Headquarters:
Sydney, NSW
Year founded:
1993
Number of employees:
6
Phone:
03 9001 1318
Email:
anne@immigrationsolutions.com.au
Website:
immigrationsolutionslawyers.com.au
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/immigration-solutions-lawyers-pty-ltd
“We prioritise embracing cutting-edge technologies, creative problem solving and continuous improvement to enhance our premium funding solutions and provide exceptional value to our clients”
Brett Bastow, IQumulate Premium FundinG
Anne O’Donoghue
Director and Managing Principal
Michael Constable
Senior Associate
Dino Beslagic
Senior Associate
Leadership
Anne O’Donoghue is an accredited immigration law specialist with over 29 years of experience in the field. As the director and principal lawyer of Immigration Solutions Lawyers, she has built a strong reputation for her expertise in immigration law and advocacy. She has cultivated valuable international relationships through her long-standing involvement with the International Bar Association, where she has been an active member for more than 20 years.
O’Donoghue has been widely recognised for her leadership in the legal community, earning accolades as a Thought Leader, Global Leader and National Leader by Who’s Who Legal (WWL) from 2020 to 2022. In August 2021, she was appointed to the Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration, serving in this capacity until August 2022. She was also a finalist in the 2022 Lawyer’s Weekly Women in Law Awards, nominated in the Pro Bono/Community Legal Centre Lawyer of the Year category.
Her commitment to the legal profession extends to her involvement with the Law Council of Australia, where she has been a member of the International Law Section (ILS) executive since 2012. O’Donoghue has previously served as co-chair of both the ILS Human Rights Committee and the International Public Law Committee. In December 2023, she was appointed Deputy Chair of the ILS. O’Donoghue also contributed to the LCA’s submission in response to the national action plan to combat modern slavery (2020–24).
Director and Managing Principal
Anne O’Donoghue
Michael Constable is a dedicated personal injury lawyer at Henry Carus + Associates, deeply aligned with the firm’s values of personal service and maximising outcomes for clients. His expertise spans TAC, VWA and public liability matters, with a strong focus on TAC claims. He manages disputes involving statutory benefits, serious injury applications and common law damages – appearing across VCAT, the Magistrates’, County and Supreme Courts. Constable is particularly experienced in handling complex cases involving catastrophic injuries, minors and clients with disabilities. His strategic approach, combined with genuine care, ensures clients feel supported and confident throughout every stage of the legal process.
Senior Associate
Michael Constable
Dino Beslagic is a dedicated personal injury lawyer at Henry Carus + Associates, with experience across TAC, WorkCover and public liability claims. He also handles complex insurance matters, including life insurance, income protection and indemnity issues. Beslagic regularly manages statutory benefit disputes, serious injury applications, common law claims and occupier’s liability cases across VCAT, the Magistrates’, County and Supreme Courts. Known for his determination and meticulous preparation, Beslagic is passionate about securing the best outcomes for his clients. His commitment has led to many successful results at mediations, settlement conferences and court hearings, where he advocates with both skill and care.
Senior Associate
Dino Beslagic
BRETT BASTOW, IQUMULATE PREMIUM FUNDINGs
Leadership
Leadership
David Halhead
Senior Associate
David Halhead is a dual-admitted lawyer in both Victoria and the UK, with over 20 years of experience in plaintiff personal injury litigation. As a senior associate solicitor at Henry Carus + Associates, he manages a diverse caseload of public liability, TAC and WorkCover matters. Halhead has represented clients with catastrophic injuries and acquired brain injuries, particularly young people, both in the UK and since relocating to Melbourne in 2016. He is deeply empathetic, an excellent communicator and committed to achieving the best outcomes for his clients. Halhead takes pride in delivering outstanding service and guiding clients with care and clarity.
Senior Associate
David Halhead
Alexander Nordang
Principal
Alexander Nordang is a principal in CDI Lawyers’ litigation and dispute resolution team, bringing over 12 years of experience in complex, multijurisdictional construction disputes. He has acted for international contractors, state-owned enterprises, and government entities on matters valued up to $1 billion, involving projects across Australia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. In addition to his dispute resolution expertise, Nordang provides strategic advice during pre-contracting and contract administration phases, helping clients build strong contractual foundations. His in-depth understanding of technical construction issues enables him to identify and manage risks early – covering everything from variation claims to site-based correspondence.
