Our Story

Speak to our Team

EST. MMXX

Ancora Lawyers was established in 2020 amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and it has emerged as a steadfast law firm in Brisbane, Australia.

Since our inception, we have proudly provided comprehensive legal advice and representation to numerous clients in Queensland, across Australia, and around the globe.

Through dedication and client-focused approach, Ancora Lawyers has experienced rapid growth and recognition within the legal community.

In 2023, we reached a significant milestone as Ancora Lawyers merged with Chris Toogood Legal, further expanding our capabilities and strengthening our commitment to serving our clients with excellence.

As Ancora Lawyers has grown, our story has become intrinsically linked with the creative industries. A cornerstone of our practice is our genuine commitment to the Film, Television, and broader Entertainment sector. We didn't just add this expertise; it grew out of a deep-seated passion for helping storytellers succeed.

Today, our expert legal focus on Entertainment Law allows us to serve creators, production houses, and talent with the tailored legal guidance that ensures their artistic and commercial visions are fully realised.

Our Team

  • A young man with dark hair and a beard, dressed in a blue suit jacket and light blue shirt, stands outdoors with a cloudy sky in the background.

    Giuseppe Cassin | Principal Lawyer

    LLB (Hons) – BIntSt – GradDipLegalPrac

    Admitted to practice in both Australia and New Zealand, Giuseppe brings deep expertise to intellectual property, and entertainment law. He is widely recognised for his outstanding track record in complex negotiations, dispute resolution, extracting clients from contentious matters on favourable terms, and protecting intellectual property rights in high-stakes litigation. Strategic, decisive, and timely advice and advocacy are the hallmarks of his practice.

    As a leading entertainment lawyer, Giuseppe acts for prominent national and international artists, production houses, and creative entities. His direct, hands-on involvement in the entertainment sector enables him to build immediate rapport with clients while identifying and implementing creative, robust legal solutions to complex commercial issues. Top talent and entertainment companies consistently turn to Giuseppe for intelligent representation and strategic counsel across their most challenging matters.

    Beyond his core legal practice, Giuseppe bridges the legal world and international creative industries. He has served as Executive Producer on notable international film projects, including Kick On (Official Selection at the Toronto International Film Festival), Maserati: The Brothers (starring Anthony Hopkins, Al Pacino, Andy Garcia, and Jessica Alba), Badland Rising, The Aegean, and Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism.

    Admissions

    High Court of New Zealand (as Barrister and Solicitor, 2021)

    High Court of Australia (2017)

    Supreme Court of Queensland (2017)

    Appointments and Professional Membership

    Vice Honorary Consul of Brazil in Queensland

    Elected Councillor (Consigliere), COMITES Queensland and Northern Territory

    Member, Queensland Law Society (QLS)

    Member, Screen Producers Australia (SPA)

    Member, Australia-Brazil Chamber of Commerce (ABCC)

    IMDb Link

  • A woman with light skin, blue eyes, and long blonde hair is smiling softly at the camera. She is wearing a navy blue blazer and a black ruffled blouse, with small hoop earrings. The background features wooden paneling and a hint of green foliage.

    Sophia Colls | Lawyer

    LLB (Hons) – GradDipLegalPrac

    Sophia is a strategic entertainment lawyer dedicated to the architects of modern storytelling. Her practice is built on a versatile foundation across commercial and personal injury law, providing her with a unique lens for identifying risks that others might miss. Currently, she guides filmmakers, production companies, and creative professionals through the intricate legalities of the screen industry, from talent agreements and chain of title to rights acquisition.

    By blending sharp analytical skill with commercially grounded judgment, Sophia crafts pragmatic, forward-thinking legal solutions that protect creative vision while effectively minimising risk. Her approach ensures that the legal framework of a project supports rather than hinders the artistic process. She has recently worked on the feature films Badland Rising (2026) and The Aegean (2024).

    Admissions

    High Court of Australia (2025)

    Supreme Court of Queensland (2025)

    Professional Membership

    Queensland Law Society (QLS)

    Women in Film and Television Australia (WIFT)

    IMDb Link

  • A smiling older man with a white beard and mustache, wearing a dark suit and a light blue collared shirt, standing in front of a background with wooden panels.

    Chris Toogood | Consultant

    LLB

    Chris Toogood was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia in 1972. Chris has practised as a Legal Practitioner since his admission and, since 1974, mostly as a principal.

    Chris has extensive local and overseas experience and now practises primarily in the areas of Migration, Litigation, Wills and Estates, Commercial Conveyancing, Leases and Commercial Structures (Companies and Trusts).

    Admissions

    High Court of Australia (1972)

    Supreme Court of Queensland (1972)

    Professional Membership

    Queensland Law Society (QLS)

  • A smiling man with a beard and short hair, wearing a white dress shirt and a green blazer, standing in front of a wooden panel background.

    Kyle Macmillan | Consultant

    LLB – GradDipLegalPrac

    Kyle is an experienced lawyer with experience handling complex litigation and insolvency disputes. He has held senior roles with a number of boutique law firm’s in Brisbane as well as assisted in establishing the Queensland Insolvency arm for one of Australia’s largest law firms.

    Named as a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly top 30 under 30 Lawyers for Insolvency in 2020 for his commitment to assist small businesses experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kyle has time and time again proven to be the ‘go-to-guy’ for anyone looking to build a successful business, resolve complex disputes or to help navigate the prospect of bankruptcy or corporate liquidation.

    Admissions

    High Court of Australia (2016)

    Supreme Court of Queensland (2016)

    Professional Membership

    Queensland Law Society (QLS)

  • Ava Rebbechi | Paralegal

    Driven by a lifelong passion for justice, Ava brings high energy, meticulous detail, and exceptional client care to her role as a paralegal at Ancora Lawyers. Rapidly carving out expertise in entertainment law, she seamlessly blends deep legal curiosity with years of management and customer-facing experience. The result? Top-tier work paired with warm, clear, and efficient communication every step of the way.

    Ava thrives in fast-paced environments, having already lent her legal talents to major feature films, including Kick On and Valley Dogs. Renowned for her thorough approach and high standards, she is on track to graduate with her Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at the end of 2026, marking the next exciting milestone in a standout legal career.

    Membership

    Queensland Law Society (QLS)

    IMDb Link