Meet Al Upton: Commercial Litigation, Property and Estate Planning Lawyer at Butler McDermott Lawyers

Mikaelah is a dedicated family law solicitor at Butler McDermott Lawyers, guiding clients through some of life’s most pivotal and emotional moments with empathy and expertise.

Having studied law at the University of the Sunshine Coast and Central Queensland University, she has devoted her career to family law, an area she believes chose her as much as she chose it.

Mikaelah is passionate about helping clients navigate parenting arrangements, property settlements, and emotionally complex situations with clarity and confidence. She’s witnessed significant changes in family law, including stronger protections for victims of family and domestic violence and a heightened focus on children’s best interests, which align with her commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals.

Currently completing a Masters of Family and Domestic Violence, Mikaelah combines legal knowledge with a deeply personal approach. Backed by Butler McDermott’s collaborative team, she ensures clients receive comprehensive, compassionate support through every stage of their journey.

Callum is a cornerstone of Butler McDermott Lawyers, known for his sharp legal mind, strategic approach, and dedication to client advocacy.

After completing his law studies at Griffith University (2014–2019) and earning a dual degree in commerce with a major in economics, Callum began his career in civil and commercial litigation before expanding into property and criminal law in 2021.

Passionate about litigation, he thrives on strategising cases from start to finish, guiding clients through complex legal challenges with clarity and determination. He’s driven by the competitive, rewarding nature of litigation and is committed to achieving swift, cost-effective results while supporting clients through emotionally demanding processes.

 His blend of legal expertise, strategic thinking, and community engagement make him a trusted advocate and a vital member of the firm.

Cheney is a valued member of Butler McDermott Lawyers’ Personal Injuries Department, guiding clients through some of the most challenging times in their lives with clarity, compassion, and determination.

After completing a dual degree in Law and Criminology and Justice at the University of the Sunshine Coast (2018–2022) and graduating in 2023, Cheney began her legal career with a strong foundation in both legal principles and the broader justice system.

She focuses on personal injury and civil litigation, helping individuals affected by motor vehicle accidents, workplace incidents, public liability matters, and medical negligence navigate complex legal processes.

Cheney embraces evolving legal practices, with many of her matters resolved efficiently during the pre-court phase, achieving timely and cost-effective outcomes for clients. Deeply committed to making a meaningful impact, Cheney takes pride in supporting injured individuals and their families while growing her expertise toward becoming an accredited specialist in personal injuries law.

Kimberley Sutton is a highly respected conveyancer at Butler McDermott Lawyers, bringing over two decades of dedicated experience to the Sunshine Coast property industry.

Beginning her career at just 17, Kim has specialised in property transactions since 1999, earning a reputation for precision, efficiency, and unwavering client care. She expertly guides clients through significant milestones, whether buying their first home or selling a long-held property, ensuring every transaction is seamless and stress-free.

A valued member of Butler McDermott’s team, Kim embodies the firm’s century-long legacy of trust and excellence, fostering enduring relationships that often span generations. She’s widely respected by real estate professionals, mortgage brokers, and industry peers for her integrity and meticulous attention to detail. Supported by the firm’s collaborative leadership, Kim continues to set the standard for conveyancing on the Sunshine Coast, providing exceptional service and guidance at every step.

Miranda is a dynamic legal professional at Butler McDermott Lawyers, specialising in Commercial and Property law.

With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for client-focused solutions, she excels at turning complex legal challenges into opportunities for success. After studying law and criminology at Deakin University, while working full-time and completing a study abroad program, Miranda was admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2022 and to the Queensland Supreme Court in 2023.

Formerly leading a conveyancing department in Victoria, she brings extensive expertise to her practice, thriving on the intersection of property law with commercial, estate, and family matters. In Commercial law, she crafts tailored strategies with real-world impact.

Miranda’s meticulous approach to reviewing contracts and agreements ensures her clients’ interests are always protected. She values Butler McDermott’s unique blend of progressive vision and traditional service, building genuine rapport with clients and the community alike.

