Our Team

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We are a dynamic team. We work together, to help you. People matter to us.

We each have different life experiences, passions, interests and strengths, and are united by the OSD Vision: To Help.

We want you to feel like we understand your needs and that we are walking alongside you. We want to obtain excellent outcomes for you. We want you to feel that we have treated you well and given you the best possible service in all that we do for you.

We try to steward all of our resources well so that we can keep legal fees for our clients to a minimum and give to the Townsville community where it is needed.

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Ivan Baxter – Lawyer & Director

Ivan Baxter is the sole Director of O'Shea & Dyer Solicitors Pty Ltd. He was born in Charters Towers, schooled in Abergowrie, went to University in Brisbane and landed in Townsville in 1988 to work as an Articled Clerk. Ivan completed a law degree at Queensland University in 1989 and has been at O'Shea Dyer ever since. He became a partner in the business in 1995 and bought the business in 2013. He’s been a lawyer for over 30 years and while he now practices exclusively in Injury and Compensation Claim matters, he has vast experience in many areas of General Practice including Family Law, Commercial Law, Wills and Estates, Criminal Law, etc.

Ivan is highly regarded by his clients, and the excellent team he leads at O'Shea Dyer. He enjoys leading a busy law practice which is people and outcomes focused.  While he can be direct, strategic and doesn't pull any punches when the situation requires it, he is a kind, intelligent man who makes people feel safe, valued and supported regardless of their circumstances. He has a knack for putting people at ease and simplifying things. He always takes the time to explain things in a real and honest way.

Ivan has set the Vision for O'Shea Dyer Solicitors:  to help people in Townsville by providing quality and affordable legal services. He stands by this Vision in everything he does and and ensures that everyone on the OSD team aligns with this Vision. Ivan wants every person who comes to OSD to feel they come under the protection of O'Shea Dyer and to receive excellent care, service and results.

People usually need a lawyer a few times in their life.  Ivan takes pride in the fact that O'Shea Dyer is now helping the children of our older clients and that most people who come to O'Shea Dyer have been referred by a previous or existing client.

Ivan is married to Jo who helps to manage the business. They have two adult children. Ivan enjoys watching the Cowboys and catching up with family and friends. He runs most days and his love for coffee is a close second to his love for Burleigh Beach and the Sunshine Coast.

• Bachelor of Laws - University of Queensland - 1991
• Admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland - 1991
• Admitted as a Solicitor of the High Court of Australia - 1997
• Member of the Queensland Law Society and Townsville District Law Association.

Jodi Dingwall - Lawyer

Jodi Dingwall is a sought after Family Lawyer with over a decade of experience practicing in Family Law.  She is able to assist with all types of parenting matters, property settlement, child support matters, domestic violence and anything Family law related. Jodi also has experience in commercial law and conveyancing. Jodi completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business at James Cook University in 2006.

Jodi has a family which allows her to be truly empathetic to clients needing advice and guidance with parenting disputes. Her early experience in commercial law and conveyancing is beneficial to clients when working through property settlements and the implementation of financial agreements.

Jodi ensures that her clients understand how the law impacts on what is a reasonable  settlement or agreement. She likes to explain the process (including the law) so that clients understand how it applies to their situation.  Jodi is a firm believer that going to court should always be a last resort.  She offers clients practical advice that takes on board the clients particular circumstances.  She helps clients think 'outside the box' so they can resolve their matters quickly and as cost effectively as possible. She believes that no one should spend money on lawyers and going to court unless it is absolutely necessary.

When Jodi isn't at work, she is having fun being 'mum' to her beautiful kids. Or you might find her sweating it out on the tennis court or smashing her step count on the pavements around Townsville.

• Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor Business – James Cook University – 2005       
• Admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland – 2007
• Admitted as a Solicitor of the High Court of Australia - 2008
• Collaborative Practice Training – 2016 – Collaboratively Trained Family Lawyer
• Member of Queensland Law Society, Townsville District Law Association, Women Lawyers Association Queensland

Cathy Fon – Lawyer

Cathy Fon is an experienced  Wills and Estate Lawyer.   She completed Bachelor of Laws with Honours at James Cook University in 2003. After a year as His Honour Justice Cullinane’s Associate in 2003, Cathy completed her Articles, and has been working as a lawyer on a part-time basis for many years since.

