Meet our experienced team of legal professionals
James Woods
Managing Partner
James Woods
Email: james.woods@eclegal.com.au
Phone: +613 8611 2610
James has operated businesses since his late teens including windsurfer hire (1977 – 1981), yacht charter (1990 – 2001), motor accident repairs (1984 – 1989) and debt recovery (2002 to the present). He holds a B.A. and LL.B. from Monash University and was admitted as a lawyer in 1983. He is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
James established the Kajji Foundation to provide opportunities for young indigenous fellas to live and study in Melbourne and serves as the honourary legal counsel for Squash and Racquetball Australia.
There isn’t much that James has not seen in his legal and business career. He has broad experience in most areas of law and decades of experience in chasing money for his clients. Additionally, he is the Managing Partner of E C Legal’s shareholder, the debt recovery business eCollect.com.au Pty. Ltd.
James is married and has two sons and two grandchildren. Away from work, James reckons he is a handy squash player and tries to keep fit with yoga and gym sessions. He enjoys outdoor activities including bushwalking and watersports of all types – surfing and sailing classic wooden yachts being the favourites.
Sally Pottenger
Partner
Sally Pottenger
Email: sally.pottenger@eclegal.com.au
Phone: +613 8611 2614
Sally holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Business (Applied Economics) and was admitted to practice in 2014.
Known for her refreshing candour and a tenacious work ethic, Sally is committed to securing practical and commercial outcomes for her clients.
Sally joined E C Legal in March 2016, handling both general commercial litigation and motor vehicle recovery litigation. In 2018, Sally was appointed manager of the Motor Vehicle Disputes department, streamlining operations, providing mentorship to staff and positioning E C Legal as the market leader. In 2021, Sally took on a leadership role in the Commercial Litigation team. Recognising her exceptional contributions to the firm, Sally was appointed Principal in 2022.
When out of the office, Sally is planning her next adventure with her husband (whether it be overseas or to a new café), going to see live bands and learning to play the piano.
Kyle Ogden
Partner
Kyle Ogden
Email: kyle.ogden@eclegal.com.au
Phone: +613 8611 2650
With a solid academic foundation from the University of Melbourne Law School, Kyle’s years of experience in commercial litigation and dispute resolution make him an invaluable asset to clients seeking accurate, strategic resolutions to complex legal challenges.
Beyond litigation, he is experienced in the preparation of loan and securities documents, company formation and business structuring, and the drafting of comprehensive business agreements, providing a holistic approach to serving clients’ diverse needs.
He is currently pursuing a Master of Laws with a specialisation in Commercial Litigation and is admitted to practice in both Australia and New Zealand.
As a dedicated father and husband, he balances his professional pursuits with quality time spent with family. A keen traveller and outdoorsman, when not out on the trail, he spends most of his time planning the next big trip.
Tina Kotsimbos
Senior Associate
Tina Kotsimbos
Email: tina.kotsimbos@eclegal.com.au
Phone: +613 8611 2615
Tina holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Commerce (Management), Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice and is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Tina is an experienced insurance litigation lawyer and her practice mainly includes high volume, insurance litigation matters. She has extensive experience in the Magistrates Court of Victoria and County Court of Victoria jurisdictions.
She is highly proactive and approachable and is focused on working effectively with clients and legal practitioners to resolve matters in a cost effective and efficient manner.
Tina adopts both a practical and commercial approach in all her dealings and has created long standing relationships with clients which are built on trust and clear communication.
She is committed to providing exceptional client service as well as strategic and succinct advice resulting in strong outcomes for her clients.
Mickey Kumar
Senior Associate
Mickey Kumar
Email: mickey.kumar@eclegal.com.au
Phone: +613 8611 2628
Mickey is a seasoned legal professional, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in civil litigation. Since her admission in 2005, Mickey has been dedicated to crafting creative legal solutions for her clients, consistently demonstrating a sharp legal mind and an innate ability to navigate complex legal terrain.
Mickey’s dynamic personality and unwavering commitment to justice make her a formidable force. She approaches each case with a unique blend of tenacity, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the law, earning her a reputation for achieving favourable outcomes for her clients.
