Solicitor Director Commercial & Corporate
Tim Osborn holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business from the University of Newcastle and has been qualified as a solicitor since 2004.
Tim was previously employed as Associate in charge of the business and corporate team at a large Newcastle law firm where he concentrated on commercial transaction work and commercial litigation before founding Osborn Law in January 2011.
Tim regularly advises clients and their financial and accounting advisors on:
He further assists clients in making certain they have adequate tools in place to ensure their dealings with customers and suppliers do not expose them to undue business risk. This includes advising on and preparing credit application forms, general terms of trade, director’s guarantees and providing advice on general commercial debt recovery methods.
Tim prides himself on providing accurate, relevant, timely, and above all, practical advice to his clients.
Tim is an Honorary Commander in the Hunter Defence Support Network (HDSN) which was formed in 2015 as a single-purpose community support and advocacy group focused on improving the lifestyle of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families whilst posted to the Hunter Region.
He is a member of the Camp Quality Newcastle MotoCyc committee responsible for organising the annual fundraiser motorbike ride through country NSW combining his passion for motorbike riding and supporting great local charities.
Tim is also a former Director on the Board of NUSport (2008-2018), an incorporated body of the University of Newcastle which is responsible for the development of sport and fitness through services, facilities and activities, along with being a member of their Finance and Infrastructure Committees.
When not in the office, Tim loves spending time with his family, being outside and being active. Tim is a keen dirt bike rider and four wheel driver, and enjoys the bush and camping.
Solicitor Director Employment & Litigation
Christie Howson brings a wealth of experience to Osborn Law in the constantly changing and ever challenging area of employment law. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Accounting) and has been qualified as a solicitor since 2000.
Christie has practiced extensively in this area for over 18 years and some of the work that she has performed involved the following:
Christie regularly conducts in house training sessions for Osborn law’s client employers to assist our clients and their managers on how to deal with effective performance management, and bullying and harassment claims. She has also conducted workplace investigations into claims.
Christie also worked for 4 years in a national law firm in insurance law where she acted on behalf of workers compensation insurers. This background assists greatly in employment law work when complex workers compensation issues are involved.
In addition to the employment law work, Christie manages major commercial litigation disputes, particularly those in the Supreme Court of NSW but also in the District and Local Courts. Some of the work that Christie has performed involved the following:
Senior Associate Commercial & Property
Laura Bennett has more than 14 years of experience in the legal profession. Following her completion of a Bachelor of Laws at Newcastle University she took up a full time paralegal position before being admitted as a solicitor in 2008.
She has particular expertise in commercial contract negotiations and drafting. She has an exceptional set of drafting skills and a “can do” approach to client service.
Laura’s experience in commercial and property law includes:
Senior Associate Commercial & Corporate
Sarah Hovanyecz has more than 8 years’ experience in the legal profession. Sarah worked as a settlement clerk and paralegal in Sydney CBD before being admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court in 2015 following completion of a Bachelor of Laws with Honours at the University of Wollongong in 2014.
Sarah worked as a commercial solicitor at a boutique firm in Sydney before moving to Newcastle in 2015 where she continued to practice as a commercial and employment solicitor before joining the Osborn Law team in 2018.
She has a particular interest and skillset for commercial transactions, including share sales and purchases; corporate structuring and restructuring; business sales and purchases; and, mergers and acquisitions. Sarah enjoys a good challenge and problem solving so she works well under pressure.
Sarah’s experience in commercial law includes:
She has also assisted clients with general litigation, debt recovery and employment matters including drafting and advising on employment contracts and acting for both employers and employees in Fair Work Commission proceedings. Sarah believes her experience in litigation and employment law assists her to provide considered and practical advice to her clients about the risks they need to be aware of in their commercial dealings.
Sarah prides herself on exceeding client expectations and is passionate about developing a genuine relationship with her clients.
Sarah is a Non-Executive Director of Hunter Prelude which has been providing quality early childhood intervention services for over 30 years, for children and their families in the Cessnock, Maitland, Dungog, Singleton, Scone, Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter LGAs.
When not in the office, Sarah can usually be found either playing or coaching netball (which is most days!) but when she has some down time she enjoys being with her family and her two dogs Ruby and Daisy. Sarah also actively supports a number of charity initiatives in the local area, including being a volunteer with Dog Rescue Newcastle since 2017.
