PRINCIPAL
Patrick Gilbert Smith
LL.B. (Hons), B. Int. St., B.Ec., GDLPPatrick was born in Horsham and attended 298 Primary School and Horsham College before moving to Adelaide in 2007 to begin his tertiary studies. Keen to start a family in his home-town, Patrick joined the firm and returned to Horsham with his wife in 2017.
Patrick recently begun playing golf after retiring from both football and cricket. Outside of sport, Patrick loves spending time with his wife and three children.
Patrick has a good understanding of challenges farmers face. He has previously been involved in a sheep farm with his twin brother and father who both continue to farm in the Mallee.
Patrick is the current President of the Wimmera Law Association.
Admissions
•High Court of Australia
•Supreme Court of South Australia
SOLICITOR
Lauren Maree Dorothy Emblem
LL.B., B.A., GDLP, M.App Law (Family Law)Lauren was born and raised in Sydney. She began her tertiary studies in 2013 at the University of Notre Dame, Australia.
She relocated with her family to the Mallee in November 2017 and joined O’Brien Lawyers (as it was then known) in 2018.
Lauren enjoys being part of the Birchip community and the lifestyle in the Mallee. Lauren has been a volunteer member of the Birchip SES Unit since March 2018.
Lauren is an animal lover. Lauren has a cat and two German Shepherds and enjoys spending time with the many animals on her parents’ property.
Lauren is a Young Lawyers Representative for the Wimmera Law Association.
Lauren practises mainly in the areas of family law (in which she has a master’s degree), criminal law and estate planning.
Lauren is detail oriented and focussed on achieving the best outcomes for her clients.
Admissions
•High Court of Australia
•Supreme Court of Victoria
SOLICITOR
Helen Thomson
LL.B., B.A., GDLPHelen was born in Zimbabwe and immigrated to the Wimmera in 2003. Helen attended Nhill College from year four until year twelve. In 2013 she moved to Adelaide where she completed her Bachelor of Law and Legal Practice and Bachelor of Arts. From April 2018 to December 2021, Helen worked as a governance manager in local government. Helen commenced at O’Brien & Smith Lawyers in January 2022.
Admissions
•High Court of Australia
•Supreme Court of Victoria
OFFICE MANAGER
Jasmine Kerr
Jasmine ensures the office runs as smoothly as possible. In addition to her role as office manager, Jasmine has long assisted with the drafting of estate planning documents including wills. Jasmine's diligence ensures our clients are always well looked after.
CONvEYANCING Clerk
Montana Ferguson
Montana commenced work as a law clerk in 2018 and joined O’Brien & Smith Lawyers’ conveyancing department in 2021. Montana’s friendly demeanour and level of knowledge help to reassure clients in a variety of property transactions including residential conveyancing, farm land transfer and subdivisions.
CONvEYANCING Clerk
Bana Osborne
Bana is an experienced conveyancing clerk who prides her self on working efficiently to progress property transactions as quickly as possible. Bana is an excellent communicator who works hard to ensure clients’ satisfaction.
LAW Clerk
Kyle Galwey
Kyle works in reception and assists our lawyers as needed. Kyle has a long work history in customer service which he uses to make our clients feel comfortable when explaining the legal help that they need.
ESTATE Clerk
Gus Smith
Gus works part time assisting our solicitors with the administration of deceased estates. Gus’ attention to detail means that he is valuable member of the O’Brien & Smith Lawyers team.
LAW Clerk/Administration Officer
Kathleen Flores
Kathleen assists the firm in a wide range of areas, including financial management, invoicing and clerk work. Kathleen holds a bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Major in Financial Management and came to O’Brien & Smith Lawyers with several years’ experience working within the legal profession. Kathleen is highly motivated and detail-orientated which ensures her high level of efficiency.
ESTATE Clerk
Lorie Mapilisan
Lorie works full time in our estates’ department. Lorie holds a Bachelor of Science and Accountancy and previously worked in banking and finance prior to starting with O'Brien & Smith Lawyers so is very comfortable with calculations. Lorie’s positivity and eagerness to assist means that she is a much appreciated member of the estates’ department.
ESTATE Clerk
Emma Smith
Emma works part time within our estates’ department assisting in complying with the requirements of banks, share registries and other asset companies to arrange the collection of the deceased’s assets.