This week “CityNews” speaks with some local lawyers who share a common interest in getting the best results for their clients, whatever the problem.

WHEN things go awry and legal services are needed, people want to find a lawyer they can trust to get them through what is often a difficult and emotional time.

Whether it’s criminal law, commercial law, property law, family law, wills and estates law or personal injury law, the ACT has a range of trusted, leading lawyers to help overcome any legal matters. 

This week “CityNews” speaks with some of the local lawyers who share a common interest in getting the best results for their clients, no matter the problem.

Helping Canberrans get fair compensation

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.

“The experienced team knows that without the right legal advice and representation, you can miss out on fair compensation and incur unnecessary costs.”

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

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

“We offer a free initial consultation and work on a ‘no win-no fee’ basis. 

Maliganis Edwards Johnson. Call 6257 2999, or visit mej.com.au

Playing a role in supporting the community

RMB Lawyers has been operating continuously for 138 years, providing legal services to individuals and organisations small, medium and large, says associate Tait Keller.

“The firm has continued to grow over the years and has expanded across regional NSW to become one of the largest regional-based law firms and is now operating from 17 offices – Queanbeyan, Bowral, Braidwood, Camden, Condoblin, Dapto, Forbes, Goulburn, Kiama, Lake Cargelligo, Moss Vale, Nowra, Parkes, Shellharbour, Warilla, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong,” he says.

“RMB Lawyers emerged as a standout in the Australian Law Awards, claiming the title of the best Regional/Suburban Law Firm.

“There are many accredited specialists in different areas of law in RMB Lawyers, covering areas such as business law, personal injury and family law.”

Tait says the RMB Lawyers and support staff are very much a part of their local communities.

“We understand local people and local issues,” he says.

“One of the most satisfying aspects of my job is being able to help local individuals and businesses with their legal needs.

“Knowing that I am playing a role in supporting the growth and success of our local community is incredibly rewarding.” 

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

Leading lawyer with a ‘can-do’ attitude

KEN Hubert, of Capon and Hubert, began his career as an articled clerk with Romano and Verducci, and spent some time as an associate assisting Justice Kelly, says finance director Rhonda Hubert.

“He has spent his working life in legal practices in Canberra,” she says.

“He then worked with William G Pierce, eventually buying out the practice, which then merged with that of Geoff Capon, and became what is now known as Capon and Hubert.”

Rhonda says Ken’s legal career spans nearly 40 years.

“Ken’s main area of expertise revolves around family matters, where he listens to clients to define issues and determines possible options, before he then handles negotiations and court proceedings,” she says.

“Ken aims to define what is most important to his clients, walking through the process with them to achieve an outcome they can live with.

“Other than family law, Ken has extensive experience in the areas of estates litigation, commercial and property, and he also sometimes deals with criminal and traffic infringement matters.”

Ken helps people with their legal issues with confidence and compassion, says Rhonda.

“Ken is a people’s person and always leads with a ‘can-do’ attitude.” 

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

Sound and cost-effective legal advice

CHRIS Malfone, principal solicitor and director, says WMG Legal has a qualified and experienced team of legal professionals who are dedicated to providing the most cost-effective solutions to legal issues.

“With decades of industry experience, our team of legal advisors and solicitors have the skills and expertise to help you navigate the constantly changing legal system,” he says.

“We offer dependable advice that is tailored to your specific needs and make ourselves available whenever necessary.

“Our goal is to help our clients achieve success, and work closely with our clients at every step of the process to keep them informed and up to date.”

Chris says WMG Legal loves helping clients by meeting and exceeding their expectations.

“We’re down to earth and always put in the work to ensure our client’s rights are protected,” he says.

“At WMG Legal, we have a qualified and experienced team of legal professionals who are dedicated to providing the most cost-effective solutions to your legal issues.

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

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

Applying values and expertise to law

TRINITY Law, established in 2005, is a firm specifically focused on property, project development, commercial and business law, commercial dispute resolution and insolvency, says principal and partner Sarah Mason-Jones.

“We understand the importance of direct contact with our clients, and place our clients’ needs at the very centre of our business,” she says.

“We want our clients to grow and thrive in an increasingly competitive market, and so focus on practical, timely and accurate advice in our key areas of expertise.”

Sarah says she has been in the industry for 15 years.

“I get great satisfaction out of working with a wide range of clients – from individuals, new or established businesses and larger landholders and developers – to achieve their property objectives,” she says.

“Our values of excellence, efficiency, integrity and positivity are the basis of what we do as a firm.

“At Trinity Law, we aspire to live these values in all of our relationships, from our clients, to our employees and our community.” 

Trinity Law, Level 1, 55 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston. Call 6163 5050, or visit trinitylaw.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. Call 6152 0493, or visit nsfamilylaw.com.au

Accessible and innovative legal services

BAKER Deane and Nutt Lawyers (BDN) is one of the oldest law firms in NSW, having been practicing for more than 160 years and providing expert advice with a personal touch, says partner Lorraine White.