Senior Associate Commercial & Estate Planning
Lana Black is a Senior Associate at Osborn Law and heads up the Wills and Estates Team.
Lana’s practice is primarily focused on estate planning and commercial structuring arrangements, along with deceased estates.
Lana is passionate about providing practical advice to clients and looks to ensure her clients’ affairs are appropriately structured both in their lifetimes and after their death.
Lana believes effective estate planning is as much about preserving relationships amongst family members, as it is about transitioning wealth in an appropriate manner. Lana enjoys getting to know her clients on a personal level – understanding their family, their asset structure, business needs and their priorities. There is no one size fits all approach to this area and the strategies we use very much depend on the priorities of clients and the risks they are comfortable/uncomfortable with.
In the estate planning realm, Lana is primarily advising Osborn Law clients regarding:
• wills (including asset protection, testamentary trusts, superannuation wills proceeds trusts and family provision claims);
• powers of attorney (for both individuals and corporations);
• appointments of enduring guardian;
• superannuation;
• integration of existing trust structures with estate planning objectives; and
• business succession planning.
Lana also has extensive experience in the administration of deceased estates, including advising both executors and beneficiaries in a wide variety of estate matters such as family provision claims; questions of capacity; questions of informal wills; taxation; duties and responsibilities of executors/administrators; and general administration of estates.
Stemming from her background in wills and estates, Lana is responsible for dealing with the establishment, amendment and vesting of trusts for Osborn Law clients. Lana is also experienced in advising clients in relation to associated asset protection and structuring and works closely with Osborn Law’s commercial team when looking at clients’ commercial structuring arrangements.
Lana has recently completed a Masters in Wills and Estates which she has found useful in cementing her technical expertise in this area. Lana’s property and commercial law experience complement her skills in estate planning and means that she has a well-rounded, practical approach in advising her clients.
Lana is a member of Newcastle Law Society, Hunter Young Professionals and Hunter Business Women’s Network.
Solicitor Employment & Litigation
Joshua McCormack graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) in 2017 and a Bachelor of Communications (Media and Journalism) in 2015.
He completed the Legal Practice Program at the University of Newcastle while studying in 2017 and was admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in February 2018.
Prior to joining Osborn Law, Joshua worked for a national insurance law firm where he assisted local governments on various public liability disputes. He gained further valued legal experience in a boutique family and criminal law practice in Newcastle.
Joshua works closely within the Osborn Law litigation team assisting in a variety of commercial, corporate and employment matters. He has assisted clients in a number of building and constructions disputes in the Local, District and Supreme Court. He has worked on complex commercial matters in the technology and commercial list of the Supreme Court.
Solicitor Property & Commercial
Morgan was born and raised in Newcastle and holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons Class I) and a Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations) from the University of Newcastle. Admitted as a solicitor in 2017, Morgan gained experience in a range of private practice roles during his studies, including a clerkship in Jakarta at one of Indonesia’s leading corporate and commercial law firms.
Morgan’s expertise includes:
Morgan also has a particular interest in working for a number of not for profit and charitable organisations in relation to their commercial and property law requirements as well as providing advice on corporate governance and ACNC compliance.
Morgan prides himself on his personable nature and commercial approach and uses his range of experience to assist clients in all aspects of their development, whether in initial structuring, growth, contracting or exit.
When not in the office, Morgan enjoys keeping fit, travelling and exploring Newcastle with his family and friends.
Licensed Conveyancer
Yvonne has a proven track record of almost 30 years’ experience in the legal industry in both an administration and professional capacity.
Working her way up from receptionist as a 16 year old she has progressed to legal secretary, paralegal and then recently completed the Conveyancing Law and Practice course through Macquarie University to become a qualified Licensed Conveyancer.
She has worked in both large and small legal practices in Newcastle working with staff at all levels, which has equipped her with the skills and values required to carry out her role. She has a high level of attention to detail and accuracy and prides herself on her commitment, self-discipline, confidentiality, teamwork, multi-tasking, planning and prioritising.
Yvonne’s experience in property law includes both residential and commercial transactions such as:
Yvonne is a member of the NSW Australian Institute of Conveyancers and strives to identify and satisfy client needs with quality service, confidence and commitment in all aspects of her work.