With over 35 years of experience, George Cowan is a steadfast advocate in personal injury and accident compensation law, dedicated to representing “the battlers and little guys” against powerful insurance companies.

Beginning his legal journey through QUT external studies and articles in Rockhampton, George built a strong foundation that underpins his extensive courtroom experience. An Accredited Specialist in Personal Injuries Law since 2002 and consistently recognised in Doyle’s Guide, he brings unmatched expertise to every case.

His service philosophy – personalised advice, fair fees, and a focus on outcomes – reflects Butler McDermott’s commitment to justice and community. From home visits to proactive case management, George ensures injured clients receive compassionate, accessible, and expert legal support on a no-win-no-fee basis.

Tom is a passionate and dynamic criminal lawyer at Butler McDermott Lawyers, known for his sharp courtroom advocacy and unwavering commitment to justice. A Bond University graduate (2016–2019), Tom’s rigorous legal education laid the foundation for his thriving career in criminal law. Drawn to the energy of the courtroom, he specialises in representing clients directly before judges and juries, crafting compelling arguments and advocating fearlessly on their behalf. Tom takes pride in guiding clients through the often-intimidating criminal justice process, ensuring they understand their legal options and working tirelessly to minimise disruption in their lives. His expertise extends to complex matters that overlap with other legal areas, such as domestic violence cases involving family law, where he thrives in Butler McDermott’s collaborative, full-service environment. Tom’s tenacity, clear communication, and client-first approach make him a formidable ally for anyone facing criminal charges.

Jamie Lee Hunt has been a cornerstone of Butler McDermott Lawyers since 2019, leading the Wills and Estates section with exceptional legal expertise and heartfelt empathy. A University of Sunshine Coast graduate with a Bachelor of Laws (2020), she completed her Practical Legal Training at the College of Law and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2021. She is currently pursuing a Master of Laws in Wills and Estates. Jamie’s passion lies in guiding individuals and families through emotionally complex estate matters with both precision and compassion. She excels in developing tailored strategies for complex estate litigation, building lasting client relationships along the way. Beyond her practice, Jamie is active in the Sunshine Coast Law Association and Queensland Law Society and serves as a Justice of the Peace. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to her clients, profession, and community.

Peter has been practising as a Nambour Solicitor since 1977 and joined Butler McDermott Lawyers the same year.

With over 40 years practicing as a Sunshine Coast lawyer, Peter has extensive knowledge of various facets of law.

He has practised in all areas of litigation and has special interests in:

• Criminal law
• Civil and Commercial litigation
• Retirement Village matters
• Sports law
• Resumption of land and compensation claims

Peter has specialised knowledge of and experience with resumption matters as a result of the Traveston Dam project, road corridors, Main Roads and water pipeline. He is renowned for his professional approach and is an experienced and determined advocate.

Brent works as a litigation lawyer, providing litigation legal advice in relation to both civil and criminal law matters, including:

• Defamation Claims
• Contract and Debt Disputes
• Building and Construction Disputes
• Planning Matters
• Criminal Law and Traffic Legal Matters

Having grown up on the Sunshine Coast and joining Butler McDermott after the completion of his studies, Brent appreciates the needs of our clients, and brings a particularly commercial approach to litigation.

Brent is a member of the Queensland Law Society and the Sunshine Coast Law Association, and has litigated a wide variety of matters in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts.

Al Upton is a director of Butler McDermott Lawyers and one of the firm’s most versatile practitioners.

He advises and acts for clients across commercial litigation, property, commercial matters and wills and estates, drawing on his diverse experience across these practice areas.

Al has run matters in the Supreme and District Courts of Queensland, giving him a litigator’s perspective whether he is resolving a commercial dispute, structuring a property deal, or providing complex and bespoke estate planning advice. Clients value that they can bring him a problem that crosses several areas of law and get clear, practical advice from one person.

Outside the office, Al gives back to the community as Chair of the Nambour Community Foundation and a board member of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.