About Us - Family Law
Kate Clark, Legal Director
What clients say about Kate
"Kate was so knowledgeable and helpful. She got straight to the point and helped me to know exactly where I stood in my matter."
"They listened to me, kept me up to date, gave me clear advice, and were so understanding of my individual circumstances."
"Kate listened to my needs and was so thorough in dealing with my matter. Her depth of knowledge in adult child maintenance showed in the presentation of my case before Court."
Qualifications
Admitted as a Solicitor to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2009 and the High Court of Australia in 2010. Nationally Accredited Mediator since 2017 (Fellow Member of the Resolution Institute) and Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner since 2018.
Kate holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Behavioural Science, Psychology and is a Trauma-Informed Practitioner.
Legal Background
Kate is the Legal Director of ACM Legal and Clark & Associates Mediation Services. She has extensive experience in both legal practice and dispute resolution. Kate has recently completed her Practicum for Advanced Mediator Accreditation and is engaged as a Mentor/Trainer for the Conflict Management Academy.
Kate has worked as a lawyer for highly regarded law firms predominately in areas of mediation, family law, criminal law, domestic violence and professional discipline, appearing before Federal and State Tribunals and Courts at all levels.
Kate has also worked for both National and State Governments in the Family Court of Australia, Court of Appeal and Queensland Law Reform Commission and currently provides Restorative Engagement Facilitator services for the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
John Jardim, Solicitor
About John
John joined the ACM Legal team in 2025.
He has highly developed client relationship management, communication and interpersonal skills and a focus on the delivery of exceptional client services.
Qualifications
John was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia in 1987.
In addition to having a Bachelor of Law and Arts degree, John also has a Certificate III in Business (Administration).
Legal Background
John is a highly experienced lawyer. He has experience in family law matters, mediation, dispute resolution and litigation. In addition, John has experience in property, commercial, contracts, administrative, corporate governance, compliance and risk management.
John has worked as a lawyer for highly regarded law firms, including as a partner and practice manager and has been involved in major matters and civil litigation in Courts at all levels, including the Federal Court and High Court.
John is able to effectively utilise his broad areas of legal expertise, his extensive experience as a practicing lawyer and his communication and interpersonal skills to identify and explain realistic and feasible options for resolving issues.
Lauren Bourne, Legal Secretary
About Lauren
Lauren joined the ACM Legal team in 2025.
Lauren is here to support the ACM Legal team and ensure that clients are supported with compassion, precision, and professionalism.
Lauren: "I understand that family law cases often involve deeply personal and emotional matters. My goal is to help create a calm, organised, and responsive environment for every ACM client."
Qualifications
Lauren has a Diploma of Social & Psychological Science and is completing her final year of a Bachelor of Behavioural Science.
Professional Background
Lauren has enjoyed a successful career in Administration, reception and customer service and has experience in disability services.
As the welcoming face and first point of contact at ACM Legal, Lauren ensures that each client feels heard, respected, and supported from the very first call. Whether coordinating appointments, managing communications, or guiding clients through initial processes, Lauren is committed to making every step seamless and stress-free.
Elodie Ovelheiro, Assistant
About Elodie
Elodie joined the ACM Legal team in 2024 and assists the ACM Legal team and client's in the office on a casual basis whilst studying full-time.
Qualifications
Elodie is currently completing a Bachelor of Laws and Business.
Here to Assist
As a family law firm we understand how personal and emotional our client's matters can be. Elodie is here to make things a little easier - offering a coffee or tea upon arrival and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.