ACT Law Week celebrates the work that lawyers do for the community. This feature also celebrates some of Canberra’s top lawyers.

Held annually in May, Law Week is celebrated across Australia to promote public understanding of the law and its role in society.

From May 13-23, the Law Society in Canberra and their partners run a selection of events to celebrate and engage with the local legal profession.

Every year, Law Week proceedings, along with the ACT Law Society Foundation, donates to a local charity.

This year, they are supporting Roundabout Canberra, a volunteer-powered charity that provides safe, high-quality, essential baby and children’s items to families in need. In 2024, Roundabout Canberra supported almost 5000 families.

Law Week celebrations include

• An awards dinner at Pialligo Estate from 6.30pm, Friday, May 16, to celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and firms to the ACT legal community.
• The 2025 Blackburn Lecture will be given by Justice David Mossop, a resident judge of the ACT Supreme Court, at the ACT Law Society Training room, 1pm, on Tuesday, May 20. The lecture will provide suggestions as to how Australian lawyers can contribute to making Australian democracy more robust. It will address external challenges to Australia’s democracy, particularly those arising from the changes in the information landscape. The lecture will contend that the challenges are such that active measures need to be taken to ensure that Australia’s democracy is able to survive them.
• A Working with Indigenous Clients and Cultural Responsibility and Responsiveness seminar will discuss respectful engagement and what it looks like. Hosted by the ACT Law Society in collaboration ACT Bar Association’s Women Barrister’s Committee, it will be held at the ACT Law Society Training Room, from midday on Monday, May 19.

Activities open to the public on Friday, May 23, include a mock jury empanelment, a “You be the Judge” event and a court tour.

ACT Law Week. May 16-23. Visit actlawsociety.asn.au

Compassionate lawyer helping to empower clients

Canberra law firm Maliganis Edwards Johnson (MEJ) is proud to have special counsel Thomas Wallace-Pannell on their team, bringing a wealth of expertise in institutional abuse, workers’ compensation, and public liability claims.

Managing partner Kate Waterford commends Thomas for his compassion and commitment to empowering clients. “Thomas is known for his ability to truly understand his clients’ needs, providing exceptional legal representation with a strong focus on their well-being.”

Thomas is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of legal challenges and ensuring they feel supported throughout their journey. “It’s important to help individuals find the strength and courage to seek justice in a way that aligns with their own values,” he says.

Graduating from the University of Tasmania, Thomas gained invaluable experience working as a judge’s associate and later as a prosecutor with the Northern Territory Director of Public Prosecutions. He eventually found his calling in plaintiff personal injury litigation and relocated to Canberra to continue his career.

Outside of work, Thomas is active in the local community, volunteering for school events and serving as president of the Weston Creek Little Athletics Centre.

For assistance, contact Maliganis Edwards Johnson at 1800 570 778 or 6257 2999, or visit mej.com.au

When there’s a will, there’s always a way

Having a will ensures your wishes are clear and helps your loved ones avoid unnecessary stress, says BDN Lawyers principal director Lorraine White.

“Without a will, the law decides how your estate is divided, which might not reflect your true wishes,” she says.

“A well-prepared will allows you to choose exactly who will receive your assets and how much they will get.”

Providing trusted legal services in estate planning, drafting wills and estate administration, Lorraine says BDN Lawyers can provide friendly and professional advice to help you create a will that meets your needs.

“Many accountants also recommend considering a testamentary trust when making your will,” she says.

“These trusts can protect your assets and offer tax advantages for your beneficiaries.

“Of course, trusts aren’t right for everyone, so it’s best to discuss your personal situation with us.”

With the rise of property values and the evolution of blended families, Lorraine says estate disputes are also a common occurrence.

“Sometimes, disagreements arise after a loved one passes away, especially with increasing house values and superannuation balances,” she says.

“While many estate disputes go to court, not all do.

“At BDN Lawyers, we work hard to resolve issues quickly and cost-effectively, minimising stress for everyone involved.”

