The Brandon & Gullo Team

Ashley and the team are passionate about supporting their clients during often difficult times. They have extensive experience in personal injury law, so you’re in very good hands.

Ashley Gullo

Ashley co-founded Brandon & Gullo Lawyers with partner Rob Brandon in 2006. Under his leadership, the firm has expanded significantly, earning a place on the BRW Fast 100 list in 2013, 2015, and 2017. As a highly successful Personal Injury lawyer, he brings extensive experience in negotiating complex claims on behalf of his clients.
Ashley has successfully pioneered a culture within the corporate world that makes room for family commitments. By creating a flexible workplace and hours for his employees – rarely seen in the legal industry – Brandon & Gullo Lawyers has become a sought-after workplace in Southeast Queensland. Ashley serves as special counsel to one of Australia’s largest religious organisations, which operates globally and encompasses a university, bank, and schools.
Ashley is a skilled negotiator and the author of the Negotiate Well series. Ashley, together with his wife Karen, teach on personal finance bringing together wisdom on personal wealth building and principles of generosity and generational prosperity. Ashley also speaks at business conferences and forums both in Australia and internationally, and mentors numerous entrepreneurs.
Ashley is consistently recognized by the state’s Defendant Insurance Solicitors and Barristers as one of Queensland’s leading lawyers in Work Injury compensation and Motor Vehicle Accident compensation. Since 2018, he has been acknowledged annually in the prestigious Doyles Awards for his expertise in these areas.

Director | Founder | Lawyer

Karen Gullo

Karen is the General Manager and co-founder of Brandon & Gullo Lawyers. She brings a unique blend of sharp business knowledge and a heart for community to everything she does. With a background as a social worker and growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Karen combines financial expertise with a passion for helping others.
In addition to managing multiple businesses, Karen is the co-author of a finance course alongside her husband and Managing Partner, Ashley. She also a member on several boards, championing local community initiatives and charitable causes.
When she’s not in the office, Karen and Ashley are busy raising their three children and running a commercial lime farm.

General Manager

Susan Gaskell

Sue is a Principal (non-director) at Brandon & Gullo Lawyers and a dedicated member of our Personal Injury team. Originally admitted as a lawyer in England and Wales in 2006, Sue has an extensive legal background internationally and in Australia. In 2024, Sue was a finalist for the Sunshine Coast Businesswomen’s Network Professional Businesswoman of the Year and has been recognised by Doyles for her outstanding work in Motor Vehicle Accident compensation.
“My dad had a serious motorbike accident before I was born, and as I grew up, I saw the long-term impact of his injuries on him and our family. That’s why personal injury law matters to me—I get to use my investigative streak to help Queenslanders get treatment and fair compensation… and occasionally feel like a superhero in heels rather than a cape.”

Principal (non-Director)

Kirk Watterston

Principal (non-Director)

Kirk is a Principal (non-director) at Brandon & Gullo Lawyers and has been recognised by Doyles as a recommended lawyer in Work Injury and Motor Vehicle Accident compensation. Kirk brings over a decade of experience in compensation law and is adept at navigating complex legal waters, ensuring our clients receive comprehensive support.
“Dealing with an insurance company is difficult at the best of times, so trying to do that whilst you’re injured is extremely difficult. I enjoy helping people take on insurance companies and ensuring that they secure the compensation that will get their lives back on track.”

Zac Smithers

Zac is a Senior Associate and has been a part of the BGL team since 2020. A University of the Sunshine Coast graduate with First Class Honours, Zac brings dedication and drive to each of his matters.
“I became a lawyer because I’ve always had a strong sense of justice and a desire to stand up for people who don’t always have a voice. The law gives me the opportunity to help people navigate some of the hardest moments in their lives.”

