MEET THE COUNSEL YOU KEEP: OUR EXPERIENCED TEAM

Argon Law is a commercial law firm, based in Maroochydore servicing the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, the hinterland and surrounds.

Our vision is to deliver outstanding quality at a reasonable cost and always, to delight our clients. We aim to be the counsel you keep.

We dedicate ourselves to these values:

  • We will work hard for our clients, provide superior legal services on a timely, effective, and efficient basis, and maintain the highest standards of professional integrity. We treat our clients' business as though it is our own.
  • We actively promote our clients and look for ways to grow the value of their businesses and improve their lives.
  • For our firm, we will foster an enjoyable working environment, based on open communication and mutual respect, and will encourage initiative, innovation, teamwork, and loyalty.
  • For our community, we will continue our long tradition of service and leadership.

John Gallagher

Director

LLB (UQ), GradCert (Applied Finance)

Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

Board member of UDIA’s Sunshine Coast Institute’s regional Branch Committee

John Gallagher is the director and founder of Argon Law.  He has extensive experience in commercial and property law as well as wills and estate planning.

A highly qualified lawyer with more than 30 years' experience, John is motivated by helping clients to achieve commercially beneficial, tax effective and efficient outcomes which give them both certainty and legal protection.  His clients include both business owners and private clients as well as local authorities primarily across the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and the hinterland.

John’s focus is on strong client relationships. He wants to service clients that value his input in major business decisions and transactions.

John actively promotes his clients and looks for ways to grow the value of their businesses and improve their lives.

Feel confident in contacting John today to discuss your matter in confidence.

Shaun Briffa

Senior Associate | Commercial & Property Law

BA Law (Second Class Honours) and Commerce (Distinction), Post Graduate Diploma Legal Practice

Shaun has more than 13 years legal experience in property, development and commercial law, acting for a broad range of clients from developers, small businesses, shopping centre owners, management rights owners to private individuals. Since first graduating from Deakin University with a Bachelor or Law and Commerce in 2010 and being admitted as a Solicitor in Queensland in 2011, Shaun has developed a keen interest in assisting clients with titling, sale and leasing of developments including commercial land and buildings, waterfront, residential and rural land.

Shaun brings to Argon Law a strong knowledge in developments, strata titling, body corporate disputes and management rights, commercial and retail leases, joint venture and shareholder agreements, lending, reverse mortgages, sale and purchase of businesses, retirement villages and manufactured homes. Shaun also has extensive experience in drafting and reviewing contracts for the sale and purchase of residential, rural and commercial properties including off the plan property and units, marina berths and body corporate agreements.

Argon Law's Director, John Gallagher, said that with so much activity in the Sunshine Coast property market "the timing couldn't be better" for Shaun to join the Argon Law team:

“It is wonderful that our clients will benefit from Shaun’s broad legal expertise, namely in body corporate and management matters, leasing, and general commercial matters such as business sales and purchases.”

Shaun felt it was the perfect career move to work with such an accomplished, experienced, and recognised team of lawyers and business advisers.

“With so many people re-evaluating their lives and buying businesses or property on the Sunshine Coast, I’m glad to be working with a firm like Argon Law that has a great team and the right infrastructure.”

Hear from Shaun and why he loves working at Argon Law.

On the weekend, Shaun can be found outdoors working on his property, fishing or getting away camping and four-wheel driving with his family.

Click here to connect with Shaun on LinkedIn.

Barb Koper

Conveyancing Paralegal

Barb has worked in the Property Law industry for the past six years.  She commenced her legal career as a Conveyancing Assistant with a local firm and within 6 months was offered a position to manage all of their conveyancing files.

Her legal career includes legal administration, residential and commercial conveyancing, planning and development, litigation, wills and estates and accounts.

Barb not only has extensive knowledge in Property Management and Finance but has also worked at a large tendering company in the Commercial Construction industry and also Government Housing Corporations.

With a passion for property and architecture she has found her career in the Property Law industry very rewarding and utilises this knowledge to go above and beyond when she assists clients with these essential services.

Click here to watch Barb talk about why she loves working at Argon Law.

Kylie Farrelly

Practice Manager

Kylie Farrelly has been working in the law industry for more than 13 years as a legal assistant and paralegal and is now leading our team here at Argon Law as Practice Manager.

Kylie’s legal career has included legal administration in commercial leasing, wills and estates, and litigation with several boutique firms on the Sunshine Coast.  She has a can-do attitude, no job is too big or small, and she completes each transaction with precision.

Kylie has lived on the Sunshine Coast her entire life and is a busy mum of two. She has just settled into her new farm life in North Arm and, if she isn’t mowing the lawns, she is managing her son’s rugby team or taking her daughter to netball.

With her entrepreneurial flair and creativity, she has broadened her skills by establishing a small family distillery with her husband whose family has been growing sugar cane locally since 1912.

Lindy Richardson

Paralegal

Lindy Richardson brings a wealth of experience from her extensive legal background to her role at Argon Law.

With over fourteen years of experience as a legal secretary and paralegal, she has worked across various areas of law.

Recently, Lindy has focused primarily on Wills and Estates as well as Commercial Law, making her a valuable addition to the Argon Law team. Her presence has already had a positive impact on our clients, as she provides them with the highest level of service at every step of their legal proceedings.

