WMD LAW - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Alexis / Lawyer
• Lawyer
• Member of Our Property Team

Alexis is a member of our Property Team. Alexis acts for a wide range of clients including homeowners, builders, developers, commercial entities and owners corporations. Alexis has extensive construction litigation experience and has acted in a number of high profile multi-million dollar building defects disputes involving large strata schemes. Alexis's experience has seen her brief and work with Counsel and Senior Counsel and various technical experts to achieve successful outcomes for her clients. Alexis enjoys working with her clients to deliver the best possible service and is recognised for adopting a practical commercial approach to matters, enabling transactions to be concluded in an efficient, timely and cost-effective manner. Background Alexis's experience includes acting in complex claims against builders and developers in the Supreme Court of New South Wales, District Court and NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal and reviewing, drafting and advising clients in relation to various building contracts. She acts for clients in relation to a wide range of contractual, property, strata and building matters and is experienced in reviewing and advising on insurance policies, preparing and managing home owners warranty insurance claims, commercial leasing matters and commercial and residential conveyancing. Qualifications Alexis graduated from the University of Technology in 2007 with a double degree in Bachelor of Laws and Bachelors of Arts (Communications). She was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2007.

Job Titles:

• Principal

Anika works with companies, businesses, not-for-profit organisations and individuals to provide practical commercial and corporate advice and represents clients involved in civil disputes. Anika has extensive experience in commercial litigation and estate litigation, often acting in multi-million dollar disputes involving complex issues of fact and law. She assists clients at an early stage to advise upon their claim to try to resolve a dispute before commencing court proceedings. If court proceedings are commenced Anika prepares court documentation, conducts negotiations and represents clients through to mediation and final court hearings. Anika advises on and drafts commercial contracts tailored to suit client circumstances. She has been involved in advising on complex commercial contracts for Australian and international business in a broad range of industries. Anika acts in employment disputes for employers and employees and provides employment advice. Background Prior to joining the commercial division at the firm, Anika worked in the property division and estate division where she gained broad knowledge in many aspects of legal practice. Qualifications and Memberships Anika has bachelor degrees in Law and Commerce and a Diploma of Legal Practice from the University of Wollongong. She joined the team at WMD Law in December 2007 and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of NSW and High Court of Australia in 2009. Anika has undertaken advanced courses in commercial equity litigation, corporate law, asset protection, insolvency, securities and market regulation, insurance law, dispute resolution and mediation, and has obtained a Masters of Law from the University of Sydney.

Job Titles:

• Associate
• Benjamin / Associate
• Member of Our Commercial Team

Benjamin is a member of our Commercial Team. Benjamin acts for clients in the preparation and conduct of civil and commercial litigation, contract drafting and business advice. Background Benjamin joined WMD as a Law Clerk in 2018 while completing his studies at the University of Wollongong. During this time he has worked closely with the commercial team and gained valuable knowledge and experience across a range of various matters. Qualifications Benjamin graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce. Benjamin obtained a Diploma of Legal Practice at the College of Law and was admitted as a Lawyer in the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2020. Benjamin has been an active member of his local community in Monterey since 2015 and has played a key role in organising a range of youth events including soccer tournaments, outdoor cinemas and trivia nights. In his free time Benjamin enjoys playing table tennis and video games with friends.

Job Titles:

• Senior Lawyer

Job Titles:

• Principal & Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation

Job Titles:

• Dixie / Lawyer
• Senior Consultant - Lawyer

Dixie works in our South Coast offices in Bega and Merimbula as a Senior Consultant primarily practicing in commercial and property law. Dixie also practices in conveyancing, estate planning including Wills, Powers of Attorney and Guardianship and general litigation. Background Dixie was admitted as a solicitor in 2004 and has worked in both regional and metropolitan law firms in NSW and the ACT. Dixie has extensive experience acting for a broad range of private, corporate, small business, Local Government and not-for profit clients. She is a member of the NSW Law Society Property Law Committee, has served on the NSW Law Society Rural Issues Committee and is a former President of the Far South Coast and Eden Monaro Law Society.

Job Titles:

• Lawyer

Job Titles:

• Associate Director
• Associate Director / Senior Licensed Conveyancer
• Manager of WMD Law Projects

Gina is the Manager of WMD Law Projects and the head of the residential conveyancing. Gina brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to all projects and matters that she works on. Her clients know their matter will be stress free from exchange of contracts through to settlement, due to her attention to detail and pro-active approach. Gina is well known and highly respected by agents and developers. Gina has developed a loyal client base through referrals from agents, other clients, buyers agents and even other lawyers and conveyancers, further proof of her professionalism. Background Gina began her conveyancing career in 1993 and completed her Conveyancing Law and Practice studies at Macquarie Law School in 1999. Prior to completing her studies Gina worked as a conveyancing assistant, during this time she discovered her passion for conveyancing and in particular, off the plan sales and purchases. During her career Gina has acted for numerous developers in small (2 lot subdivisions) to very large (100+ units) State wide. Acting for developers has given Gina an insight into how developers and their financiers structure the off the plan sales. This experience has been a real asset to Gina's clients that are buying off the plan. Gina also has a great understanding of PEXA (Property Exchange Australia) and is PEXA Certified.

