OUR TEAM
MEET OUR TEAM OF EXPERT LAWYERS
JUSTINE AUBIN
PRINCIPAL LAWYER
Justine is our founder and principal lawyer.
Justine founded August & Claire Lawyers to provide clients with high quality legal advice with the dedication and care of a small firm.
Justine specialises in Wills and Estates, estate planning, and will disputes. She has extensive experience in contested estate matters, having practiced exclusively in this area of law for several years on both plaintiff and defendant side of matters. Justine has acted in numerous family provision applications as well as many other contested estates matters and has obtained outstanding results for her clients. Justine puts her clients first and will go above and beyond for each of her clients. Nothing is too difficult and you can be certain to be supported and listened to every step of the way.
Justine is fluent in English and French. In addition to her Bachelor of Laws, she also holds a Bachelor in Business and Commerce.
TENILLE ROSSI
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Tenille is an experienced lawyer with a wealth of knowledge in Wills & Estate.
First commencing her law career in 2018 as a law clerk, after completing her Juris Doctor in Law from the University of Newcastle in 2019 she was promoted to a graduate law position until her admission to the Supreme Court of NSW in 2020. Tenille gained extensive experience in Succession Law and Property Law.
Tenille has practiced predominantly in Wills and Estate, assisting clients with estate planning, estate administration and family provision claims. Her experience has allowed her to develop a professional, yet personalised approach to Wills and Estates, building strong relationships with clients to assist them navigate through what is typically a very challenging time in their lives. Her unique and refined expertise provides her as an invaluable asset to the team.
Outside of work, Tenille can be found enjoying spending time with her family in the great outdoors.
CAITLIN SHEPPARD
LAWYER
Caitlin joined the August and Claire team in March 2024, after her move from New Zealand to Australia. She graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Laws in 2021 and was admitted to the High Court of New Zealand later that year.
Caitlin started her law career working as a law clerk part-time while studying at university. Since her admission, Caitlin primarily practised in litigation, assisting clients to resolve complex disputes, before focusing on the areas of estate litigation and wills and estates.
As Caitlin understands that legal processes can be confusing and stressful, she continually strives to provide her clients with reassurance, confidence and sound advice. Caitlin has a keen eye for detail and is methodical and thorough in her approach in order to achieve the best outcomes for her clients.
Outside of work, Caitlin enjoys running, going to the beach and spending time with her family and friends.
KAYLYN LYLE
SENIOR PARALEGAL
Kaylyn first started in the legal industry primarily working in property law in 2008 before then moving to the area of wills and estates in 2010. Since that time Kaylyn has assisted countless clients, both in plaintiff and defendant capacities, with family provision applications, constructive trust claims, estoppel claims and validity claims as well as executors and administrators with applications for probate and administration, including complex applications.
Kaylyn is a dedicated and empathetic employee who recognises that clients often come to us during times of great stress, and strives to reduce this as much as possible. Kaylyn is there every step of the way to help guide and answer any queries our clients may have.
Outside of work, Kaylyn enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. She has a keen interest in photography, and enjoys fishing, hiking and sport.
KATIE POETSCHKE
PARALEGAL
Katie is a committed paralegal who joined the team at August & Claire Lawyers in April 2024.
Katie attained her LLB from the University of Leeds in 2021 and is diligently working towards admission to the Supreme Court of NSW. With a diverse background in working across different jurisdictions, she brings a unique perspective adaptable to various legal scenarios.
Katie’s expertise extends to working with vulnerable clients, emphasising the significance of cultivating positive client relationships and providing support during challenging life phases.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Katie enjoys socialising with friends and pursuing diverse hobbies, constantly seeking to expand her skill set and embrace new challenges.
ASHLEE SMITH
LEGAL SECRETARY
Ashlee is a dedicated Legal Secretary who joined August and Claire Lawyers in October 2024.
With over three years of experience in wills and estates law, Ashlee has worked with various clients, helping them navigate the complexities of wills and estate planning. After moving to Newcastle and briefly working in personal injury insurance law, Ashlee chose to return to her passion for wills and estate, where she finds great satisfaction in supporting clients through challenging times.
Her exceptional organizational and time-management skills enable her to provide strong support to the team, and she is excited to delve into more complex family provision matters at August and Claire.
Outside of work, Ashlee is an avid sports enthusiast, having played rugby league, and enjoys spending time at the beach with family and friends.