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Mitch Coles – Solicitor

Mitch started his legal career at CCLS back in 2016 before heading to London to work for the UK Competition RegulatorOn his return to Perth, Mitch worked at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) before a much-welcome return to the CCLS fold in April 2023.  Mitch brings with him his knowledge and passion for promoting financial literacy and providing access to justice for people who do not have the means to access it themselves. Mitch holds a Juris Doctor degree and Bachelor degrees in Criminology and Forensics from Murdoch University 

Angela Crombie – Solicitor

Angela has been a solicitor at CCLS since 2023 having moved from Aboriginal Legal ServiceAngela started her legal career as a volunteer at Law Access Ltd during universityShe has been active on community sport committees and tribunals. Angela has also worked in a variety of government departments, including the Department of Justice and Australian Taxation Office, private corporations, and not-for-profit organisations. Angela holds a Bachelor of Law from UWA. 

Colm Divilly – Solicitor

While Colm always thought he would become a lawyer during high school, he had doubts about practising after finishing his studies at UWA in 2018. However, his passion for the law was reignited after starting at CCLS as a volunteer in early 2019. Colm then saw the value of providing legal services to people in the community and the opportunity to promote fairness. Soon after, Colm was employed in an administrative role at CCLS where he developed his knowledge of legal practice in the community legal sector and played a key role in the migration of CCLS’s IT services and response to Covid. Colm then completed his Practical Legal Training and was admitted to practice in 2021. As a solicitor Colm’s main areas of interest are the Australian Consumer Law and scams.

Rita Pereira – Solicitor

Rita joined CCLS in 2019She is currently a solicitor after working in a voluntary and administrative role at CCLS.  Rita holds a bachelor’s degree in civil law at the Faculty of Law University of Lisbon in 2009 and the Master of Legal Practice at the University of Western Australia.  Initially planning to become a detective with her law degree, Rita’s experiences as a court clerk and internee lawyer made her realise the importance of the role of a solicitor, for people without a voice or access to legal advice. Rita is passionate about helping victims of financial abuse, assisting them to advocate for themselves and break the cycle of abuse.

Georgia Turco – Solicitor

Georgia’s career with CCLS started back in 2017 as a volunteerAs well as Colm, Georgia completed her Practical Legal Training at CCLS, and since her admission as a lawyer in 2018 has worked at CCLS in the role of solicitorGeorgia holds a Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations and Italian) UWA; Bachelor of Arts (Hons)(Italian) UWA; Juris Doctor UWA.  Georgia enjoys helping people understand the overwhelming and complex system law can often be and having a real and positive impact on people’s lives.  Goergia has contributed to different law reform commissions, including the Banking Royal Commission and reform to the Buy Now Pay Later productsGeorgia is regularly involved in delivering community legal education programs on behalf of CCLS throughout Perth and regional WA. 

Ellie Smith - Paralegal

Ellie began volunteering at CCLS in May 2022 and continued working on the Telephone Advice Line (TAL) until April 2023 before taking a short break to focus on her studies. Ellie returned to CCLS in November 2023 and began her new role as paralegal, assisting solicitors with casefile work and guiding the TAL volunteers. Ellie is currently completing her final semester at Murdoch University, studying a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts (Global Politics and Policy).

Sarah Holman – Community Legal Education and Communications Coordinator

Sarah joined CCLS in March 2023 with a background in financial counselling and after transitioning a 17-year career in the Veterinary Industry. With a passion for equality and social justice, Sarah became a Financial Counsellor to make a positive impact in her community. Since starting her new career Sarah has received a Financial Counsellor Traineeship, awarded the Synergy Financial Counsellor of the Year and was the proud recipient of the prestigious Jan Pentland scholarship. 

Leah Vagel – Communications Officer

Leah has been with CCLS as the Communications Officer since 2022 after deciding to enter the non-profit sector after twenty years in Finance.  Leah understands how important it is to provide support to those who are experiencing financial hardship. She believes financial literacy enables people to be more empowered to make financial decisions. Leah was voted Community Leader of the year in 2008 as Branch Manager at ANZ. Her primary areas of interest are Financial Literacy and Community Development. Leah holds a Degree in International Business from Murdoch University and Diploma of Financial Counselling from South Metro TAFE. 

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