Principal
Accredited Specialist – Property Law
Property can present many complicated and sensitive legal issues, and Sam has built a reputation with his expertise, practical approach and friendly, personal service.
Sam’s clients range from large-scale property developers and financiers, to first home buyers and experienced investors. While their needs vary, he appreciates that each client’s matter represents something significant to each of them, be it a major investment or their first home.
From leasing and conveyancing transactions to development agreements and joint venture arrangements, Sam prides himself on providing thorough, reliable and effective advice. He also brings strong banking and finance experience, having acted for lenders and borrowers across a range of security and lending matters.
He is one of a small group of Victorian lawyers accredited by the Law Institute of Victoria as property law specialists.
Principal
As a Principal at Grindal Legal, Christine plays a vital role in leading the firm from the inside out. Deeply committed to the firm’s growth and internal culture, she mentors and supports Practice Leaders, lawyers, and paralegals across all legal disciplines, while actively contributing to both people and financial management.
Christine brings extensive knowledge and experience to the firm’s Private Clients practice. She is highly skilled in crafting comprehensive estate planning documents tailored to complex family dynamics, business operations, trust systems, and superannuation structures. Christine routinely guides Executors and Administrators through the intricacies of probate and estate administration and provides comprehensive advice on navigating stamp duty exemptions for trusts, superfunds, and deceased estates.
Recognised by clients and peers alike for her prompt, accessible service and her pragmatic yet empathetic approach, Christine has built lasting professional relationships throughout her career. Her reputation as a supportive leader was celebrated when she was named a finalist for Mentor of the Year at the 2025 Women in Law awards, reflecting her status as Grindal Legal’s trusted ‘People’s Principal.’
Practice Leader (Property)
Having co-founded a law firm earlier in his career, Simon brings valuable leadership experience to Grindal Legal. Simon has over 20 years of experience advising valued business and individual clients on a variety of property and commercial matters, including commercial and residential property transactions, commercial and retail leasing, property development, subdivisions, and the purchase and sale of businesses.
This experience is reflected in his current role at Grindal Legal, where he prides himself on being accessible, accountable, and refreshingly different. Simon is known for his approachable and down-to-earth attitude to work, with a genuine passion for mentoring staff. He manages clients personally and always believes in doing the right thing.
His hard work, friendly demeanour, lateral thinking and professionalism help foster the firm’s refreshing culture and strong client relationships. Outside of the office, Simon has a strong passion for fitness (F45 cardio classes), hiking and travelling to warm destinations.
Practice Leader (Private Clients)
Based in Grindal Legal’s Queensland office, she advises clients across both the Queensland and Victorian jurisdictions on estate planning, deceased estates, trusts, and property matters.
She provides strategic advice on complex estate planning issues, including structuring advice to protect client assets. Emily is experienced in reviewing and preparing trust deed variations, advising on trust related matters, and assisting clients with duty exemptions from the State Revenue Office in respect of the transfer of real estate held by trusts.
Emily’s meticulous attention to detail and client focused approach have earned her a strong reputation within the firm. As a respected mentor to junior staff, she is dedicated to fostering professional growth within the firm.
Passionate about delivering optimal outcomes, Emily is committed to ensuring her clients’ needs are met efficiently and effectively, and her proactive, client focused approach has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor in the field.
Outside the office, Emily enjoys spending time at the beach with her family.
Associate
With over five years at Grindal Legal and admission as a legal practitioner in early 2022, Alecxander is focused on complex conveyancing, leasing, and general property matters, complemented by continued experience in banking and finance, including private lending and mortgage recovery.
Alecxander is known for his strategic, results-focused approach and genuine client-focused service. His approachable manner enables him to build strong working relationships with clients, colleagues, and industry contacts throughout Australia, underpinned by clear communication and practical advice throughout each matter.
Alecxander remains committed to mentoring junior staff, sharing his knowledge to help them build the skills and confidence to thrive, and fostering a supportive team environment focused on professional growth and high standards of service.
With broad experience across banking and finance, property, and leasing matters, Alecxander is a trusted and approachable advisor, dedicated to his clients.
Associate
After completing a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce, Sandra has developed extensive experience across a diverse range of legal matters, including property transactions, project development, estate planning, and trusts.
