Our Team
Michael Clive
Principal
Michael leads CBC’s commercial and property teams.
Michael studied, trained and practised as a solicitor in Brisbane, before heading back to North Queensland where he was born and bred. He has now been practising for in excess of twenty years.
With that experience, and having worked for three years at Clifford Chance, a large international law firm, in London, Michael has the legal skills and knowledge to place him amongst the top lawyers in the region in his field.
Michael grew up in Home Hill, a small town in the sugar cane growing Burdekin district. He hasn’t lost that rural outlook and is easily able to put clients at ease with his relaxed, friendly manner.
Michael is a keen tennis player and can be seen most Monday evenings at Tennis Townsville’s courts in North Ward.
Sandra Clive
Principal
Sandra leads CBC’s litigation division, comprising the litigation and dispute resolution, and family law teams.
Although leading the litigation division, Sandra practises in all areas of the law and has done so for almost twenty years. This is unique in the modern legal industry where the vast majority of lawyers have chosen to specialise in particular areas as the practice of law has become more complex and difficult, and is testament to Sandra’s skills and ability.
As a true general practitioner, those clients who are fortunate enough to have Sandra acting for them can rest assured that they are receiving the best possible advice on all aspects of the law that impact on their matter.
Sandra became a full equity partner in a well-established practice at the age of 28, the youngest of very few female equity partners in North Queensland at the time.
Sandra’s huge wealth of experience is backed up with a dual degree in Law and Commerce, with a major in accounting and finance. Sandra also has many years of corporate governance experience, having formerly been the chair of the Bowen District Health Council, a director and secretary of Tropical Medical Training, and currently sitting on the Diocesan Finance Council of the Roman Catholic Trust Corporation.
Sandra brings enormous passion to her practise of the law, in regards to both her enjoyment of the law, and the interests of her clients. That passion, together with her meticulous preparation and strategic planning, her legal expertise and her negotiating skills, has led to her obtaining extremely favourable outcomes for her clients.
Sandra brings that same passion to all things in her life, including raising Brandon and Mia, her two special children, playing sport, playing the piano, and keeping fit. Sandra particularly loves playing basketball, having played for the Burdekin Wildcats at state league level when younger. Not surprisingly to those who know her, Sandra’s nickname when playing for the Wildcats was ‘Cyclone’.
Mikaela Nevill
Law Clerk
Mikaela Joined the CBC team in November 2024, relocating from Victoria.
Mikaela provides administrative and legal support to ensure the smooth operation of the firm. She assists with document preparation, and client communication while managing front-desk responsibilities.
In her spare time, she enjoys all things outdoors from hiking to swimming and appreciates a good cup of coffee in the morning.
Laura Vanderstelt
Solicitor
Laura joined the CBC Lawyers team in February 2024. Laura completed her Bachelor of Laws degree with Southern Cross University before relocating from the Northern Rivers, NSW to Townsville in 2023.
Prior to joining CBC Lawyers, Laura undertook a Law Clerkship with the Australian Institute of Marine Science, where she completed her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice with the College of Law and was admitted to practice as a lawyer in November 2023.
Laura works in our Commercial & Property, and Wills & Estates teams.
Outside of work, Laura enjoys reading and playing with her two dogs.
Cassandra Adorni-Braccesi
Senior Associate
Cassandra completed her Bachelor of Laws alongside a Bachelor of Science at Griffith University on the Gold Coast. She started her career as a law clerk at a busy criminal law firm on the Gold Coast and moved to Mackay shortly after her admission in December 2014. Cassandra has practiced in Family Law and Criminal Law since her admission.
Cassandra is passionate about assisting clients through some of the most difficult and emotional times in their lives. She prides herself on properly listening to clients and explaining the process (and likely outcomes) in a way clients can understand. Cassandra treats all her clients with compassion and empathy. She appreciates that Family and Criminal Lawyers often meet clients on their worst days. Cassandra strives to work with her clients to achieve an outcome that will truly work for them and their family in the future.
Cassandra is a strong advocate before the Family and Criminal Law courts. However, she acknowledges court proceedings are costly (from both an emotional and financial perspective) and can negatively impact the co-parenting relationship. She will attempt to resolve matters as amicably and efficiently as possible, including through Mediation and negotiations with the other party, before initiating proceedings.
Outside her role as a lawyer, Cassandra enjoys baking, musical theatre, and everything nature related (except leeches). She has completed several long-distance hikes, including the Australian Alps Walking Track and the Larapinta Trial.
Cassandra recently relocated back to her home state, to be closer to her family. She joined CBC Lawyers in October 2024 and works remotely from her home in Victoria. After spending 20-odd years in the Sunshine State, she confirms Victoria is indeed cold.
Helen Oliver
Senior Associate
Helen is a Senior Associate working exclusively in Family Law for CBC Lawyers.
Helen has over 15 years of experience, being admitted in South Australia in 2009 after completing a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Adelaide. Helen primarily practises in Family Law and has a keen interest in complex property settlement matters. Helen is committed to facilitating cost effective and quick resolutions and is dedicated to achieving the best outcome for her clients.
Helen provides a depth of understanding and experience to best represent her clients to achieve positive outcomes in all facets of family law, including property settlements, divorce applications, child support and financial agreements and parenting matters. Helen is admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland, the Supreme Court of South Australia and the High Court of Australia.
Her Key Focus Areas Are:
- Matrimonial and De Facto Property Settlements
- Superannuation Issues
- Child Support
- Spousal and De Facto Maintenance
- Domestic Violence Matters
- Parenting Matters
- Financial Agreements
- Enforcement and Contravention Proceedings
- Divorce Applications
Helen delivers a professional service and approaches every matter with a highly capable and outcome driven manner.
Sheree Newham
Accountant
Sheree joined the CBC team in August 2024, working in Townsville
Sheree has extensive experience supporting the financial operations of law firms. Skilled in managing accounts payable and receivable, billing, reconciliations, and preparing financial reports tailored to the unique needs of legal practices. Possesses a solid understanding of the regulatory requirements and financial nuances specific to law firms. Dedicated to ensuring accurate financial management while supporting the legal team in achieving their business goals.
Jennie Burney
Senior Associate
Jennie completed her Bachelor of Laws at the University of Auckland in New Zealand in 2004. Jennie worked in the area of Property and Commercial Law, as well as Estates, Succession Planning and Farm Sales at various law firms and in-house roles in New Zealand before moving to Townsville and being admitted as an Australian legal practitioner in October 2023. Jennie treats all her clients with compassion and empathy and aims to explain matters in a straightforward way.
She joined CBC Lawyers in 2025 and looks forward to pursuing her interest in renewable energy projects and meeting and helping clients.
Outside her role as a lawyer, Jennie enjoys reading and spending time with her family. Jennie enjoys the warmth and sunshine of Townsville and being able to attend Cowboys games on a regular basis.
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Office Mascot