 with a Bachelor of Laws following her completion of a combined Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2006. She completed the Legal Practice Course in Tasmania prior to being Admitted to the Supreme Court of Tasmania in 2010 and commenced work with Ogilvie Jennings the same year.

Kirsten specialises in Family Law and provides clients advice in relation to all aspects of Family Law including children’s matters, child protection, property settlements, spousal maintenance, Financial Agreements, child support and divorce.

Kirsten regularly appears in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and the Magistrates Court of Tasmania.

Kirsten works primarily from our Hobart and Kingston offices.

Kirsten is a member of the Family Law Practitioners Association of Tasmania’s Committee including serving as Treasurer from 2015 to 2021, and is currently chair of the Law Society of Tasmania’s Pro Bono Committee.

Christian Street

Christian is a commercially focused lawyer with a desire to help his clients plan for the future, take on new opportunities, and navigate challenging periods in life and in business.

Practicing primarily in the areas of commercial law, property, trusts, commercial litigation, estate planning, land use planning, and local government law, Christian advises clients across a broad spectrum of personal and business matters.

Christian also advises clients with respect to adult guardianship and administration applications and disputes. He maintains a special interest in this area of law, and in supporting people with diminished capacity and their families.

Prior to commencing in legal practice, Christian had a long involvement in family business, particularly in the retail supermarket sector, and has experience working in and with Government.

Christian is a current member of the Kingborough Council, and a long-serving member of the board of Guilford Young College.

Sarah Dowd

Sarah joined Ogilvie Jennings in February 2023 after moving to Hobart from her hometown of Darwin in early 2021.

Sarah previously worked in the Northern Territory following her admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory in 2017 and her admission to the High Court of Australia in 2019.

Sarah graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Laws in 2016, following her graduation with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Politics and International Studies in 2015.

Sarah predominantly practices in Family Law, though whilst in the NT she practised in both family and criminal law. Sarah appears regularly in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. and has recently competed her Independent Children’s Lawyer training. Sarah is appointed to act as an Independent Children’s Lawyer in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

Whilst in the Territory, Sarah was elected to the role of president of the Northern Territory Young Lawyers Committee and was the Territory representative of the Law Council of Australia’s Young Lawyers Committee. Sarah won the Tasmanian Golden Gavel in 2023 and has been recognised as a “Family Law Rising Star” in the 2024 Doyles Guide.

Sarah works from our Hobart and Glenorchy offices.

Che Mohamad

Che graduated from the University of Tasmania with a combined degree of Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws in 2017. After graduating, he completed the Tasmanian Legal Practice Course and is admitted to the Supreme Court of Tasmania and the High Court of Australia.

Che has an affinity with the local community due to working in several local businesses throughout the greater Hobart region. He prides himself on client satisfaction and assisting people from all walks of life.

Che practices in the areas of Property, Commercial, Wills and Estates. Proudly born and raised in Tasmania, he is also fluent in Arabic.

In his spare time, Che enjoys playing and attending local soccer as well as exploring Tasmania’s natural beauty.

Sarah Butler

Sarah graduated from the University of Tasmania with a combined degree of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law with Honours in Law. Sarah completed the Tasmanian Legal Practice Course and was admitted to practice in 2020.

Sarah is a member of our Commercial, Wills and Estates, and Property teams and comes to Ogilvie Jennings with a background in estate planning, conveyancing, estate administration and subdivisions. Sarah understands that often matters can be complex and is committed to providing timely and practical solutions.

In her spare time Sarah enjoys exploring Tasmania, spending time with family and walking her dogs.

Peter Lewer

Peter graduated from the University of Tasmania with a combined degree Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law. Peter completed his Graduate Diploma of Legal Studies in 2020.

Peter has several years’ experience within Tasmania’s workers compensation scheme working for insurance firms and brings this industry experience into his role with Ogilvie Jennings as a member of our personal injury and workers compensation team.

Peter is a client-focused and effective communicator who can adeptly respond to client and case requirements.

Adam Sheehan

Adam graduated from the University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business. After graduating, he completed his Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the Tasmanian Centre for Legal Studies in Hobart and has been admitted to the Tasmanian Supreme Court and High Court of Australia.

Adam’s practice areas include:

• commercial law;
• property law;
• wills and estates;
• building disputes;
• commercial litigation; and
• estate litigation.

