Meet the Team

Andrea Hohn is an experienced legal professional with a distinguished career in the legal services industry in Toowoomba, spanning over three decades.

Since beginning her career in 1988, Andrea has developed a deep knowledge of the law, broad legal experience and a strong commitment to achieving the best outcomes for her clients.

After being admitted to practice in 2010, Andrea accepted a partnership at the Toowoomba law firm Connollys Lawyers, where she later became the sole Director and owner. In 2017, she joined CLO Lawyers following the merger of the two firms, applying her extensive expertise and dedication to achieve client-focused legal solutions.

As a Nationally Accredited Mediator (AMDRAS), Andrea assists disputing parties by facilitating discussions, identifying key issues, and exploring viable alternatives to dispute resolution. Her mediation skills, combined with her strategic legal approach, ensure that matters progress efficiently and effectively.

Andrea has expertise in the following areas of legal practise:

• Property Law
• Wills and Estates
• Family Law
• Criminal Law

With a results-driven mindset, Andrea is committed to guiding clients through complex legal matters with clarity and professionalism. She prioritises pragmatic and timely resolutions, ensuring that her clients receive the highest standard of legal service.

For expert legal advice and mediation services, Andrea Hohn is a trusted and respected professional in Toowoomba and beyond.

Sarah joined CLO Lawyers in 2024 as Special Counsel and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. She is a dedicated family lawyer with a passion for helping families navigate the complexities of family law using non-adversarial processes.

As an Accredited Specialist in Family Law, Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Accredited Mediator with the Australian Mediation Association, and Collaborative Lawyer, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice.

Since her admission as a Solicitor in 2009, Sarah has exclusively focused on family law matters. Each year since 2019, Doyle’s Guide (a leading directory of peer-referred lawyers, barristers, and legal firms) has recognised her as a leading family lawyer in Toowoomba, the Darling Downs, and Western Queensland. In 2022, she was recommended in Doyle’s Guide as a mediator for Regional Queensland.

Sarah’s extensive experience covers a wide range of family law matters, including complex property and children’s issues. She believes in offering families a range of non-adversarial options tailored to their specific needs. This approach not only reduces the emotional and financial burden of traditional court proceedings but also fosters a more cooperative and respectful relationship between the parties involved, which is particularly beneficial for families with children.

Sarah’s registration as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner allows her to facilitate family law mediation as an alternative dispute resolution process, empowering families to reach amicable resolutions outside of court.

In 2018, Sarah completed Collaborative Law training, furthering her commitment to providing families with practical and respectful solutions to family law disputes. She believes in the power of collaboration and strives to create a supportive environment where separated couples can find common ground and move forward positively.

Additionally, Sarah has expertise in preparing and providing advice on Financial Agreements, offering guidance both before a relationship commences and after a relationship breakdown. Her proactive approach helps clients navigate financial matters with confidence and clarity.

Beyond her professional practice, Sarah is deeply involved in giving back to the community. She volunteers at the Family Relationship Centre, providing legally assisted family dispute resolution services. She has also volunteered at the Domestic Violence Service and the Advocacy and Support Centre, giving free advice sessions to those in need.

Lisa joined CLO Lawyers in November 2024 as Special Counsel, bringing a wealth of experience acquired over 20 years of dedicated legal practice in Toowoomba and the Downs region.

A graduate of James Cook University with dual degrees in Economics and Law, Lisa was admitted as a Solicitor in 2004.

After starting her legal career in Mackay, Lisa moved to Toowoomba to join the respected firm of Laherty & O’Sullivan. This role marked the beginning of her journey developing an understanding of the distinctive legal needs of clients across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.

Throughout her career, Lisa has built a strong connection with the communities of Toowoomba, Millmerran, Warwick, and Stanthorpe, where she has served as a trusted advisor and advocate.

Her resume includes senior roles at notable firms across the Darling Downs, including Gudkovs Power Stettgast in Warwick and Neil Sullivan & Bathersby in Stanthorpe. These experiences allowed her to expand her knowledge across various practice areas while strengthening her commitment to serving the needs of her clients in rural and regional settings.

Lisa’s work in the Toowoomba legal community has come full circle. Her career began in 2004 with Laherty & O’Sullivan. Two decades later, she re-joins the same practice—now known as CLO Lawyers. CLO Lawyers emerged in 2007 from the merger of Laherty & O’Sullivan with MG Crawford & Co - carrying forward a legacy of trusted legal service in the region.

Lisa’s extensive legal background encompasses business and commercial law, property law, conveyancing, estate planning and administration, family law, civil litigation, and personal injury law.

In recent years, Lisa’s practise has increasingly focused on business and commercial transactions including corporate advising, commercial property sales and purchases, business sales and purchases, retail and commercial leasing, rural sales and purchases and estate planning and administration.