Lindy consistently demonstrates a friendly and approachable attitude, along with a strong commitment to excellence. She handles challenges with ease, and we are delighted to have her as part of the Argon Law team.

Lindy and her husband have been residents of the Sunshine Coast for the past seventeen years, where they enjoy camping trips, walks, and spending time at the local beaches.

Rachel Crook

Marketing, Communications & Business Development Manager

BBus - Marketing (Distinction)

Rachel is an accomplished marketing leader known for her professionalism and friendliness. She specialises in crafting effective marketing strategies and prioritising client satisfaction in every interaction.

In her role as the Marketing, Communications & Business Development Manager at Argon Law, Rachel is entrusted with driving growth, maintaining a positive brand image, and establishing industry engagement.

She brings to Argon Law close to 15 years’ senior management experience leading the marketing and communications department of several global yacht sales companies and yacht manufacturers. Here she launched several companies and associated websites, established, and implemented marketing strategies and grew databases through highly successful marketing campaigns - now she transfers her skills to the law industry.

When she’s not looking for ways to improve ROI, you’ll find her surfing, doing yoga or mountain biking with her family.

Connect with Rachel for any collaboration or marketing opportunities, she’d love to hear from you.

Nanae Yoshiwara

Senior Associate | Litigation & Dispute Resolution

BA (English and American Literature), LLB (ANU), GDLP (ANU) | Languages: Japanese, English

With 18 years of extensive legal experience across New South Wales, the ACT and internationally, Nanae Yoshiwara is a seasoned professional whose legal acumen has been honed through her impressive career. Admitted to the Roll of Legal Practitioners of the Supreme Court of the ACT since April 21, 2006, she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to excellence in every facet of her practice.

Nanae is driven by a commitment to uphold the dignity and rights of all clients, ranging from global corporations to individual litigants. Her areas of expertise include litigation and dispute resolution, employment law, commercial and business law, and migration law. Her seven-year tenure as a registered foreign lawyer in a global law firm in Hong Kong has enriched her legal expertise, enabling her to navigate complex legal landscapes and understand the intricate cultural nuances that influence international legal practices and risk management.

Fluent in Japanese and English, Nanae brings unique insights into international legal practices and an ability to effectively manage cross-border risks. Her forward-looking approach to legal practice and adaptability in diverse settings are hallmarks of her professional journey.

Outside of the office, Nanae has a passion for music, which complements her dynamic approach to law and life. Her dedication to delivering personalised and high-quality legal services makes her a valued member of our team.

Hana Tong

Solicitor | Employment Law, Litigation & Dispute Resolution

LLB (Honours), LLM | Languages: Mandarin, English

Born in Asia and raised across Europe and the USA, Hana Tong brings a uniquely global perspective to her practice, aptly describing herself as a "soup with plenty of flavours." This rich cultural tapestry not only shapes her personal worldview but informs her professional approach, allowing her to navigate diverse legal systems with ease.

Admitted as a solicitor after an impressive academic journey, Hana has garnered extensive experience across a variety of legal fields including employment law, property law, commercial law, immigration, and civil litigation. This broad exposure enables her to fully understand her clients’ cases from multiple angles and devise strategies that ensure the best possible outcomes.

When she's not handling privacy law, redrafting policies or assisting employers with their legal matters, Hana enjoys keeping active, writing poetry and fiction, as well as visiting zoos and learning about the interesting variety of animal species here in Queensland - especially the venomous ones!

 

Lisa Williams

Paralegal

Lisa Williams brings a robust blend of experience to Argon Law with 20 years in administration, including a decade in legal secretary and paralegal roles. She embarked on her legal career at the age of 17 as a Legal Trainee and has demonstrated remarkable adaptability across various areas of law.

In her current role, Lisa specialises in commercial, property law, and mergers and acquisitions. She is known for her close work with high-profile clients, where her friendly and approachable personality shines. Her colleagues and clients alike value her for being highly organised, hardworking, and extraordinarily detail-oriented—qualities that make her a crucial support pillar within the team.

Having recently relocated to the Sunshine Coast with her partner, Lisa is eager to immerse herself in the local culture. She looks forward to exploring the beaches, hinterland, and enjoying the vibrant local dining scene. Lisa's deep-rooted dedication to her professional role, combined with her zest for community engagement, makes her a standout member of our legal team.

Liam Aughterson

Paralegal

Liam Aughterson brings several years of rich experience in the legal field, navigating through diverse areas such as litigation and dispute resolution, commercial and business law, and legal policy. His work spans both the private and public sectors, where he has built a reputation for providing strong and reliable assistance to clients, solicitors, and government bodies alike.

Recently, Liam completed his Bachelor of Laws and is currently undertaking his Postgraduate legal training. He is on track to be admitted as a solicitor before the Supreme Court in 2025. His commitment to his professional growth is matched by his dedication to client service, where he takes a meticulous and proactive approach to ensure each matter is handled with the utmost professionalism.

Outside of his legal pursuits, Liam is an avid football player and enjoys staying active. He loves to explore the stunning landscapes of Queensland, travel, and spend quality time with friends and family. Liam’s energetic approach to both his professional and personal life makes him a valued member of our team and a reliable point of contact for our clients.