Our People

David Griffiths – Principal Solicitor

bega@dglegal.com.au

David has practised as a Solicitor in the Bega Valley for 30 years. He graduated from the University of New South Wales with degrees in Commerce and Law and also holds a Masters degree in Taxation. He made his “sea change” in 1982, leaving his position in a large Sydney commercial firm to take up practice with well established local firm ‘Trench, Warby and Parbery’.

David has extensive experience in all areas of general legal practice including conveyancing, family law, motor vehicle and employment insurance matters, wills, probate and court appearances. David is available for appointments in our Bega, Merimbula & Eden offices

Anna O’Connell – Solicitor

anna.oconnell@dglegal.com.au

Anna has been with the firm since 2007 and completed her Law Degree through Macquarie University, graduating with honours.  Anna completed a Masters degree, majoring in family law, in 2015.  Anna is available for appointments in our Bega and Merimbula offices.

Esther Colson – Solicitor

esther.colson@dglegal.com.au

Esther was born and educated in the Bega Valley. Esther holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Master in Laws (Legal Practice). After working full time as a legal officer for the Department of Immigration & Citizenship in Canberra, Esther returned to the Far South Coast to begin working in a private practice. Esther holds experience in many areas of general practice. Esther is available for appointments in our Bega, Merimbula & Eden offices.

Clare Grebert - Paralegal and Justice of the Peace

clare.grebert@dglegal.com.au

Clare grew up in Canberra where she worked in the legal industry for over 15 years. Since moving to the Bega Valley and joining our team Clare has assisted in family law matters including financial, parenting and Binding Financial Agreements. Clare is currently studying law at the University of New England and hopes to practice in Family Law once she graduates.

Amanda Westerlaken – Licensed Conveyancer & Justice of the Peace

amanda.westerlaken@dglegal.com.au

Amanda holds a Diploma in Teaching, a Graduate Diploma in Law and is a Licensed Conveyancer. Amanda is also a Justice of the Peace. Amanda has been working in the area since 1991 and specialises in conveyancing. Amanda formerly worked in conveyancing and general law with legal firms in Canberra. Amanda can be contacted at our Merimbula office.

Hannah Newell – Licensed Conveyancer & Justice of the Peace

hannah.newell@dglegal.com.au

Hannah was educated in the Bega Valley and has worked predominantly in the conveyancing and property field since joining our team in 2016. Hannah is a Licensed Conveyancer and a Justice of the Peace, and can be contacted in our Bega office.

Caitlin Johnson – Licensed Conveyancer & Justice of the Peace

caitlin.johnson@dglegal.com.au

Caitlin was born and raised in Bega and completed her education in the valley. Caitlin has worked for a short time in conveyancing and completed her studies with Macquaie University in 2022. Caitlin is a licensed conveyancer and can mostly be contacted in our Bega office.

Ashley Severs – Legal Secretary & Justice of the Peace

ashley.severs@dglegal.com.au

Ashley was born and educated in the Bega Valley. Ashley mainly works in the Probate & Wills field and is also a Justice of the Peace. Ashley can be contacted at the Eden office.

Kate Ahearn - Legal Secretary

kate.ahearn@dglegal.com.au

Kate was educated in the Bega Valley. Kate mainly works in the Litigation field and be contacted at our Bega office.

Carmel Barrett – Legal Secretary

carmel.barrett@dglegal.com.au

Carmel was born and educated in the Bega Valley and has been working as a paralegal in the Bega Valley area for over 40 years. Carmel mainly works in the Conveyancing field and can be contacted at our Merimbula office.