Meet Your Counsel

A Message From Tee

PRINCIPAL Solicitor

TENDAYI CHIVUNGA

As the Principal Solicitor and Founder of Tee Legal, Tendayi’s career is built on purpose, resilience, and service. Her pathway into law was shaped by navigating change, carrying responsibility, and learning to hold steady in high-pressure spaces. That perspective now defines how she practises. Tendayi is committed to representation that is human first, culturally aware, and grounded in integrity.
In her own words, Tee Legal exists for people who want to feel genuinely supported, clearly advised, and firmly represented, with care that does not waver.

Woman in a checked jacket seated in an office
Portrait photograph of Ayla Gurbuz, solicitor at Tee Legal

Solicitor

Ayla Gurbuz

Ayla is drawn to the kind of work that asks a lot of people. In criminal and family law matters, she is a steady presence. Calm, prepared, and focused on what will actually help. For Ayla, good representation starts with respect. It means taking someone’s circumstances seriously, speaking plainly, and never using complexity as a shield. She values advice that is honest and usable, not performative, and she is careful to ensure clients understand what is happening and why.Clients often describe working with Ayla as grounding. Clear communication, measured advice, and advocacy that stays steady when the stakes feel personal.

Portrait photograph of Michelle Makela, Practice Manager at Tee Legal

PRACTICE MANAGER

MICHELLE MAKELA

Michelle brings more than 15 years of experience across commercial litigation, criminal law, family law and estate planning. Her career has included complex litigation before state and federal tribunals, the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Federal Court, Federal Circuit and Family Court, and the High Court of Australia. Her breadth of experience extends beyond legal practice into leadership, strategy and operational management. Michelle is committed to strengthening legal teams, supporting practitioners and ensuring clients receive clear, practical and affordable advice during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.

Paralegal

Lara Mayfield-Smith

With an academic background in criminology, Lara is drawn to the law where it meets real life, not theory. She understands that legal issues carry consequences that reach beyond the courtroom. They affect stability, reputation, family, and the ability to move forward. She approaches each matter with care and integrity, mindful that behind every brief is a person seeking clarity and direction.

Woman in a navy blazer standing beside a window
Person seated at a desk in a wood-panelled office

Paralegal

Olivia Kennedy

Olivia is drawn to the law where precision and pressure meet real life. She understands that legal issues do not stay on paper. They shape security, family, livelihood, and what comes next. Olivia approaches each matter with care and discipline, mindful that behind every file is a person seeking clarity and direction.

Our People

OUR STORY

Tee Legal was built for people navigating high stakes moments, when the system feels unfamiliar and the consequences reach beyond the courtroom. We are a multicultural, bi-lingual firm. Our team brings diverse lived experience to the table, and we understand that trust is earned through care, clarity and consistency.

We take time to listen properly, identify what matters most, and explain your options in plain language so you can make informed decisions with confidence. Whether your matter is urgent, complex, or simply overwhelming, we approach it with steady advocacy, practical strategy, and a clear focus on what protects you and your future.

We treat every client with respect and dignity. We also believe in transparency, including clear pricing and payment options, so you can focus on the next step, not the uncertainty.