Our Team

Our practitioners reflect experience and knowledge as well as youthful enthusiasm.

We each specialise in different areas of law including Criminal, Divorce and Family Law, Property Law and Conveyancing, Commercial Law and Wills, Estate and Probate.

Brian Deegan is the founding partner and principal of Brian Deegan Lawyers.

He was admitted to the Supreme Court of South Australia as a Barrister and Solicitor in 1979. Brian established Brian K Deegan & Associates in 1979 and practiced until he was appointed as a Magistrate in 1988.

As a member of the Judiciary, Brian undertook various roles in the Criminal, Civil, and Youth Courts. He was appointed as Deputy Coroner from 1988 to 2004. Brian resigned from the bench in 2004 and re-commenced practicing as a lawyer specializing in Criminal law.

In addition to his Criminal Law experience, handling everything from road traffic matters to murder, Brian has a vast array of knowledge spanning many jurisdictions including Property, Estate and Commercial Law. He has practiced in the Industrial, Federal, Family and Civil (District and Supreme Courts) jurisdictions.

Brian is known for his honest and candid demeanour. There is no ‘beating around the bush’ and, even though sometimes legal advice can be hard to hear, he will provide you with options and advice in a straightforward manner.

Kara completed her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Social Sciences (Psychology) at the University of Adelaide in 2011.  Since this time, she has been employed at Brian Deegan Lawyers, handling the majority of our Family law and Estate matters. Her unique knowledge base is perfectly suited for these areas which can often be highly emotional and stressful.

Kara is also experienced in the preparation of Estate documentation including Wills, Advanced Care Directives, Powers of Attorney and Probate applications. She is experienced in negotiating, dispute resolution and regularly appears in the District, Supreme, Federal Circuit and Family Courts.

When handling your case, Kara will ensure that you feel comfortable and understand the advice provided. We know ‘legal jargon’ can be hard to grasp sometimes and appreciate that taking a little extra time will provide you with peace of mind.

Outside of the law, Kara is interested in building and development, having managed the construction of her own home and other projects.  She also seeks to assist members of the community who are less fortunate by volunteering with charitable projects, particularly those related to animal welfare and rescue.

Commencing employment at Brian Deegan Lawyers in 2009, whilst studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting at the University of Adelaide, Patrick is passionate about criminal law and commercial & civil litigation.

Since admission to the Supreme Court of South Australia and the High Court of Australia in 2014, Patrick has become experienced within most South Australian Courts whether appearing as solicitor, counsel, or assisting Senior Counsel in complex matters.

With an ability to quickly comprehend the issues, navigate the legal intricacies, and provide upfront and honest advice, Patrick will always act with your interests in mind and to the best of his abilities.

Kylie completed her Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice at Flinders University and has been practising law since 2014, having previously worked for several busy law firms in regional South Australia. Prior to being admitted as a lawyer, Kylie volunteered at the Women’s Legal Service (SA) and also undertook an internship working with defendants facing death row through the Texas Defender Service in Austin, Texas.

In 2021, Kylie joined Brian Deegan Lawyers and works predominantly in the areas of family law, wills and estates and criminal law.

Kylie strives to create a positive legal experience by working closely with her clients who value her approachable, understanding and compassionate nature. She provides her clients with practical advice and is able to advise on complex children’s disputes and property matters, as well as a variety of criminal and traffic matters.

Kylie is motivated to achieve a commercially sensible outcome for her clients and uses her experience in negotiation to resolve disputes and achieve the best possible results for her clients.

Kylie is admitted to the Supreme Court of South Australia and the High Court of Australia. She is also a member of the Law Society of South Australia and the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia.

Outside of work, Kylie is involved in the Barossa Valley community as a coach and committee member for the Nuriootpa Netball Club. She also attempts to play tennis throughout the summer (with limited success).