Cathy has lived all of her life here in Townsville. She grew up in Rowes Bay, went to St Margaret Mary’s High School and after working for over a decade in Business Management at the ATO and for Qld Health, she enrolled at James Cook University to do her Law Degree. 

While Cathy now practices exclusively in Wills and Estates Law, she has broad experience and has practiced in commercial and family law.  Cathy is professional, clever, insightful and considerate. Her clients hold her in high regard for being diligent, direct when necessary, an excellent communicator and extremely organised. Cathy is a lawyer who 'gets things done' and she is committed to providing quality, affordable legal services for people in Townsville.

Cathy is a prolific reader; a wonderful cook and offers a private travel agent service to her family that is second to none (she can organise a European vacation or a trip to Sydney with tickets to a show at the drop of a hat). If not at the airport, you might see Cathy out on her bike or walking the Strand. Cathy is married to Peter. They have two very busy high-school aged kids, Luka and Helena, who love sport, music, chess and all things Harry Potter.

• Bachelor of Laws 1st Class Honors – James Cook University – 2003       
• Admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland  - 2005
• Admitted as a Solicitor of the High Court of Australia - 2005
• Member of Queensland Law Society and the Townsville District Law Association

Emma Donald - Lawyer

Emma Donald is an experienced Family Lawyer who has been practicing exclusively in Family Law since 2015. Emma can assist with all types of family law situations including parenting matters, property settlement, child support, child safety and domestic violence. She has a special interest in domestic abuse cases and often appears in Court on these types of matters.

Emma’s passion is to assist people through Family Law issues as amicably and as practically as possible, particularly when children are involved. She recognises the importance of providing clients with practical and holistic legal advice and representation.  Emma seeks to ensure that her clients understand the processes involved with Family Law and works hard to achieve affordable, excellent outcomes. She is a trained Collaborative Lawyer and has a strong focus on making sure clients feel in control and involved in their matter. Emma’s preference is to avoid the need for lengthy and expensive court proceedings where possible. 

When Emma is not being a lawyer, she is enjoying being a Mum and exploring the beautiful beaches and rainforests of Townsville and North Queensland. You may also spot her at an Op-Shop, scoping for a vintage bargain.

• Bachelor of Laws – James Cook University – 2013       
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice – QUT – 2014      
• Admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland – 2015
• Admitted as a Solicitor of the High Court of Australia - 2015
• Collaborative Practice Training – 2016 – Collaboratively Trained Family Lawyer
• Member of Queensland Law Society, Townsville District Law Association, Women Lawyers Association Queensland

Tyla Leo - Lawyer

Tyla Leo joined O'Shea Dyer in 2018 while studying at James Cook University. Tyla completed a Bachelor Business and Bachelor of Laws at James Cook University (with Distinction) in 2019 and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the The College of Law in July 2020.  She was Admitted as a Solicitor in September 2020. Tyla has grown up in Townsville and is fully involved in the North Queensland community.  She was school captain at St Margaret Mary's College in 2014 and has spent the past several years studying at JCU, teaching dance, competing in various sporting competitions, working part-time and picking up prizes for academic excellence. 

Tyla has been with O'Shea Dyer Solicitors since 2018. She has acquired substantial knowledge in the laws that apply to Injury and Compensation Claims and also assists clients with Wills and Estate Administration.  Tyla is exceptionally professional, personable and competent.  She is definitely a lawyer to have on your team.

Tyla enjoys all things sporty, a good book, and if you are at the Touch Footy fields at Queens Park - don't expect to see her. She is too fast.

• Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Business (with Distinction) - James Cook University - 2019
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from College of Law - 2020
• Admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland - 2020

Shelleigh Naessens – Paralegal

Shelleigh has been part of the O'Shea Dyer team since 1998 and has decades of experience working in law firms. She is a highly experienced para-legal in the area of compensation, personal injury law and litigation.  Shelleigh is a calm and capable presence amidst the busyness of the office. She has a genuine desire to help  and cares sincerely about people. She has an almost ‘photographic memory’ which is an incredible gift we take advantage of all the time. Shelleigh works exclusively in injury and compensation claims and works hard to take good care of our clients who have any type of injury or illness. 

Shelleigh is a North Queensland girl. She grew up in the Burdekin and settled in Townsville many years ago with her husband Eric. Shelleigh, Eric and their son Jasper enjoy watching movies together and spending time at their beach hut at Cape Upstart. Shelleigh is an avid researcher and has an extensive knowledge of alternative health therapies. She is a great cook and enjoys experimenting with her thermomix. She also enjoys dressing up for race days and parties with her girlfriends.

Robyn Mullins – Legal Secretary and Conveyancer

Rob has worked in law firms for over thirty years and has been part of the O'Shea Dyer team since 1998. She genuinely loves helping people and is a fantastic legal secretary, Accounts Manager and Conveyancer. She is highly competent and knows how to take the pressure and concerns that arise in any conveyance and solve things quietly and efficiently. We get jealous of Rob because she gets thank-you notes from clients all the time!

Rob enjoys cruising around Townsville with her husband Trevor on their Can-Am Spyder. One day they are going to take a trip around Australia on it. In the meantime they enjoy trips to Crystal Creek and flying off to big cities to try out new restaurants and wines.

Rob is also a Justice of the Peace (Qualified).

Bridget Barrie – Legal Secretary

Bridget has been with OSD since 2015 and is underway with her part-time Bachelor of Laws studies at QUT. Bridget works closely with the lawyers in our team to help you.

Bridget brings a wealth of experience and creativity to O'Shea Dyer. After completing a Bachelor of Journalism at JCU, she worked in journalism, real estate, hospitality, and has qualifications in business administration.

Bridget was born in Charters Towers, and while you can take the girl out of Charters Towers you can never take Charters Towers out of the girl... Bridget is the very best of all things good about an NQ country town. She has spent time travelling the world. And she enjoys spending time with her family, photography, scuba diving, playing the ukulele and fishing with her partner David.

• Bachelor of Arts - James Cook University - 2010
• Bachelor of Law - Queensland University of Technology - currently enrolled.

Rochelle Glasheen - Receptionist and Accounts Manager

Rochelle is here to meet you when you come to see us at the office. She is also likely to answer the phone when you call. Rochelle is your first port of call for all inquiries and with accounts and financial matters. 

Rochelle has a wealth of experience in customer service in the legal industry.  She has also worked with the Defence Force in Recruiting and has a wealth of knowledge in setting up processes for managing a business.

Rochelle is a Townsville girl through and through. She has two strapping sons who keep her busy. You will find her walking the Strand or River Trails, reading, or hiding with a TV somewhere to indulge her  'reality TV'  fetish.

Joanne Roebuck - Office Manager

Jo has been with O'Shea Dyer for many years and works behind the scenes, overseeing office systems, HR and finances. She is married to Ivan Baxter and shares his vision to help people by providing quality and affordable legal services to people in Townsville and to make a difference in the community. Jo wants every person who comes to O'Shea Dyer to experience excellent care, service and results.

Jo grew up in Townsville. She completed a law degree at QUT in Brisbane in 1991 and then moved back to Townsville. She spent a short time practicing as a lawyer and then taught in the law school at JCU for over a decade while she completed further postgraduate study in law and education. She then renovated property for a while, and when Ivan bought the practice in 2013, she joined O'Shea Dyer as the office manager.

Ivan and Jo have two children, Alexandra and Harrison who are both at Uni in Brisbane. Jo loves catching up with her kids, family and friends.

• Bachelor of Law - Queensland University of Technology - 1991
• Master of Laws - University of Technology Sydney - 1996
• Master of Educatin - James Cook University - 2006