Our Team
Emma Turner
Principal
Emma has been a lawyer for nearly 20 years and became the Principal of Dixie Ann Middleton & Associates in October 2015. She commenced working for the firm in January 2006, working her way through the ranks to become partner in July 2015. Emma works in all areas of family law with a particular focus on high end property matters, superannuation splitting and complex parenting matters.
Originally working in Central Queensland, Emma has an in-depth knowledge of family law, as well as child support, spousal maintenance and de facto property matters. She has worked with rural, city-based and international clients.
In 2007, Emma was successful in gaining accreditation as a Family Law Specialist, one of only 202 in Queensland. Emma also has a Certificate in Mediation and was appointed to the panel of Independent Children’s Lawyers between 2008 and 2012.
Emma has been a regular contributor to a number of publications in Brisbane, including Brisbane Circle, Pride, South East Advertiser and Style Magazine. She has appeared in a number of infomercials on local Brisbane Radio Station 4BC and has been a guest panellist on Madonna King’s ABC programme. She has also been a guest speaker at schools, local businesses and clubs.
Emma is passionate about community assistance and has held a number of volunteer positions, including as President of Rotaract Rockhampton, Treasurer of the Central Queensland Community Legal Centre, Treasurer, Secretary and President of the Zonta Brisbane Metro Breakfast Club (a worldwide professional Women’s Organisation committed to advancing the status of women worldwide), Secretary of the South East Brisbane Chamber of Commerce and Food Bank Coordinator at Cannon Hill State School.
With a focus on primary dispute resolution, Emma has successfully negotiated thousands of settlements without the need for Court intervention. She is a well-respected member of the legal profession and holds membership with the Queensland Law Society, the Family Law Practitioners Association and the Law Council of Australia (Family Law Section).
Emma and the team launched an e-book regarding Family Law, Succession and Estate matters on Amazon in September 2014 titled, Yours, Mine, Ours: A Guide to Family Law.
Patricia Bliss
Legal Secretary Conveyancer
Patricia started working as our Receptionist at Dixie Ann Middleton & Associates in late 2013. She is the first face you see when you walk through our door and will always greet you with a smile. She is a vibrant member of our team, providing ongoing support to the lawyers and our clients.
Patricia has worked in family law for almost 20 years, having started her career in the legal industry many years ago. She knows what’s what and will always help you as best she can. Patricia’s job description extends far beyond reception duties, as she provides ongoing support to Emma Turner, as well as support in our accounts department.
Jan Taylor
Legal Secretary
Jan has over 50 years experience working as a legal secretary. Shortly after returning from Toowoomba, Jan began work at Dixie Ann Middleton & Associates and has witnessed first-hand the growth of the firm over the last 12 years.
Jan wears many hats in our office, providing secretarial support to Emma Turner, cover for Patricia on Reception, and in our accounts department. Jan’s work ethic is exceptional - you will often find her opening the office early and staying late to close up. An efficient and hard worker, Jan provides vital support to every member of our team.
Tamara Murray
Legal Secretary
Tamara is our longest standing employee, having started work with Dixie in 2003. As our finance guru, Tamara will happily talk you through any account-related enquiries you might have before, during, or after your matter. We strive to have open and transparent discussions with our clients regarding the financial side of their legal matters, so you are fully aware of your financial position. We provide itemised accounts regularly, so you will always know what you are being charged for.
Tamara is a hard-working staff member, who is always investigating ways to keep us current in today’s market. Not just an Accounts Manager, Tamara is our go-to for all tech-related questions and is regularly implementing new practice policies to streamline our work.