Tess Smith

Family Lawyer

E: tess@cahillfamilylawyers.com.au

Tess is a Family Lawyer who is committed to helping clients navigate family law matters with clarity, compassion and practical advice. She understands that separation and family disputes can be overwhelming and strives to make the legal process as straightforward and understandable as possible.

Tess joined Cahill Family Lawyers in January 2025 and works closely with Director, Paul Cahill, assisting clients across a broad range of family law matters, including parenting arrangements, property settlements and intervention order matters.

Prior to joining Cahill Family Lawyers, Tess worked at a community legal centre, supporting people living with disability and assisting vulnerable members of the community to access legal services. She also held a number of Government and private roles, including case manager, policy officer and paralegal. This diverse professional background has given her a practical understanding of complex personal circumstances and strengthened her ability to provide clear, realistic advice tailored to each client’s individual needs.

Tess is known for her approachable and empathetic manner. She takes the time to listen carefully, explain legal issues in plain language and work collaboratively with clients to achieve practical outcomes. She believes that informed clients are better equipped to make confident decisions and is committed to providing honest advice and reliable support throughout every stage of their matter.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
• Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communication)
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice

Professional Memberships

• Law Institute of Victoria
• Geelong Lawyers Association