Emma became the Principal of Dixie Ann Middleton & Associates in October 2015. She commenced working for the firm in January 2006 and was working with Dixie for a number of years to transition to the position of Principal. She continues to work in all areas of family law with a particular focus on high end property matters.
Emma has been practising in the Family Law jurisdiction for more than 15 years. She commenced her articles of clerkship in January 2000 and was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia in January 2002. Originally working in Central Queensland, Emma has experience in complex parenting matters, property settlements, child and spousal maintenance (including the Child Support Agency), and de facto property matters. Emma has also worked in the areas of criminal law, succession law, general litigation and estates administration and litigation. As a result of her experience, Emma was appointed to the panel of Independent Children's Lawyers in 2008, a position she held until 2012.
In 2007, Emma was successful in gaining accreditation as a Family Law Specialist, one of only 179 in Queensland. She also has a Certificate in Mediation.
Emma has been a regular contributor to a number of publications in Brisbane, including Brisbane Circle, Pride 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 invited to speak at the local high school and to Rotary on many occasions.
Emma is passionate about community assistance and has held a number of positions on various committees, including as President of Rotaract Rockhampton, Treasurer of the Central Queensland Community Legal Centre, Treasurer and President of the Zonta Brisbane Metro Breakfast Club (a worldwide professional Women’s Organisation committed to advancing the status of women worldwide) and Secretary of the South East Brisbane Chamber of Commerce.
Emma is currently the Vice President and Correspondence Secretary for the Zonta Brisbane Metro Breakfast Club and a member of the South East Brisbane Chamber of Commerce. She is also the Food Bank Coordinator for the Breakfast Club at Cannon Hill State School.
With a focus on primary dispute resolution, Emma has successfully negotiated hundreds 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).