Team
Angela Hebblewhite
Principal Solicitor
Angela’s career in family law started in 2008 where she spent over 9 years working in the prestigious role as a Judge’s Associate in the Federal Magistrates Court, now known as the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, working exclusively in family law alongside both retired and current presiding Judges. During that time, she gained valuable experience in advocacy and insight into the Courts’ approach in relation to family law matters. Working closely with the judiciary has allowed Angela to excel as a family law practitioner and advocate and she is often sought after to appear as an agent representing clients before the Court where their principal Solicitor is not from the local area. Angela was fortunate to have the opportunity to work at one of Newcastle and the Hunter’s leading family law firms, working alongside a highly respected Accredited Specialist in family law until 2021 when Hebblewhite Lawyers was established.
Kate Chegwidden
Consultant
Kate is unreservedly dedicated to Hebblewhite Lawyers having worked alongside Angela at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia where Kate was the Associate to Judge Janet Terry. Kate has a long career in the law which started in 2003 working for both boutique family law firms, and large corporate firms in Newcastle and the Hunter. Kate is a kind, empathetic practitioner who understands the difficulties in family law matters, but also a fierce advocate with skills developed over her many years working within the Court and in practice. Kate is highly experienced in complex parenting matters having represented a party to the landmark High Court case of Masson v Parsons in 2019 to determine ‘who is a parent’ for the purposes of the Family Law Act.
Kieran Ridley
Special Counsel
Kieran brings a wealth of knowledge to the team, with over 15 years in law and more than a decade of specialist family law experience. Before joining Hebblewhite Lawyers, he served as a Principal at a leading Western Sydney firm, demonstrating his expertise in legal strategy and leadership.
Clients turn to Kieran for his expansive approach and dedication to real advice and real strategies. As an Accredited Mediator, he is highly skilled in dispute resolution, prioritising outcomes that avoid court where possible. Kieran’s work also extends to high-value litigation and matters involving third parties. Having lived in Newcastle since 2020, he is locally engaged and provides personalised guidance to help families successfully navigate one of the hardest times in their lives.
Jessica Fordham
Senior Associate Solicitor (Accredited Specialist in Family Law)
Jessica stands as an NSW Law Society Accredited Specialist in Family Law. Graduating with First Class Honours with a Bachelor of Communication from the University of Newcastle, she brings both strong academic foundations and extensive experience as an advocate in the Federal Circuit and Family Court.
Clients appreciate and rely on her calm and steady demeanour, which provides a reassuring presence during challenging times. Jessica’s commitment to vulnerable members of the community is evident through her work in the Children’s Court, where she has served as an Independent Legal Representative for children. She has also contributed to the future of the profession by mentoring law students through Charles Sturt University’s Indigenous program. Jessica’s expertise in complex parenting, property, and maintenance matters makes her an essential partner to clients seeking clear and confident resolutions.
Kristie James
Senior Associate Solicitor
Kristie is a highly regarded family law practitioner with over 14 years of dedicated work, making her one of the most experienced solicitors in the Newcastle area. She joined Hebblewhite Lawyers for two simple reasons: she’s passionate about family law and helping people move forward.
Kristie is an expert in high-end financial disputes and complex family law matters, including those involving parenting. A strong indicator of her skill is her unblemished success record in international and interstate relocation cases. Her commitment goes beyond casework: she has served as a Legal Advisor for the Australian Government’s Family Relationship Advice Line and actively mentors other junior solicitors who have gone on to lead their own firms. Kristie combines her diligence in detail with compassion and care, ensuring clients receive clear, confident guidance during difficult times.
Sarah Forbes
Associate Solicitor
Sarah is a caring and results-driven family lawyer with more than nine years of legal experience in the family law sector. Her expertise is backed by her background as a ten-year investigator for the Department of Human Services, where she developed forensic analytical skills that have been pivotal in successfully handling complex property matters.