Outside of the courtroom, Mickey has a refined taste for the finer things in life. She enjoys savouring a fine scotch, a passion that provides her with moments of relaxation and reflection, ultimately enriching her perspective in the legal realm
Alexandra Kotsimbos
Associate
Alexandra Kotsimbos
Email: alexandra.kotsimbos@eclegal.com.au
Phone: +613 8611 2649
Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice and is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Alexandra joined E C Legal in 2020 and is an experienced litigation lawyer. She predominantly handles high volume insurance litigation matters in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
Alexandra’s proactive and commercially focused approach ensures she delivers strong outcomes for her clients in a timely and cost effective manner.
Hayley Campbell
Solicitor
Hayley Campbell
Email: hayley.campbell@eclegal.com.au
Phone: +613 8611 2657
From her humble beginnings as paralegal, Hayley has a comprehensive understanding of civil litigation procedure, handling a variety of matters involving small businesses, local government agencies to large purchased debt portfolios across all States, including enforcement of judgments.
Hayley has attained a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Commerce (Interactive Marketing) and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. Hayley is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria and is named on the High Court register of practitioners.
Hayley also has a background in Criminal Law. Hayley has appeared in various Magistrates’ and Children’s Courts. Hayley approaches every case with diligence, tenacity and a commitment to achieve the best possible outcome for all clients.
Hayley is a passionate sports enthusiast, particularly devoted to Netball and Rugby League. She enjoys immersing herself in horror films, taking road trips and a beverage or two with family and friends.
Richard Bivens
Law Graduate
Richard Bivens
Email: richard.bivens@eclegal.com.au
Phone: +613 8611 2616
Richard obtained his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Monash University. Richard’s areas of interest include corporate insolvency and building and construction disputes.
Before joining E C Legal, Richard gained invaluable experience working in the debt recovery industry for seven years, with a focus on working with clients to resolve their disputes in an efficient, cost-effective manner.
Outside of work, Richard enjoys spending the weekend away with friends and family or engaging in his hobbies, such as hiking, kayaking or running.
Dale Scott
Law Clerk & Motor Recoveries
Dale Scott
Email: dale.scott@eclegal.com.au
Phone: +612 9191 9696
Dale was eCollect’s first NSW remote employee prior to opening our Sydney office.
Disciplined and well-organised, prior to joining eCollect Dale’s operational background saw him involved in the finance broking, building and precious metals sector.
Dale is our main man on the ground in New South Wales and works between eCollect and E C Legal. His duties within E C Legal include assisting with debt recovery litigation, removing credit defaults as well as handling motor recoveries matters.
Travelling, reading and music tickles Dale’s fancy as does eating out. Consequently, Dale hits the gym regularly and walks over 140 kilometres a week on average.
Christopher Muir
Senior Motor Recoveries Manager
Christopher Muir
Email: christopher.muir@eclegal.com.au
Phone: +613 8611 2653
Christopher embarked on his journey as a Motor Recoveries Officer with E C Legal back in 2014.
By 2015, he was entrusted with the management of his own portfolio of files as a Motor Recoveries Manager and promoted to Senior Motor Recoveries manager in 2018.
Since joining E C Legal, Christopher has been an unwavering pillar of strength for our team, demonstrating remarkable tenacity and a knack for delivering results with precision and speed.
His expertise in motor vehicle recoveries is comprehensive, and his infectious passion is felt by all who work alongside him. Christopher is always eager to share his wealth of knowledge with the team.
During his downtime, Christopher immerses himself in his love for soccer, socialising with friends and maintains a dedicated gym routine.
Kerry O’Neil
Motor Recoveries Manager
Kerry O'Neil
Email: k.oneil@eclegal.com.au
Phone: +613 8611 2605
With a tenacious spirit and a keen eye for detail, Kerry O’Neil has been an invaluable asset to E C Legal since 2019. Her journey with the firm began with the determination to build a client portfolio from the ground up.
Before joining E C Legal, Kerry honed her expertise in the collections space. Her background equips her with a profound understanding of how timely resolutions can significantly impact business cash flow. This experience has been a cornerstone of her approach, consistently delivering results that make a difference.