Her analytical skills enable her to navigate complex legal frameworks effectively while ensuring her clients receive clear and practical advice that are tailored to their needs.
With a background in client service and a passion for technology, Sandra leverages innovative tools and solutions to enhance client experience. Her ability to integrate technology with legal practice allows her to streamline processes and provide clients with seamless and effective legal support.
Sandra is driven by a strong sense of integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients. She takes pride in providing strategic, results-focused legal advice and is dedicated to guiding clients through complex legal processes with confidence and clarity.
Senior Conveyancer
Perry’s extensive experience in the industry, spanning over 15 years, has allowed him to broaden his skill set and acquire an in-depth knowledge of conveyancing transactions, including residential, commercial and off-the-plan transactions.
Perry’s exposure to the property and legal profession commenced in Perth. In 2016, Perry made the transition to Melbourne where he gained further experience in the profession working extensively as an in-house Conveyancer for a private property developer.
Perry is proud to have been an early adopter of electronic Conveyancing and looks forward to continuing to embrace the evolution of Conveyancing and working with industry leaders to ensure he and Grindal Legal are providing the most efficient and highest quality results for all our clients. Perry thrives on engaging with a diverse range of clients and employing a proactive approach with each transaction to ensure that his clients have a stress-free and hassle-free experience.
Outside of the office, Perry has a strong passion for golf, cricket and AFL, and enjoys spending time with his partner down on the Peninsula.
Paralegal
Alicia commenced her legal career with Grindal Legal in 2022 as an Administrative Assistant. In this role, she provided support across a broad range of administrative functions before being appointed as a Paralegal. She now works closely with the Wills and Estates team and provides additional assistance in Victorian property matters.
Alicia recently graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), bringing a strong academic foundation to her legal career. Her problem-solving abilities, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to continuous learning have contributed to her professional development at Grindal Legal. She values working in a supportive and collaborative environment and remains dedicated to expanding her expertise across various areas of legal practice under the guidance of her colleagues.
Paralegal
Renee is a dedicated paralegal with experience in Conveyancing and Wills and Estates across Queensland and Victoria. She supports clients through every stage of their property transactions and estate planning matters with professionalism, empathy, and attention to detail.
Currently studying a Bachelor of Laws at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Renee is passionate about expanding her legal knowledge and applying it to achieve practical, client-focused outcomes.
She particularly enjoys helping clients navigate complex legal processes with confidence and ease, ensuring they feel supported and informed every step of the way.
Paralegal
Paralegal
Paralegal
Head of Operations
Ashleigh brings over a decade of legal industry experience to her role as Head of Operations at Grindal Legal. Having built a strong foundation in property and conveyancing, she now leads the firm’s practice operations, driving process improvements across all practice areas and overseeing operational and financial performance.
Ashleigh is also invested in learning and development, building programs and performance plans that support the team’s growth. She also works closely with leadership to keep these initiatives aligned with the firm’s strategic goals, helping the team build on their strengths and keep moving forward.
Senior Administrator
Behind the scenes at Grindal Legal, Amber keeps the firm’s people, systems, and processes running smoothly. With long-standing responsibility for day-to-day operations, she supports the team across all practice areas so the legal team can focus on what they do best.
Amber has a strong focus on continuous improvement, always looking for better ways to streamline processes as the firm grows. She is passionate about building a positive, inclusive workplace culture and works closely with the team to make Grindal Legal a supportive and rewarding place to work.
HR Advisor
Office Administrator
Practice Leader (Banking and Finance)
Admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2017, Matt is a senior legal and operational leader specialising in banking, property, and technology-enabled legal services. He leverages his technical expertise and systems insight to deliver scalable, commercially focused outcomes.
Throughout his career, Matt has worked extensively with customer-owned, private, and non-bank lenders across Australia, advising on and overseeing a broad range of residential, commercial, construction, SMSF, and specialist lending matters, including large-scale development, refinance facilities, and complex multi-loan restructures.
As Practice Leader, Matt oversees teams across legal and operational functions, guiding the delivery of high-volume lending and settlement matters within tightly regulated frameworks. He is focused on aligning people, process, and performance to ensure matters are executed efficiently, accurately, and with clear accountability.
Matt works closely with lenders to streamline processes, strengthen risk management, and modernise legal delivery through improved workflows, structured reporting, and thoughtful integration of technology.
