About Summit Conflict Resolution
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Legal Background and Professional Accreditation
Summit Conflict Resolution is led by Janelle Rollo, a highly experienced family law professional whose work sits at the intersection of legal expertise, mediation practice, and child focused decision making.
As a respected family law mediator working with families across Queensland, Janelle brings a depth of understanding that comes from decades of practical experience. Her approach is grounded, impartial, and shaped by a strong belief that families deserve clear guidance during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
Summit Conflict Resolution supports people seeking family mediation in Brisbane and surrounding regions, while also working with families across Australia through private mediation and Family Dispute Resolution services. Each matter is approached with care, professionalism, and a commitment to creating space for constructive conversation.
Janelle holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice from Griffith University and was awarded the University Medal for her work with the Innocence Project.
She was admitted as a Solicitor to the Supreme Court of Queensland in January 2006 and shortly after to the High Court of Australia. Her early career included extensive practice across family law, domestic and family violence, child protection, criminal law, civil matters, and commercial disputes.
In 2011, Janelle completed formal mediation training through Bond University and went on to become accredited with the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Office as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.
She is authorised to issue section 60I certificates and continues to meet all CPD requirements to maintain her accreditation as both a family mediator and solicitor. Her work places her amongst Brisbane’s most experienced family mediators and family mediation lawyers, with a thorough understanding of how mediation outcomes intersect with court expectations.
Experience That Shapes a Child-Focused Approach
Janelle has spent more than fifteen years as a Principal Solicitor and has also served as a preferred supplier to Legal Aid Queensland across family law, child protection, and domestic and family violence matters.
In 2022, she was appointed as an Independent Children’s Lawyer, a role that further strengthened her child-focused perspective and reinforced the importance of neutrality in family disputes.
This experience informs her work with families seeking family mediation in Australia, including those working with family mediation lawyers in the Sunshine Coast and Noosa. Janelle understands how decisions affect children long after agreements are reached and ensures that discussions remain practical, balanced, and grounded in reality.
The Mediation Process at Summit Conflict Resolution
Every mediation at Summit Conflict Resolution begins with a thorough intake process designed to assess suitability, safety, and readiness.
This initial conversation allows each party to speak openly about the issues in dispute, raise any concerns, and flag matters such as power imbalance or domestic and family violence so appropriate structures can be put in place. Intake also helps shape a clear agenda, ensuring the mediation day remains focused and purposeful.
Mediations are typically conducted using a structured shuttle format, with parties kept separate to support calm communication and reduce pressure. Sessions may be held in person or via secure video conferencing where required.
Throughout the mediation, Janelle guides discussions neutrally, relays proposals between parties, and ensures all agreed topics are addressed.
Where agreement is reached, clear records are prepared to support formalisation. Even when full resolution is not achieved, progress is captured to maintain momentum and narrow the issues moving forward.
A Calm and Structured Mediation Process
As a family mediator, Janelle brings strong communication skills, steady conflict management, and a non judgemental approach to every session.
Mediation is conducted in a structured and respectful environment that encourages clarity and thoughtful decision making. Summit Conflict Resolution offers professional family mediation services designed to reduce emotional strain and financial pressure while supporting durable outcomes.
For families considering mediation for families, Summit Conflict Resolution provides transparent fees, half day and full day options, and a clear process that prioritises safety and professionalism.
Appointments can be scheduled at a time that suits the needs of the parties involved.
Book an appointment to begin a mediation process guided by experience, accreditation, and care.
Contact Us
For any inquiries or to book a session, please use the appointment form below—we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and support.
Do mediators need specific qualifications or accreditation in Australia?
Yes. In Australia, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners must meet strict training and accreditation requirements. Accredited practitioners complete specialised mediation training, supervised practice, and ongoing professional development. These requirements ensure mediators are equipped to manage complex family dynamics, assess suitability, and facilitate discussions in a safe and structured way.
Choosing an accredited practitioner provides confidence that the process is professional, ethical, and aligned with Australian family law standards.
How is mediation different from seeing a family lawyer?
Mediation and legal advice serve different but complementary purposes. A family mediator remains neutral and focuses on facilitating discussion, managing communication, and helping parties explore workable options. A family lawyer provides legal advice, explains rights and obligations, and assists with formalising agreements. Mediation allows families to make decisions collaboratively, while legal advice supports informed decision making. Many people engage both services during separation, using mediation to reach agreement and lawyers to ensure outcomes are properly understood and legally documented.
Learn more about the role of mediation in family law here.
Can mediation still work when there is high conflict between parties?
Yes, mediation can still be effective in high conflict matters when it is carefully structured.
Separate sessions, controlled communication, and clear boundaries often help reduce reactivity and allow parties to engage more thoughtfully. Suitability is always assessed through intake and screening to ensure the process is safe and appropriate. When mediation is well managed, it can provide stability in situations where communication has broken down and help prevent matters from escalating into prolonged litigation.
What does a child focused approach mean in mediation?
A child focused approach means decisions are guided by what supports a child’s wellbeing, stability, and development rather than adult conflict. This includes considering age, routines, schooling, emotional needs, and long term adjustment.
It does not involve asking children to choose between parents. Instead, it supports adults to make informed decisions that reduce disruption and protect relationships. This approach often leads to agreements that are more practical and sustainable over time.
What happens if mediation does not resolve all issues?
Not all mediations result in full agreement, and partial resolution is still valuable. Even narrowing the issues can reduce time, cost, and stress if further legal steps are required.
Where mediation is not suitable or does not resolve key matters, parties can seek legal advice about next steps, including court options if necessary. Mediation outcomes, even when incomplete, often provide a clearer framework for progressing matters in a more focused and informed way.