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 – Jessekah Forrest
Jessekah is a Lawyer who was admitted to practice in May 2019. Jessekah graduated school at Margaret River High before relocating to New South Wales. During her time in New South Wales, Jessekah gained the following experience:
- providing legal advice on all land and native title dealings relating to major capital works,
- leading the review of government policies across planning, management, regulation and corporate governance,
- providing legal immigration advice to some of Australia’s largest multinational companies, and
- litigation experience working in large scale criminal prosecutions.
Since returning home to Margaret River, Jessekah works in commercial litigation, advising on all property and business matters relating to her clients commercial and personal pursuits.
Jessekah is an ocean enthusiast, balancing her role as a lawyer with her love of surfing.
Solicitor – Sharna Booth
Sharna comes to us from Perth, but after living in Busselton for 5 years she knew the South West held a special place for her.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Laws in 2018, her young family meant that patience was needed to undertake this study part-time, and then take the scenic route during her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice; finally being admitted to practice in September 2021.
Previously working with the Major Fraud Squad assisting with their evidence disclosure processes, and then learning from prosecutors at the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions as a paralegal, Sharna comes to us with a varied background in legal support.
Moving to Cowaramup in 2022, she commences a graduate junior lawyer position with Peter May McAuliffe Legal to put her learning into practice.
Excited to delve into many facets of law – she loves the challenge of learning something new and the work/life balance that Peter May McAuliffe Legal offers.
If she’s not in the office she’s spending time with her twin boys and husband, enjoying crisp morning walks with her dog Charlie, sampling food and wine around the region or down at the local yoga studio.
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.