Senior Associate

Emily Wilson

Emily is a Senior Associate and dedicated member of our team, having made a difference in the lives of our clients since 2017. With additional experience in commercial law and wills and estates, Emily brings a well-rounded approach to her work.
“I am interested in the application of the law to ordinary people, and I enjoy simplifying complex problems, caselaw, and legislation into everyday language. I enjoy working in personal injury because I get great satisfaction from helping everyday people navigate what can be a complex and daunting system, during a highly emotional period of their life.”

Senior Associate

Elliott Hynes

Elliott has been a valued member of Brandon & Gullo Lawyers since 2016, starting as a Law Clerk and progressing into one of our Lawyers.
“I work in law because it combines two things I’m passionate about: problem-solving and people. Every case is different, and it requires thinking strategically but also understanding the human side of what someone is going through. It’s not just about legislation and technicalities; it is about making a real difference in people’s lives.”

Lawyer

Romy Close

Romy joined Brandon & Gullo Lawyers in 2019 as a Law Clerk and has since progressed in her career to become one of our lawyers.
“Personal injury law allows me to help people at a time when they’re often feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed, and uncertain about their future. Being able to fight for fair outcomes and see the difference it makes in someone’s recovery or peace of mind is incredibly fulfilling.”

Lawyer

Elias Rundell

Lawyer

Elias joined Brandon & Gullo Lawyers in 2020 as a Law Clerk and has since progressed to one of our lawyers.
“I love personal injury law because we have the privilege of dealing with clients from all different walks of life. We meet interesting people who all have unique lives. Clients come to us in a time of need, and us being able to intervene and assist in that time of need - and hopefully improve their situation - brings me great joy.”

Leneyah Pugh

Lawyer

Leneyah Pugh is a Law Clerk in Lawyer Elliott Hynes’ team and a recent Bachelor of Laws graduate from the University of the Sunshine Coast.
“I enjoy working with clients, and I like the problem-solving aspect of work. Each case is unique and requires a different approach to achieve the best outcome for our clients.”

Sam Boaza

Sam has been an integral part of Brandon & Gullo Lawyers since 2013 and is our Office Manager. Sam holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of the Sunshine Coast and works closely with the team to ensure the office operates seamlessly.
“As Office Manager in this firm, I’m proud to support a team that treats every client with compassion, respect, and transparency. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a firm that not only advocates for justice but also nurtures a workplace built on trust, care, and community.”

Office Manager

Riette de Jager

Riette is our Marketing and Communications Lead at Brandon & Gullo Lawyers, having joined the team in 2023. She holds a wealth of experience and has an extensive international background working in London in corporate events, Public Relations, Marketing, and Stakeholder Engagement across Rural and Regional Australia.
“I love supporting the team and our clients to offer the best service we can. If we can be a light in a difficult time for our clients, we’ve not only helped achieve the best outcome for them but also heard their story and ensured they feel supported every step of the way. We take such pride in our work, and I am always inspired by the hardworking team who make Brandon and Gullo the incredible organisation it is.”

Marketing & Communications Lead

Taylor Blair

Taylor is a Managing Paralegal, working alongside Senior Associate Zachary Smithers. With a legal career spanning over a decade, Taylor has been an essential part of Brandon & Gullo Lawyers since 2015.
"Personal injury law gives us the chance to stand up for those who might not have a voice. At BGL, I’m proud to make a real difference for the everyday person who needs it most."

Managing Paralegal

Zoe Worth

Zoe is a Senior Paralegal who works closely with Senior Associate Emily Wilson. Since joining Brandon & Gullo Lawyers in 2018, Zoe has contributed her expertise across conveyancing, estates, business, and commercial law.
“I really enjoy the problem-solving and challenge of personal injury work, as well as helping everyday people navigate the law to achieve their goals. I love working at a firm like Brandon and Gullo Lawyers, who have a huge heart for helping people.”

Senior Paralegal

Shani Chamberlain

Shani is a Senior Paralegal, working alongside Principal (non-director) Susan Gaskell. With over a decade of experience in the legal profession, Shani brings a wealth of expertise to her role at Brandon & Gullo Lawyers.
“For many, the legal system can feel daunting and overwhelming. I work in law because I want to make a difference and use my legal experience to guide and support clients through challenges and help make the process as smooth as possible.”

