MEET THE TEAM
Your trusted advisors and legal experts located in the heart of Melbourne's north.
Neil Crosthwaite is a founding partner of the practice, having been admitted to legal practice in 1982. Neil is also a practising Notary Public and holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Commerce and Master of International Relations. International Relations is a topic of interest that Neil has pursued academically in more recent years, largely as an adjunct to his ongoing involvement in a long-established aid project within the Cambodian education system.
As for law, many of Neil’s clients have been with the firm for decades now, a source of pleasure and pride for Neil and the firm more generally.
Neil has overseen and driven many of the technological and cultural changes that the firm has seen in recent years, keen always for the firm’s personnel and clients to enjoy the benefits of the latest industry technology and innovation.
Neil’s practice revolves, predominantly, around property, estates and non-litigious commercial matters.
In recent years, Neil’s estate and wills practice has increased dramatically, due largely to Neil’s ability to achieve early and cost-effective outcomes for families as they contend with emotionally difficult issues arising out of the loss of a family member and the unfortunate conflict that often follows.
Neil's property practice involves management of the firm’s domestic property practice, commercial leasing and advising clients on joint ventures and major property development projects.
“We pride ourselves on our ability to provide personalised service for clients whilst always being conscious of and keen to work collaboratively for commercial clients with those in the client’s wider advisory team- accountants, surveyors, planners, financiers and consultants- seeking always to derive the optimal outcome for the client by drawing on and maximising the input of these various specialists.”
Chloe’s qualifications include a law degree with honours and a Bachelor of International Relations. However, Chloe combines her practical interests in the law with her interest in legal and academic research. A recent article written by Chloe as part of a research project with La Trobe University on indigenous legal and welfare issues will be published shortly, her first professional publication.
Chloe joined our firm in 2017 and, over time, has expanded her legal interests from property in the first instance to estate law and a wide variety of litigious and non-litigious commercial matters. Chloe carries on her practice with a genuine concern for her clients and with an eye always towards important community and social justice issues.
“I enjoy every aspect of helping our clients with their legal matters and being part of a team that delivers quality services.”
Jade joined our firm in 2021 and has developed her practice around property law, estates, wills, leasing and commercial disputes, particularly within the VCAT jurisdiction, calling on her prior experience working within VCAT.
Jade has a particular interest in commercial leasing and the sale of businesses and this represents a major portion of Jade’s practice, involving her in anything from convenience stores to major industrial operations. Jade also works closely with our conveyancing division and oversees all of our more complex Land Titles Office dealings such as the creation or variation of covenants, S173 Agreements and easements.
Josie Balassone, one of our Senior Property Law Clerk, is a licensed conveyancer and has been with our firm since 2001, enjoying over 30 years’ experience in the legal sector. Josie takes pride in acting for clients in all aspects of commercial and residential property transactions including purchases, sales and subdivisions.
Josie is an integral part of our property team and has extensive experience in acting for a broad range of clients ranging from first home buyers to developers and investors. Josie takes a caring and diligent approach to helping her clients with their property matters and always endeavours to be friendly and accessible. Josie provides pragmatic and timely advice to clients who know they can rely on her expertise which has been developed over many years of hands-on industry experience.
“I gain my greatest satisfaction when I complete the settlement of the sale of the last of the lots in a plan of subdivision. At that time, I reflect on how long a journey it may have been, commencing years earlier with the acquisition of land, dealing with the challenges of the planning system, working in with surveyors, compiling contracts and then, eventually, completing the settlements. At that time, I share feelings of relief and achievement with an appreciative and, quite often, exhausted developer client.”
Maria Mak is a Senior Property Law Clerk and has been with the firm since 1998. Maria has acted for thousands of clients over her 35 year plus career in the legal industry. Maria takes pride in working hard for clients to ensure that their purchase or sale of property runs smoothly from contract to settlement.
Maria is an integral part of our conveyancing and property law practice and has extensive experience in acting for a broad range of clients, these days focusing on and specialising in providing that extra level of service for her domestic conveyancing clients ranging from first home buyers to "retiring downsizers". Maria has a methodical and efficient approach to conveyancing and always strives to achieve the best possible outcomes for her clients. Maria has developed her expertise in property over her many years of industry practice and takes pride in maintaining a strong relationship with clients who have continued to return to her repeatedly over the years.
“I always enjoy my work and I love dealing with my clients. With many of them, I can’t even recall how many times I have acted for them. However, I gain the greatest satisfaction from being entrusted to work for those clients’ next generations and, not uncommonly, the generation after that. Being trusted by generations of that same family is enormously rewarding.”
Gail's role within our firm is split between the firm's probate practice and her role as practice manager. Gail has been with the firm for around 25 years. Her work in the legal industry has also included working in the intense and challenging world of immigration. The stresses involved, the compassion needed and the skills developed whilst working in the immigration sector have prepared Gail for her work in our estates' practice, an area of practice that Gail is passionate about and which also draws on her need for efficiency and, above all, a compassionate approach to our clients.
“My most satisfying moments come from helping families cope with the challenges that so often surround the death of a loved one. There is a real sense of accomplishment that comes from knowing I have contributed to eliminating a major source of stress for people during their most difficult times.”
Jonathan works as a law clerk and legal research assistant, collaborating with and supporting the lawyers within the office, typically providing them with up-to-date information on the most recent and significant changes in legislation and case law. His assistance to our lawyers on our most complex property and litigation cases is invaluable.
Upon graduating, with qualifications in law and journalism, Jonathan plans to develop a career in law, specialising perhaps in the growing field of sports law.
“I'm thoroughly enjoying learning from our enthusiastic team of lawyers. I'm making the most of the opportunity to assist them, often on our most interesting and challenging cases, drawing consistently on my research and drafting skills- key areas of overlap between law and journalism.”
