Our Team
Jo Fuhrmann | Founder
Jo is a family lawyer known for her calm strength, clear guidance, and deeply human approach to separation and divorce. As the Founder of Palm Legal, Jo has shaped a practice built on empathy, education, and holistic support, ensuring clients feel informed, grounded, and genuinely cared for throughout one of life’s most significant transitions.
With more than 15 years’ experience in family law, Jo brings a rare blend of technical skill and emotional intelligence. Her background spans respected family law practices on the Northern Beaches and North Shore of Sydney, where she developed a reputation for thoughtful advocacy, meticulous preparation, and an unwavering commitment to her clients’ wellbeing.
Jo’s approach is shaped not only by her professional experience but also by her personal journey through divorce. This lived insight allows her to connect with clients with genuine understanding, recognising the mix of heartache, uncertainty, and hope that accompanies separation. She supports clients to recognise their own resilience, make informed decisions, and move toward a future that feels stable, empowered, and peaceful.
At Palm Legal, Jo leads with a holistic, child‑focused philosophy. She prioritises clarity, emotional safety, and practical solutions, guiding clients through parenting arrangements, property settlements, divorce, financial agreements, and all aspects of family law with steady, compassionate care.
Clients consistently describe Jo as approachable, professional, and deeply committed. Her communication is clear and reassuring, her advocacy is measured and strategic, and her focus is always on achieving outcomes that honour the wellbeing of the whole family.
Jo holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Notre Dame and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law. She is admitted to practice in New South Wales.
Angela Hayes | Special Counsel
Angela is an Accredited Family Law Specialist who has worked exclusively in family law since 2016. With almost a decade of experience, she supports clients through all stages of separation, including parenting arrangements, property settlements, and financial matters.
Recognised in Doyle’s Guide as a Rising Star in Family Law from 2019 to 2023, Angela has also been named a Recommended Lawyer in Leading Parenting, Custody & Children’s Matters in 2024 and 2025. She has a particular strength in complex parenting matters, where her calm, thoughtful approach is highly valued. Angela holds a Bachelor of Laws and is admitted to practise in the High Court of Australia.
After practising in Western Australia, Angela relocated to Sydney in late 2024, bringing with her broad experience across a wide range of family law issues.
Angela is known for her warm, practical, and strategic style. She understands that the end of a relationship can be one of the most challenging periods in a person’s life. Her focus is on guiding clients with clarity, compassion, and strong advocacy, while ensuring they feel supported at every step.
She takes the time to understand each client’s circumstances, priorities, and hopes for the future. Angela works closely with clients to develop practical strategies that protect their interests and support both their own and their children’s wellbeing. Her approach is holistic, centred and grounded in the belief that good family law practice is not only about resolving legal issues, but helping people move forward with dignity and confidence.
Alicia Cullen | Solicitor
Alicia is a family law solicitor who provides support in property and parenting matters, with particular strength in those complicated by family violence.
She holds a Bachelor of Psychology and Bachelor of Laws from Macquarie University, a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the College of Law and is a member of the Australian Association of Collaborative Professionals. She is admitted to practise in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court ofAustralia.
Alicia’s psychology background is central to how she assists clients. Central to parenting matters are a child’s development, attachment and what is in a child’s best interests. Alicia’s psychology education allows her to engage with clients with knowledge to assist them practically and understand the complexities that often come with family reports and expert evidence. In family violence matters, Alicia’s understanding and ability to recognise coercive control, trauma triggers and responses and power imbalances between parties shape her client support and the guidance she provides but also how a matter needs to be carefully supported.
Alicia has experience running complex family law matters with concurrent criminal and civil claims, both arising from family violence, and working alongside practitioners in Local and District Courts. She has been successful in Harman Undertaking release applications, where material from family law proceedings is sought to be used as evidence in related matters. She has also successfully defended matters seeking to enliven the accrued jurisdiction power of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Alicia enjoys the technical challenges of the law and applying those skills to her clients’ most complex matters to make the process as seamless as possible for clients.
Kesiah Lock | Paralegal
Kesiah Lock is a Paralegal at Palm Legal, bringing several years of experience and a heartfelt commitment to supporting clients through the challenges of family law.
Kesiah is a trusted and integral member of the Palm Legal team, drawing on her depth of knowledge in legal research and documentation to ensure every case receives the thorough attention it deserves.
She is known for her warm, approachable manner and eye for detail her ability to work seamlessly alongside her colleagues and to deliver a smooth and supportive experience for every client.
Kesiah’s dedication to her work and the people she serves makes her an invaluable part of the Palm Legal family.
Cara Dennis | Client Care Coordinator
Cara Dennis is the Client Care Coordinator at Palm Legal, a role you won’t find at most family law firms. We created it because we believe great legal support begins long before the first hearing and continues long after the final order.
Cara is the heartbeat of that experience, making sure every client feels heard, respected and genuinely supported through one of the most challenging chapters of their life.
She brings warmth, emotional intelligence and a real commitment to human-centred care, alongside the organisation and knowledge of available support that turns complexity into clarity.
Most firms leave clients to navigate all of this alone. Cara’s role exists so you don’t have to.
Sally Schmidt | Manager
Sally Schmidt is the Practice Manager at Palm Legal, bringing a genuine passion for supporting clients through some of life’s most challenging moments.
In her role, Sally oversees the day-to-day operations of the firm, ensuring every client receives a seamless, compassionate experience from their very first point of contact.
She is proud to support the dedicated team at Palm Legal, working closely alongside them to create an environment where both clients and colleagues feel valued and cared for.