With two offices, one in Canberra, the other in Queanbeyan, BDN operates across NSW, ACT and Commonwealth jurisdictions.

Lorraine says this means no matter what the legal issues are, BDN will be able to be able to assist.

“BDN has embraced flexible approaches to providing our services to our clients, including using AVL and electronic signoff where appropriate, without losing our focus on providing a quality service,” she says.

“The firm prides itself on being accessible, responsive and innovative. “Excellent staff, technology and systems ensure clients receive prompt, reliable and effective legal services.”

Lorraine says BDN’s team of highly skilled lawyers and support staff genuinely enjoy helping people.

“Our staff understand that legal matters are often stressful,” she says.

“We aim to assist our clients deal with their legal issues promptly and with the aim of minimising the cost and stress.”

Baker Deane and Nutt Lawyers, Level 1, 1 Farrell Place, Civic (call 6230 1999) and 260 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan
(call 6299 3999). Visit bdn.com.au

Passionate about offering an agile service

M LEGAL is a law firm that specialises in property and immigration law, say principal lawyers Sofia Maniam and Leia Mathai.

“We began in 2018, and have jointly 40 years of legal experience from corporate, government and private law firms,” they say.

“Clients will be dealing with us and our expertise directly.

“As a technical bonus, being cloud-based makes us agile and allows us to offer a streamlined process.”

Sofia and Leia say they run a client-friendly firm, and know that clients can’t always commit to a 9-5 office hours schedule.

“We are happy to work hand-in-hand with other lawyers and businesses to offer a full service for our clients, too,” they say.

“This business gives us autonomy, and we get to grow a firm that we are proud of based on our strong values.

“We are passionate about what we do, and about helping others.” 

M Legal, call 1300 709920, or visit m-legal.com.au

Resolving family matters without the wait

MAZENGARB Family Lawyers aim to get families through their difficult parenting matters without the stress and the lengthy waiting for a court hearing, says partner Geoff Mazengarb.

“Parents are keen to resolve their family law matters prior to Christmas so they can enjoy the holiday season with their children free of conflict,” he says.

“This means that more parents are engaging in mediation to come to a resolution rather than filing an urgent application in the court system.

“I am able to help separated parents to discuss all issues relating to their children and reach a resolution that meets the needs of their family.”

Geoff says Mazengarb Family Lawyers can provide a joint session for parties to get their matters dealt with in a shorter time frame, or in the case of parties who don’t want to be in the same room as one another, we can host a “shuttle session” where we move from separate rooms to speak to each party.

“At Mazengarb Family Lawyers each client is treated as an individual and each problem is unique,” he says.

“Myself and Aarti Arora operate Mazengarb Family Lawyers together and have been serving the community since 2002. 

“We try to be inventive in the way we approach any problem and the solution we propose.”

Mazengarb Family Lawyers, Level 3/10 Rudd Street, Canberra City. Call 6230 0199, or visit mfamilylawyers.com.au

Working peacefully to resolve family law matters

BALANCE Family Law was established in 2019 with a focus on non-adversarial family law, to keep families out of court, says director Perpetua Kish.

“We have not had a matter progress to final hearing at court since we were established, and have a 100 per cent settlement rate,” she says.

“I have previously seen the harm courts can do to families and children, so we work peacefully with clients to resolve matters outside the court system.

“We lead the Kind Lawyers movement, which is all about changing the conversation in law from one of combat to kindness.”

In 2020 the firm expanded to include wills and estate planning, led by Balance’s co-founder Jonathon Naef.

“Jono was named a finalist as a New Lawyer of the Year 2023 in his fifth year of practice,” says Perpetua.

“And, the New Year is the perfect opportunity to update and refresh your will.

“We have grown from a team of two right up to a team of eight now, with diverse backgrounds and languages spoken amongst us.

“We are passionate about helping couples and families separate the smart way, with kindness, with respect, without court.” 

Balance Family Law. Call 6189 1748, or visit balancefamilylaw.com.au

Refocusing on service and life

SIGNUS Legal opened on October 3, and director Brendan Goodger is excited to offer his services to new and existing clients.

“I am a business and commercial transactional lawyer, who can help through the entire life of your company,” he says.

“But, we also offer estate planning services, property and conveyancing and notarial services.

“I have been in the legal industry since mid-2009, and have spent my entire career in Woden.”

Brendan says his work has always been based in Woden.

“My customer base has been largely in this area, there is no big parking struggle, it’s the perfect mix of being accessible without being in the centre of the city,” he says.

“I am dedicated to providing a highly personalised level of service and helping clients achieve their objectives by taking the time to understand each deal and its specific nuances.

“This year I was recognised in the Doyles Guide for leading Australian Capital Territory Wills, Estates and Succession Planning Lawyers.”  

Signus Legal, 48 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 5133 5664, or visit signus.legal