Our People

Geraldine Djm5688 03

GERALDINE O’CONNELL

B.A   LL.B   F.D.R.P

MANAGING SOLICITOR & DIRECTOR
  • Geraldine O’Connell graduated from Melbourne University in 1978 with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts.
  • Since that time she has also qualified as a Collaborative Law Practitioner, a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (F.D.R.P), Registered Arbitrator and a Mediator.
  • Experienced family lawyer.
  • Geraldine is also well qualified in Estate matters including Family Provision Claims.
  • Before moving to East Gippsland in 2016, Geraldine was the Principal of her own firm in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs for 35 years, where she gained valuable experience in many areas of the Law including Commercial Law, Common Law and Equine Law.
  • She has raised six children and has been involved in equestrian activities, theatre and most recently a keen member of the Bairnsdale Rowing Club.

Accreditations & Memberships:

1) Member of the Law Institute of Victoria
2) Member of the Resolution Institute
3) Member of the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators

Member of the Law Institute of Victoria          Aiflam Logo RegisteredarbitratorMember of the Resolution Institute

Peter Engel 235x300

  PETER ENGEL

   LL.B.

   CONSULTANT
  • Born and raised in Bairnsdale where his father had practised law since 1932,
  • Peter obtained his Law Degree from ANU and commenced in partnership with his father in 1965.
  • Peter has over the years, developed strong and important relationships with many clients in several areas of Law.
  • Lately Peter has concentrated on Wills and Estate Planning, Property Law, Small Business issues and Elder Law- Aged Care Law.
  • Peter has enjoyed his long career assisting the local community. He has been involved in Apex, Bairnsdale Racing Club, Bairnsdale Golf Club, Clifton Waters Village, President of 754 School Council, Ski Club of East Gippsland and East Gippsland Football Tribunal.

 

Thumbnail Margaret Djm5699MARGARET HORLOCK

LL.B

SOLICITOR

Margaret grew up in Hobart, Tasmania. She obtained her law degree later in life from Deakin University in Melbourne after having worked in law since leaving school. She brings a wealth of lived experience to her practice and has practiced in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland

Margaret’s main areas of practice are:

  • Business and Company law – advising in relation to and preparation of a range of commercial agreements;
  • Commercial and Retail leasing – advising both Landlords and Tenants of their respective rights and obligations and preparation of lease documents;
  • Estate Planning – advising in relation to and preparation of wills (including complex wills and testamentary trusts) and powers of attorney;
  • Deceased estates – advising in relation to and management of deceased estates;
  • Family/Business Succession Planning – advising in relation to, preparation of documents and implementation of an agreed plan.

Margaret prides herself on her ability to communicate effectively with clients and other advisors and to assist clients to navigate their way through the legal process in a timely and cost-effective manner.

 

IRIS FISHERIris Djm5654 03

Estates Clerk & Assistant to Geraldine O’Connell

Ïris has a strong background in providing administrative assistance commencing her working career in an accounting office, transitioning to a number of legal firms as a paralegal. Iris is also experienced in Court transcribing and the building industry

We are delighted to have Iris as a valuable part of the Engels team and as Assistant to our Director Geraldine O’Connell.

 

 

 

  JAYDE WALDENJade Djm5664 03

   SENIOR CONVEYANCER

  • Jayde has been at Engel & Partners since early 2019 and is currently undertaking her advanced diploma in Conveyancing with the National Business Institute.
  • Jayde has previous work experience in Banking, Finance, Personal and home lending, as well as banking management and holds her Certificate IV in financial services.
  • With over 7 years of conveyancing and finance experience, this along with her local knowledge and strong interest in the property market enables Jayde to provide our clients with extensive advice in Contract law, including commercial and residential sales and purchasers.
  • Jayde has an approachable nature and has the ability to communicate simply with our clients to ensure they have a strong understanding of their property matter.
  • Jayde enjoys spending time with her family, especially her children, and spends her spare time renovating her current property with her husband.

 

APRIL MCDONALD

CONVEYANCING CLERK                 Screenshot 20230712 133944 Gmail

April started working as a conveyancing assistant at a local law firm in 2020, and is soon to start her studies in conveyancing and contract law.

April has also previously worked for the East Gippsland Shire Council in Customer Service & the Planning Department.

April’s experience in conveyancing and knowledge of the local Council particularly property planning and customer service, ensures that she provides our clients with knowledgeable and friendly advice in Contract law.

In her spare time, she is involved with a local football & netball club and loves spending time with her two boys, friends & rather large family.

 

TAMARA SPROULE

Tamara Djm5625 03RECEPTIONIST/ADMIN              

Tamara is a vital cog in the smooth running of Engel & Partners.

Her lovely presence makes it a warm & comfortable environment for clients with upcoming appointments or queries over the phone or via email.

Tamara has over 10 years experience within administration complimented by a certificate III in Business.

In Tamara’s spare time she enjoys cake decorating, sewing & knitting.