BENETATOS WHITE - Key Persons
Andrew White graduated from Sydney University and has been practising for over 38 years.
His legal expertise encompasses a broad range of areas, including planning and property law, wills and estates, commercial and business transactions, and elder law. Andrew's profound knowledge in these fields is further reinforced by his Master of Laws degree in Wills and Estates Law enabling him to provide nuanced and comprehensive legal advice, particularly in matters of estate planning and administration.
Beyond his practice, Andrew has been a longstanding advocate for community legal services. He contributed over 35 years of service as a board member of the Elizabeth Evatt Community Legal Centre, where he played a pivotal role in shaping legal services to better cater to the needs of the community. His tenure there is marked by numerous initiatives and programs aimed at providing accessible legal support to those in need.
Andrew's commitment to his profession is matched by his dedication to mentorship and professional development. He frequently engages in knowledge-sharing sessions, workshops, and seminars, both as a speaker and a participant.
Andrew is also a Notary Public and is the past President of the Blue Mountains Regional Law Society and currently serves as Vice President of the Blue Mountains Regional Law Society.
Antony Benetatos is a highly regarded litigation lawyer, with over 35 years of extensive experience in the realms of family law, criminal law, and civil litigation.
As an NSW Law Society Accredited Specialist in family law since 2003 in Family Law, Antony has demonstrated a high level of expertise and proficiency in this field. His specialisation is further augmented by a Masters of Law degree in Applied Family Law. This advanced degree underlines his deep understanding of the complexities and sensitivities involved in family law cases, equipping him to navigate the most challenging scenarios with finesse and empathy.
Antony's legal acumen extends beyond the courtroom. He holds a leadership role as a director of the Family First Bank. In this capacity, Antony is able to apply his legal background to help the bank meets its obligations towards its members and comply with its statutory and financial obligations.
In addition to his professional practice and corporate responsibilities, Antony is actively involved in the legal community. As the President of the Blue Mountains Regional Law Society, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape of the region. His leadership in the society involves advocating for the interests of legal practitioners, promoting legal education and ethical practice, and fostering a sense of community among legal professionals in the Blue Mountains area.
Job Titles:
- CHIEF EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR
Eddie is out chief experience coordinator and is the first point of contact when you enter the office or the first voice you are likely to hear when you call our office.
Eddie makes sure when you are at our office to make you feel at home and is the best source of information about the best local coffee spot or where to get a last minute birthday cake.
When not being the office superhero, Eddie is an avid self-taught musician and can play multiple instruments but has a knack for the keyboards.
Elena holds a Bachelor of Laws from Charles Sturt University and has completed a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the College of Law. Elena is admitted as a lawyer in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia.
Elena's legal journey is marked by a diverse array of experiences. She began her career as in-house counsel at a prominent global electronics company, where she honed her skills in corporate and commercial law. This was followed by a tenure at a personal service law firm, where she tackled a variety of legal matters.
Elena, since joining Benetatos White, has become particularly interested in Succession Law. Elena provides advise on Wills, Enduring Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardian matters and also Probate, Letters of Administration and Family Provision Claims. Elena has appeared in the Local Court and Supreme Court in relation to criminal and equity matters.
Elena is passionate about helping others and ensuring that the best possible outcome is achieved for her clients. She prides herself in being approachable, communicable and organised to ensure that the client is receiving the best possible support and advice for their matter. In addition to her professionalism, Lena's clients find her to be caring and compassionate.
Beyond her practice, Elena is a Young Lawyers Representative of the Blue Mountains Regional Law Society and develops and fosters a sense of community among young legal professionals in the region.
In her spare time, Elena enjoys being travelling, rock'n'roll dancing and live music events.
Job Titles:
- Office Manager
- CHIEF OPERATIONS and SUPPORT OFFICER
Jocelyn's career in the legal world began in 1981, when she embarked on her journey as a legal secretary in Sydney. Over the past four decades, her career has been a testament to her adaptability, dedication, and deep understanding of the legal system.
Jocelyn has worked as an office manager, transcript typist and court recorder in Sydney and Alice Springs and is also commissioned as a Justice of the Peace.
Jocelyn's legal expertise is extensive, particularly in the areas of conveyancing, estates, and litigation. Her experience in these domains has equipped her to handle complex legal tasks with precision and professionalism. Her experience in conveyancing matters has seen her facilitate and support countless property transactions, navigating the legal intricacies. In estates and litigation, Jocelyn has been instrumental in providing comprehensive support, ensuring that all aspects of case management are handled meticulously.
In her spare time Jocelyn enjoys bushwalking, nature, birdwatching, and community and environmental activism.
Born in Katoomba, John attended Katoomba High School and has been practicing as a solicitor in the Blue Mountains for over 35 years. He has established a loyal clientele over those years. John practices principally in the areas of residential and commercial conveyancing and leasing in wills and estates.
Job Titles:
- CHIEF OPERATIONS and SUPPORT OFFICER
Kerrie's journey in the legal profession began in 1978 when she joined a legal office in Sydney. Since then, she has dedicated over four decades to the legal industry, with an impressive 45-year tenure marked by a variety of roles and experiences.
Throughout her extensive career, Kerrie has cultivated a diverse skill set by working in various capacities within legal firms. Her current role is assisting in real estate transactions and Kerrie's expertise is not limited to conveyancing. She has a rich background in multiple areas of law, including personal injury, workers' compensation, and family law, as well as commercial and general litigation. This breadth of experience has equipped her with a versatile and comprehensive understanding of the legal system.
Kerrie has considerable experience in attending call-overs in both District and Workers Compensation Courts. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kerrie serves the community in her capacity as a Justice of the Peace.
Outside of her legal career, Kerrie has personal interests that demonstrate her creative side. She finds joy in cake decorating, a skill that requires precision, creativity, and an eye for detail. Her love for gardening reflects her appreciation for nature and the outdoors.
Michelle is a senior associate at Benetatos White and has been admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales as a Solicitor and her expertise is particularly focused on the complexities of family law, where she skillfully manages cases involving matters of divorce, child custody, property settlements, and other related issues.
Raj is the managing director at Benetatos White, with a focus on corporate, litigation, estate planning, and commercial law.
As an accomplished entrepreneur and business owner, Raj has launched and managed several ventures and remains involved in start-up businesses as an advisor or as outsourced general counsel and has had pivotal roles in capital raises and funding opportunities.
Raj collaborates with a diverse range of clients, including companies, businesses, not-for-profits, and individuals, offering them practical commercial and corporate advice. His expertise in commercial litigation and estate litigation is substantial, often handling disputes with complex factual and legal elements. Raj is proactive in dispute resolution, striving to settle conflicts before they escalate to court proceedings but when court action is necessary, he is well versed in court matters.
Clients find in Raj a solicitor and strategic advisor who excels across various industries. His skills extend to advising on and drafting commercial contracts tailored to individual client needs, covering a wide spectrum of industries and he handles all aspects relating to property, both leases and sales and also sale and purchase of business.
He is committed to the continuous management of his clients' corporate health and welfare, driven by a passion to play a role in their growth. Raj's collaborative approach is complemented by his ability to offer candid, direct advice. His extensive experience in contractual matters further ensures the protection and nurturing of vital commercial relationships that are essential to his clients.
Raj's career includes working in a national law firm where he managed a large team of solicitors, before establishing his own law practice providing outsourced general counsel service to high growth start-up companies.