Our Team

Stephen Peterson

Principal Lawyer

Stephen Peterson is the principal of the firm, having founded Stephen Peterson Lawyers in 2016. Stephen has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (politics and criminology majors) from Monash University and has completed a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.  Stephen was admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia in 2010.  In 2016, Stephen was recognised as an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law by the Law Institute of Victoria.  He is currently the President of the Gippsland Law Association and a member of the Accredited Criminal Law Specialist Advisory Committee.

Prior to founding Stephen Peterson Lawyers, Stephen worked as a senior criminal lawyer at Victoria Legal Aid and volunteered at the Springvale and Gippsland Community Legal Services.

Stephen has a keen interest in criminal law.  He has represented clients charged with serious offences, including murder, rape, aggravated home invasion and burglary, armed robbery, drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, firearms manufacturing, firearms trafficking and culpable driving.  As a result of conducting trials in the County and Supreme Courts, Stephen has had the opportunity to work alongside and develop relationships with some of Victoria’s most experienced and respected Barristers and Senior Counsel.

With extensive expertise in complex criminal law cases and children’s law matters, your case will be defended strongly, passionately and professionally.

Michael Robinson

Senior Lawyer

With over 17 years of dedicated legal experience, Michael Robinson is a well regarded advocate in child protection and family violence matters, with a strong focus on regional Gippsland communities. He has developed expertise representing vulnerable clients regularly appearing in the Children’s Court, Magistrates’ Court, with experience in  the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

He is known for a pragmatic, client‑centred approach, providing clear and strategic advice tailored to the sensitive and often urgent nature of child protection and family violence matters. His practice includes intervention orders, child protection applications, ensuring clients receive consistent and well‑informed representation across jurisdictions.

He is committed to achieving practical outcomes while maintaining a compassionate understanding of the personal challenges faced by his clients. With extensive courtroom advocacy experience and a strong knowledge of regional service systems, he works effectively with support agencies, families, and professionals to navigate complex legal processes.

He is respected for his attention to detail, and communication skills, and remains dedicated to protecting clients’ rights while supporting safe and effective resolutions.

Lisa Caulfield

Lawyer

Lisa Caulfield is a criminal lawyer with a primary focus on criminal law, intervention orders and child protection matters. She is passionate about ensuring her clients receive clear advice and strong representation in what can often be a difficult and stressful legal process.

Lisa takes pride in navigating complex legal issues with attention to detail and a strategic approach. She builds strong partnerships with clients to guide them through the criminal justice system, helping them understand each step and their available options.

Prior to joining the firm, Lisa gained valuable experience working with the Office of Public Prosecutions and Victoria Legal Aid. These roles provided her with insight into both prosecution and defence perspectives, strengthening her ability to advocate effectively for her clients.

Lisa has worked with clients from diverse backgrounds, including those in rural and regional communities, and understands the unique challenges they may face when accessing legal services. She is dedicated to providing approachable and straightforward advice tailored to each client’s individual circumstances.

With Lisa, you can be assured that your legal matter will be dealt with compassion and skill.

Elise Peterson

Accounts Manager

Elise Peterson has been our Accounts Manager since the firm’s inception in 2016.  Prior to this, Elise worked as a dental practice manager, as well as a customer service officer in the social welfare sector. 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 and is also a valued part of our management team.

Both Stephen and Elise maintain an extensive and active role within their business, understanding that their passion to provide legal services to their community requires an often-underestimated level of commitment and determination to ensure the desired outcomes.

Jennifer Staub

Legal Secretary

Jennifer joined Stephen Peterson Lawyers in 2016 and completed her Certificate III in Business Administration (Legal) in 2017 and Certificate IV in Business Administration in 2025.

Over the years, Jennifer has developed extensive experience and currently supports the firm’s indictable crime practice, working closely with solicitors and barristers on a broad range of serious criminal matters. She also has considerable knowledge of summary criminal matters, intervention orders, and child protection applications.

Jennifer understands the uncertainty and pressure that often accompanies legal proceedings. She appreciates the importance of clear communication, professionalism, and practical support throughout the process.

As a member of the administrative team, Jennifer is often one of the first points of contact for clients, courts, counsel, and other stakeholders. Her experience, attention to detail, and understanding of legal processes help ensure matters are managed efficiently and professionally from commencement through to resolution.

Hayley Elliott

Legal Secretary

Hayley Elliott joined Stephen Peterson Lawyers in 2022, becoming a key member of the administrative team. She works as a Legal Secretary to support the firm’s summary crime, intervention order, and child protection practice areas.

Hayley draws on her previous experience in legal administration and her comprehensive knowledge of the criminal justice system to ensure the smooth operation of case files. Her professional front-line service, paired with her compassionate attitude, makes her an integral part of our team.

Growing up locally, Hayley recognises the disadvantages that many of our clients face in Latrobe Valley. Therefore, as your first point of contact, Hayley will treat your enquiry with understanding and respect.

Aaron Abuan

Legal Secretary

Aaron Abuan joined Stephen Peterson Lawyers at the beginning of 2025. Since commencing work with our firm, Aaron has quickly become a valuable member of our administrative team.

At Stephen Peterson Lawyers, Aaron will be your first point of contact when you call our office. With a skilled background in customer service, you can be sure that Aaron will handle your enquiries with attentiveness and professionalism.

Shanae Key

Legal Secretary