Our Team

Jacob is the Principal of Jake McKinley and is known for his deep understanding of the law and his ability to navigate complex contracts, legal obligations, and litigation. Clients describe him as a strategic and commercially minded lawyer who is able to see both the legal and practical dimensions of a problem. Jacob advises individuals, business owners, and companies across a range of legal matters, with a particular focus on complex disputes, contractual issues, and matters where commercial risk must be carefully managed. He is well read, modern in his outlook, and brings a broader perspective through his interests outside the law. His approach is practical and strategic. He works with clients to prevent disputes where possible, but when litigation cannot be avoided he is a determined advocate who is focused on protecting his clients’ rights and achieving strong outcomes.

As Principal, Jacob continues to invest in the Jake McKinley team and in modern technology so that clients receive efficient, well supported legal services. He is committed to building a firm with a strong and collaborative culture, a balanced and energetic team, and a practice that delivers enduring value to clients through work the team is proud of. His vision is to build a firm that combines legal excellence with a modern, forward-thinking approach to the way legal services are delivered.

Joseph is a highly reliable and respected practitioner whose expertise in conveyancing is reflected in the consistent management of a high volume of sale and purchase matters. Balancing competing deadlines and complex transactions with precision, he maintains a steady focus on delivering outcomes efficiently while upholding a strong commitment to client satisfaction and the integrity of high-quality work.

Known within the workplace as both approachable and dependable, Joseph combines technical skill with excellent communication. He is a well-spoken professional who can comfortably engage with anyone, making him a natural point of contact for colleagues and clients alike. His ability to remain accessible, responsive and organised ensures matters progress smoothly, even in fast-paced environments.

Beyond his own workload, Joseph is a valued mentor who takes genuine interest in supporting the development of those around him. He is great at identifying strengths while offering constructive insights that encourage growth and improvement, contributing to a collaborative and supportive team culture.

Outside the office, Joseph’s energetic personality continues through his passion for physically demanding pursuits, including hiking, skiing and other athletic challenges. Equally defining is his generosity, he is someone who enjoys treating those close to him, reflecting a warm and giving nature that carries through both professionally and personally.

Dannielle joined Sydney Legal Advisers (SLA) in 2013 and was admitted as a solicitor in 2019. She proudly holds a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of New South Wales and a Juris Doctor from the University of Technology Sydney.

Her tenure at SLA spanned more than 10 years before Jake McKinley acquired the company. Her role as Partner at SLA carried over to Jake McKinley which is a great testament to the trust and respect she has earned amongst her colleagues and the industry.

Although her practice now centres mainly around wills and estates, she draws on experience in commercial law, property law and conveyancing to offer clients advice across different areas of law. Dannielle’s colleagues would describe her as energetic, trusting, funny and humble – qualities that make her a valued member of the team.

Outside the office, Dannielle enjoys nothing more than spending valuable time with her growing family. Her friends and family often debate whether her biscuit baking skills now outshine her legal skills, with some suggesting her kitchen should carry its own disclaimer.

Dannielle balances professional commitments with family life and approaches her work with a practical and measured perspective. Clients looking for a thoughtful adviser who understands the complexities of the law will find that they are in great hands with Dannielle as she brings knowledge and care to every matter she handles.

With 50 years as a solicitor under his belt, John has built deep expertise across Commercial Law, property, estate planning and probate. It’s no surprise he’s known as the go-to person for clear, practical advice – delivered with unwavering enthusiasm for the work. Calm under pressure and endlessly patient, his steady presence is something both colleagues and clients naturally rely on.

Since 1989, John has also served as a Public Notary and now holds the distinction of being the second-eldest Public Notary in NSW, a role he continues with professionalism and genuine pride. After hours, though, John swaps statutes for swings. A keen golfer, he regularly tells the team, “I’m going on a course,” prompting the same question every time: legal or golf? If you know John, you know it’s the latter.

Rodney is Special Counsel at Elderlaw Legal Services in Martin Place, Sydney. He joined Jake McKinley in 2017, building on a career spanning more than five decades advising clients across elder law, family law, personal injury, criminal matters, commercial disputes, business law and litigation.

He has been involved in elder law in Australia for decades, including developing and lecturing the first Australian university elective in elder law at the University of Western Sydney Law School in 1999 and 2000. He is the author of Elder Law in Australia (Butterworths LexisNexis), first published in 2004 with a second edition released in 2011.

Rodney has also been involved for decades in human rights work, with a focus on Indonesia and East Timor, including involvement in death penalty trials in both countries.

