Meet our Expert Team
Directors
Laura Nightingale
DIRECTOR | PRINCIPAL LAWYER
LLB, BSSC(Crim), GradDipLP, AdvDipps(Pol.Inv),
Dip Pol.
Laura has over 20 years experience working in the criminal justice system as a former Detective Senior Sergeant in the NSW Police Force and now as a lawyer admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland. Laura started Nightingale Law as she felt compelled to create a platform where she could advocate for her clients and make a tangible difference in their lives.
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Laura is a strong legal advocate and is passionate about fighting for justice and protecting the rights of her clients. Laura has experience investigating serious criminal offences such as murder, rape, robberies, and assaults, providing her with extensive knowledge of police investigations and methodologies. This knowledge and her ability to scrutinise evidence and police charges is an asset to her clients.
Laura is passionate about working with victims of domestic violence. Laura previously sat on the National Domestic Violence Panel as a Legal Consultant and has made it her mission to advocate for those who are most vulnerable. As a frontline police officer, Laura has witnessed the devastating effects domestic violence has on families and the community.
Laura provides her clients with a dedicated and compassionate approach when litigating these matters and helping them to navigate the legal system. -
Laura also represents clients in parenting matters, property settlements and divorce proceedings. Laura has successfully appeared in Interim Hearings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia against experienced barristers. Laura is a collaborative and trauma informed advocate, who is dedicated to guiding her clients through difficult and emotional situations.
She is very passionate about keeping client’s matters out of the court system, hence saving them from lengthy proceedings and the expense of unnecessary legal costs. -
Laura has extensive experience, appearing in the Magistrates, Children’s, District, Supreme and Federal Circuit and Family Courts of Australia. Laura is dedicated to providing her clients with the highest level of legal representation in a variety of practice areas, while always keeping their best interests in mind.
Whether you are facing a complex legal issue or simply needing guidance on a legal matter, Laura and her team are here to help.
Lawyers
Lachlan Evans
Lawyer
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LLB, GradDipLP
Prior to becoming a lawyer, Lachlan had a successful and diverse career as a business owner, operating hospitality businesses in the specialty coffee and café industry in Melbourne.
Lachlan has also been an owner and operator of an e-commerce businesses, including retail and large wholesale enterprises. -
Due to his experience in the business and commercial sector, Lachlan brings a wealth of knowledge to the firm regarding asset protection and commercial transactions. Lachlan has a deep understating of business structures, intellectual property law, business purchases and sales, contracts, and supply agreements, as well as all areas of property law and civil litigation.
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Lachlan is based in Brisbane and provides flexible and comprehensive legal advice to clients between Brisbane and Gympie inclusive. Lachlan currently works predominantly in the areas of commercial litigation, conveyancing and family law and is looking forward to expanding his practice areas in the near future. Lachlan has a refined ability to advocate for his client’s ensuring they receive the best possible outcome in their legal challenges.
Lachlan has exceptional legal knowledge and analytical skills that enable him to navigate complex legal issues effectively. His clients appreciate his dedication, clear communication, and strategic approach where he consistently goes above and beyond when looking after their interests. -
Outside of legal practice, Lachlan enjoys spending time with his young family, exploring the Sunshine Coast beaches.
You will often find Lachlan enjoying his down time with family and friends in and around the trendy Brisbane restaurants where he enjoys supporting local businesses.
Katie Paterson
Lawyer
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LLB, GradDipLP
Katie is a highly respected criminal defence solicitor based in Maroochydore, with extensive experience representing clients across a broad spectrum of criminal cases. With a deep commitment to justice, Katie provides strong, strategic legal representation for individuals facing charges ranging from minor offences to the most serious criminal charges.
Having worked on numerous cases in both Magistrates and District Courts, as well as instructing in the Supreme Court, Katie understands the complexities of the Queensland legal system and is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for each client.
Known for her clear communication and meticulous attention to detail, Katie ensures that clients fully understand their rights and options every step of the way. -
Katie has worked primarily in criminal law since commencing her legal career in 2019. She strongly believes everyone deserves a fair go in the justice system and goes above and beyond to achieve the best outcome for her clients.
In addition to her own files, Katie is also an accredited Duty Lawyer, regularly appearing before the Maroochydore, Noosa, Nambour and Caloundra Magistrates Court.Alongside criminal justice, Katie is passionate about mental health care and child protection matters and is an accredited practitioner before the Mental Health Review Tribunal.
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Katie is committed to providing vigorous defence and supporting clients through their challenging times with strong advocacy and negotiating skills.
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Life outside the courtroom for Katie is all about keeping things balanced, healthy, and full of laughter. Whether she’s at the gym weight training, visiting the family farm, exploring new locations at the Coast or being the fun aunt, she’s always out embracing new challenges and finding joy in the little moments.
jason lander
Lawyer
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LLB, Grad Dip LP
Prior to being admitted as a solicitor, Jason worked in federal administrative law while undertaking his studies. This experience helped him develop a strong interest. in providing access to justice for the wider community.
