GREGORY PLOETZ

PRINCIPAL

Greg was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in March 1981 and has practised exclusively in Ipswich since that time in all areas of law. Greg first became a director of M.A. Kent & Associates in 1987 and since that time has gone on to establish one of the longest standing general practices within Ipswich. Throughout his career, Greg has represented a vast range of clients in all areas of law and has become a well-respected member of the Ipswich legal fraternity.

Greg has extensive experience representing clients in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and in a multitude of matters before the Supreme, District and Magistrates Court of Queensland. Greg is renowned for his ability to think and practice law practically, a quality that has allowed him to achieve successful results for his clients without the delay or burden of the court system.

Greg is a proud member of the Ipswich community for which he has been a part of for over 40 years. In this time, he has prided himself on building a firm that values its clients and supports them from start to finish in resolving any legal issue, no matter how big or small.

Greg is a member of the Ipswich Girls Grammar School and Greg enjoys playing tennis and spending time on his farm with the family.

 gregp@makent.com.au

KELSEA READ

Senior Associate – Criminal, Traffic, Domestic Violence

Kelsea was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2017 and has practised primarily in criminal law. In that time, Kelsea has worked in various locations including Ipswich, Brisbane and Far North Queensland providing her with a breadth of experience and exposure to courts across Queensland.

Kelsea is passionate and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals facing the criminal justice system, no matter how serious or minor a matter may be.

Since practising as a criminal lawyer, Kelsea has developed extensive experience in representing a diverse range of clients facing charges in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Court. She has also successfully represented clients in appeals and bail applications in the Supreme Court. During this time Kelsea has developed essential skills and knowledge that has allowed her to achieve successful outcomes for her clients.
 kelsea@makent.com.au

NICOLE LAWSON

Legal Secretary

Nicole started at MA Kent in January of 2024 as Legal Secretary to Greg Ploetz.
Nicole has previously worked as an Administration Officer specialising in criminal law and domestic violence matters, she enjoys working in the legal sector and assisting clients wherever possible. In her spare time Nicole is busy organising her family, spending time outdoors and socialising with friends. nicole@makent.com.au

CHERYL DAVIS

Senior Conveyancer

Cheryl joined the team at M.A. Kent & Associates in 2021 and is backed with over a decade of Conveyancing experience in the Ipswich and surrounding areas.

From Selling, Buying to Family Law Property Transfers, Cheryl will confidently handle any property transaction, provide tailored advice and is readily available to answer any questions in order to achieve the best outcome for her clients.

With consistent 5-star reviews, previous clients would say that Cheryl can provide a “pleasant and smooth journey” and is “extremely professional and prompt”.

Away from her desk, you will find Cheryl spending time outdoors with her daughters, be it at sports, parks or at the beach and enjoys a social setting with friends and family.
 conveyancing@makent.com.au

Christine Donnelly

Practice Manager

Christine has been the Office Manager at M.A. Kent & Associates for over 20 years and as such has extensive experience and knowledge of the business and its practice.  Christine manages the office staff and the day-to-day administration of a busy legal office.  Every day presents a different challenge, and this makes the job interesting and diverse.

When not at work, Christine enjoys spending time with her family and time at the Gold Coast.

 chris@makent.com.au

CARLA SPILLER

Legal Secretary

Carla started with M.A. Kent as the firm’s receptionist in 2019. Since that time, Carla has progressed into the role of an Administration Assistant to now a legal secretary assisting all solicitors in various areas such as Family and Criminal Law. Carla is a valuable part of the team as she has worked in different areas of the firm, expanding her experience. Carla is hardworking and dedicated to her job and this allows her to develop good rapport with our clients to provide them with general assistance where needed.

In her spare time Carla enjoys relaxing at home listening to Country music, hanging out with her friends and going to the odd Rodeo or two.

 carla@makent.com.au

Rebecca Pokarier

Legal Secretary

Rebecca (AKA “Bec”) joined M.A. Kent & Associates in November 2022 and assists the firm’s solicitors in various fields of law, including family law, criminal law and child protection.

Bec has nearly 20 years of experience working in law firms. She started working for a top tier firm in Brisbane at the age of 18, before wanting to be closer to home, so headed back to work in her hometown of Ipswich. Over the years Bec has worked for various firms in Ipswich, only having a break to have her children.

Bec is cheerful, understanding, courteous and happy to help you where possible, with any enquiries you may have.

When Bec isn’t working, she is off enjoying time watching her children play sports, fishing with the family on their boat, going camping or loving a good day of shopping with her sisters!

Bec is ready and waiting to assist you with your enquiries.

 rebecca@makent.com.au

SHARNE PLOETZ

Legal Secretary

Sharne has been a long standing member of the staff on and off over the last 30 years and she is known to many of our clients. Sharne’s experience is vast and varied in administration and she is a dedicated and hard working member of the firm. She believes that working together as a team is why the staff at M.A. Kent & Associates work so well together.

 sharne@makent.com.au

Ashleigh Pilgrim

Receptionist/Legal Secretary

Ashleigh, affectionately known as Ash is the Director of first impressions at M A Kent & Associates. Ash joined the team in 2022 as reception and has made it her own.

She’s ready to greet you with a smile as you enter our office and happily assist you with your phone inquiries. Ash will go out of her way to make you feel comfortable and support you to the best of her ability.

Ash has a drive to learn about Legal Services and gain knowledge as she works her way up in the firm.

Outside of the office Ash loves the outdoors and enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her two dachshunds.
 ashleigh@makent.com.au