Rodney has held a range of governance and policy roles, including serving as Chair of the Law and Justice Committee of the Liberal Party (NSW) Division for two terms in the 1970s and 1980s, as a member of the governing board of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre in Sydney in the 1990s, and as a member of the Privacy Committee of NSW reporting to the NSW Attorney General’s Department from 1992 to 1995.

He also chaired the Elder Law Special Interest Group of the Australian Lawyers Alliance from 2004 to 2006. Since about 2012, Rodney has delivered more than 110 webinars and seminars to the legal profession and related organisations and has contributed submissions to government inquiries on elder law and elder abuse.

Tim has an undergraduate and post graduate degrees in both Commerce and Law from the University of NSW and the University of Melbourne and a postgraduate Diploma in Education from the University of Tasmania.

Prior to becoming a lawyer, Tim had a 23-year career as a senior high school teacher. For 9 of those years his role was as a Deputy Principal and Acting Principal in a range of large independent schools in the Sydney Region. Tim has been a lawyer for the past 30 years and during that period he was employed in the private sector by mid-tier firms as a Senior Associate specializing in maritime law, contracts, regulatory law, administrative law and wills and estate litigation. He was also employed in the public sector by the State and Commonwealth governments including the NSW Privacy Commission.

During that time, Tim acted as a solicitor-advocate for a Commonwealth Government regulatory agency in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the NSW Civil & Administrative Tribunal.

At Jake McKinley, Tim has the role of Special Counsel and concentrates on matters of commercial litigation in relation to contracts, leases, family provision claims, building and construction claims, insurance and disputes regarding aged care and guardianship.

Jackson is a true all-round solicitor in every sense. He carries a broad and demanding practice spanning probate, conveyancing, commercial matters and civil litigation. He is equally comfortable advising on running transactions, or getting into the detail of a dispute, which makes him a steady and reliable presence. His versatility is matched by a strong work ethic and a calm, considered approach, even when matters are moving quickly or stakes are high.

Outside the office, Jackson is a big fan of Chelsea Football Club, a devoted partner and father, and the owner of a mighty beard. In an age of increasing AI usage, Jackson is a proponent of human experience and plain common sense. If you are looking for someone capable, thoughtful and quietly impressive, Jackson is exactly that.

Estephen is the firm’s conveyancing specialist, with a clear focus on guiding matters from start to finish with care, efficiency, and close attention to detail. He works across each stage of the transaction with a practical and organised approach, helping clients navigate the process with confidence and ensuring matters continue to move forward.

He is known within the firm for his strong work ethic, reliability, and consistent commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for clients. Estephen approaches each matter with a positive attitude and a genuine willingness to assist, which has helped him build strong working relationships not only with clients, but also with real estate agents and practitioners on the other side of the transaction. His ability to communicate well with all parties involved is a valuable part of what makes the conveyancing process smoother and more efficient.

Estephen is also recognised for the energy and focus he brings to his work each day. He is known for his remarkably fast typing speed, which has become one of his trademark strengths in a busy practice. Combined with his attention to detail and disciplined approach, this helps him manage matters efficiently while maintaining a high standard of service.

Outside of work, Estephen has a strong interest in anime, which adds to the personality and enthusiasm he brings to the team. He is a valued member of the firm and an important part of delivering a professional and dependable conveyancing service to clients.

Hayden is a studious, talented and astute junior solicitor with a wide-ranging expertise in a variety of litigation matters. Having joined the firm in 2023 via the PLT program, Hayden has quickly developed into a skilful solicitor, who is adept at identifying problems for clients and providing timely and detailed advice. Hayden’s attention to detail, document management and problem solving all contribute to his professionalism and desire to assist clients.

Hayden is also a worldly character who, in his time with the firm, has already driven the whole way around Iceland and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. In his limited spare time, Hayden’s interests also include film (particularly independent film) and politics.

Peter is a solicitor known for his strong work ethic, enthusiasm and practical approach to the law. He works across family law, debt recovery, elder law and employment, and brings focus, care and energy to every matter he handles.

A true go-getter, Peter is deeply committed to his clients and takes pride in doing the work properly. He genuinely enjoys what he does, and his enthusiasm is evident in the way he approaches challenges and supports clients through often complex and sensitive issues.

Friendly and approachable, Peter is someone clients feel comfortable dealing with and colleagues value as a reliable and positive presence within the firm.

Nicole is in charge of Management, Legal and Accounting, and a key part of what keeps the firm running smoothly each day. With experience across both financial management and legal practice operations, she oversees trust accounting, compliance, and internal processes with care and precision. Her strong attention to detail ensures everything is handled properly and efficiently behind the scenes.