Solicitor Employment & Commercial
Dominic graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) in 2019 and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) in 2020 and. During 2019 and 2020, he completed his Diploma of Legal Practice through the University’s Legal Practice Program while working as a Law Clerk in Osborn Law’s commercial team and was admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in February 2021.
Dominic has a particular interest in employment disputes, commercial litigation disputes and corporate and business transactions and their related requirements.
His experience includes:
Dominic believes his compassion, competitiveness and critical thinking are a necessary component for obtaining client outcomes. He understands by being empathetic and critical, he is able to efficiently and effectively deliver practical solutions for clients.
In his spare time, Dominic enjoys being with his family and friends, staying fit and eating good food.
Solicitor Estate Planning & Commercial
Born and raised in the Hunter, Jessica studied at the University of Newcastle, graduating in 2020 with a Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) and a Bachelor of Science (Majoring in Environmental Science) and was later admitted as a solicitor in early 2021.
Since admission, she has worked in the Newcastle commercial law space where she built a foundation of knowledge and abilities as a lawyer.
Jessica’s focus is primarily in estate planning and commercial matters, with experience in advising clients on:
Jessica prides herself on being authentic and compassionate and brings those qualities to all her work. This coupled with her enthusiasm for the law and willingness to put in the elbow grease, Jessica works diligently to produce the best results for client’s time and time again.
When she doesn’t have her head in the books, you’ll find Jessica soaking up the sun on the beach with her fur babies or looking at some of the most spectacular geological features Newcastle has to offer.
Solicitor Property & Commercial
Alexandra graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) in 2019 and a Bachelor of Science (Biology) with distinction in 2017.
She completed the Legal Practice Program at the University of Newcastle while studying in 2019 and was admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in February 2020.
Prior to joining Osborn Law, Alexandra worked for a national law firm where she assisted local governments, property developers and mining companies in various planning, local government and environmental governance disputes. She has appeared in both the Land and Environment Court of NSW and the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal in the above disputes.
Alexandra has a particular interest in both commercial and property transactions, and her experience includes:
Alexandra believes her attention to detail and critical thinking, as well as a friendly and empathetic manner are essential in allowing her to achieve the best outcomes for clients. She understands by being empathetic and critical, she is able to efficiently and effectively deliver practical solutions to clients.
Alexandra is passionate about the law and is currently undertaking her Master of Laws to further add to her legal skill set.
In her spare time, Alexandra enjoys being with her family and friends, gardening, cooking with her partner, and taking her dogs Misty and Delphi to the beach.
Solicitor Commercial & Corporate
Zoe graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) in 2019. Since being admitted as a solicitor, Zoe has gained a range of experience in corporate and commercial law acting for not-for-profit organisations and private, public and ASX listed companies.
Zoe has a keen interest in corporate and commercial law and has experience advising clients on:
Zoe always endeavours to assist clients in achieving a commercial outcome. She prides herself on her professional yet personable nature and values developing long-lasting relationships with her clients.
On her days off, Zoe enjoys keeping fit, spending time outdoors and hanging out with family and friends – nothing will keep her inside on a nice day!
Marketing Manager
Jacqui is a born and bred Novocastrian, completing her studies at the University of Newcastle where she attained a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing and HR/IR.
Following 3 years at the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, she then joined Lawler Partners (now known as PKF Newcastle and Sydney) as head of marketing for 6 years before moving to her current role as Marketing Manager of Osborn Law.
Jacqui loves working with the OL team to assist in ensuring they are (and feel) supported in their career journey.
Jacqui is passionate about giving back to the community and treasures her role with Camp Quality over the past 7 years as a committee member organising and running the Giggle Ball and now the By Invitation dinner. Her desire for assisting others comes from close to home, having been raised in a family heavily involved with the not for profit sector. She knows first-hand the difference these wonderful organisations can make to the lives of those who most need their support.
When out of the office, and not raising her 3 kids, she enjoys walking, catching up for a coffee or a good bubbles with family and friends, or listening to the odd John Farnham song…
Paralegal Property & Commercial
Callie has 9 years’ experience in the legal industry having commenced her career straight out of school as a legal assistant concentrating on conveyancing matters.
Callie is currently studying the Conveyancing Law and Practice course at Macquarie University, which on completion will become a Licenced Conveyancer.
Callie Joined the Osborn Law property team in 2020 and since this time has gained experience in a wide range of conveyancing matters and is a valued member of the Osborn Law Team.
