No one plans to need a lawyer in their future, but when things go wrong, people look for a lawyer they can trust to get them through what can often be a difficult and emotional time. Here are some of Canberra’s best…

New principal brings a ‘modern twist’

With combined legal experience of more than 60 years, Mazengarb Arora Family Lawyers have been helping Canberrans since 2002.

Joining the team in 2020, Aarti Arora has recently moved from associate to principal at the firm.

Specialising in family law and family violence matters, Aarti says her new position, and the practice’s name change to Mazengarb Arora Family Lawyers, won’t change the firm’s commitment to helping families within the community.

“It’s still business as usual, but with a modern twist,” she says.

“The Mazengarb legacy will continue to help those around us.”

Aarti brings extensive experience from operating and managing a business to working her way up the ranks at various law firms.

“If you are in a family law dispute, you need experienced family lawyers to ensure your rights and those of your children are protected,” she says.

“We will help you understand your rights and assist you through the often complicated legal processes associated with family breakdowns.

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

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

Firm balances empathy with fierce advocacy

Director of Commins Hendriks Solicitors Alison McNamara says the firm’s focus is on balancing empathy with fierce advocacy to obtain results for their clients.

“A good lawyer can hold your hand through the hardest moments of your life while also fighting fearlessly for your rights,” Alison says.

“Service to our clients is always our top priority and we take a caring approach to everything we do.”

Commins Hendriks Solicitors specialise in birth trauma claims, medical negligence, historical sexual abuse claims, public liability claims and workplace injuries.

Operating in law for more than 20 years, Alison says she’s still living her dream by being able to help people.

“When you work with us, you’re supported by directors who have been doing this for decades,” Alison says.

“We pride ourselves on helping our clients through a catastrophic situation to achieve a life-changing outcome for them and know a claim can be stressful.

“We care about your rights and will fight passionately for them.”

One of the oldest firms in the region, Commins Hendriks has been helping the community for more than 100 years.

“That history gives our clients confidence,” Alison says.

“They know we’ll guide them with care and fight for the best possible outcome every time.”

Commins Hendriks. AMP building, Suite 4, Level 4/1 Hobart Place, Canberra. Call 6191 7000 or visit comminshendriks.com.au

For Hassan, it’s about giving clients a voice

Specialising in historical institutional abuse law, Turner Freeman counsel and lawyer Hassan Ehsan acts for survivors who have experienced abuse in institutional settings, such as schools, religious organisations or government run facilities.

“It’s rewarding to be able to help people through some of the most difficult moments in their lives and give them a voice when they may have felt silenced for years,” says Hassan.

“I enjoy the challenge of navigating complex legal issues while never losing sight of the human side of the work.

“For me, making a tangible difference in someone’s life, even beyond just the legal outcome, is what makes the job meaningful.”

Hassan also practices in broader areas of personal injury law, such as public liability, workers compensation and motor vehicle accident claims. This, he says, allows him to assist clients across a wide variety of matters where they have suffered harm or loss.

At Turner Freeman, Hassan says their approach is personal.

“We treat every case with the respect and attention it deserves, recognising that behind every file is a real person with a real story,” he says.

“What drew me to Turner Freeman was its legacy of standing up for individuals.”

Turner Freeman Lawyers. Suite 6B, Level 2/28 Ainslie Place, Canberra. Call 6152 9800 or visit turnerfreeman.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 makes recommendations based on peer review.

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

A personalised legal approach with a commercial edge 

Founded in 2014 by long-time colleagues and solicitors Jason Wenning and John Chamberlain, Lexmerca Lawyers was built on a shared commitment to “exceptional client service and practical legal solutions”.

Drawing on years of experience in small and national firms, Jason and John made it their mission to create a boutique legal practice that puts people first by offering reliable, responsive and competitively priced advice tailored to the needs of each client.

“We put people first by offering reliable, responsive and competitively priced advice tailored to the needs of each client,” says John.  

Inspired by Lex mercatoria, a medieval system of commercial law created by merchants to resolve disputes efficiently and fairly, he says Lexmerca Lawyers continues that tradition by providing fast, commercially-minded outcomes with a strong emphasis on equity and contractual freedom. 

With offices in Canberra and Sydney, Jason says their team specialises in key practice areas including business and corporate, real estate and construction, employment law, banking and finance, intellectual property and privacy, dispute resolution and succession planning. 

“Our reputation for legal excellence is consistently recognised by Doyle’s Guide, with our lawyers named among Canberra’s leading property and real estate experts every year from 2017 through to 2025,” says Jason. 

“Smart, strategic and sincerely client-focused, we are here to help you move forward with confidence.”

Lexmerca Lawyers. Ground Floor/86 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon. Call 6181 2900 or visit lexmerca.com.au

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