BDN Lawyers, Level 1, 1 Farrell Place, Civic (call 6130 1999) and 260 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan (call 6299 3999).
Visit bdn.com.au

Lawyers who don’t back away from a fight

Andrew Byrnes, managing partner of Andrew Byrnes Law Group, says they have set themselves apart from other groups by being “deliberately different”.

“Our mission is to deliver for Canberra and surrounds a client experience that is truly, deliberately different,” he says.

“We want to make ourselves accessible and understandable by clients.

“We know that we can’t think that we deserve to handle their most stressful situation in their lives, namely being charged, simply because we are open for business.”

Junior partner, Himangi Ticku says: “Andrew and I know that the trust that people have in us needs to be earned.”

“For now, our sole mission is to continue to show Canberra that we are not focused on becoming the biggest criminal law firm spread across multiple cities, instead, we live and breathe Canberra.

“We want to show Canberrans what truly exceptional criminal defence representation looks like, with their criminal matter handled with discretion and with a focus on getting the result for the client.

“Nothing else matters to us.”

Handling everything from high-profile cases to small cases, Andrew says their lawyers are experienced at aggressively fighting battles in court in order to get the best possible result.

“When push comes to shove, we don’t shy away from a fight,” he says.

Andrew Byrnes Law Group. Level 3/1 Farrell Place, Canberra. Call 6210 1075 or visit andrewbyrneslawgroup.com.au

Family Law complexities need specialist lawyers

Legal disputes between separated couples can be difficult and emotionally challenging, says co-director and family lawyer Anna Neilan.

“That’s why the lawyers involved must specialise in family law.”

Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law handles a range of disputes within family law, whether through a separation, negotiating parenting or financial arrangements, or preparing an agreement with a former partner.

Anna Neilan and Lucy Stramandinoli have more than 40 years of combined experience working exclusively in family law.

“It can be quite overwhelming for those who have never had to talk to a lawyer about what happens when you separate,” says co-director and family lawyer Lucy Stramandinoli.

“For parents, their top priority is the kids and couples without kids still have to grapple with that parting.

“First and foremost we are committed to helping our clients resolve disputes out of court and have strong relationships with mediators, accountants, counsellors and other experts to give holistic support for people going through difficult and vulnerable times.”

According to Anna, when the time calls, they are strong litigators, advocating for clients in court.

Giving back to the community remains at the forefront of the team’s mind.

“We regularly volunteer at advice clinics, undertake legal aid work and donate/fundraise to support causes helping vulnerable people”, says Lucy.

The firm has been nominated in the ACT as a leading family law firm for nine years running by Doyle’s Guide, which recommends based on peer review.

Neilan Stramandinoli Family Law. Suite 1, Ground Floor/5 Farrell Place, Canberra. Call 6152 0493 or visit nsfamilylaw.com.au

Working through a difficult time with dignity

Operating since September 2023, Anna Wynne and Associates provides family law legal services and family law mediation services.

“We focus on helping families work through a difficult time or relationship breakdown with dignity and respect,” says owner Anna Wynne.

“Our focus is on helping families work through difficult times – such as relationship breakdowns – with dignity.

“We encourage our clients to focus on the future and what is the best outcome for children and families involved.”

Specialising in family law and family mediation services, Anna says she chose to study law as she’s always been passionate about helping people who may be going through a difficult time.

“Our organisation is focused on helping families move forward in their lives by keeping legal fees low,” she says.

“Our primary focus is ensuring our services are accessible and affordable to the community to ensure our clients get the best outcomes possible.

“It’s all about the best interests of any children involved.”

Anna says it’s a privilege to be trusted by people to support them when they’re trying to work through what is a huge crisis and tipping point in their life.

“I love working with my clients to help and support them by figuring out the best way forward for themselves and their children,” she says.

Anna Wynne and Associates, 7 Neptune Street, Phillip. Call 6190 6159, or visit awynnelegal.com.au