Our team
At Gelder Peters Law, our people REACH to serve you
Empowered by purpose, our team thrives to deliver clarity, care, and legal excellence
Lachlan Gelder
CEO & Director
Learn about Lachlan
Lachlan Gelder brings over 30 years of experience in commercial, retail, and residential property law to his role as Principal and Director of Gelder Peters Law. Known for his strategic thinking, commercial insight, and high-quality legal solutions, Lachlan has built a reputation for guiding clients through complex legal challenges with clarity, precision, and a deep understanding of their real-world needs. His legal expertise is complemented by a strong background in leadership, having held senior roles across both private practice and corporate sectors.
Lachlan’s career includes 13 years as General Manager for Australia & New Zealand at Westfield/Scentre Group, where he led large-scale legal and operational teams across the retail property sector. He also spent 17 years as a Partner at Marsdens Law Group, followed by his appointment as Principal of Peters Lawyers in 2024. That same year, he relocated the firm to Picton, laying the groundwork for a new chapter. In March 2025, Lachlan formally incorporated the firm and rebranded it as Gelder Peters Law, reflecting a renewed vision for a modern, values-driven legal practice.
At the heart of Lachlan’s approach is a profound commitment to the Client, the Team, and the Community. He believes in the strength of long-term, connected relationships—whether with Clients, colleagues, or cross-industry associates. This philosophy shapes the firm’s culture and service model, which blends legal excellence with genuine human connection and commercial maturity. Lachlan is passionate about creating a workplace that values integrity, collaboration, and purpose, and he leads by example in fostering a supportive and high-performing team environment.
Gelder Peters Law is intentionally not a traditional law firm. Rather than practising in every area of law, the firm is focused and clear on its core areas of expertise—where it can deliver the greatest value as a trusted legal advisor. While continuing to grow through technology, higher learning, and attracting the right people, Lachlan recognises that Clients may need support beyond the firm’s specialisations. To meet this need, he has established a highly skilled and trusted network of external legal and professional service providers, ensuring our Clients have access to comprehensive support across all legal, business, and personal matters.
Today, under Lachlan’s leadership, Gelder Peters Law is a firm built with intention—blending legal excellence with commercial maturity and bespoke human connection. From where the firm started to where it is now, the focus remains the same: to serve Clients with integrity, to empower the Team, and to contribute meaningfully to the Community. Lachlan’s vision continues to shape a legal practice that is not only effective but deeply human, offering real value well beyond the traditional practice of law.
Scott Willis
Senior Lawyer Estate Planning & Estate Administration
Learn about Scott
Scott joins the Estate Planning team at Gelder Peters Law with over 25 years of legal experience across private practice, government, and corporate sectors. Holding degrees in Law and Arts from UNSW, he brings a strong foundation in wills and estates, property, planning law, and compliance.
Known for his detail-oriented and empathetic approach, Scott is committed to guiding Clients through the estate planning process with clarity, care, and professionalism. Whether preparing a will or navigating complex estate matters, Scott ensures every Client feels supported and confident in their decisions.
Robert McGill
Senior Lawyer Commercial
Learn about Robert
Robert brings over five years of experience in commercial law to the Commercial Team at Gelder Peters Law. Known for his strong technical foundation and commercial acumen, Robert delivers practical, business-focused legal solutions that help Clients grow and protect their commercial interests. His expertise spans business sales and acquisitions, contract review and drafting, and trust deed matters, where he provides clear, tailored advice and documentation to support strategic decision-making and mitigate legal risk.
In addition to his commercial practice, Robert has a solid grounding in transactional matters involving local government law, including compulsory acquisition and planning and development. He holds a double degree in Law and Arts from Western Sydney University and is committed to adopting an approach to the lawyer-client relationship that focuses on three “E”s: Enthusiasm, Empathy and Effectiveness.
Robert believes that legal support should be clear, accessible, easy to understand and rooted in a genuine understanding of
what matters most to the client and
the most viable options to assist the client to reach that outcome.
Nicole Peters
Senior Conveyancing Paralegal
Learn about Nicole
Nicole brings 25 years of experience in the legal profession, supporting lawyers across a range of roles. Beginning her career as a legal librarian, she provided in-depth research support, ensuring access to accurate and timely legal information. For the past 12 years, Nicole has specialised in conveyancing, expertly assisting with property transactions and delivering precise, client-focused service.
