Gabe Hutchinson has spent more than a decade building a career in litigation, known for his strategic thinking, calm presence under pressure and willingness to take on complex matters. He began at a large firm on the Sunshine Coast before taking the leap to establish Clutch Legal, with a vision of creating a firm that combines elite capability with a refreshingly down-to-earth approach.

He is particularly drawn to complex commercial disputes and racing and sports-related matters, where the pace is fast, the stakes are high, and the details matter. Clients value his straightforward advice, meticulous preparation, and ability to see several moves ahead, qualities that consistently translate into strong outcomes.

Gabe also has significant experience in construction disputes and property litigation.

Equally important to Gabe is mentoring the next generation of lawyers. He has a genuine passion for teaching young practitioners coming through the profession, sharing not just legal knowledge but the judgment, resilience, and client-focused mindset that can’t be learned from textbooks alone. As the beneficiary of great mentorship, he understands the importance of passing on

Outside the office, Gabe loves the Brisbane Broncos and all related genres and sub-genres of punk rock. In his spare moments, you’ll find him anywhere from the singing cauldron of Suncorp Stadium to the sticky floors of The Triffid.

But nothing is more important to Gabe than his wife and his two young boys. True happiness is found at the bottom of a coffee cup, reading the form guide paper, while two boys sleep after Saturday morning swim lessons.

Approachable, measured, and quietly competitive, Gabe leads Clutch Legal with the belief that clients deserve both exceptional representation and a legal team they feel comfortable calling.

Samuel Bolton has grown alongside Clutch Legal, joining the firm in 2020 and becoming its longest-serving team member. He completed a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Criminology and Justice in 2024 and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland in June 2025. His practice spans litigation, criminal law, traffic and regulatory matters, and sports law.

Sam is known for delivering clear, structured advice to clients navigating complex or stressful matters. He is especially motivated by the opportunity to help people who may not fully understand the intricate nature of their dispute or criminal matter, guiding them through the process with clarity and confidence.

Outside the office, Sam enjoys combat sports, beach time, following the Melbourne Storm and a Sunday flat white with his partner and their puppy. Grounded, reliable, and (not-so) quietly competitive, Sam represents the next generation of litigators at Clutch Legal.

Hana Tong is a civil litigation and dispute resolution solicitor admitted in 2021 in Sydney. Following her legal education in both the United Kingdom and Australia, she has practised across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland.

Hana is a client-focused and diligent practitioner who approaches every matter with careful preparation and strategic intent. She believes that thorough preparation is the cornerstone of effective advocacy. While good fortune may occasionally assist, consistent hard work and discipline are what ultimately achieve results. Her practice is grounded in clear advice, practical strategy and steady guidance through complex disputes.

She acts in a broad range of civil and commercial litigation matters and is known for her attention to detail, structured thinking and commitment to advancing her clients’ interests with professionalism and integrity. Hana takes satisfaction in navigating difficult or high-pressure situations and transforming them into clear, manageable pathways forward.

Within the Clutch Legal team, Hana is also known for her dependable partnership with the firm’s unofficial morale officer/golden retriever, Mr Brian Hutchinson. When she is not busy at her desk drafting or in conference with clients, she can occasionally be found ensuring Mr Brian remains well-supervised (and perhaps slightly over-spoiled).

Outside the office, Hana is a devoted guinea pig mum to three particularly well-fed boys and an enthusiastic admirer of Agatha Christie, a natural affinity for carefully constructed strategy and the satisfaction of a well-resolved mystery.

Jackie Courtney brings more than 25 years of legal administration and practice management experience to Clutch and with it, the kind of institutional knowledge you simply can’t teach. She began her career with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Maroochydore in 1998, before spending 15 years as Practice Manager at a Sunshine Coast barristers’ chambers. She joined Clutch Legal in 2023 and has been keeping the wheels turning ever since.

Jackie is the person the team relies on when something needs to be organised, solved, implemented, or simply “sorted.” Known for her practical mindset and trademark “let’s just get it done” attitude, she plays a central role in the firm’s practice management and day-to-day operations. She takes particular pride in implementing the firm’s practice management systems and supporting both legal practitioners and administrative staff to work efficiently and seamlessly.

Passionate about positive, supportive workplaces, Jackie is a steady presence behind the scenes and a driving force in keeping the firm running smoothly.