Adam’s experience in dealing with commercial and estate litigation matters sees him apply that knowledge and expertise more broadly when advising clients in relation to estate planning and commercial transactions. His understanding of what may be contentious allows him to foresee potential legal challenges, enabling him to proactively mitigate future risks for his clients.

Adam has dealt with a number of building dispute matters, including claims made under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payments Act 2009. He has experience on both sides of the fence having advised builders in the issuance of claims and enforcing their rights, as well as property owners in responding to those claims and preparing payment schedules in reply. Adam’s pragmatic approach when dealing with these matters ensures his clients’ interests are always best achieved.

Regardless of the matter, Adam is always committed to understanding his clients’ unique circumstances to achieve the best possible outcomes for them.

Outside of his professional life, Adam loves spending time with his family and traveling. He is an avid explorer of Tasmania’s wilderness, engaging in activities such as bushwalking, four-wheel driving and camping. Additionally, Adam has a passion for cooking, particularly smoking meats, and loves to host gatherings for friends and family.

Racquel Ralston

Racquel graduated from the University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours in Law. She completed her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the Tasmania Centre for Legal Studies and has been admitted to both the Supreme Court of Tasmania and the High Court of Australia.

Racquel joined Ogilvie Jennings as a legal assistant while undertaking her graduate studies and is now practicing as solicitor in our Litigation team. Racquel assists clients with disputes across a broad range of areas, also appearing regularly in the Magistrates Court of Tasmania.

In her spare time Racquel enjoys travelling and spending quality time with family and friends.

Sydney Lee

Sydney graduated from the University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours in Law. She completed her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the Tasmania Centre for Legal Studies and is admitted to the Supreme Court of Tasmania, and the High Court of Australia.

Sydney predominantly practices in the area of Family Law and also has an interest in Criminal Law. She appears regularly in the Magistrates’ Court of Tasmania dealing with Family Violence Orders.

Outside of work, Sydney has a passion for fitness and movement. She is both a certified yoga and fitness instructor. She also has a creative side and loves art, plays several instruments and is always keen for some karaoke.

Mikayla Penrose

Mikayla graduated from the University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Law in 2022. Mikayla completed her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice in 2022 whilst working at Ogilvie Jennings as a Legal Assistant in our Commercial Department. Mikayla has been admitted to the Supreme Court of Tasmania.

Mikayla comes to Ogilvie Jennings with experience in Commercial Real Estate and Asset Management. Mikayla practices primarily in Commercial, Property, Wills and Estates, with a particular interest in the Commercial / Retail leasing sector.

Outside of work, Mikayla enjoys being active in the gym community and playing women’s football.

Kim Woolley

Kim is one the firm’s senior conveyancers, having worked in conveyancing, commercial & corporate law. Kim has worked for Ogilvie Jennings for over 15 years, prior to which she has worked in a number of other Tasmanian law firms.

Kim brings a wealth of experience to the firm’s broad conveyancing practice and is able to undertake and advise on conveyancing and property matters. Kim is also a Justice of the Peace.

Anita Netherton (Glenorchy)

Anita joined Ogilvie Jennings in 2015 having worked in commercial law and conveyancing for the past 28 years and has developed strong and broad skills. She prides herself on providing an efficient and high quality service on property advice and residential conveyancing matters.

Anita is able to deal with any enquiry relating to residential property and currently operates mainly from our Glenorchy Office.

Dara Moody (Kingston)

Dara joined Ogilvie Jennings in 2021 with over 5 years’ experience assisting in Property Law, Litigation and Family Law practice areas as a legal secretary. Dara now practices and specialises in conveyancing and residential property transactions.

Dara is able to deal with enquiries relating to residential property and works from our Hobart and Kingston offices.

Dara takes interest particular interest in assisting clients achieve their property ownership goals through the MyHome Scheme, to which she has been through the process herself.

Outside of the office, Dara enjoys playing touch football and travelling.

Cathy Cassar

Cathy has been a member of the Ogilvie Jennings’ conveyancing team for over five years, currently assisting Imogen Cook, Director, and has 10 years’ experience assisting in Commercial, Conveyancing and Estate Planning areas in other Hobart law firms.

Cathy enjoys a positive attitude with a professional focus to ensure clients’ property sales and purchases run smoothly and their desired results are achieved. Cathy is approachable, efficient, and always endeavours to make the conveyance and settlement process stress-free.