ALICE DRUMMOND

Family Lawyer

I did a law degree because my mum told me to – and that’s a pretty good philosophy to live by. But as for family law; well… by week one, day one and five minutes into that first family law lecture, the passion was born.

After nearly 15 years of practice, I wouldn’t trade my role as a family lawyer for any job in the world. I enjoy meeting new clients, hearing their story and understanding what is important to them. It’s wonderful to work with clients to find solutions to their issues which are favourable to them and work for their family; enabling them to move on with the next chapter of their life.

I have had the opportunity to work in different types of law practices; from boutique family law firms to a large multi-disciplinary firm where I managed a busy family law division for a number of years. After having time off to start my own family, I’ve returned to work joining the team at BGM Family Lawyers – a firm specialising in family law which I’m thrilled to call home.

In the early years of my career I did a lot of Legal Aid work in family law, child protection and domestic violence cases. As the most junior member of a large firm, my desk was always piled high with these files which more senior lawyers didn’t want to touch. I loved the challenge which this work brought, and I was lucky enough to acquire confidence in really difficult cases.

It was an early introduction into complex family law issues of violence, drug and alcohol use, mental health issues, financial strain, unemployment and cultural issues of minority groups and how these factors impact families and children during separation. These early years gave me tremendous exposure to the court room, judiciary and our local organisations who assist families in need. It was the best start to my career that I could have asked for.

As my experience grew and I became an Accredited Family Law Specialist, my work load changed and I took a keen interest in complex financial cases. I have had the opportunity to work with high net worth individuals and their financial advisors to navigate the disentanglement of their complicated corporate structures, sale and wind up of business ventures and long term family/estate planning that can sometimes couple family law separation.

I’m a “jack of all trades” when it comes to family law; I assist clients coming into relationships and leaving them. This sees the type of work ranging from ‘Pre-nuptial’ style Financial Agreements to property settlements after separation and Financial Agreements which can couple estate planning which is becoming increasing popular with the growth of second marriages and blended families. I am still actively involved in a number of parenting and child support cases, divorce and domestic violence work.

This work sees me wearing two hats. On the one side I’m a passionate negotiator and enjoy the satisfaction of reaching positive resolutions out of court in mediation. I enjoy thinking creatively and finding solutions which are mutually beneficial for all parties, leaving them with a positive relationship (where often they may need to continue co-parenting), in the future. On the other hand, I love litigation work, using advocacy skills and working in the court room where agreements simply can’t be reached. It’s the ‘ying and yang’ of family law work, but keeping active in both areas keeps you on your toes as a good family lawyer.

I have delighted to be voted by the Doyle’s Guide in both the ‘Leading’ and ‘Recommended’ listing in the Gold Coast Leading Family & Divorce Lawyers List for the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. I was also recognised as a ‘recommended’ lawyer on the Leading Parenting and Children’s Matters for Regional Queensland in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

In 2020 I was recognised on the Best Lawyers List as a leading practitioner in Family Law Mediation and was the only Gold Coast practitioner named in this category in Queensland.

I have always worked on the Gold Coast, having completed all of my education here. I value the community we have and the beautiful surrounds we live in. I’ve always been keenly involved in community work and have spent many nights volunteering at our Robina Community Legal Centre, I sat as a committee member of our Gold Coast District Law Association for 3 years and am currently the Secretary of the All Saints Anglican School Past Students Association.

Outside work hours, you’ll find me running around chasing my little boy, having a laugh, enjoying a chardonnay, wishing I was better at yoga and binging on home renovation programs.