Committee Members
| Anna Morgan - President Anna Morgan is Direct and Principal Solicitor at Take Control Legal. She is passionate about helping injured people seek justice and access and damages. Anna has held various positions in the GCDLA including President (3 years), Treasurer (2 years) and Committee member. During Anna’s tenure as President, she focused on supporting member’s efforts to form relationships and networks through social events, supporting mental wellbeing initiatives for the benefit of the profession and lobbying for a Supreme Court presence on the Gold Coast. Anna also authored and lectures a post-graduate subject at Bond University called Expert Witness & Dispute Resolution. Anna sits on organising committees for various QLS conferences including the QLS Symposium , Gold Coast Symposium and QLS Personal Injury Conference. Before launching Take Control Legal, Anna launched Evolve Legal brand for a large Gold Coast law firm, spent more than eight years at at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, and 12 years at Minter Ellison Gold Coast. |
 | Erin Mitchell - Vice President Erin Mitchell is a Director and senior criminal lawyer at Potts Lawyers, working exclusively in criminal defence and domestic violence law. She has experience appearing in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts across Queensland. Erin enjoys assisting clients through the criminal justice system, ensuring they understand their options and are supported throughout the process – whether they are facing a minor traffic offence or a serious charge that is likely to change their lives forever. She has previously enjoyed volunteering at her local community legal centre and since 2016 has been a committee member of the Gold Coast District Law Association. Erin has assisted with mentoring junior members of the profession through the GLAD program as well as assisting to organise an array of GCDLA events – as she feels passionately about continuing the collegiality of the Gold Coast legal profession. |
| Guy Neilson - Treasurer Guy Neilson is a Solicitor at Evans Brandon Family Lawyers. Guy is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and was named as a Family Law Rising Star in the Doyles Guide for 2021 and 2022. In addition to being a proud member of the Evans Brandon team, Guy is currently the Treasurer of the Gold Coast District Law Association and regularly volunteers at My Community Legal. |
 | Daniel Samuel - Secretary Daniel started Paddingtons Legal Group in 2019 after working with firms in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Daniel’s areas of practice are commercial transactions, Commercial Litigation as well as Family Law. Daniel’s experience also has been in estate planning and restructuring, ADR, Property Law and personal property transactions. Daniel has acted for a diverse range of clients in various jurisdictions including: Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and ACT) Singapore, Malaysia, China, Germany, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom. |
| Derek Cronin Derek was admitted as a solicitor in 1994 and has practiced in commercial litigation, debt recovery, insolvency and dispute resolution for more than 20 years (we can’t be more specific than that as guessing his age is our favourite party game). Formerly a partner of a firm of a large commercial litigation practice in Brisbane, he returned to the Gold Coast and established the firm in January 2006. Derek believes that it is important to recognise the high level of service clients require and he prides himself in being available to service clients’ needs whenever they are required. Derek lives on the Gold Coast, where his family have lived for many decades and considers himself an “original Gold Coaster”. He enjoys good food and wine and the very occasional trip to the gym. |
| Ailsa Day Ailsa Day is a Partner at Ramsden Lawyers and Head of the Family Law Department on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. Since being admitted, Ailsa has worked exclusively in Family Law and dedicates her practice to assisting clients through their Family Law journey. Ailsa has significant experience in representing clients in a range of financial and parenting matters, both in Court and through alternative dispute resolution methods, and takes a calm, assertive and collaborative approach to assisting her clients. |
| Angela Symons Angela is not only a seasoned employee at TPIL but also a former ‘child star’ who graced the stage taking on the lead role of Annie in Annie the Musical and Brigitta in The Sound of Music at Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Before starting at TPIL, Angela spent 6 months performing in America where she had the opportunity to act in several TV shows, including Boston Legal, which some could say provided an early glimpse into her future legal career. Although Angela received a scholarship offer from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Hollywood, she chose to make Australia her home and pursue a career in law. With over 14 years of service at TPIL, Angela has earned a stellar reputation for her expertise, particularly in handling complex claims particularly incidents that result in psychiatric injuries. Angela’s compassionate and empathetic approach has made her a trusted advocate for clients dealing with challenging circumstances. Angela’s role at the firm extends beyond case management and she is regularly contributing to the firm’s policies and procedures. |
 | Taylor Farr Taylah Farr is a solicitor in OMB Solicitors’ Litigation team, assisting clients across a wide range of insurance litigation and civil dispute matters. Her practice includes medical negligence, motor vehicle claims, public liability claims, workplace injury matters, coronial inquests, and general civil litigation. She acts for both plaintiffs and defendants, managing matters from inception through to litigation and trial preparation. Before joining OMB Solicitors, Taylah gained valuable experience in barristers’ chambers and community legal services, working on matters across multiple jurisdictions and developing a nuanced understanding of diverse client needs. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from Bond University with specialisations in Legal Practice and Corporate and Commercial Law, a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, and is currently completing a Master of Laws. |
| Nicholas Rossi Commencing practise in 2018, Nicholas has gained experience across a range of commercial, business and succession law. He specialises in civil litigation and dispute resolution and thrives on the multifaceted and diverse range of matters that fall within this practice area.Acknowledged for his outstanding legal expertise and unwavering dedication to client outcomes, Nicholas has been named a finalist in the 2025 Australian Law Awards – Senior Associate of the Year. This prestigious honour reflects his exceptional performance, depth of legal knowledge, and growing influence as a leader within the legal profession. Nicholas’s contribution to complex matters across insolvency and estate law continues to set a benchmark for excellence and professionalism in the industry. |
| Joelene Nel Joelene practises as a family lawyer and a mediator on the Gold Coast, Queensland and is an Associate Director of McLaughlins Lawyers. Since 2015 Joelene has been an active committee member on the Gold Coast District Law Association, initially holding the position of Treasurer from 2015 -201. Joelene co-founded the GLAD mentoring program in 2016 and which she co-ordinates with fellow committee members. Joelene also contributes to the legal profession by volunteering at My Community Legal and the Women’s Legal Service Queensland . Joelene believes that your life in law is a marathon, not a sprint and that by working together we are better able to ensure we enjoy a meaningful career in law. Joelene’s weakness is chocolate! |
| Ben O'Brien Ben is a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland and the Federal and High Courts of Australia. Ben graduated from Bond University and was admitted to practice in 2015; he is experienced in all areas of commercial disputes including contracts, debt recovery, property and land, consumer law and building and construction. Ben has a particular passion for complex and technical disputes and for resolving such disputes in an efficient and cost-effective manner for the benefit of his clients. Outside of the law, you can find Ben at the beach. Ben is looking forward to supporting the Gold Coast legal community via the GCDLA and hopes to assist the profession by providing opportunities for growth, education and networking. |
| Casandra Laurie Casandra Laurie is a Senior Associate at Ramsden Lawyers, bringing over a decade of experience to the firm’s dedicated family law team. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland on 12 June 2020, following the completion of her Practical Legal Training. Her academic achievements reflect a strong foundation in legal knowledge and a commitment to excellence. Casandra’s commitment to family law is reflected in her experience and the outcomes achieved for clients. She has a keen interest in family law matters involving children and the best interests principles. Casandra also enjoys property matters, including divorce and de facto relationships. Casandra has extensive courtroom experience, having represented clients across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria in both state and Commonwealth jurisdictions. Her advocacy skills and hands-on approach ensure comprehensive support for her clients throughout their legal journey. |