Kerry is not one to rest on her laurels. Committed to expanding her knowledge in the motor recoveries field. Kerry’s approach is organised and methodical, ensuring that no stone is left unturned.
Outside the office, Kerry’s interests reflect her dynamic and multifaceted nature. She finds solace in the world of live music, revelling in the energy and creativity of live performances. She is an avid reader and dabbles in the kitchen.
Danica Rafa
Motor Recoveries Manager
Danica Rafa
Email: danica.rafa@eclegal.com.au
Phone: +03 8611 2643
Danica has over four years of experience working with EC Legal and has gained great experience and knowledge in the motor vehicle recoveries area.
Danica is a qualified swimming instructor with five years of experience working with young children and special kids.
When not at work, Danica enjoys travelling, the outdoors, camping, swimming and dancing.
Emma Mills
Motor Recoveries Officer
Emma Mills
Email: CDMadmin@eclegal.com.au
Phone: +613 8611 2621
Emma is a dedicated and efficient Motor Recoveries Officer.
Emma has been working at E C Legal since March 2022. During this time, she has gained valuable experience of the motor vehicle recoveries process.
Emma is currently studying a Bachelor of Law and Criminology.
When not at work or studying, Emma enjoys reading, embroidery and spending time with her fiancé and three cats.
Ella O’Neil
Motor Recoveries Officer
Ella O'Neil
Email: adminKON@eclegal.com.au
Phone: +613 8611 2640
Ella joined the E C Legal team in 2019 as a Motor Recoveries Officer, and her journey within the firm has been nothing short of remarkable. With her unwavering dedication and a sharp aptitude for learning, Ella swiftly established herself as a crucial member of the team.
Ella is also pursuing higher education, currently completing a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) at Swinburne University. This commitment to personal and professional growth underscores her drive and determination.
Outside of her career and studies, Ella finds joy in the simpler pleasures of life; reading a good book, quality time with friends and family and going to concerts.
Blake Ross
Motor Recoveries Officer
Blake Ross
Email: DARadmin@eclegal.com.au
Phone: +613 8611 2627
Blake started at E C Legal in 2022 on university placement, and was offered a permanent position as part of the motor recoveries team following a good first impression.
He currently works part time assisting Danica Rafa as a Motor Recoveries Officer while studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at Swinburne University of Technology. Blake’s studies afford him a fresh legal perspective and good understanding of the litigation process.
Outside of work, Blake plays amateur AFL at Edithvale Aspendale Football Netball Club, and enjoys other sports less competitively as a means of socialising. As an avid enjoyer of various music genres, he is rarely seen without headphones in, and is also the proud owner of a growing Vinyl collection.
Diana Tran
Motor Recoveries Officer
Diana Tran
Email: adminKON@eclegal.com.au
Phone: +613 8611 2640
Diana has been with EC Legal as a Motor Recoveries Officer since 2021.
She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and Masters of Business Analytics.
Beyond her professional life, Diana is a passionate traveller, food enthusiast and has a keen interest in cultural and live music events.
Recently, Diana embarked on a fitness journey with Pilates and boxing.
In her spare time, Diana explores her creative side by making diffusers, candles, and practices Ikebana flower arranging.
Lastly, she values spending quality time with family and friends.
Tan Nguyen
Paralegal & Enforcements Clerk
Tan Nguyen
Email: tan.nguyen@eclegal.com.au
Phone: +613 8611 2608
Tan is a skilled Paralegal and Enforcements Clerk with a solid foundation in business, holding a Bachelor of Business in Accounting. Tan joined E C Legal’s affiliated debt recovery business in 2022 and seamlessly transitioned to E C Legal in 2023, bringing with him valuable experience in accounts receivables and customer service.
Tan’s remarkable ability to embrace new challenges and adapt to evolving tasks has led to him assuming additional responsibilities within the team at E C Legal. His keen eye for detail and innate adaptability make him an invaluable asset to the organisation.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Tan finds fulfillment in maintaining an active lifestyle. You can often find him at the gym, where he dedicates time to his physical well-being. He also treasures moments spent with friends, whether in the digital realm or face-to-face, recognizing the importance of both online and offline connections.
E C Legal is an incorporated legal practice. The term “Partner” is used to denote seniority. E C Legal is not a partnership.