Principal
Alexander Nordang
Stevens & Associates Lawyers is a leading and trusted employment law firm based in Sydney known for delivering high-quality legal expertise in the area of employment law and industrial relations across Australia, alongside a proven track record of effectively and swiftly resolving a variety of workplace law issues.
In the past year, the firm’s growth has been notable. It has:
• experienced a 213% growth in the number of client matters, increasing from 149 client matters in the 2022 financial year to 390 client matters in the 2023 financial year
• improved its online visibility, leading to over 50 online enquiries each month and a conversion rate of client leads of up to 40%
• significantly expanded the breadth and type of matters that it advises on day to day, which has increased the firm’s skillsets, diversity and resilience
• expanded its community outreach by collaborating with local Sydney venues for client seminars and continuing active participation in a Sydney small/family business group
Stevens & Associates Lawyers has adapted to digital trends by implementing an effective strategy with SEO and web design, resulting in a structural shift that has seen increased representation of employees where the firm previously mainly advised employers.
The firm’s recognition as a “Fast Firm” attests to its momentum in the employment law space.
“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started”
Wayne Tower,
IQumulate Premium Funding
Steve Tchepak
National Underwriting Manager
Michael Prokopis
Manager – Southern Region
Jeffrey Valdivia
Manager – Commercial Strata
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Steve Tchepak became the national underwriting manager at CHU in June 2019. He has over 13 years of experience in strata management and strata insurance. He has held various positions, including commercial underwriter, team leader and NSW and ACT branch manager.
National Underwriting Manager
Steve Tchepak
Thierry Pascal has over 13 years of experience in business and corporate banking in various financial/credit analytical and relationship management roles with the NAB and CBA.
After a career break to undertake postgraduate studies, he joined GE Capital as a senior risk analyst in premium funding in 2010. Following the divestment of the premium funding business to the Macquarie Group in 2015, he joined Macquarie Premium Funding and was promoted to credit risk manager, where he led the credit underwriting team.
Following the re-branding to IQumulate Premium Funding, Pascal was recently promoted to head of credit and legal, a role that sees him manage the credit underwriting team as well as oversee IQumulate’s in-house legal function.
Pascal holds undergraduate and postgraduate tertiary qualifications in accounting and law.
Head of Credit and Legal
Thierry Pascal
Cemal Akgul sees the head of risk and collections role as pivotal in guiding and influencing business decisions. He has more than 15 years of experience across financial and government services, most recently with the NDIS, where he was the leading consultant driving the Risk Management process’ nationwide. Prior to that, he served various roles at BMW Finance across the United States, Hong Kong, Germany and Australia.
During Akgul’s tenure at BMW Finance, he predominately worked in risk management, guiding the organisation through seismic changes between 2016 and 2018. In his time prior, he was based out of New York, leading BMW Finance’s American subsidiary's market risk and data analytics teams between 2011 and 2016.
Akgul values a balanced approach to business, encourages a positive work culture and is passionate about teaching and guiding the business and individuals at IQumulate.
Head of Risk and Collections
Cemal Akgul
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
One culmination of these efforts has been the real-world, needs-based IQEdge solution. A one-stop online quoting tool designed for both the Australian and New Zealand markets, IQEdge delivers quotes in under 60 seconds. Plus, the solution offers quote comparison and quote versioning capabilities, enabling users to review vital historical and financial data in a single page view.
IQEdge can streamline and automate application processing, underwriting document verification and payment collection, cutting the need for manual labour and minimising processing errors. A digital “self-service” platform, IQEdge, reduces the need for customer and administrative support. Meanwhile, borrowers can access their accounts, make payments and manage their policies independently and through sales and support teams, which are always available for further assistance.
“We’ve created a quality platform that simplifies the quoting process yet amplifies the customer experience,” says Gordon. “It’s a real game changer.” IQumulate offers an online digital quoting tool to clients. The best-in-market solution enables IQumulate to tailor funding offerings to brokers that align with their prefered distribution channel.
