Sonia Griesbach
Associate Solicitor
Paula Mertiris
Senior Associate Solicitor
Support Staff
Sue Stepancic – Administrative Manager
Sue began working in the legal industry in 1988 in a large practice where she gained valuable skills in numerous areas of law including family law, personal injury law, estate matters and the ETSA bushfire litigation.
After having her own family and returning to work, Sue has worked exclusively in family law for many years and has also worked as a Chambers Clerk with a specialist Family Law Chambers.
Sue joined Donlan Lawyers in 2013 and is dedicated to providing excellent service as Tim Donlan’s Personal Assistant.
Sue is married with two adult children and enjoys spending time with her family and friends and watching and participating in sports.
Leigh-Anne Shattock – Law Clerk
Leigh-Anne joined Donlan Lawyers in 2023 and is based in the Victor Harbor office where she provides reception and administrative support.
Prior to joining Donlan Lawyers, Leigh-Anne was employed with the Australian Government Solicitor, Director of Public Prosecutions and the Courts Administration Authority.
With over 35 years of experience working in legal practices, Leigh-Anne has gained extensive knowledge of legal forms, practices and procedures and is happy answering client enquiries to assist with document execution.
When not at work Leigh-Anne enjoys cooking, entertaining and exploring sites of interest on the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula.
Nigel Barnard – Wills Clerk
Nigel joined Donlan Lawyers as a Wills Consultant in 2017 and works closely with our solicitors regarding our clients’ estate planning needs.
He has considerable experience having previously worked in the trustee industry for 19 years assisting with the estate planning and administration needs of many clients over that time.
Working as a mobile consultant, Nigel assists by attending retirement villages and homes of elderly when they are unable to attend our office and works closely with us in the preparation of wills and estate planning documents.
Nigel is a member of the Executor and Trustee Institute of the Trustee Companies Association of Australia. He is also a Justice of the Peace for the State of South Australia and a registered marriage celebrant.
Carolyn Donlan – Marketing and Public Relations
Carolyn has been with Donlan Lawyers since 2012 undertaking many different and varied roles within the firm.
With qualifications in Social Work, Public Relations and Marketing, she has extensive experience working in public hospitals, not for profit organisations and The University of South Australia.
At the present time Carolyn is responsible for the firm’s ongoing strategic planning requirements along with the firm’s planned growth and marketing strategies. Carolyn also coordinates the various sponsorships that the firm provides in various community sectors.
Anthony Hall – Law Clerk
Anthony joined Donlan Lawyers in 2025 as a Law Clerk, where he provides administrative support at the Adelaide office.
Anthony is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Adelaide University, with an expected completion in 2028. Through his studies and position at Donlan Lawyers, Anthony has gained valuable legal experience while applying the skills & knowledge he is building through his degree.
In his spare time, Anthony is an enthusiastic soccer player for his local community club.
Morgan Archinal – Legal Assistant
Morgan has extensive experience working in legal administration across boutique firms and a community legal centre.
She holds a First-Class Honours degree in History from Flinders University and has worked as a research assistant for various universities in South Australia and interstate.
Morgan joined Donlan Lawyers in 2026 as an assistant to Paula Mertiris and Sonia Griesbach.
Naomi McGrath – Reception
Naomi recently joined the team at Donlan Lawyers as one of our Receptionists.
She is based in our Adelaide office and is often the first point of contact for the firm when visiting or telephoning any of our offices.
Naomi brings with her almost 20 years of experience in administration from the Dental industry which she has seamlessly transferred to the legal field.
When not working Naomi enjoys many hobbies which include needle work, gardening with her chickens close behind, reading, and spending time with her fur baby, and extended family.
Siobhan Whelan – Law Clerk
Siobhan is a Law Clerk with over 30 years of experience in the legal industry. Throughout her career she has developed extensive experience in drafting legal documents and supporting clients and legal teams through a wide range of matters.
A highlight of her career was becoming a Justice of the Peace, as well as having the opportunity to work on Supreme Court trials. These experiences strengthened her appreciation of the importance of professionalism and attention to detail which she takes great pride in together with a compassionate, caring and respectful approach.
Outside of work, she enjoys making the most of everything Adelaide has to offer. You’ll often find here visiting the Art Gallery, wandering through the Central Market or Botanical Gardens, or enjoying a walk with her Cairn Terrier. She also loves reading, going to the movies, spending time with friends, and getting her hands dirty in the garden.
She brings the same warmth, care and attention to detail to her work that she values in everyday life.
Sonika Stoltz – Reception
Sonika joined the firm recently and has over 15 years of experience in the legal industry in South Africa, with a diverse background ranging from litigation to debt collection and accounts management.
Throughout her career, Sonika has developed a strong appreciation for the many different aspects of law and finds the profession both rewarding and intellectually stimulating.
She enjoys the challenges that come with the legal field and values the opportunity to continually develop her knowledge and professional skills.
Outside of work, Sonika enjoys spending quality time with her family, travelling, and exploring new places and experiences.