“CityNews” showcases some of the leading legal experts of the Canberra region that are ready to help, no matter how big or small the problem.

Every May, Law Week is celebrated across Australia. This year it runs from May 20 to May 25. Law Week aims to promote a better understanding of the law and its role in society. 

Specialist Heather has an eye for medical negligence

Canberra law firm Maliganis Edwards Johnson (MEJ) has further cemented its standing as Canberra’s premier personal litigation specialists, welcoming special counsel Heather Ross to the team, says managing partner Kate Waterford.

With more than 20 years’ experience working in small private practices and large international legal firms, Heather’s main areas of practice include medical negligence and institutional abuse claims. 

Kate says Heather holds bachelor’s degrees in Law (Honours) and Commerce from the NT University and has been awarded the Territory Insurance Office Prize in Law for the most outstanding graduate, and the Attorney-General’s Medal for outstanding academic achievement. 

“It’s an honour to become part of the team at MEJ,” says Heather. 

“Their reputation of striving for the best possible outcome for their clients, their passion for the work they do, and their caring and supportive team environment are just a few of the reasons I was excited to join this team.

“My passion is ensuring the best outcome for my clients so they can continue to enjoy life and be compensated appropriately for their losses.” Kate says the impact of Heather’s expertise will be felt by team members and clients alike. 

“Heather brings a wealth of experience across personal litigation, medical negligence and institutional abuse to the table, allowing us to empower even more Canberrans to share their stories and for them to receive the compensation they deserve,” says Kate.

Maliganis Edwards Johnson (MEJ), Level 8, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra City. Call 1800 570778 or 6257 2999, or visit mej.com.au

Accessible and innovative legal services

Baker Deane and Nutt Lawyers is one of the oldest law firms in NSW, having been practising for more than 160 years and providing expert advice with a personal touch, says principal director Tanya Nadin.

With two offices – Canberra and Queanbeyan – BDN operates across NSW, ACT and Commonwealth jurisdictions.

Tanya 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.”

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

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

Legal help for all aspects of estates division

With a decades long history of serving the Canberra community, solicitor Mitchell Chatfield says KJB Law covers family law, the buying and selling of property, small business arrangements and estates division. 

Mitchell says there are two teams overseeing estates division cases, with the planning team being responsible for working out who is who and what their obligations are, and the administration team ensuring the client’s wishes are being carried out. 

Seeking professional legal help for both of these elements in estate division cases is important, says Mitchell, as estates division law differs between each state and territory, and it is common that people assume a legal process will occur, only to find out it is not relevant to their jurisdiction.

Mitchell says professional legal help also ensures the “complexities of modern families” are appropriately addressed. 

Instances such as multi-generational living can become complicated when someone passes away, says Mitchell, and families can get “bogged down in a mire of information.”

“Equally, we do a fair bit of work in the disabled space, where we’re able to make provisions in sensible, effective ways for disabled children or other disabled people,” says Mitchell.

Mitchell says these complexities will not be overlooked, and whoever the client wished to benefit or protect in the event of their passing remains cared for. 

KJB Law, ground floor, 10 Corinna Street, Woden. Call 6281 0999 or visit kjblaw.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, Unit 1, Ground Floor, 5 Farrell Place, Canberra City. Call 6152 0493, or visit nsfamilylaw.com.au

Legal help for employment and industrial relations

The system of regulation of employment and industrial relations in Australia is complex and constantly changing, says special counsel at MV Law, Amy Sydney.

Having successful employment relationships – whether as an employer or employee – depends on knowing how to work within the system, and how to develop and maintain strong connections, says Amy.

“MV Law helps both employers and employees to navigate the employment and industrial relations system with certainty and clarity,” she says.

“We have worked with clients in a diverse range of industries (including private, Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, construction, higher education and banking and finance), and understand and apply best practice in employment and industrial relations matters.

“Our employment team sits within MV Law’s litigation team, which is one of the largest in Canberra, and is not only litigation focused, but also assists our clients to manage their employment relationships from commencement right through to termination.”

Amy says MV law can help with a range of employee concerns, including but not limited to employment disputes, contract review and drafting, workplace discrimination, and workplace compensation. 

She says that in addition to their employment focus, MV Law can also help with a vast array of commercial matters.

MV Law, EY Building, Level 2/121 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra. Call 6279 4444 or visit mvlaw.com.au

Respect and courtesy always take priority

Finance director Rhonda Hubert says the staff at Capon and Hubert take pride in knowing that respect and courtesy always take priority.

Together, lawyers Ken Hubert and Daryn Griffiths cover family law, wills and estates and conveyancing.

“Ken is experienced in all areas of family law,” says Rhonda.

“He is a mediator and has been practising in Canberra for 40 years.

“He helps people with their legal issues with confidence and compassion.”

“Daryn joined us six years ago and leads our conveyancing team, buying and selling property, both residential and commercial.”

He can also help with advice regarding contracts for retirement village accommodation, says Rhonda: “He is professional, efficient and a tireless worker for his clients.

“The Capon and Hubert team has been operating for many years in Canberra and enjoys working together.

“Many of our clients have been coming to us for a long time and much of our client base comes through referral, which speaks to Capon and Hubert’s success and the confidence their clients and other professionals have in the team.”

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