Meet P&Co
Founder & Partner
John Patterson
John Patterson is a highly regarded family law solicitor, admitted to practice in both the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia. With over a decade of experience, John has been proudly serving clients throughout the Darling Downs, Western Downs, and Brisbane regions. His dedication to helping families has earned him consistent recognition in the prestigious Doyle’s Guide since 2022.
John holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, and a Bachelor of Business majoring in Economics, allowing him to excel in managing complex financial matters. His expertise spans trust and corporate structuring, self-managed superannuation funds, spousal maintenance, and the preparation of Financial and Child Support Agreements. Through strategic collaboration with local accountants and financial planners, John ensures every detail of his clients’ financial situations is meticulously addressed.
In addition to his financial acumen, John is adept at handling a wide range of family law matters, including dispute resolution, domestic violence cases, and parenting disputes. He has extensive experience with cases involving relocation, parental alienation, mental health challenges, substance abuse, and family violence. His calm and approachable demeanour provides clients with much-needed reassurance during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
As a Partner at P & Co Family Law, John is committed to offering personalized, boutique service. His pragmatic, balanced approach consistently delivers optimal outcomes, whether in complex financial disputes or sensitive parenting matters. If you’re looking for a skilled family lawyer in Toowoomba, John Patterson provides the fierce representation and expert guidance you need to protect your family and your future.
Business Manager & Senior Solicitor
Courtney Patterson
As the Business Manager at Patterson & Co Family Law, Courtney Patterson blends her background as both a Solicitor and an Accountant to ensure the seamless operation of the practice. Holding a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) with Distinction, Courtney also draws on her experience in external audit, business advisory, and family law practice to bring both commercial pragmatism and legal insight to the firm.
Courtney oversees business operations, staff development, and community engagement, with a focus on fostering a supportive workplace culture. Her dual expertise enables her to manage everything from trust accounting and compliance through to policy development and strategic growth. Known for her approachable nature and meticulous organisation, Courtney supports both clients and colleagues, ensuring Patterson & Co delivers boutique, client-focused service while upholding the highest professional standards.
People & Operations Manager
Rebecca Stinson
Rebecca Stinson is the People & Operations Manager at Patterson & Co Family Law, bringing a law degree and a strong passion for the organisational and people-focused aspects of legal practice. While not practising as a solicitor, she draws on her legal background to lead the firm’s day-to-day operations with insight and precision.
Rebecca oversees internal processes, team support, and workflow management, ensuring the firm operates efficiently while maintaining a high standard of client care. She plays a central role in aligning people, systems, and strategy. Rebecca supports both support staff and solicitors to deliver seamless, high-quality outcomes.
Known for her meticulous organisation and calm oversight of competing priorities, Rebecca is integral to the smooth running and continued growth of the firm, fostering a professional, supportive, and client-focused environment.
Law Clerk
Marie Chimes
Marie Chimes is a Law Clerk at Patterson & Co Family Law who combines her law studies at QUT with practical experience. Originally from Germany, Marie is bilingual and brings an international perspective to her work. Her previous volunteer roles with the Women’s Legal Service and as a Court Support Officer highlight her commitment to supporting people through challenging times.
At the firm, Marie assists with drafting, court preparation and client communication. She is known for her precision, warmth, and ability to keep matters moving efficiently. Her legal expertise and compassionate approach to client service reflect the boutique values that define Patterson & Co.
Law Clerk
Claudia Maiore
Claudia is a Law Clerk at Patterson & Co Family Law with over five years’ experience working exclusively in family law. She has progressed through the profession from administration to Paralegal and now Law Clerk, giving her a strong, practical understanding of family law matters from both a legal and client-focused perspective.
Currently in her final year of a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Southern Queensland, Claudia is excited about transitioning into legal practice as a solicitor. She is passionate about supporting clients through what is often one of the most challenging periods of their lives and is committed to ensuring each client receives a personalised and supportive experience.
Claudia is known for being approachable, efficient, and compassionate. In her role, she works closely with John Patterson, assisting with legal research, drafting, and preparing matters for court. Her attention to detail and dedication to her work make her a valued member of the Patterson & Co team.
Paralegal
Lauren Cunningham
Lauren is a Paralegal at Patterson & Co Family Law and a dedicated law student at the University of Queensland, where she is also completing a Diploma in Languages (Spanish). She brings a thoughtful and detail-focused approach to her work, assisting with file management, disclosure, court preparation, and client communication.
Lauren is known for her attention to detail and ability to keep track of multiple matters simultaneously. She ensures nothing is overlooked and every file progresses smoothly. Her strong organisational skills, combined with a genuine commitment to learning, allow her to provide reliable and precise support to both clients and the legal team.
With a calm and approachable manner, Lauren plays an integral role in ensuring clients feel informed and supported.
Paralegal
Ashleigh Edgar
Ashleigh is a Paralegal at Patterson & Co Family Law, having recently completed a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours)/Bachelor of International Relations at Bond University. Ashleigh is currently completing her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice where upon completion she is looking forward to becoming a solicitor.
Ashleigh brings a strong foundation in advocacy and international experience, including representing Bond University at a Model United Nations conference in Japan, where she developed advanced skills in legal research, negotiation, and persuasive communication under pressure. Ashleigh’s analytical and organisational skills make her a valuable part of the Patterson & Co Team. Ashleigh primarily assists with client communications, disclosure, file management and court preparation.
File Management Clerk
Chelsea Cranston
Chelsea Cranston is a File Management Clerk at Patterson & Co Family Law and a law student at USQ. Originally from Roma in Western Queensland, Chelsea has a strong connection to regional communities and the unique challenges they face. She also serves as Vice President of Education and Careers for the USQ Law Society, reflecting her leadership and commitment to the profession.
At Patterson & Co, Chelsea assists with file management and administrative support, bringing organisation, focus, and insight from her legal studies to every matter.
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