Meet Our Team

LEISA TOOMEY
DIRECTOR

Leisa Toomey is a voice of authority in Family Law, providing high-quality one-on-one service to each of her valued clients. Admitted as a Solicitor in 1998, she became a Qld Law Society Accredited Family Law Specialist in 2003, has been a Qld Law Society Mediator since 2004, and an Independent Children’s Lawyer since 2005.

Leisa also holds memberships with Qld Law Society, Sunshine Coast Law Association, Law Council of Australia, Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia (FLS) and Family Law Practitioners Association of Queensland.

A partner at Schultz Toomey O’Brien Lawyers from 2000 to 2014, Leisa stayed on at the firm as Head of the Qld Family Law Department, following its sale to Slater & Gordon. In December 2016 she began a three-year break, before being called back to this dynamic and purposeful arena.

Her desire to help clients by designing clear blueprints for solutions to complex family and high-value property settlements encouraged her to start Toomey Family Law in February 2020. Uniting a dedicated team committed to providing empathetic and pragmatic results, has allowed the firm to provide personalised, trusted advice and timely action that enables clients to focus on positively building their futures.

Emma is a dedicated family lawyer who brings together legal expertise and genuine empathy to guide individuals and families through some of life’s most challenging transitions. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma in Practical Legal Training, and is admitted to practice in both the Supreme Court of Queensland and the  High Court of Australia.

For Emma, qualifications are more than milestones—they’re instruments of service. She uses her knowledge and experience to help clients move forward with dignity, clarity, and confidence. Her strengths lie in complex property settlements, family dispute resolution, and post-separation parenting arrangements. Calm and clear-headed, she offers steady support in emotionally and financially demanding situations.

Emma is a committed member of the legal community, actively participating in the  Family Law Practitioners Association (FLPA), Queensland Law Society (QLS, and the  Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia (FLS). She also serves on the committee board of the Sunshine Coast Law Association and has volunteered her time with the  Sunshine Coast Community Legal Service.

Returning to Toomey Family Law feels like a natural fit for Emma. Having previously worked alongside Leisa and several team members at Schultz Toomey O’Brien Lawyers (2015–2017), she is thrilled to reunite with a team that shares her values and commitment to achieving the best outcomes for every client.

Wendy Faithfull
Practice Manager

Wendy is unreservedly dedicated to Toomey Family Law, which is evident in every element of her work. With more than three decades of experience handling legal communications, research, scheduling and general Frontline Management, her client’s experience remains front and centre.

This wealth of experience began in Bundaberg, where, straight out of high school, Wendy took a job with a local law firm before the commencement of her university course. Enjoying the position so much, Wendy chose to forego her original field of study and make her career in the legal field.

The trusted affiliation between Wendy and Leisa, stems from the 20-plus years of service they’ve experienced together in multiple law firms across the Sunshine Coast. This is a dynamic duo to be reckoned with!

As Practice Manager, Wendy is certified as a Commissioner for Declaration. She is also responsible for the smooth functioning and cohesiveness of the Toomey Family Law team, and the holistic legal settlements they make possible.

ERIKA GILES
Paralegal

Originally from Kingaroy, Erika moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2012. With prior experience in Conveyancing and Family Law, she secured a role at Schultz Toomey O’Brien Lawyers working under Leisa Toomey. After a period specialising in Wills & Estates at another firm, Erika’s passion for helping families through challenging times led her back to Family Law—and back to working alongside Leisa and the team at Toomey Family Law.

As a Paralegal, Erika supports clients through their legal journeys with care and efficiency, ensuring administrative and legal obligations are met with minimal stress and clear communication.

Erika has completed her Diploma of Business and is a qualified Justice of the Peace. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Criminology and Psychology, and is already applying the skills and theories she’s learning to better support and understand the needs of clients.

Outside of work and study, Erika enjoys quality time with her husband and three children and keeping connected with friends.

Kate is a skilled family lawyer with a particular interest in complex property settlement matters. Admitted to practise in both the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia, Kate brings a strategic and commercially focused approach to family law, offering tailored advice that helps clients navigate separation with clarity and confidence.

Kate is a strong advocate who appears regularly in mediations and before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. While Kate encourages early and amicable resolution wherever possible, she is equally effective in litigation when required to protect her clients’ interests.

Clients value Kate’s ability to balance strong advocacy with empathy and sound judgment. She offers calm, practical guidance during what is often a highly emotional time, empowering her clients to make informed, forward-looking decisions. Her approach is measured, solutions-focused, and grounded in a deep understanding of both the legal and personal complexities that family law matters involve.

Having previously worked with Leisa and several members of the team at Schultz Toomey O’Brien Lawyers (2011 – 2017), Kate is pleased to return to a firm that reflects her values and commitment to achieving practical, client-focused outcomes. She is a member of the Family Law Practitioners Association (FLPA), the Queensland Law Society (QLS), and the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia (FLS).

Francesca Choppin
Junior Paralegal

Originally from New Zealand, Francesca became interested in working in the legal field during her time as a receptionist for another Law Firm. Here, she learnt the insides of the legal industry and completed a Certificate 3 in Business Administration.

Working for Toomey Family Law, she is excited to extend her learnings and knowledge with our close and very experienced team.

Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym, reading and spending quality time with her friends.

KATEY CHAMBERS
Paralegal

Born and raised on the Sunshine Coast, Katey has worked as a Legal Assistant in both Property Law and Family Law, including five years at Leisa’s previous firm, Schultz Toomey O’Brien Lawyers.

A mum of two boys, Katey is currently also studying a Bachelor of Laws and has a Diploma in Legal Services, a Commissioner for Declarations Licence and Certificate II in Business Administration.

Katey is attracted to Family Law at our firm due to her desire to help people when they need it the most.

“I love being able to work with a supportive, extremely knowledgeable and empowering team.”

When she isn’t working or studying, Katey loves getting out and going on adventures with her family, whether it be spotting wildlife, climbing mountains, chasing waterfalls or going to the beach.

JENNA RYAN
Lawyer

Jenna found her passion for law in her final years of secondary school, completing Legal Studies and introductory university courses.

In 2023, Jenna graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast with a Bachelor of Laws and received the Student Leadership Award as recognition for her contributions through co-curricular activities, particularly with the UniSC Law Students Association.

Jenna joined Toomey Family Law in September 2023 before obtaining a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and being admitted to the Queensland Supreme Court and High Court of Australia in June 2024.

Jenna is drawn to family law due to the meaningful impact a family lawyer can have on the lives of clients going through what is often the most challenging time they will ever experience.

Jenna is a member of the Family Law Practitioners Association (FLPA), Queensland Law Society (QLS), Sunshine Coast Law Association (SCLA) and the University of the Sunshine Coast Law Students Association (USCLSA).

TANNAH McCAUL
Junior Legal/Admin Assistant

Hailing from Gympie, Tannah Mccaul moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2023 to be closer to her family. Joining Toomey Family Law appealed to her due to their shared values, prompting her shift from hospitality to a unique role as a junior legal/admin assistant. This change marked a significant point, recognizing the potential for advancement and knowledge within the legal field. 

Driven by commitment and a thirst for growth, she looks forward to tackling new challenges and contributing to a profession aiding individuals in overcoming hurdles.

In her free time, she values family moments, BBQs, and bonding with her Cavalier puppy, Rosie. Together, they enjoy spontaneous adventures exploring waterfalls, beaches, and rock pools, ending weekends with treats for Rosie and cosy snuggles.