“CityNews” showcases some of the region’s most experienced lawyers and solicitors who pride themselves on getting the best outcome for their clients.

When it comes to legal matters, it’s easy for things to get confusing, stressful and expensive.

But that doesn’t have to be the case.

Throughout the ACT and surrounds there are many passionate practitioners who specialise in a diverse selection of legal fields.

Here “CityNews” showcases some of the region’s most experienced lawyers and solicitors who pride themselves on getting the best outcome for their clients.

Achieving the best possible results for clients at sentence

IN a city that is home to the nation’s democracy and in a territory known for its commitment to human rights, it still surprises criminal lawyer Andrew Fraser that so many people are unaware of their own rights.

Andrew says his message is simple: “If you are apprehended by police, remember that you have a right to silence – that means you don’t have to have an interview – and you have a right to speak to a lawyer. Exercise your rights.”

Andrew works only in criminal and traffic law – and has done so in Canberra and the surrounding region for 14 years.

He appears regularly for clients in the ACT Magistrates and Supreme Courts, either defending and contesting matters, where he frequently achieves acquittals, or making submissions to achieve the best possible result for clients at sentence.

“Good representation can be the difference between remaining in the community, or serving time,” he says.

Before becoming a lawyer, Andrew had an extensive career in journalism, including as federal political correspondent, chief of reporting staff and news editor at “The Canberra Times”, as well as stints with “The Sydney Morning Herald” and “The Sun”.

Fraser Criminal Law, Level 7, AMP Tower 1, Hobart Place, Canberra. Call 0411 043401 or visit frasercl.com.au

Lawyers offer diverse and detailed services

LAWYER in RMB Lawyers’ Queanbeyan office, Peta Taylor, says the firm prides itself on customer service that’s both “creative” and “caring”.

“With the law there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to issues,” she says.

“If you have a problem, we will work to help find a solution that is within your budget and works with your priorities and intended outcome.”

With 17 offices located throughout the region, Peta describes the experience of RMB as both diverse and detailed.

“We are involved in ‘everyday’ matters like wills and estates, family law and traffic offences, as well as more specialised law pertaining to corporate transactions, wind farms, agribusiness, compensation and not-for-profits,” she says.

“We also assist with more specialised matters such as business structuring, mortgages, family loans, business and farm succession and court work.”

Peta says RMB offers fixed fees for most of their services, so that clients know from the start what their costs are likely to be.

“We excel at keeping clients updated with progress in their matters through advice letters and are responsive to client calls and enquiries,” she says.

“When you engage with one of our lawyers, you can expect to receive correspondence from our managing partner welcoming you to the firm and providing an avenue for you to contact not just your lawyer, but the managing partner also.”

RMB Lawyers, 70 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6284 2855 or visit rmblawyers.com.au

Protecting rights of injured Canberrans since 1985

MALIGANIS Edwards Johnson (MEJ) has been protecting the rights of injured Canberrans since 1985, says partner Craig Edwards.

“MEJ are the legal specialists in personal injury and understand the complexity of the laws that govern compensation in the ACT,” he says.

“Being injured can have a traumatic effect on your life and on your family and it is important that you act quickly after an injury has occurred.”

Craig says the experienced team at MEJ know that without the right legal advice and representation, you can miss out on fair compensation and incur unnecessary costs.

“MEJ’s philosophy is simple – if you’ve been injured through someone else’s fault then you deserve fair compensation,” says Craig.

“However, it’s important that you act quickly to achieve the best possible result.

MEJ offers a free initial consultation and work on a “no win – no fee” basis.

MEJ, call 6257 2999, or visit mej.com.au

Proud to help people through the tough times

BRIGGS Law opened in Canberra in February 2021, says principal solicitor Georgia Briggs, and has branches in Canberra and Wagga Wagga.

Georgia has been practising since 2015, and principal solicitor Julie Briggs since 2006.

“We offer legal services across a wide range of areas,” says Georgia.

“I work primarily in criminal defence law, family law, care and protection law and wills and estate management law.

“Julie works in employment and migration law, particularly skilled migration, contract, environment and water law, government and commercial law.

“Operating from two locations ensures that our clients have access to all the areas they work in. Clients can make appointments to attend either of our offices, or via telephone or video link, whichever is the most convenient.

“We are always mindful of the costs of the work involved and the specific circumstances of each of our clients.

“We do this work because we genuinely love it. We are proud to help guide people through what can be the hardest moments of their life and ensure that they have someone in their corner, providing them with timely, affordable and most importantly quality legal advice.”

Georgia says people place their trust in Briggs Law, “knowing that we will provide them with clear advice that helps them make well informed decisions about the way forward.”

Briggs Law, Level 10, 15 London Circuit, Canberra and 81-83 Johnston Street, Wagga Wagga. Call 6971 9020, or visit briggslaw.com.au

Firm with a focus on wills and estates

AS one of Canberra’s largest independent law firms, MV Law delivers a comprehensive range of specialised legal services, says multiple award-winning partner Tanya Herbertson. 

She says her team offers a wealth of experience in wills and estate planning and disputes. 

Tanya’s been in the industry for more than 20 years and loves connecting with her clients.

“Personal law is just that: personal. All the expertise in the world doesn’t mean anything if you don’t also have the emotional IQ to truly put yourself in someone else’s shoes,” she says.

Tanya says that their focus is on estate planning, making wills, and organising people’s power of attorney, as well as answering questions about guardianship issues and tribunal issues. 

“I love the people side of it, I love hearing people’s stories, hearing their issues or problems and helping them to work out a path forward.”

MV Law, Level 2, 121 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic. Call 6279 4444 or visit mvlaw.com.au

Two-man practice grows into an experienced team

FROM humble beginnings as a suburban two-man practice, Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators has grown over more than three decades, but continues to provide a friendly service, says Ken Hubert.