Sarah offers in-depth court insight, having secured a highly sought-after position as a Judge’s Associate and Associate to a Senior Judicial Registrar in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Sarah is driven to assist people during challenging times, consistently focusing on minimising unnecessary legal costs and delivering personal solutions that align with each client’s specific needs.
Montana Rumore
Associate Solicitor
Montana is a determined Associate Solicitor who is passionate about guiding clients through the complexities of family law with clarity and confidence. She regularly appears in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, bringing a wide range of experience across complex parenting and financial matters.
Montana’s academic foundation, a double degree in Law (Honours) and Social Science from Macquarie University, guides her empathetic approach and sharp attention to detail. Her high achievements include successfully acting in complex international child relocation cases and navigating intricate property matters involving trusts and corporate structures. Montana’s proven success in challenging court scenarios, such as upholding final orders on appeal, allows our clients to feel supported and confidently represented as she works tirelessly to achieve their best outcome.
Nina Baumann
Solicitor
Nina commenced her legal career in 2018 and prior to joining Hebblewhite Lawyers, she gained valuable experience working at a prominent barristers’ chambers, where she was exposed to a broad range of complex legal matters. She has also previously gained experience as in criminal law, providing her with a well-rounded understanding of the legal system.
Nina holds a Bachelor of Communications and graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Juris Doctor (Law) with Distinction. During her studies, she achieved the highest overall grades in Family Law and Professional Conduct/ Ethics, reflecting both her academic excellence and commitment to ethical practice.
Mark Hebblewhite
Practice Manager
Mark Hebblewhite completed his studies at the University of Newcastle in 2005 where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce. He worked as a trainee Accountant working in taxation until 2007 when he honed his skills in forensic accounting working for an accounting firm carrying out business valuations in family law matters.
Mark worked in business in Newcastle for 10 years and brings a wealth of experience in Frontline Management. He is responsible for overseeing all of the business operations to ensure our staff can focus on supporting clients through one of the most difficult times of their lives.
Karen Adamson
Senior Paralegal
Abbey Matt
Law Clerk
Abbey undertook her tertiary study at the beginning of 2020 with a double degree in Law and Business (Honours) and has since graduated in 2025.
Abbey began honing her legal skills as a paralegal in conveyancing, wills and estates. However, since joining Hebblewhite Lawyers over 2 years ago, she has found her passion for family law and assisting clients to navigate a difficult process as seamlessly as possible.
Mitchell McColl
Paralegal
Mitchell is a Paralegal at Hebblewhite Lawyers, assisting clients through family law matters with a practical and compassionate approach. He understands that clients often engage the firm during challenging periods of their lives and is committed to ensuring they feel supported, informed, and treated with care throughout the legal process.
Mitchell has completed a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce and is currently undertaking a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice in anticipation of admission to practice. He brings over six years’ experience in legal support roles, with a background in commercial law, and is developing a strong interest in the practice of family law and supporting clients through sensitive and significant life transitions.
Isabelle Colbert
Paralegal
Isabelle is currently undertaking a double degree in Law (Honours) and Social Science, majoring in Human Services. Her drive in family law rises from her studies of Human Services and Social Policy, where she received High Distinction from the University of Newcastle in these studies.
With prior experience in personal injury, Isabelle has developed a strong appreciation for a person-centred approach to legal practice. This background has shaped her professional values and reinforced the importance of empathy, understanding, and clear communication when supporting clients through challenging circumstances. In family law, Isabelle is committed to assisting clients with care and compassion, ensuring they feel heard and supported throughout the legal process.
Dianne Nicol
Receptionist and Legal Assistant
Dianne has had a long and successful career in administration. Dianne started her career as a Legal Secretary, and later spent over 25 years working in property valuations and real estate working for a highly regarded Valuer who provided expert reports in family law matters.
Dianne has a passion for family law and is the first point of contact for clients accessing family law services. Dianne brings an empathetic, client-focused approach, managing sensitive matters with discretion, care, and professionalism.