Known for her meticulous attention to detail, her ability to remember all her Clients and her calm, Client-focused approach, Nicole expertly guides each Client through the complexities of buying, selling, and transferring property.
From preparing contracts to coordinating settlements, Nicole ensures every transaction runs smoothly and efficiently. Her deep knowledge and approachable manner make have made her a trusted point of contact for clients and colleagues alike who keep coming back year after year. She continues to deepen her expertise through further study, reflecting her commitment to excellence and ongoing professional growth.
We were lucky enough to have Nicole’s high standard of workmanship and commitment to creating a Community within our firm recognised this year when she was awarded the Rotary Pride of Workmanship Award for 2025.
Wendy Phan
Lawyer Commercial & Leasing
Learn about Wendy
At just 25, Wendy has quickly established herself as a highly capable and professional solicitor within our Leasing department. With experience across various areas of law, she brings a sharp legal mind, meticulous attention to detail, and a strong sense of responsibility to every matter she handles.
Wendy’s driven work ethic and blend of professionalism, kindness, and perseverance ensures that every client feels valued, supported, and confident throughout their legal journey. She is often going out of her way to assist her Clients, the Team, and the broader Community—reflecting her genuine commitment to service and connection.
Her approach to leasing is both practical and people focused. Wendy takes the time to understand each Client’s unique circumstances, working diligently to ensure their interests are protected and their goals are met. She regularly liaises with landlords, tenants, agents, and other legal professionals to coordinate smooth transactions and resolve issues with clarity and care.
Focused, compassionate, and deeply Client oriented, Wendy continues to set a high standard within the firm and is a rising talent in the legal profession.
Nicole Colbert
Conveyancing Paralegal
Learn about Nicole
As a lifelong Wollondilly resident Nicole brings her local knowledge into her experience as a Paralegal with a strong focus on achieving the best outcomes for her clients. With extensive experience in residential sales and purchases, she also brings expertise across a wide range of property transactions.
A recent highlight of Nicole’s work includes independently coordinating the successful settlement of a 31-lot subdivision in the Wollondilly area—demonstrating her ability to manage complex matters with precision and professionalism.
Nicole’s Client-focused approach is supported by her excellent communication skills and attention to detail. She works closely with Clients, banks and lending agencies, and other legal professionals to ensure every settlement is seamless and all documentation is in order. Her commitment and capability make her a highly valued member of the Gelder Peters Law team as seen through the high praise received from her Clients.
Nikkea Helmers
People & Culture Lead
Learn about Nikkea
Nikkea is a “people first” professional with a strong background in business administration and human resources. With over seven years of experience supporting executive teams and HR functions across sectors including housing, healthcare, and automotive, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge and emotional intelligence to her role.
As the People & Culture Lead for Gelder Peters Law Nikkea plays a key role in shaping a positive and inclusive workplace culture. She’s passionate about employee wellbeing, meaningful engagement, and creating spaces where individuals feel supported and valued. Her energy is warm, grounding, and reassuring, bringing both heart and structure into everything she does.
Nikkea’s work also focuses on fostering Community connections and leading engagement initiatives that align with organisational values and strengthen team purpose. Her approach is guided by integrity, empathy, and a belief in the power of people working together within the workplace and the broader Community.
Rachel Walton
Client Liasion Lead
Learn about Rachel
John Marra
Legal Clerk
Learn about John
Information about John coming soon …
Samuel Gelder
Legal Clerk
Learn about Samuel
Sam Gelder approaches legal practice with a focus on practical outcomes and a clear understanding of commercial realities. His studies in property and finance, combined with his own experience as a young property owner, give him a grounded perspective on the financial and contractual aspects of property matters.
He has a developing interest in commercial and property law and is drawn to work that requires clear thinking, careful analysis and practical problem‑solving. Early in his career, Sam is building a practice centred on diligence, reliability, and an appreciation for the real‑world impact of legal decisions.
Lets work together
Looking for legal support that values people just as much as outcomes?
Reach out today and let us support your next step.