Our Approach
We believe the right legal support means a new way of lawyering. A modern way to practice family law involves thinking bigger and focusing on how you deliver legal services, as well as being highly experienced family lawyers, to create brighter futures after separation and divorce. We:
Are professional
We understand the issues and the solutions. Yellow Legal are skilled family lawyers who only practice in family law. We don’t risk people’s time, money, energy and parenting relationships taking matters to court if there is a better way forward.
Are trauma-informed
We are leaders in trauma-informed legal practice and understand the dynamics of domestic and family violence and mental health issues when separating.
Are flexible
We offer after-hours appointments, collaborative appointments with other professionals, and online appointments. You can even bring your well-behaved dog to your appointment if you want to!
Are transparent
We are direct in our advice and support, including our pricing. We don’t play games with you or with your ex. We offer fixed-price services. This means we don’t charge in 6-minute increments and are up front about what services you are paying for.
Make things easier
We use language (and graphics) you understand. We don’t write lengthy letters to you or your ex and create unnecessary conflict. We work with you to solve problems with practical solutions that work for you and your family.
Provide real support
We work with you and other professionals for better outcomes after separation and divorce, so you have the best support and don’t have to tell your story over and over again.
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“Super professional and approachable. They just got it and made the process as easy as it could have been. I was kept updated at every step of the way and I was never left guessing. I love the next steps lists! I’m looking forward to moving on and couldn’t have done it without the team at Yellow“.
*Mia
Meet Our Team
Claudia Maclean
director
Hi, I’m Claudia and the Director of Yellow Legal. I started Yellow Legal to practice family law in a way which better meets families’ needs. I’ve been practising family law for over 16 years in big firms, small firms and as Director of Legal Services and Principal Solicitor for the Women’s Legal Centre ACT. I love learning and have a Bachelor of Arts/Law from ANU, a Master in Family Law from the College of Law, an MBA from UNSW and a Certification in Trauma Informed Practice from the Law Society of Scotland. I also teach and provide consulting services in trauma-informed practice to the legal sector and government.
What is your favourite part of the job?
My favourite aspect of running Yellow Legal is developing partnerships with our clients and figuring out a way forward together. The best feedback is when client’s say they now feel confident to move through their separation, and that they have hope for the future.
I also love working with the incredible team we have curated where most of us have worked together in previous gigs. There is a lot of trust, developed over a long period of time, and I think that permeates all that we do…….also when dogs pop by the office. Actually, that’s probably the best part.
Sarah Milson-Mahy
special counsel
Hi, I’m Sarah and I am Special Counsel at Yellow Legal. Special Counsel is a lawyer who has been doing this job for a long-time and has developed significant technical expertise in their field. I’ve been practising family law for over 30 years, and like Claudia, I have worked in big firms, small firms and as Head of Practice in Family Law for the Women’s Legal Centre ACT. I am also an elected council member of the ACT Law Society, board member of Families ACT, an accredited mediator, and I am on the Sentencing Administration Board ACT. I also have developed a speciality in working with defence force members, being an ‘army spouse’ myself.
What is your favourite part of the job?
My favourite part of the job is working with clients to create real and lasting impact for families who may be struggling when we first meet with them. I’ve learnt that there is a solution to most problems, and I can help clients keep perspective during stressful times.
I am also the custodian of lunch time trivia with the team, a role I take very seriously.
Alison Boyle
Client support manager
Hi, I’m Alison and I am the Client Support Manager. This means that I help you have the best experience possible at Yellow Legal and connect you to other supports you may need through your separation and divorce. This can include referrals to other professionals and other agencies. I’ve worked in the family law sector for over 15 years and work with Claudia and Sarah to make sure Yellow Legal consistently meets your needs.
What is your favourite part of the job?
My favourite part of working at Yellow Legal is deciphering what supports could work well for a client and improving our systems in the office so we can remain leaders in modern legal service delivery. There is so much information and supports available however it can be hard to know where to look and who to contact. I love connecting the dots and looking for new ways to make things run smoothly.
Zoe Terrill
client support officer
Hi, I’m Zoe and I’m the Client Support Officer at Yellow Legal. I’m currently studying law and psychology and believe Yellow Legal is the perfect place to apply my learnings in both fields!
What is your favourite part of the job?
I love seeing the law in action and being able to apply what I am learning at Uni to real life situations. I believe my studies make me well suited to help clients at Yellow Legal, with compassion and respect. I love working with people (nearly as much as I love my cats) and helping clients through stressful periods in their lives.