Our Team

Stephen Peterson

Principal Lawyer

Stephen Peterson is an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist, practicing almost exclusively in criminal defence.  In 2016 Stephen was recognised as an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law by the Law Institute and founded Stephen Peterson Lawyers in the same year.  Stephen has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University and has completed a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. He is admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria and also the High Court of Australia.  Since 2019, he has also been a member of the Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist Criminal Law Committee.

Stephen has worked as a senior criminal lawyer at Victoria Legal Aid in Melbourne, Dandenong, Ringwood and Morwell.  He also volunteered at the Springvale Community Legal Service and the Gippsland Community Legal Service.  Having developed extensive experience in a wide variety of complex criminal law matters, your case will be handled defended with specialist expertise and courage.

Elise Peterson

Accounts Manager

Elise Peterson co-foundered Stephen Peterson Lawyers in 2016 and is the firm’s Accounts Manager in addition to an experienced valued member of our administrative support team.  Elise has previously worked in the social welfare sector, and as a dental practice manager. Her experience working with vulnerable people is invaluable in delivering competent and compassionate assistance to our clients.

At Stephen Peterson Lawyers, Elise provides a wide range of administrative support to our team and consultation as an important part of our management team. Both Stephen and Elise maintain an extensive active role within their business , understanding that their passion to provide legal services to their community requires an often-underestimated level of commitment and courage, to ensure that you achieve the desired outcome and level of care required for any given case.

Cherie Staub

Office Manager

Cherie Staub joined our team as Office Manager when the business was established in 2016, bringing with her extensive skills with decades of experience in legal practice, community engagement and business development. Having undertaken studies in criminal justice, youth justice, mental health as well as alcohol and other drugs, Cherie understands the serious difficulties faced by people involved in the Court process.

Prior to commencing with Stephen Peterson Lawyers, Cherie worked extensively in both private practice as well as in the public sector.

At Stephen Peterson Lawyers, Cherie is responsible for the Management of our firm operations and dedicated team, in addition to all Stakeholder engagement, business referrals, whilst providing direct Paralegal Services to the Principal Lawyer for our complex Indictable caseload and Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal applications. You can be assured when speaking with Cherie that her understanding of complexity cases and individual client needs, means that you will be extensively supported with any barriers that you may face within the legal system.

Michael Evans

Lawyer

Michael Evans commenced his career at Victoria Legal Aid’s Morwell office before moving into a criminal law role at Stephen Peterson Lawyers in 2021.  He is admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria.  Michael completed a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of International Relations at Latrobe University, before completing his Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Leo Cussen Centre for Law.

Having grown up in regional Victoria, Michael understands the additional barriers facing people who live in remote areas and how these issues relate to the legal system.  Michael works hard to understand his clients and their stories.  He is a strong Court advocate and fights for the best results for his clients.

Jennifer Rae

Legal Secretary

Jennifer Rae commenced working at Stephen Peterson Lawyers in 2016 and completed a Certificate III in Business Administration (legal) in 2017.

At Stephen Peterson Lawyers Jenn works in an experienced secretarial role, with experience in Summary Crime, Intervention Orders and extensive knowledge within our child protection practice area, whilst providing professional front-line service to all our clients and stakeholders. You can be assured when speaking to Jenn that she understands both the complexity and emotional impacts, that face clients when confronted with child protection proceedings. Together with our administrative team Jenn will be one of your first points of contact when you call our office.

Hayley Elliot

Legal Assistant

Hayley Elliot joined the Stephen Peterson Lawyers team in 2022. She has previous experience working in criminal law practice and assists the legal team in advocating for clients of the firm.

At Stephen Peterson Lawyers Hayley works in a legal assistant role, with comprehensive knowledge within our Summary Crime and Intervention Order practice areas, whilst providing professional front-line service to all our clients and stakeholders. Together with our administrative team Hayley will be one of your first points of contact when you call our office.

Melanie Nolen

Personal Assistant

Melanie Nolen joined our team in 2018, having previous experience working in the legal industry and assists the legal team in advocating for client of the firm.

At Stephen Peterson Lawyers Mel is both the direct personal assistant to our Office Manager and works in a legal assistant role whilst providing professional front-line service to all our clients and stakeholders, with a friendly personalised approach to any legal issue you may be faced with. Together with our administrative team Mel will be one of your first points of contact when you call our office.