Associate
Leon is a Banking and Finance Lawyer with experience in advising private clients and large corporations on complex financial matters. He is known for his commercial judgment, attention to detail, and practical approach to problem-solving.
Leon is a strong advocate for modernising the legal sector, with a particular interest in how AI and automation can improve efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and deliver better outcomes for clients. He actively looks for ways to integrate technology into legal practice without compromising on rigour or quality.
Outside of work, Leon has a strong interest in cars and maintains a disciplined approach to fitness, drawing the same precision and focus into both.
Client Relationship & Operations Manager
With over 20 years of experience in the banking and finance industry, Mel is committed to delivering exceptional service and building strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and business partners. Mel has developed a strong reputation for achieving outstanding results in fast-paced environments while maintaining a strong focus on efficiency, accuracy, and client satisfaction.
Mel is passionate about identifying opportunities to improve and streamline processes to ensure seamless and reliable outcomes for all parties involved. As Client Relationship and Operations Manager, Mel shifts her focus towards driving new opportunities, fostering long-term client partnerships, and contributing to the continued growth and success of the firm.
A strong believer in collaboration, she enjoys mentoring, training, and supporting team members to reach their full potential. She takes pride in motivating and inspiring those around her to exceed expectations, creating a positive and high-performing culture that delivers exceptional results for clients and stakeholders alike.
Team Manager
With over 15 years of experience in the banking and finance industry, Andrea plays a vital role in overseeing the settlements team and managing mortgage files from start to finish, consistently ensuring client expectations are met with efficiency and accuracy.
Thriving in a fast-paced environment, Andrea confidently leads her team through a high volume of settlements across discharges and new loans on a daily basis. Her expertise in end-to-end mortgage settlements, including document verification, fund calculations, and completing both paper and PEXA settlements, highlights her strong attention to detail and dedicated work ethic.
Andrea excels in stakeholder management, delivering high-quality legal services and building strong client relationships with a proactive, can-do attitude. Passionate about leadership and collaboration, she is a dedicated mentor focused on staff development, and plays an active role in driving process improvements to enhance team performance.
Team Manager
With 15 years of experience in finance, Bonnie brings a broad range of experience across private lending, construction finance, complex funding structures, risk mitigation and funds management. With a keen eye for detail, Bonnie has acquired the great life skill of reading the white instead of the black.
She believes great outcomes are built on great relationships. Trust, transparency and open communication are central to how she works, and she values building long-term relationships based on integrity and mutual respect.
Bonnie is passionate about doing great work and delivering thoughtful, commercially sound outcomes for clients, investors and partners. Bonnie takes pride in bringing a high level of care and professionalism to every engagement, while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical practices and doing business the right way.
In her spare time, just kidding, she has kids.
Paralegal
Property can present many complicated and sensitive legal issues, and Sam has built a reputation with his expertise, practical approach and friendly, personal service.
Sam’s clients range from large-scale property developers and financiers, to first home buyers and experienced investors. While their needs vary, he appreciates that each client’s matter represents something significant to each of them, be it a major investment or their first home.
From leasing and conveyancing transactions to development agreements and joint venture arrangements, Sam prides himself on providing thorough, reliable and effective advice. He is one of a small group of Victorian lawyers accredited by the Law Institute of Victoria as property law specialists.
As Principal, leading the firm’s Wills and Estates practice, Christine has extensive experience in succession law. She takes pride in helping her clients navigate the estate planning process with tailored and thorough advice. Christine’s practice includes preparing the client’s Will in the context of their family circumstances, business, trust and superannuation structures to ensure their wishes are reflected appropriately. Christine is also committed to guiding Executors and Administrators seamlessly through all elements of the deceased estate administration process.
Christine is respected for providing practical and sound advice regarding stamp duty exemption applications relating to trusts, superfunds and deceased estates. She has broad experience in all aspects of property law including leasing, subdivisions, partitions and adverse possession applications allowing her to support the firm’s Property practice.
Irrespective of the brief, Christine is passionate about providing prompt and accessible service and achieving the desired results for her clients. Christine’s ability to form strong client relationships is attributable to her sensitive yet pragmatic approach which is admired by her peers and clients. Christine also plays a significant part in mentoring and developing the firm’s lawyers, a role that brings her much satisfaction and enjoyment.