Julie originates from NSW where she worked in various roles covering a number of jurisdictions. Her extensive experience including such roles as implementing change in Children’s Court, involved in the drafting of various legislations, presentation of papers at National Conferences as well as Magistrates Conferences.
Julie was also instrumental in assisting the various Court jurisdictions to be more child friendly and focused. An integral part of this was the implementation and subsequent delivery of programs throughout metropolitan and regional NSW.
Julie is also trained in forensic interviewing and has led various teams of experts in the implementation and delivery of the “Forensic Interviewing of Children” model. In 2007, Julie relocated to Western Australia where she has been employed in private practice before opening her own firm, Gray & Co, Lawyers.
She has represented people in difficult legal matters in the Full Court of the Family Court of Australia, Children’s Court of NSW, Local Court of NSW, District Court of WA, Family Court of WA, Magistrates Court of WA, Children’s Court of WA.
Julie is an experienced Independent Children’s Lawyer and has extensive experience in working in Western Australia in the following areas of law:
Julie’s approach to the law is practical, empathetic, professional, whilst always focusing on the best outcome for each individual client. She is committed to working with her clients to help them achieve their goals and the best possible outcome for them. Julie is a member of the Law Society, Family Law Section and ICL.
When not at work, Julie loves the outdoor lifestyle, travel and exploring new adventures. Julie rarely sits still and is an active member of the community.
Amy completed her Law qualifications in Perth WA, at Murdoch University and the College of Law Australia and has recently joined our firm.
Amy also has further qualifications and training in:
Amy comes from a background of contractual compliance and grant management in the Not for Profit sector, handling large Government and Philanthropic funding contracts.
She has delivered training to numerous professionals involved in the Judiciary, Legal arena, Government bodies and Social Services on Victim Awareness Training and basic legal education, with an advocacy association in Western Australia.
Amy completed her practical legal placement at Aboriginal Legal Service in Geraldton, before joining Gray & Co Lawyers. Amy is passionate about social justice and ensuring a fair and equitable outcome for everyone through the proper administration of the law.
She lives here with her young family, and enjoys the relaxed outdoor lifestyle of Geraldton.
Gemma is a valued team member who prides herself on her customer service and organisational skills.
Gemma is the first point of contact for our organisation and administration is an integral position in our firm.
Nothing is ever too much for her and you will always be welcomed with a smile. In her spare time Gemma is a busy mum and has a passion for cooking.
When it comes to a breakdown of a family unit, it can be a tough time on all parties involved. At Gray & Co. Lawyers, we focus on obtaining the best resolution for all individuals, with the aim of preventing your family matters ending up in Court.
Our experience in such emotional times, is to work towards an amicable agreement between all the parties involved to try to alleviate any further stress to the situation. We believe that you should seek legal advice as soon as possible so that you are aware of your rights, and to ensure that your matter(s) can be negotiated if possible.
Our areas of expertise with which we can provide advice and represent you in Court are as follows:
Gray & Co. Lawyers provides, advice and assistance should a young person be arrested and due to appear before the Children’s Court. Our team can assist in all areas of Children’s Court which includes advice and representing children in criminal proceedings, traffic matters and violence matters.
This includes simple offences which can be dealt with by the Magistrate and more serious offences which are to be dealt with by the Children’s Court President only.
Our extensive experience in assisting juveniles in achieving good outcomes in the Court process can assist them in the future.
We can provide assistance in:
If you find yourself under investigation but not yet charged, Gray & Co. Lawyers can advise you of your rights and the general criminal process.
If you are under investigation or charged with an offence that requires you to go to court, it is essential that you obtain advice from an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible. We can guide you through trial sentencing or simply provide advice on your prospects of defending the charge.
Gray & Co. Lawyers provide advice and representation in many Western Australian jurisdictions such as District Court, Magistrates Court and Children’s Court.
Our team can provide advice and representation for:
Gray & Co. Lawyers can professionally guide you through trial sentencing or simply advising you on your prospects of defending the charge.
We provide advice and representation for all Traffic Matters including:
Will
A Will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign. A Will sets out a person’s wishes for his or her property to be disposed of in a particular way upon their death. A Will has to meet certain formal requirements and a badly written Will often leads to delays and disputes.
The most important reason for making a Will is to make sure that, after your death, your property is distributed in the way that you would have wished it to be. When making a Will, you need to have serious thought about who you wish to be your Executor/Executrix and be aware of their residential address as well as the full names of all of your beneficiaries. Such information greatly assists when drafting the Will.
Wills should be reviewed to ensure that your wishes are current and to amend and update any change in circumstances, such marriages, change in beneficiaries etc.
Enduring Power of Attorney
An Enduring Power of Attorney is a legal document created to allow a person to appoint another person or agency of their choice, who will make financial and/or property decisions on their behalf.
This person/s or agency becomes their Attorney. More than one Attorney can be appointed. An Enduring Power of Attorney can only be made by a person whilst they are still capable of making financial and legal decisions for themselves.
By appointing an Attorney, property and financial affairs can continue to be managed in the persons best interests, even if they become unable to manage it themselves.
When the Department of Child Protection and Family Supports/Department of Communities (The Department) intervenes in family life, it’s important to obtain sound legal advice and representation. In some cases, the Department will take steps in deferring parental responsibilities to the Dept, a relative, or other appropriate persons.
Gray & Co. Lawyers can assist parents or interested parties with their applications through the Department in the Children’s Court, Rescission, Variation Applications and Supervision Orders. We can advise and represent parents or interested parties who seek the return of children or increased time with the children, or who find themselves in this difficult situation.
We also act as a child representative for children when the State has taken steps to remove them from the care of their parents/persons.
You can apply to have a Restraining Order made by the court to protect you from someone who commits family violence or personal violence against you, threatens you or your property, harasses or intimidates you, and you are concerned that it will continue
If a person breaches the terms of a Restraining Order, they commit a criminal offence and may be fined or imprisoned.
There are 3 types of Restraining Orders, they are:
Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO)
If you require protection from a person with whom you are, or were, in a family relationship e.g. married, de-facto partners, ex-partners, related to each other (including by culture or kinship) or otherwise in an intimate or family-type relationship.
Violence Restraining Order (VRO)
If you require protection from a person with whom you are not in a family relationship – e.g. a work colleague, friend or neighbour.
Misconduct Restraining Order (MRO)
If you require protection from a person that you are not in a family relationship with, and if you wish for them to be restrained from behaving in a way that could be considered to be intimidating or offensive, or refraining them from causing damage to your property, or breach of the peace, then a Misconduct Restraining Order may be put in place.
Whether you are the Applicant or Respondent, or if you want to extend any one of the three above mentioned Restraining Orders, or apply to vary or cancel it, Gray & Co. Lawyers can assist its clients through these stressful and emotional matters.
Gray & Co. Lawyers can act for you and attempt to negotiate with the other party to resolve this matter by way of Undertakings. If negotiations are unsuccessful our team can represent you at Court and at Final Hearing Trial if need be.
Legal Aid in Western Australia is an organisation to assist people who are financially or socially disadvantaged with their legal issues. Assessment for a Legal Aid grant is means tested.
At Gray & Co. Lawyers, we can facilitate the lodging of Legal Aid applications on your behalf. We are on the panel of private practitioners who can act on your behalf under a grant of legal aid and are happy to assist you in relation to this.