Best-known as a family lawyer, but experienced in all areas of law, Ken says his approach is to find what is important to each party and work out an appropriate mix.

“You can argue about your rights and entitlements, but at the end of the day, what’s most important to each party?” he says.

Ashilpa Khanna, a notary public and wills and estate-planning lawyer for Capon & Hubert, says she’s focused on giving honest and expert advice at all times.

“We will always use common sense, respect, courtesy and good judgement when dealing with clients,” she says.

Daryn Griffiths, who works as a property solicitor for the firm, says he similarly takes great pride in helping anyone in the property sphere.

“I like to be able to get inside a client’s business knowledge and see how I can value-add to that,” he says.

Together, Ken says the firm is proud to provide concise legal advice across a wide range of legal fields.

“It allows us to offer so much more than I could have by myself,” says Ken. 

“We’re friendly, approachable and we each work in areas that complement each other.” 

Capon & Hubert Lawyers & Mediators, first floor, 32-38 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 6152 9203 or visit chsol.com.au

Family lawyers build trust with clients

WHEN it comes to family law, the experienced team at Infinity Legal pride themselves on building a sense of trust with their clients, says director Jullia Shavaiz.

Having operated in Canberra for more than eight years, Julia says Infinity Legal are specialists in all areas of family law including separation, divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlement, family violence, adoption and consent orders.

“Our firm recognises that family law can happen across all genders, backgrounds, religions and language groups and we take that into account in our practice,” says Julia.

“The experience and diverse backgrounds of our solicitors, as well as our admin and legal support staff, go a long way in helping people feel comfortable.”

Infinity Legal was started by family law specialist Julia Shavaiz, who regularly appears in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, Family Court, Children’s Court, ACAT and the Magistrates Court of the ACT as well as representing clients at mediation and Family Dispute Resolution Conferences.

“Julia truly knows the depth and breadth of family law and with her experience she knows how to build that sense of trust,” says Julia.

“A big focus for us is being open and transparent with clients and working with them to deliver an outcome they are happy with.”

Julia says another big focus of Infinity Legal is trying to resolve matters before they go to court, if possible.

“Court proceedings aren’t pleasant for anyone. They just cause more disruptions to life on top of what many people are already going through, especially with family law matters,” she says.

“It’s about people’s livelihood. We want to reduce the stress they have to go through as much as we can.”

Infinity Legal, 1/54 Nullarbor Avenue, Franklin. Call 6230 1839 or visit infinityfamilylawyers.com.au

Establishing a connection from the first meeting

“IT can be quite overwhelming for those who have never had to talk to a lawyer about what happens when you separate,” says Lucy Stramandinoli, co-owner of Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law.

“For parents, their top priority is the kids. Life gets turned upside down and what used to be normal is no longer normal.

“Couples without kids who are going their separate ways still have to grapple with that parting. Often they’ve built a life together and it can be hard to picture the rest of their lives without their partner.”

With a team that has decades of combined experience, Lucy says Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law strives to be a place where people can come to find help.

“Most people want to keep things amicable and stay out of court. We encourage that very much,” she says.

“Especially when the parties have children, as co-parenting and communication about the children is critical as everyone in the family moves on from the relationship.”

Lucy believes it’s important to establish a connection with clients from the first time they meet.

“That’s why we ask our clients at the first meeting what the most important thing is for them as a goal in the process before they leave the appointment,” she says.

“We keep this in mind throughout the case and we talk about many different ways this can be achieved.”

Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law, suite 2, ground floor, 11 London Circuit, Civic. Visit nsfamilylaw.com.au or call 6152 0493.

Law firm that puts clients first

KJB Law is a general law firm, specialising in family law, residential and commercial conveyancing, retirement village entry, estate planning and estate management says principal Andrew Freer, who specialises in wills and estates.

“For over 40 years KJB has serviced the Woden area, we are reliable, forward thinking and here for clients legal needs over their lifespan,” says Andrew.

“Our aim is to offer the best possible solution, whether you need advice about estate planning, buying or selling a business, family law, conveyancing or if you need an advocate in court.

“Our lawyers are highly experienced and respected in the community and can help you by producing successful results in a cost-effective manner.

“I enjoy contact with people. Estate planning and estate administration involves understanding family and financial circumstances. Gaining this understanding is critical to providing good advice.

“From a personal perspective it is interesting – in fact, there is never a dull moment.

“I was recently recognised by Doyle’s Guide for 2022 as a Pre-eminent Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyer.”

The foundation of the KJB Law firm, Andrew says, are the strong relationships they have with their clients.

“We put our clients first, we treat them with respect and explain their options to them in plain English.”

KJB Law, 10 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 6281 0999 or visit kjblaw.com.au

Responsive legal firm prides itself on value 

WMG Legal’s dedicated service has seen it become the longest serving law firm in Gungahlin and one of Canberra’s most respected, says principal solicitor Wayne Warton.

Specialising in a wide range of legal fields including property and conveyancing, wills and estate planning, business and commercial, debt recovery and more, Wayne says WMG offers dependable advice that’s tailored to client’s specific needs.

“Legal matters can get complicated for people so we try to take care of the whole experience for them,” he says.

“We’re really efficient. With most law firms you have to wait days for a call back but we try to get on top of things as soon as possible, usually within the same day.”

Wayne says the experienced team of professionals at WMG are also dedicated to providing the most cost-effective solutions to legal issues.

“Our team recognises that sound legal advice should not cost the earth,” he says.

“We work closely with our clients at every step of the process to keep them informed and up to date. Our professional services are available throughout Canberra and the surrounding areas.”

WMG Legal, Suite 4, 75 Gozzard Street, Gungahlin. Call 6253 9766 or visit wmglegal.com.au