Outside the office, Jackie enjoys time with family and friends, Pilates, and relaxing by the pool with a chilled wine in hand. She also has a surprisingly loud party trick, she can whistle loudly enough to stop people in their tracks, a skill taught to her by her brother and one that occasionally proves useful around the office.

Reliable, warm, formidable, Jackie is the cornerstone of the Clutch Legal team.

Lachlan O’Toole is the reason things get done. He keeps the wheels turning behind the scenes so the lawyers can focus on the big stuff, files in order, deadlines under control, and no one missing a beat.

A die-hard AFL fan and one of the fittest people in the building, Lachlan brings the same discipline to the office that he does to training. If something needs doing quickly, properly, and without fuss, he’s already onto it.

Around the office, he’s known for his reliability, work ethic, and the kind of calm efficiency that makes everyone else’s job easier. Put simply, he’s the guy who makes it possible for the lawyers to do what they do.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find him training, watching the footy, or doing something active – sitting still isn’t really his style.

Lachlan is a key part of what keeps Clutch Legal running day to day and we are so glad to have him as part of our team.

Dominique Donovan took a slightly unconventional path into the legal profession, one that began in Event Management before a persistent inner voice convinced her to explore a career in law. After enrolling in an Associate Degree in Law at Southern Cross University in 2010, life briefly pressed pause while she focused on raising her young family, a detour she wouldn’t change for the world. With the encouragement of her family and mentors in the industry, Dominique returned to her studies and completed her degree in 2024 while working as a Legal Secretary.

Since commencing in legal services in 2019, Dominique has built a reputation for her enthusiasm, reliability, and determination to see tasks through to completion. She thrives in a supporting role and is known for her problem-solving mindset, attention to detail, and willingness to jump in wherever needed to keep matters moving forward.

Before law, Dominique’s career included a memorable brush with the film industry as a continuity extra in the Steven Spielberg-produced series Terra Nova, proof that her résumé is anything but predictable.

A former karaoke host, she can command a room when needed – although the opening bars of Bohemian Rhapsody still trigger flashbacks. When not in the office, Dominique loves spending time with her family and their besties and going to church on Sunday.

Warm, resilient, and quietly driven, Dominique brings both heart and humour to the Clutch Legal team.

Roisin O’Donoghue brings an international perspective and a sharp eye for detail to the Clutch Legal team. Originally from Ireland, she recently swapped Irish weather for Sunshine Coast sunshine after being admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in Ireland in January 2026. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Civil Law from the University of Galway and has more than four years of experience working in the legal profession.

Known for her meticulous approach and approachable manner, Roisin is someone both clients and colleagues rely on to keep matters organised, precise, and moving forward. She combines technical accuracy with a calm, friendly presence that makes complex tasks feel manageable.

Roisin has fully embraced coastal life, most likely found on a long beach walk, in the ocean for a sea swim, or tracking down an oat cappuccino. A natural adventurer, she loves travelling and exploring new places, with past highlights including hiking an active volcano in Guatemala and cage diving with sharks in South Africa, experiences that speak to a quietly fearless streak beneath her calm exterior.

Curious, capable, and always up for the next challenge, Roisin brings both professionalism and personality to the Clutch Legal team.

Tahlia Hutchinson is the operational backbone of Clutch Legal and the driving force behind the firm’s brand, client experience, and day-to-day professionalism. With a career spanning digital marketing, human resources, recruitment, payroll, and business management, she co-founded the firm alongside Gabe with a clear vision: to build a litigation practice that is both high-performing and genuinely human.

Tahlia has spent years leading marketing strategy and managing client accounts across a diverse portfolio of organisations. That background now shapes how the firm communicates, grows, and connects with its clients, ensuring every touchpoint reflects the same professionalism and care as the legal work itself.

Known for her calm, organised approach and ability to anticipate what’s needed before anyone asks, Tahlia keeps the firm running smoothly behind the scenes while fostering a workplace culture where people feel supported, valued, and motivated to do their best work.

Outside the office, Tahlia is a devoted mum to two young boys. She values family life, good coffee and the controlled chaos of building a business while raising a young family. She loves reading, beach days on the Sunshine Coast and any rare moment of quiet that comes with both boys asleep at the same time.

Tahlia believes that exceptional client service starts with an exceptional team, a philosophy that continues to shape both the culture and success of Clutch Legal.