About
Principal – Mark McAuliffe
Mark holds bachelor degrees in Jurisprudence, Law and Science (Viticulture and Oenology). He was admitted to practice as a solicitor in 1981.
From 1981 to 1989 Mark was with the firm of Downing & Downing. He then went on to establish McAuliffe & Associates as a commercial and litigation firm.
In 2008, Mark left St Georges Terrace in Perth to set up McAuliffe Legal in Margaret River and Busselton. In 2019, Mark acquired Peter May Commercial Lawyers, and operates the merged firms as Peter May McAuliffe Legal.
Mark specialised as a litigation lawyer for the first half of his career. Over the last 20 years, Mark has primarily been involved in a range of matters, including commercial and property transactions, farming transfers and agreements, building, construction, finance, banking documentation, estate planning, wills, and estate administration. Mark accepts appointments as executor of estates. In litigation, Mark manages complex litigation in the Supreme and District Courts, the State Administrative Tribunal, and a number of speciality commercial tribunals.
Mark and his wife own their own vineyard in Margaret River, and consequently he has a good understanding of the wine industry. He has extensive experience in wine law, in particular in relation to vineyard and winery contracts, supply, distribution and bottling agreements, and liquor licensing.
Mark has extensive commercial experience in the setting up and operation of public companies. Mark has held numerous director and chairman roles on public and private boards. He is a past president of the not-for-profit South West Autism Network, advises many local and charitable community organisations, and is an adviser to the European based Di Memorial Trust, funding needy causes throughout the world.
Solicitor – Amelia Englert
Amelia holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and was admitted as a lawyer in 2006.
After the completion of her degree, Amelia worked at the Shire of Augusta Margaret River as a legal and planning officer for 10 years in which she gained extensive experience in planning law matters including planning compliance and State Administrative Tribunal proceedings. Amelia was also involved in specialised local government projects involving strategic planning and policy drafting.
Apart from being specialised in planning law, Amelia also has an interest in family law, estate planning, commercial law and building and construction disputes.
Since joining McAuliffe Legal in 2016, Amelia has practised in a range of matters including litigation relating to family law, building disputes, neighbour disputes and debt recovery. Amelia has experience in the drafting of commercial tenancy documents, wills and other estate planning documents.
As a Margaret River resident for 23 years, Amelia understands the issues and needs of clients within the South West area and is able to provide attentive service on a range of legal matters.
Amelia is a member of the Law Society of Western Australia and is Deputy Chair of the Law Society’s Country Practitioners Committee. As a member of this Committee, Amelia works towards ensuring that residents in rural and regional areas in Western Australia are provided with sufficient access to justice and legal representation. Amelia is also interested in pro bono work and has been involved with the State Administrative Tribunal pro bono scheme.
Solicitor – Jessekah Forrest
Jessekah is a Junior Lawyer who was admitted to practice in May 2019. Jessekah Graduated school at Margaret River High before relocating to the East Coast of Australia. During this time, Jessekah worked in local government providing legal advice on all land and native title dealings relating to major capital works for the region. Jessekah led the review of government policies across planning, management, regulation and corporate governance.
Prior to this, Jessekah worked with some of Australia’s largest multinational companies proving legal immigration advice to assist with the relocation of global talent to Australia. At the beginning of her legal career Jessekah gained considerable litigation experience working with some of Australia’s leading Barristers in large scale criminal prosecutions.
Since returning home to Margaret River Jessekah has gained experience across commercial litigation, commercial leasing, franchise advice, farm leasing, strata title, liquor licencing and personal injury matters.
Jessekah strives for excellence in every project she undertakes, she understands the importance of work life balance and maintains an active healthy lifestyle outside the work environment. Jessekah is an ocean enthusiast, balancing her role as a lawyer with her love of surfing, creative writing and yoga.
Legal Secretary – Kayrene Parker
Kayrene Parker is an experienced legal secretary with over 17 years’ experience. Kayrene has worked in the South West Region of Western Australia for many years, initially working with Wylie & Associates in Margaret River. In 2008 Kayrene joined Peter May Commercial Lawyers as a Legal Secretary, Administrator and Settlement Agent. Kayrene started with McAuliffe Legal in 2019 when we acquired Peter May Commercial Lawyers.
Kayrene brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to all property settlements including sub-divisions, strata title matters, and dealings with local government authorities. Kayrene has a straightforward and easy-going manner that her clients appreciate.
Outside of work Kayrene enjoys being outside, keeping active and enjoys spending time with her dog Poppy.
Legal Secretary – Michelle Lagerwey
Michelle has worked as a para-legal/legal secretary/office manager since 1987, working for Minter Ellison (formerly Northmore Hale Davy & Leake) in Perth. Michelle moved to Busselton in June 1993 commencing work with Beere May & Meyer who, after several name changes, have become Peter May McAuliffe Legal. She is married with an adult son.
Michelle has extensive knowledge of all workings of a legal office, including accounting practices and has also run her own commercial cleaning business for the past 16 years.
Michelle undertakes a range of administrative and para-legal roles including Probate, Estate Administration and Litigation Support.
Outside of work, Michelle likes to cycle, read and spend time with her extended family, all of whom reside in Busselton.
Admin & Accounts – Sue Brandreth
Sue began her career working in the banking sector before moving into the legal sector. Sue brings a wealth of prior experience in accounting and office administration roles obtained in private practice. Sue has lived in the South West Region for over 21 years managing all aspects of legal firms accounting administration and secretarial work, both at an operational and reporting level. Sue also has skills in word processing, management and business systems and performs a range of duties in these areas that provide for the effective operation of the firm’s accounting management function.
Sue is a dedicated mother and member of the local community in Margaret River, who approaches all clients in an easy going, transparent manner. Sue balances her working career with her love of the outdoors, music, the beach and gardening. Sue is a dedicated worker who commits herself to the values of our firm.