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 2025.

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.

PHOEBE COURTNEY

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

LLB; Grad Dip Legal Prac

Phoebe was admitted as a solicitor in 2017 and has practised almost exclusively in the family law sphere since then. She has represented clients in mediations, arbitrations and litigation across all areas of family law, including parenting disputes, property settlement matters, spouse maintenance issues, domestic violence proceedings and child support matters.

 As an Accredited Duty Solicitor, Phoebe regularly appeared in Magistrates Courts in relation to domestic violence matters.

 Since 2021, Phoebe has volunteered with the Women’s Legal Service and the Suncoast Community Legal Service. She appreciates access to justice remains an obstacle for many people facing family law issues.

 Phoebe’s empathetic and approachable nature help to develop rapport with clients, which engenders effective communication in relation to sensitive matters. She recognises that this is particularly important during what is often a stressful period in people’s lives.

 Phoebe is a member of the Family Law Practitioners’ Association, the Queensland Law Society and the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia.

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.

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ANDREA APPLETON

SOLICITOR

MWEP, BA LLB, Grad Dip Legal Prac, Grad Dip FDR

Andrea studied Arts/Law at the University of Queensland and the University of British Columbia before beginning her career in family law as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. A detour into publishing and crisis communications saw a change of direction before Andrea returned to family law and joined Naughton McCarthy as a paralegal. More recently Andrea has graduated to the solicitors’ ranks in the firm.

Andrea’s skillset is informed by the breadth of her experience beyond a legal office. She understands the imperatives of good communication, the art of de-escalation and the requirement for composure. Those insights make for an empathetic practitioner with real world experience.

PENELOPE LOVETT

SOLICITOR

LLB (Hons), Grad Dip Legal Prac

Penelope had been working in a northern NSW legal practice for three years before her admission in Sydney and joining Naughton McCarthy in August 2025. Over the last three years, she has developed as a willing and accomplished professional with durable contacts in the Northern Rivers, on the Tweed and Gold Coasts, and in Brisbane.

Penelope is an empathetic, thoughtful and composed communicator who brings coherent organisational skills and an eye for the granular detail to a problem. Her regional experience and mentorship have exposed her to a broad portfolio of parenting and financial matters; and, moreover, taught her the imperatives of customer service and the importance of contributions to her community. Beyond work, Penelope has been involved in the surf lifesaving movement since her teens and is a volunteer patrol captain with the Salt Surf Lifesaving Club near Kingscliff, NSW. She holds a Gold medallion, two Silvers in Aquatic Rescue and Beach Management, a Bronze medallion and numerous other certificates.

Penelope’s other interests include swimming - and reading for leisure in the company of her cat, Paddington.