With a client-centric approach and dedication to building long-term relationships through exceptional service and transparent communication, Lisa has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor. She reflects, “Building lasting relationships based on trust is the core of my practice. It’s a privilege to be entrusted with matters that are so important to my clients.”

Lisa’s commitment aligns seamlessly with her guiding philosophy: “To bring my very best to every case, every client, every time.”

Gabrielle Smith joined CLO Lawyers in 2023, bolstering the expertise of our property and commercial team.

Focused on achieving the best commercial outcomes consistent with her clients’ objectives, Gabrielle has extensive experience in property development, acquisitions and sales, joint venture and development agreements, residential and commercial leases, commercial transactions and contracts and matters relating to Intellectual Property. Her expertise also includes transactions relating to manufactured homes and retirement living.

Gabrielle has worked on matters across Queensland, NSW, and Victoria and has acted on a broad range of developments, from 800-lot rural land-sharing schemes to mixed-use high rises, multi-lot flat land subdivisions, childcare facilities, and commercial developments.

Gabrielle holds a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) degree and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Griffith University. In 2016, she earned a Graduate Diploma in Practical Legal Training (Law) from the Queensland University of Technology and was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland.

In 2023, Gabrielle moved to Toowoomba to join CLO Lawyers after 7 years of practice in Brisbane. Beyond her legal interests, Gabrielle is focused on her young family and exploring the relaxed lifestyle opportunities of Toowoomba and its surroundings.

Paul Green joined our legal team in 2023 as a senior solicitor, bringing with him a comprehensive legal background that spans England, Wales, and Australia. With a wealth of experience in succession law and litigation, Paul excels in providing insightful and strategic legal advice, ensuring the best possible outcomes for his clients.

Paul's primary practice area is succession law, where he offers exceptional guidance on estate planning, wills, and trusts. As a STEP-qualified practitioner, Paul possesses expertise in these areas, allowing him to navigate complex estate matters with proficiency and care. STEP is an internationally recognized professional body of Trust and Estate Practitioners dedicated to advancing understanding of trusts, estates, and related issues and helping families plan for their futures. Paul's membership in STEP underscores his commitment to excellence in this field.

In addition to his focus on succession law, Paul is also highly skilled in litigation. He has successfully represented clients in various legal disputes, including succession-related conflicts and general litigation cases such as contractual and shareholder disputes. His ability to handle intricate legal challenges with confidence makes him an asset to our team.

Paul's legal prowess is supported by a solid educational foundation. He was awarded a Bachelor of Laws degree in the UK and holds admission to practice law in England, Wales, and Australia. Paul's international experience underpins a broad perspective and a deep understanding of legal systems.

Residing in Toowoomba, Paul has integrated into the local community, establishing himself both professionally and personally. Outside of his legal work, Paul enjoys spending time with his family and exploring Toowoomba’s cultural and natural beauty.

For expert legal advice on succession law and litigation matters, contact Paul Green. His extensive experience, in-depth knowledge, and dedication to client success make him a reliable partner in navigating the complexities of the legal landscape.

Emma Kalms is a dedicated family lawyer, bringing compassion and expertise to clients navigating family law matters.

Emma graduated from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2020 with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. She commenced her legal career as a Lawyer in 2021 and has practised exclusively in Family Law since 2023.

Emma has experience in a wide range of family law issues, including divorce, property settlements, parenting disputes, and domestic violence-related matters. Her in-depth knowledge and strategic approach ensure her clients receive practical and effective solutions customised for their unique situations.

Emma’s approach to family law is grounded in empathy and understanding:

“No two families are the same, so I firmly believe in tailoring my approach to meet each client’s unique needs. Regardless of the complexity or uniqueness of their situation, I am committed to guiding my clients through their family law journey with empathy, understanding, and legal expertise.”

Emma’s compassionate demeanour and dedication to achieving positive outcomes make her a trusted advocate for her clients.

Outside of work, Emma enjoys spending her free time with family and friends and is actively involved in her local community.

Katarina, who joined CLO Lawyers in 2024 as a Junior Family Lawyer, is a dedicated professional committed to achieving optimal client outcomes in the challenging circumstance of relationship breakdown. She has a passion for family law and a genuine desire to assist clients in navigating complex emotional and legal landscapes.

Katarina’s legal career began in 2016 when she graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree. She completed her practical legal training (Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice) in 2017 and was subsequently admitted to the legal profession.

Furthering her legal education, Katarina earned a Master of Laws Degree from the Queensland University of Technology in 2018.

Since 2021, Katarina has been fully immersed in Family Law, honing her expertise in a range of issues, including separation, divorce, parenting arrangements, financial (property) settlements, and domestic violence matters.

Katarina is committed to assisting clients in resolving matters through alternate dispute resolution and guiding her clients through challenging times with empathy and understanding.

Outside of her legal pursuits, Katarina enjoys travel and spending time with family and friends.