Senior Paralegal

Elliot Lloyd

Law Clerk

Elliot is a Law Clerk on Senior Associate Zachary Smithers’ team. He was awarded a Bachelor of International Studies in 2012 and a Bachelor of Laws in 2016 from the University of Wollongong. Elliot was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW in 2016 and has predominantly practiced in criminal law until relocating to the Sunshine Coast to work as a Law Clerk at Brandon and Gullo Lawyers.
“I enjoy working on the plaintiff side, advocating for individuals and helping secure fair outcomes. Collaborating with a skilled team allows us to deliver strong results and support clients through challenging times.”

Michelle Higginbotham

Law Clerk

Michelle is a Law Clerk in Principal (non-director) Susan Gaskell’s team and has a strong background in customer service.
“For me, law isn’t about paperwork, it’s about people. I stand beside clients during stressful times, ensuring they feel heard, supported, and treated fairly. At BGL, I’m proud to be part of a team that always puts clients first and brings a personal touch that truly makes a difference.”

Ward Loveday

Ward is our Canadian import who works as a Law Clerk alongside Senior Associate Emily Wilson. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology (Honours) from Nipissing University in Canada and made the move to Australia in 2025 to begin his legal career.
“Working in a personal injury firm gives me the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I take pride in helping clients navigate what can be an incredibly stressful and uncertain time, ensuring they receive the compensation they rightfully deserve.”

Law Clerk

Jasmine Waddell

Jasmine is a Paralegal in Principal (non-director) Susan Gaskell’s team and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Laws Honours at Queensland University of Technology.
“My favourite part about working in personal injury is getting to hear our clients’ stories and develop a relationship with them over the course of their claim. It’s rewarding to help clients get back on their feet and get them the outcome they deserve.”

Paralegal

Flynn Purvis

Paralegal

Flynn is a Paralegal in Lawyer Elias Rundell’s team and is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Laws at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
“I chose to work in law because I wanted to help people, and it felt like the best way to do that. Our clients have been injured in an accident by no fault of their own, so it feels good to assist people in getting the treatment and compensation they need to regain control over their lives.”

Sam Higgins

Paralegal

Sam is a dedicated paralegal who works closely with Lawyer Elliott Hynes. He is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Laws at Queensland University of Technology.
“I love working in personal injury law because we fight to ensure our clients are looked after and fairly compensated. Our clients are found in unfortunate and unfair situations, and we strive to give them the outcome they deserve.”

Graciella McKenzie

Paralegal

Graciella is a Paralegal on Lawyer Romy Close’s team. She is currently studying a double degree of a Bachelor of Laws and Business Honours at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
“Every matter is so different, which makes every day really enjoyable. I get to go home each day knowing we’re helping people who really need it and otherwise wouldn’t have access to compensation.”

Annalise Witney

Paralegal

Annalise is a paralegal for Principal (non-director) Kirk Watterston. She is a Law Honours graduate from Griffith University and has previous experience working in wills and estates, criminal, and family law.
“I chose to work in law because I found that it’s not just a job. It's more about helping people, even in the most difficult times. Having seen firsthand how legal support positively impacted my own family and friends, I was inspired to be part of that process and contribute to making a difference for others.”

Sienna Higgins

Administration

Sienna joined Brandon & Gullo Lawyers as our Administrative Officer in 2024 and has quickly become an invaluable member of our team.
“As an Administrative Officer, I support both our legal teams and clients across various stages of the claims process. My role allows me to be involved in each matter in a meaningful way, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. I take pride in being a welcoming and friendly face for clients during what is often a challenging time in their lives.”

David Solymosi

David Solymosi is an Accounts Assistant and is currently studying for a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
"I love keeping things running smoothly—being someone who helps each of the teams stay organised and keep the wheels turning behind the scenes.”