Callie’s experience in property includes:
When out of office Callie enjoys playing league tag, spending time with friends and family & catching up on a good TV show.
Front Office Executive
Therese has more than 40 years’ experience in all aspects of client services and customer support roles over a wide variety of sectors.
Therese (affectionately known as Aunty Therese by her OL family) is half of our wonderful front office team that welcomes clients and friends of Osborn Law.
A definite people person, Therese enjoys meeting and getting to know people and listening to their interesting stories. She loves supporting clients which is evident through her management of processes and procedures at Osborn Law to ensure the best service is delivered.
Therese is also a real jack of all trades committed to assisting our entire team – not afraid to roll up the sleeves to make sure jobs gets done.
When not in the office, Therese loves to go camping with her family to see what our wonderful country has to offer; breakfast on the beach after a 4WD on the sand dunes along with catching a live show/musical with family and friends.
Legal Secretary Wills & Estate Planning
Erin has more than 20 years’ experience in the legal industry having started her career as a young trainee completing Certificate III then Certificate IV in Business Administration. Since this time, she supported teams in a variety of firms of different sizes before finding her niche within Estate Planning.
Erin is compassionate and understands the importance of assisting clients at what can be a difficult time in their lives.
She is an absolute pocket rocket – a real doer committed to ensuring our clients and team are supported – and all done with a smile.
When not in the office you will find Erin spending time with her family including enjoying a nice meal and bottle of wine with partner Ryan along with exploring our local beautiful bush trails.
Law Clerk
Sam is Communications graduate (2019) and is completing his Diploma of Legal Practice at the University of Newcastle. With a major in News and Digital Media, Sam is experienced in interviewing and empathising when a client brings a problem. He is also passionate about clear communication and delivering solutions with sophistication and simplicity.
Sam is part of the employment and litigation team and is often tasked with undertaking a range of problems which don’t fit under a specific category of law. This has grown him as a versatile thinker, taking on tough questions which are rarely asked, but which can be all important to the client.
In his spare time, Sam is a keen surfer and enjoys exploring new surf spots. He also regularly volunteers at his local church, playing guitar and helping the youth group.
Law Clerk
Mia is a current University of Newcastle student set to finish her Bachelor of Arts (Politics Major)/Laws at the end of 2022. Mia hopes to be admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW after the completion of her Diploma of Legal Practice in early 2023.
Having worked in administration for the majority of her degree and having recently been recruited to conduct research for the Newcastle Law School’s College of Human and Social Futures, Mia is highly adept in the areas of administration and research.
In addition to her skills in research and administration, Mia has developed competency in several other areas during the course of her studies and as a result of her time volunteering with the University of Newcastle Legal Centre, including:
Mia believes her attentiveness to detail, critical thinking skills and team spirit make her well suited to the work environment offered by Osborn Law.
In her free time Mia enjoys exploring new places, sharing a meal with friends and family and catching up on Gogglebox or the Great British Bake Off.
Legal Secretary Property
Bel, who holds a Certificate III in both Child Education and Business Administration, has always had a desire for supporting and assisting others. Prior to joining Osborn Law, she worked in legal administration for 2 years and has enjoyed the challenge of moving to a predominately property focus within the OL property team.
Bel likes to ensure the process for clients is easy and exciting when dealing with property sales and purchases. She is enthusiastic about understanding clients wants and needs, creating relationships along the way and treating each matter like it is her own.
When not in the office, Bel enjoys spending time with her family and friends including going to the beach (she is currently learning how to surf!), travelling and attending local markets. She also likes to keep active by skating around Newcastle, swimming laps at the baths, and playing netball and water polo.
Front Office Executive
Cass is half of our wonderful front office team that welcomes clients and friends of Osborn Law.With more than 16 years’ experience in administrative support in both the medical and legal sectors, she is a great support to the OL team and the general day to day running of the office.
Cass loves the people aspect of her role and says she is happiest when looking after others, so being able to meet and greet our wonderful clients and ensuring they are cared for and valued is a big priority.
She also enjoys being involved in assisting with the social aspects of OL as well as the teams fundraising and charity work which she takes great pride in.
When not in the office, Cass loves a brunch/lunch catch up with friends and being with her family (including her adorable dog Ruby). She also likes to explore the outdoors including camping and beaching along with watching live music, horse racing and any live sport but especially her beloved South Sydney Rabbitohs.
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