Our team
Our team
Meet the people who will support your case
Blair McNamara
Principal Lawyer | LLB(Hons) Bbus, Dip Fin Serv
Blair has worked as an international insurance broker, a private practice lawyer in commercial litigation, in-house counsel in insurance and banking and with a focus on property and building matters.
His areas of expertise include:
- Director, trustee and professional liability claims of all types and industry sectors including in building, financial and technology matters.
- Commercial legal work including legal advice that is practical, simple, focuses on the issues at hand and is akin to that of inhouse counsel in ensuring quick, efficient and value focused advice. Blair has a particular expertise in drafting professional service retainers and client contract terms in building, financial and technology sectors.
- Insurance advice of the highest level. Blair spent many years working for brokers Marsh, Aon, IFS and Honan and has a strong knowledge of insurance and highly regarded both in Australia and internationally for financial lines classes.
Those that know Blair will know that he prides himself on achieving results. He has forged a reputation in the insurance and legal sectors as a disciplined advocate, persistent negotiator and insurance guru for claim disputes.
Outside work Blair loves nothing more than spending time with his children, following soccer, hitting the beach in Torquay with the kids, and bike riding.
Bree Shapter
Bree joined the team at Torquay Lawyers following her time working as a generalist lawyer in private practice where she gained a broad range of expertise.
Her areas of expertise and interest include:
- Property Law
- Wills & Estate Planning
- Estate Administration
- Family Law including separation and divorce, property settlement, parenting arrangements, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia proceedings.
Bree’s journey into law began after gaining valuable experience in healthcare. Bree’s background allows her to approach legal matters with a unique perspective, emphasising empathy and a comprehensive understanding of her client’s needs.
Outside of work, Bree is a passionate Collingwood supporter who enjoys staying active and spending time with her loved ones.
Paula McNamara
Practice Manager | BSc, Dip GIS
Paula joined our team during the last financial year in the practice manager role. As the Practice Manager she is responsible for the day to day operations and will be working behind the scenes to ensure the practice runs efficiently and productively.
Paula is a mum to three children that keep her busy outside of work hours. Paula also enjoys visiting the beach with their dog Lulu and doing workout classes most days.
Book a consultation today and discover what sets us apart
Katy has worked at Brockhill & Usherwood since 2020 as both a paralegal and now as a qualified lawyer.
Katy has experience in commercial legal work and litigation and she has a focus on:
- Advice, contract drafting and litigation to businesses including in relation to:
- All areas of employment law;
- Professional liability for all professionals (with a focus on financial professionals). Katy also has substantial experience with building professionals;
- Insurance law.
Katy has had success in investigating corporate, estate and trust disputes where detailed investigations are required. This includes locating and tracing funds, fraudulent transactions, potential whistleblowing, regulatory investigations and piecing together complex factual issues to establish a legal case.
Outside of work, Katy enjoys nothing more than staying active and can often be found running or in the gym.