Energy. Expertise. Accessibility.
Naughton McCarthy is highly respected and trusted by judges, barristers and local and interstate family law colleagues and are the "go to" firm for many colleagues in different fields. Our professional staff provide thought leadership through the delivery of seminar papers and membership of key professional committees.
JAMES NAUGHTON
DIRECTOR
BEcon LLB M App Law (Family Law)
James is an experienced litigator with more than 25 years’ experience and has expertise in conducting negotiations, mediation and litigation in all major areas of family law including property settlements, spouse maintenance, prenuptial and nuptial agreements, Part VIIIAB (de facto) relationship agreements and settlements, parenting and child support matters.
He is known as a trusted advisor and fearless advocate. His meticulous preparation means he thrives in resolving complex matters where there is significant uncertainty of outcome and where he can negotiate for the best result or deftly navigate complex litigation.
Doyle’s Guide has repeatedly recognised James, including as a “Recommended” family lawyer in Brisbane in 2026.
KIERAN MCCARTHY
DIRECTOR
BA (Hons) LLB
Kieran has practiced Family Law for more than 25 years and has been an Accredited Family Law Specialist since 2001. He has a well established reputation for providing expert and empathetic advice to become a trusted advisor to his clients. He is focused on working towards a resolution before litigation. Kieran is recognised by his peers as a “Leading” family lawyer and Recommended High Value and Complex Property Matter lawyer in the most recent Doyle’s Guide.
Kieran counts some of his most rewarding experiences as those coming from assisting people to resolve issues that have international complexities, such as the treatment of overseas trusts. He has acted for clients in and from overseas jurisdictions including the UK, New Zealand, The Philippines, India, PNG, Thailand and the UAE.
His legal formation in regional Queensland has also given him a special interest in matters involving rural property disputes. Other areas of interest include injunctions and other interim relief.
Outside of family law, Kieran also sits on one of Queensland’s major not-for-profit boards and leads military history tours to the Australian battlefields of France and Belgium. He is an established speaker regarding the First and Second World Wars on the after-dinner circuit.
DEVIKA MUKHERJI
ASSOCIATE
Juris Doctor GradDipLP
Devika holds a Juris Doctor Degree from Monash University and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law. She has worked in the legal industry since 2022 and began practising as a lawyer in 2023.
She has experience in complex parenting and property matters, representing clients in court proceedings and mediations. Her background also includes volunteering with community legal services, tutoring university students and completing a placement at the Monash University Legal Clinic, where she was selected as one of a small group of students.
Devika recognises that family law matters can be challenging and often arise during periods of significant change. She brings resilience, resourcefulness and a strong work ethic to her practice, taking the time to understand each client’s circumstances and priorities. She is committed to providing clear, considered advice and practical solutions tailored to her clients’ needs.
RACHEL LI
ASSOCIATE
LLB (Hons), Grad Dip Legal Prac, BBusMan
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Business Management (majoring in Business Economics) from the University of Queensland and has worked exclusively in family law since 2022.
Rachel has experience working on a broad range of family law matters including high-net worth property settlements involving complex corporate and trust structures, complex parenting matters involving allegations of risk, de facto matters, third party matters and binding financial agreements.
Rachel is an empathetic practitioner and aims to help clients achieve the best possible outcome so that they can move forward with their lives. Rachel is results oriented and provides clients with clear and pragmatic advice so that they can make informed decisions and resolve their matters efficiently.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys reading novels, doing group fitness classes and trying new cafes and restaurants.
SAMUEL PATCHETT
ASSOCIATE
LLB, Grad Dip Legal Prac
Sam is a dedicated family lawyer commencing his career in 2018.
Sam brings a strategic mindset to every matter, aiming to bring effective communication and meeting clients' objectives with bespoke and creative solutions.
Known for his energetic advocacy and approach to family law, Sam has a particular keenness for property settlements for high net worth individuals and complex care arrangements. With a deep understanding of both early stages of dispute resolution and necessary litigation pathways, Sam is well-versed in navigating the difficulties clients face within family law to achieve the best possible outcomes for them.
Sam is a regular volunteer at women’s charity, 4Voices, where he has provided pro bono advice on domestic violence, parenting and property related matters.
Outside of practice, Sam is an avid reader and greatly enjoys experiencing the thrills of life; from water rafting, skiing, parapenting and sky diving.
SUPPORT TEAM
The support team is led by our Practice Manager Kendall Cardwell; Accounts Manager Lisa Di Bella, and with Ruth, Alyson, Chloe and Charlotte providing direct support to our lawyers. They too are an experienced, professional team who bring efficiency and empathy to dealing with your matter.