ERIC TAN (LLB)
DIRECTOR
Eric graduated from the University of Western Australia. He moved into a partnership with Geoffrey Hayles in 2000 and is now the managing director of the company.
Eric manages the commercial department of Robertson Hayles. He practices in the areas of property law including leasing and the sale and purchase of real estate, commercial law including advice on business structures, trusts and the sale and purchase of businesses, estate planning and estate litigation.
He is interested in issues relating to affordability and accessability of the law to members of the public. Eric believes that professionals have a responsibility towards the betterment of their community and undertakes significant pro bono work like most other lawyers at Robertson Hayles.
Eric is a Board member of the Citizens Advice Bureau. He is also the honorary legal advisor to the Bible Society of WA Inc, Drug ARM WA Inc, Teen Challenge WA Inc, the Baptist Union of Western Australia Inc and Sonshine Radio.
Eric also takes an interest in the issues affecting small businesses and is a City Committee member of the Local Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Perth.
KEVIN DE SOUZA (LLB Hons)
DIRECTOR
Kevin graduated from the National University of Singapore in 1986 and was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore in 1990.
In 1992, Kevin joined the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Hong Kong for two years as an appeals lawyer representing asylum seekers. After running his own firm in Singapore, Kevin moved to Perth in 2003 and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia and registered to practise in the Federal Court of Australia. He joined Robertson Hayles in February 2008.
Kevin believes that the law should be accessible to all and is a Board member of Case for Refugees, a non-government organisation providing legal assistance to asylum seekers and refugees in Western Australia.
ROBIN TAPPER (BA, BJuris (Hons), BD (Hons), LLB)
CONSULTANT
Robin has been with Robertson Hayles since October 2007 and now consults with the firm as an accredited mediator and in collaborative legal processes. Robin is also a lecturer at the University of Western Australia where she teaches units in property law, legal procedure and negotiation and mediation.
Robin has worked in private practice as a partner in a small city firm. She has also gained a first class honours degree in divinity and became an Anglican parish priest - in other roles, she has been a hospital chaplain, a spiritual director and a seminar leader in biblical studies and spirituality.
Prior to joining Robertson Hayles, Robin returned to the legal world and spent four years working with the Legal Practitioners Complaints Committee.
Robin is Chair of the Board for the Youth Legal Service of WA; member of the Advisory Board for the Law School at the University of Notre Dame, Australia; member of the WA State Executive of LEADR Association of Dispute Resolvers; member of the Law Society of WA; member, Family Law Practitioners Association of WA; member, Collaborative Professionals of WA; Anglican priest licensed to the Archbishop of Perth.
LINDA CAO (LLB, BPsych, BA)
CONSULTANT
Linda practices exclusively in Family Law and has special interests in alternate dispute resolution and access to the law. Linda graduated from Murdoch University School of Law in 2001 and has worked within Family Law ever since. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Linda worked first as a school teacher then after completion of a Bachelor of Psychology degree, as a school psychologist.
Linda joined Robertson Hayles in June 2010 after practising independently as a lawyer for about four years. Before this, she practised in two other select boutique law firms; one of which specialised in complex children issues and the other in high end property settlement. Linda also works occasionally under contract as a national legal adviser for the Family Relationships Advice Line.
In 2009 Linda was nominated and shortlisted for the State Attorney General’s Community Lawyer Award. Linda is a member of the Family Law Practitioners Association, Women Lawyers of Western Australia and the Law Society of Western Australia.
JULIA POLKINGHORNE (LLB, BA)
ASSOCIATE
Julia studied law at the University of Western Australia with a focus on family law, international law and litigation. Whilst studying, she gained valuable experience in family law as a barrister’s assistant at Garnsworthy Chambers and a vacation clerk at the District and Federal Courts. Julia commenced her Articled Clerkship at Vincent Partners and continued her training in the areas of family law and criminal law. Julia also gained experience in litigation generally and completed the Young Lawyer’s Advocacy Course conducted by the Law Society in 2006.
Julia joined Robertson Hayles in September 2008. Julia’s current areas of practice are family law, criminal law, restraining orders and litigation. She has been a member of the Law Society of Western Australia since 2005 and is also a member of the Women Lawyer’s Association of Western Australia.
GEMMA KEYSTONE (LLB)
SOLICITOR
Gemma completed her Bachelor of Laws at the University Waikato and was admitted to the High Court of New Zealand in 2008. She has worked in New Zealand as a Community Projects Liaison before moving to Perth in July 2008. Gemma was admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2008.
Gemma has worked with Legal Aid WA and was employed in a small family law firm before moving to Robertson Hayles. She is currently working in our family law and estate law division.
MAURICE OTERI (Juris Doctor (JD), MBA IntBus)
SOLICITOR
Maurice has accumulated a wealth of small to medium sized business experience over the last 25 years ready to share with his clients. He has maintained links with his interest in commercial property and is able to laterally solve any issue or problem faced cost effectively; in fact, Maurice invites you to contact him for an obligation and cost free discussion before you enter into any contracts or negotiations of any value. He believes that being proactive is the key to successful business and avoiding future disputes - prevention is better than cure!
Maurice joined Robertson Hayles in July 2010 and works in our commercial and property division.
VERITY BATEMAN (LLB, BA)
ARTICLED CLERK
Verity started with Robertson Hayles as a final year Law student at Murdoch University, studying a double degree in Law and Politics & International Studies. Verity now works in our family law and estate law division.
ELEANOR PULLELLA
SENIOR PARALEGAL
Eleanor joined Robertson Hayles in October 2007 and brings with her considerable experience in Civil litigation, personal injury claims, Wills, Powers of Attorney and Probate matters, as well as in the area of Conciliation conferences, particularly pertaining to Conciliation and Review – Work Cover.
Eleanor speaks fluent Italian.
CLAIRE BATEMAN
FINANCE MANAGER
Claire has worked with Robertson Hayles as an assistant file manager and has a five year background in banking. She has now taken on the role as Finance Manager for the firm.
GLENIS HARRIS
SETTLEMENT CLERK
Glenis joined Robertson Hayles Lawyers in 2005. She has had over twenty years experience in the legal field and is an invaluable member of our staff, managing our Conveyancing Department.
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