Our People

John Windridge

Principal Solicitor / Director

John Windridge is Rapid Legal Solutions’ Principal Solicitor.

John was admitted as a Solicitor in 2007.  As an early career lawyer, John worked in private practice from Charters Towers where he practised in and was exposed to many diverse areas of law.  Such areas of law include Wills & Estate Planning, Residential Conveyancing, Commercial & Rural Transactions, Family Law, Criminal Law and Traffic matters.  

For some years now John has been based in Townsville and has practised predominantly in Personal Injury Law.  John is a strong advocate for his clients and seeks to achieve the best possible outcomes for them whilst also supporting them through the process.  In addition to strongly advocating for his clients, John also provides direction and guidance to other Solicitors and colleagues within RLS.

John is a Townsville boy through and through having been born and raised in Townsville. Outside of work, John’s passions are sport and horticulture.  Personally, John enjoys participating in Crossfit and distance running to name a few.  John is an avid sports fan who strongly supports his favourite teams such as the Cowboys, Queensland Maroons and Socceroos.  John has completed numerous courses in horticulture and greatly enjoys tending to his ever growing garden featuring numerous fruit trees, seasonal vegetables and herbs.  

Ross Vecchio

Solicitor

Ross is a Solicitor of the Supreme Court and High Court having been admitted in December 1997.  Ross will celebrate 25 years of legal practice in December 2022.  He was born and bred in the Burdekin cane farming district and has strong cultural and social ties to North Queensland.

Ross practises in the areas of Estates, Commercial Law, Business Law, Family Law, Leases, Companies, Trusts, Partnerships, Property, Criminal Law, Traffic Offences, Wills and Powers of Attorney.

Ross was attracted to the law by the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and assist his clients in important legal and life decisions. Ross is aware that legal problems can have a devastating impact upon a person’s life and wellbeing as well as that of their family in personal, financial and other ways.  Ross attempts to provide his clients with solutions to those legal problems.

Ross says his time as a Solicitor has given him the opportunity to learn how the world works and to pass this knowledge onto his clients for their benefit.  Ross not only gains insight from his clients but he learns from them in the process.

The local police sergeant once described Ross as a “bulldog”.  He used to tell his constables that if they ever needed a lawyer they should contact Ross!

However, Ross has empathy for his clients and will advise them on what they need. He gives practical and impartial advice and always listens to the needs of his clients.  Ross has the ability to think laterally, and if there is a solution to a client’s problem which may be out of the ordinary but within the bounds of the law, then Ross will try to find it.  Ross also enjoys mentoring others in law.

When Ross is not practising law you can find him tinkering in the shed “fixing things”.  His hobbies include good conversation, watching movies, reading and spending time with family. 

Gemma Lingard

Solicitor

Gemma graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Business and was admitted as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court  of Queensland and High Court of Australia in 2010.

Gemma has vast experience working in the area of Property Law and has been through the conveyancing process various times herself so knows it can be an anxious time for clients.

Gemma’s passion lies with residential conveyancing with a genuine interest in Real Estate. She brings with her interstate experience having worked in property law and defence housing in the ACT.

Gemma is largely involved in her children’s school community. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends on the weekends.   

Caitlin O'Connor

Solicitor

Caitlin graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor Degree in Law and was admitted as a Solicitor in 2017.

Caitlin is located in our Aitkenvale office and practises in the area of Personal Injuries Law.

Caitlin thoroughly enjoys and thrives on great outcomes for her clients. She is a highly organised and focused individual who thinks “outside the box”. Don’t let her appearance fool you, she has been described by her colleagues as tough and spirited, when it is needed.

Caitlin has firm roots planted in Townsville and is a proud North Queenslander. She attended high school at Holy Spirit College in Mackay.

Caitlin is dedicated to her fitness and enjoys the challenge of the gym. She loves spending quiet time with her family and taking her beloved dogs for early morning walks.

Amanda Lane

Solicitor

Amanda initially commenced with Rapid Legal Solutions in late 2017 whilst undertaking her legal studies before becoming a mum. 