Throughout his studies, Jason was exposed to multiple areas of law, including family law, criminal law, domestic violence, wills and estates, administrative law, conveyancing, and commercial law.
In 2024, Jason was awarded honorary life membership by the University of Southern Queensland Law Society (USQLS) in recognition of his contributions to the growth of the USQLS—an achievement that reflects his strong ethos of service
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Jason has worked continuously in family law for the past four years. He advocates for members of the community who need a voice and require legal representation, both in and out of court.
Whether through negotiations, mediation, or court proceedings, Jason’s approach to resolving legal disputes is centred on clear communication, genuine understanding, and a strong appreciation of the law.
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Jason’s experience and dedication are the result of over seven years in the legal industry. He draws upon his background in supporting colleagues, managing his own files, and advising clients in various roles over the years.
Jason’s approach to serving clients is to always listen first and speak later. This simple yet effective method removes unnecessary jargon and helps simplify complex matters.
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When Jason is out of the office, he makes it a priority to spend time with his family while raising his two children. He enjoys watching the NFL from time to time and can often be found driving along the coast listening to Noosa FM—one of the few stations that consistently plays blues and jazz music.
Paralegals & Admin
Michael Osborne
Paralegal
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BSc PGDipSc.
Michael became a valuable addition to our firm in July 2023, following the retirement of his previous employer. Possessing exceptional legal knowledge, Michael consistently demonstrates his dedication by delving into case law and legislation to uncover solutions when faced with challenging questions. He embodies the ideal qualities of a Paralegal, seamlessly managing multiple matters simultaneously while maintaining comprehensive knowledge of all their legal intricacies.
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Michael exhibits an unparalleled commitment to detail and has a profound understanding of criminal law. Michael has meticulous research skills and an in depth understanding of criminal law, enabling him to provide invaluable support to solicitors and clients alike. Whether it’s analysing evidence, preparing legal documents, or assisting in trial preparations, Michael’s attention to detail is second to none. Michael is compassionate and has a client centred approach, offering our clients with an initial point of contact where their questions or concerns are promptly attended to.
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Michael began his working life in the area of science, having completed a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Along with our Principal, Michael is an active and proud member of the Sunshine Coast Law Association trivia night winning team, 2 years in a row. Away from the office, Michael enjoys spending time with his cat Kirra where he is a proud and loyal servant to her needs.
emma Walker
Executive Assistant I Paralegal
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B.Ed, Dip Prac Mgt.
Emma studied Bachelor of Education with the University of the Sunshine Coast, however her passion for working within the medical and legal field lead her to complete her studies for Diploma of Practice Management. Her drive and dedication to fulfil her studies ultimately resulted in her winning the Excellence Award in 2014.
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Emma has a wealth of knowledge and experience as a Practice Manager, where in her previous role she managed a medical allied health specialist centre in Gympie for over 10 years.
Emma as the Office Manager is a valued member of the Nightingale Law firm where she brings her extensive experience and in-depth knowledge both professionally and personally. Emma’s honesty, compassion, integrity, and empathy for others makes her the perfect addition to our ever-growing firm. -
Emma was raised on a cattle property in the Mary Valley and is a proud local of the Gympie community where she completed her school studies at St Patrick’s College Gympie.
Emma has been involved in many local charities and events including but not limited to, being the first competitor in the Gympie Music Muster Talent Search Competition 2004 to sing on Main Stage, crowned Miss Junior Showgirl 2003 and later, Miss Charity 2005.
Outside the office, Emma enjoys spending time with her family, tending to her horses, singing, playing her multiple musical instruments, painting, hiking, attending local Basketball games and cooking for her loved ones.
Edgar Choy
Paralegal
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Edgar Choy is a second-year law student at Queensland University of Technology with a strong background in education and sports. Over the past seven years, he has worked as a teacher and regional water polo coach, committed to supporting young people in both academic and athletic development.the Excellence Award in 2014.
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Edgar intends to practice in the areas of family law, wills and estates, and property
law. He is passionate about using his legal knowledge to support individuals and families through life’s key transitions, with a focus on accessibility, empathy, and community service.
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Edgar was born in Hong Kong and has lived between the United States and Australia, bringing a diverse and global perspective to his work. He has called the Sunshine Coast home for the past seven years. Fluent in three languages, Edgar values connection across cultures and enjoys spending his time with family, staying active, and practising martial arts.
Let us aid you in your legal battle.
expert experience
Our team have a wealth of collective experience in different areas of law. This diversity of skills and knowledge allows us to approach legal issues with multidimensional perspectives that generate innovative solutions for our clients.
Dedicated Team
At Nightingale Law, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the legal system with clarity and ease. Our team of experienced lawyers strives to provide unparalleled support and guidance to ensure that our clients' goals are met.
cost transparency
We pride ourselves on providing comprehensive, value-added legal services that meet the highest standards of excellence. Having strong communication skills and promoting transparency in legal costs is essential for building trust and maintaining positive relationships with our clients.