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What does IQumulate have in mind for the future?
“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur.
“Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, with the potential to allow IQumulate to capture a larger market share, whilst continuing to deliver service excellence to clients.”
“As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead.
“We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”
IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company.
“We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.”
Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate.
“Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”
IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company.
“We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.”
Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate.
“Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”
What does IQumulate have in mind for the future?
“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur.
“Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, creating a competitive advantage with the potential to allow IQumulate to command premium pricing or capture a larger market share.
“As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead.
“We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”
Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
Claire Watson
Product Manager
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Claire Watson
Product Manager
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
“Our expertise in navigating these interconnected areas of law is a key strength, enabling us to provide holistic legal solutions that others may overlook”
Anne O’DonoghuE, Immigration Solutions Lawyers
“We believe in finding solutions that not only address the legal details but also anticipate challenges down the road”
Anne O’DonoghuE, Immigration Solutions Lawyers
Ivan Verescuk
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Shaun O’Brien
Head of Underwriting
Emily Walker
Head of Strata and Development
Rex Oakman
Head of Operations and Risk
Sandy Newton
Head of Underwriting
Andrew Mitchell
Manager – NSW
Michael Prokopis
Manager – Southern Region
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Jeffrey Valdivia
Manager – Commercial Strata
Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
Immigration Solutions Lawyers, led by Anne O’Donoghue, one of Australia’s foremost experts in immigration law, has earned a reputation for delivering legal solutions defined by diligence, empathy and deep technical expertise.
Operating from a strong culture of integrity and collaboration, the firm has positioned itself as a trusted partner for clients facing complex and high-stakes immigration matters.
As frameworks become increasingly complicated, the firm’s personalised approach stands out, particularly in areas such as protection visa refusals. An example is the successful protection visa application achieved for a woman and her children at risk of harm in Pakistan, following initial refusal.
“We offer creative and practical strategies that are tailored to help our clients achieve their goals,” says O’Donoghue. “We believe in finding solutions that not only address the legal details but also anticipate challenges down the road.”
Under O’Donoghue’s guidance, the team brings strategic insight underpinned by rigorous legal research and a commitment to tailored advocacy, often engaging expert counsel and crafting bespoke strategies that reflect the unique circumstances of each case.
A key strength of the firm lies in its ability to manage multifaceted cases, as it routinely handles matters that intersect with criminal law, modern slavery legislation, human rights and labour exploitation. This capacity to provide comprehensive legal guidance across overlapping areas of law has become increasingly critical as the legal and humanitarian dimensions of immigration become more entwined.
O’Donoghue says, “Our expertise in navigating these interconnected areas of law is a key strength, enabling us to provide holistic legal solutions that others may overlook.”
Technology also plays a central role. By streamlining communication and modernising case management systems, Immigration Solutions Lawyers ensures its clients remain informed and engaged throughout what are often lengthy and emotionally charged legal processes. The emphasis on transparency and regular updates reflects a respect for the client's need to be heard and supported.
Beyond the courtroom, the firm is recognised for its contributions to legal discourse and professional advocacy.
Team members have been honoured personally, Palwasha Nawabi was awarded the 2023 Australian Young Lawyer Award, and Diane Markantonakis was appointed as the Asia Pacific Regional Forum Liaison Officer for the Human Rights Law Committee at the International Bar Association.
Immigration Solutions Lawyers are strong supporters of initiatives aimed at policy reform and continue to play an active role in championing the role of women within the legal profession. Such engagement underscores a broader commitment to the advancement of immigration law and to the communities it serves.
What truly distinguishes Immigration Solutions Lawyers is an ethos that prioritises emotional intelligence as much as legal proficiency, recognising the deeply human dimension of the work it does. For clients, this means receiving not only sound legal representation but also genuine care.
This balance of intellect and empathy continues to define the firm’s standing as a leading light in Australian immigration law.
O’Donoghue says, “Our goal is to ensure each client’s immigration journey is smooth, informed and handled with the utmost care and dedication.