Amanda was admitted as a Solicitor in 2018 and since recommencing with Rapid Legal Solutions in July 2021, has practised in the areas of Estate Planning, Conveyancing and Commercial Law from the Kirwan office.  

Amanda is originally from Victoria, having grown up on a dairy farm.  While she misses the cows and the fresh daily jug of milk, she doesn’t miss the 5am starts and the cold frozen mornings.

Amanda is passionate about helping clients navigate complex legal issues in a way that is easy to understand and helping clients achieve their best outcomes.  

Away from work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband, their young son, and their dog. Prior to the birth of her son, Amanda was a regular overseas traveller with her favourite destination being Japan. Amanda is also an avid gamer with her favourite genre being Strategy games.

Michael Breneger

Solicitor

Michael graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Law in September 2019 before being admitted as a Solicitor in 2021.

Originally hailing from Rockhampton, Michael moved to Townsville to pursue his studies and now career.

Michael commenced private practice in January 2021 before joining Rapid Legal Solutions in October 2021.

Michael enjoys assisting his clients in navigating their legal issues whilst seeking to achieve the best possible outcome for them.

Michael has practised in Criminal Law, Family Law, Estate Planning, Administrative Law, Civil Litigation and Property Law. To date Michael has appeared in both the Magistrates and District Courts.

In his private life, Michael enjoys spending time with his partner and is an avid foodie. He also has an interest in tropical fish and setting up aquatic fish tanks and breeding fish.

Sandra Morrison

Paralegal

Sandra is our Aitkenvale Office Personal Injuries Co-Ordinator. She emigrated from the south of England to Australia in 1985 and has over 40 years’ experience in law, primarily in Personal Injuries and Family Law. Sandra is also a Justice of the Peace (Qualified).

Sandra displays a very thorough and committed approach to her work and particularly to her clients during their time of need. Sandra has great empathy and compassion for her clients whilst also communicating with them clearly and in a timely manner. Nothing gives her a greater sense of satisfaction than achieving a wonderful outcome for a client where it will make a tremendous difference to their life.

Sandra’s ability to understand, facilitate and effectively manage all facets of the Personal Injury process, ensures that she remains an integral aspect of the Rapid Legal Personal Injuries team.

Kerri Sergeant

Conveyancing Paralegal

Kerri is a member of the Conveyancing Team assisting clients buy and sell property within Queensland.

Kerri has worked within the legal industry for 30 years in both legal secretarial and conveyancing roles and is adept at residential, commercial and rural property transactions.

Additionally, Kerri has spent several years working in the banking and finance industry specifically in mortgage securities further developing her skills and understanding of property transactions.

In addition to Kerri’s lengthy legal experience, she has also studied Certificate IV in Business (Legal) whilst also serving as a Commissioner for Declarations.  

In her personal life, Kerri enjoys time with her fur babies including her miniature sausage dog, Cooper, and cat, Noah. Kerri is also currently assisting her daughter in wedding planning for her upcoming nuptials.

Julie Palamountain

Conveyancing Paralegal

Julie commenced with RLS in early 2019 having spent over 23 years working for one of Australia’s big 4 banks.

In her time within the finance and lending industry, Julie held a variety of roles and responsibilities.

Georgina Stapleton

Paralegal

Georgina works as a Personal Injury Paralegal within the Aitkenvale office of Rapid Legal Solutions. Georgina completed her formal education at the University of Exeter in 2012 before travelling the world for several years.

Georgina moved from Lancashire, England to Townsville in 2015 and now permanently enjoys the wonderful sunny North Queensland weather.

Commencing in 2017 with RLS, Georgina works with the dedicated Personal Injury team. Georgina strives to ensure our clients get the best possible outcome and takes a genuine interest in supporting and guiding clients through their claim. Clients describe Georgina as being warm, friendly, and empathetic.

Outside of work you will often find Georgina walking along the Ross River with her two gorgeous dogs, or with friends and family enjoying Mexican food and margaritas.