What truly sets Nicole apart, however, is the genuine care she brings to her work. She understands that the financial side of legal matters can sometimes feel confusing or overwhelming, and she makes a conscious effort to communicate clearly and patiently. Clients appreciate her approachable nature and the reassurance she provides when guiding them through processes.

Within the team, she is known for her reliability, steady presence, and friendly demeanour. Always willing to help and quick to offer support, she is someone both colleagues and clients feel comfortable turning to. Thoughtful, dependable, and down-to-earth, Nicole brings both professionalism and warmth to her role every day.

Georgette joined the firm in 2022 and plays a key role in supporting its day-to-day operations, team coordination, and overall workplace structure. Working closely with leadership, she has developed strong experience in organisational systems, workflow management, and team support.

She holds a background in political science and is currently completing her Bachelor of Psychology, with the goal of pursuing a career in organisational psychology. Her academic studies complement her practical experience, informing her interest in workplace behaviour, team dynamics, and performance.

Her strengths include organisation, process improvement, communication, and team coordination. Georgette is known for her ability to bring clarity to complex processes, support both staff and leadership, and contribute to a collaborative and high-performing workplace.

Georgette is also a Justice of the Peace in New South Wales, reflecting her commitment to professionalism and service within the community.

Dora has worked in the legal profession since 1985 and brings decades of experience across probate law, estate planning, family law and property law. Her work has focused principally on wills, powers of attorney, enduring guardianship matters, and probate and estate administration, where she is known for her practical approach, attention to detail and steady support of clients through important personal and legal decisions.

Over many years in practice, Dora has assisted clients with a wide range of matters, helping them understand legal processes and move forward with clarity and confidence. Her broad experience allows her to support both clients and practitioners across several areas of law, particularly where matters require care, organisation and clear communication.

Dora is also the first point of contact at the firm’s Hurstville office. In that role, she plays an important part in welcoming clients, assisting with enquiries and helping ensure matters are directed efficiently from the outset. Her approachable manner and strong knowledge of the firm’s services make her a valued first contact for many clients.

Dora also speaks, reads and writes Greek fluently, which allows her to assist Greek-speaking clients with ease and helps the firm provide clear and accessible service to a broader community.

George is a dedicated paralegal who works principally in wills and estates, assisting with matters involving estate planning, probate and estate administration. He brings a practical and reliable approach to his work and is known for being adaptable, dependable and ready to assist wherever needed. In addition to his main area of focus, George also supports the firm with conveyancing matters when required and assists with aspects of the firm’s marketing, making him a valuable contributor across several parts of the practice.

His approachable manner and practical mindset make him a go-to colleague, always willing to assist and support the team where needed. George is the backbone of the day-to-day operations of the Hurstville office, and his strong work ethic, reliability and readiness to step in help ensure the office runs smoothly and matters continue to progress efficiently.

Outside the office, George has a strong interest in sport, particularly soccer. He is a devoted supporter of Liverpool FC and is never far from the latest match discussion. Whether at work or following his team, George brings enthusiasm, loyalty and a strong sense of teamwork to all that he does.

Natasha joined the firm in 2025 as the welcoming face and first point of contact for clients. From day one, she brought a calm, friendly presence to the front of house, helping clients feel at ease while ensuring the office ran smoothly behind the scenes. Her natural professionalism and genuine care for people quickly made her an integral part of the team.

With a strong focus and an eye for detail, Natasha approaches every task with care and precision. She takes pride in getting things right and is known for spending the time needed to perfect her work. Her commitment to accuracy, together with her proactive attitude, led to her transition into the role of Legal Assistant. In this position, she supports solicitors across a wide range of matters, always striving to provide efficient, thorough assistance.

Natasha is deeply committed to her role and to the firm. Travelling around an hour and a half each way to work, she demonstrates a level of dedication that truly reflects her work ethic and passion for the legal industry. Despite the long commute, she consistently brings positive energy to the office and is someone colleagues can rely on.

Down to earth, approachable and easy to get along with, Natasha is a valued member of the team who continues to grow and develop her skills while maintaining the high standards she sets for herself and for those she supports.

Call Us 02 9232 8033

Jacob Carswell-Doherty

Joseph Fitzpatrick

Dannielle Henderson

John Fitzpatrick

Rodney Lewis AM

Tim Lloyd

Jackson McKinley

Estephen Gear Bugarin

Hayden Nelson

Peter Raykhman

Nicole Louvris

Georgette Hamilton

Dora Mouyiaris

George Mouyiaris

Natasha Nguyen