Job Titles:

• CEO
• CEO & Accredited Specialist in Family / De Facto Law

Greg's primary areas of practice are family law, estates including estate planning and litigation, and general litigation. In 1993, he became one of the first solicitors in New South Wales to achieve Accreditation from the Law Society of New South Wales as a Specialist in Family Law and De Facto Law. Greg is the head of our Family Law Division and Estate Division and also practices extensively in commercial and general litigation. Greg's experience in this area has been of considerable benefit to clients involved in complex family law property matters and estate dispute matters involving trusts or family companies. Greg was a founding member and secretary of the Miranda and Districts Chamber of Commerce and for many years acted as Secretary and later President of a local charity providing in-home assistance to the aged and infirm in Miranda and nearby areas. Greg has been extensively involved on behalf of WMD Law as an honorary solicitor for a number of local sporting, community and environmental groups. He was the President for some years of the North Cronulla Precinct Committee and has received an award from the Federal Government for his work in the Community Aid Panel for First Offenders, a program designed to divert young offenders from the Court system as a means of preventing them from re-offending. Greg has also for many years been a member of the Speakers' Bureau of the Law Society of New South Wales. Background Greg graduated from the University of New South Wales with degrees in Law and Jurisprudence in 1982 and was admitted as a solicitor later that year, joining WMD Law soon after. In 1996, Greg was awarded a Masters Degree in Law from the University of New South Wales majoring in Commercial Litigation. Greg's experience in commercial law and litigation has enabled him to assist our family law and estate clients and business clients not only with their requirements for litigation services but to help them to plan to avoid litigation and resolve disputes as early as possible to avoid costly proceedings.

Job Titles:

• Joe / Senior Consultant
• Senior Consultant & Accredited Specialist in Property Law

Since graduating from Sydney University Joe has been practicing in property law for over 30 years and is one of only few Accredited Specialists in Property Law in the South of Sydney. Formerly Principal of Gulisano & Associates Joe joined our firm as Senior Consultant in February 2021. Joe has a proud history of acting on all manner of property matters for property developers, commercial clients as well as residential conveyancing and first home purchasers. Joe has well established relationships with real estate agents, surveyors as well as financial advisers and mortgage brokers. Joe has expert knowledge of all aspects of property law including retail and commercial leasing. Joe enjoys working with his clients to enable them to achieve the best possible outcome in all aspects of their matter.

Job Titles:

• Associate Director

Julie specialises in the areas of probate, estate administration, estate planning including Wills, Powers of Attorneys and Guardianship, as well as contested estates matters under the Family Provision and Succession Acts, both in ACT and NSW jurisdictions. Julie also practises in conveyancing and commercial, commercial leasing, business and general litigation. She works predominantly in our Merimbula office. Julie has extensive experience as a mediator and proudly provides her clients a range of alternative dispute resolution options. She is a member of the NSW and ACT Law Societies and has delivered corporate seminars in the areas of estate litigation, estate planning and retirement planning.

Job Titles:

• Principal
• Kevin / Principal

With a diverse experience across many areas of law and a wealth of personal experience acting as an adviser and advocate Kevin prides himself on his ability to tailor the best solution to any legal problem. Kevin is a strong advocate and heads the firm's Criminal Law Division and oversees all criminal matters. Regularly attending Sutherland, South Coast and Sydney Local Courts on all criminal matters Kevin has a wealth of experience with a wide range of criminal charges from the time of arrest through to hearing including driving offences, taxation matters and AVOs, serious assaults, drug and firearms offences and in conducting District Court Appeals. Kevin is a seasoned negotiator and also works extensively on resolving Family Law and De Facto Relationship matters. He has a proud record of settling relationship disputes and extensive experience in conducting Family Court hearings including sensitive matters involving domestic violence and child abuse. Kevin's mathematical prowess and clinical approach to financial matters is of enormous benefit to clients with complex property disputes. Kevin appears regularly in the Family Court at Sydney, Wollongong and Parramatta as well as Local Courts. Kevin is one of the directors of the firm and oversees the firm's marketing and community projects. Kevin has served as President of the St George-Sutherland Regional Law Society where he also served as a committee member for over 10 years. Kevin was a Director of Cronulla Sharks Football Club and Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club from 2013 shortly after their ASADA breaches and through until their premiership victory in 2016. He has a lengthy history of service as President, Treasurer and other positions on committees of sporting bodies as well as being an active participant of numerous football and waterpolo clubs. Kevin has served as President of Cronulla Lions Club, is recognised by the Salvation Army as an honorary lawyer and has devoted time volunteering in Community Legal Centres. In his spare time Kevin operates a record label and writes and records his own music on guitar. Background Kevin has degrees in Commerce and Law, has worked with the Aboriginal Legal Service and worked as a property paralegal, a commercial sub-agent and a private investigator before joining WMD Law in 1999. Kevin held various positions within NSW Young Lawyers including the inaugural chair of the Regional Issues committee, before becoming a partner of the firm and then a director in 2005.

Job Titles:

• Principal and Accredited Specialist
• Principal and Accredited Specialist in Family Law

Lisa assists clients with property settlement and parenting disputes arising from the breakdown of marriages or de facto relationships. Lisa conducts Family Law matters through Family Court and Federal Circuit Court proceedings or by alternative dispute resolution procedures. Lisa prepares and provides independent advice on private Child Support Agreements and Binding Financial Agreements for de facto or married couples at the commencement or conclusion of a relationship. Her background in economics and her practical general litigation experience equips her to assist clients with disputes involving commercial property and complex family law property issues. She has hands-on experience with Applications for Apprehended Violence Orders and has expertise in criminal charges with interrelated family law issues. Lisa undertook further studies to become a Collaborative Lawyer and is now able to represent her clients in this system if they so choose. Background In addition to being an Accredited Specialist in Family Law, Lisa also has experience in the conduct of Local and District Court Criminal matters and in the conduct of appeals to the Court of Criminal Appeal of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia. She has acted in Supreme Court civil proceedings involving contested wills and mortgages obtained through fraud or duress. Qualifications and Memberships Lisa has bachelor degrees in Law and Commerce and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Wollongong. Lisa gained Accreditation as a Family Law Specialist in October 2013. Lisa was a member of the Executive Council of NSW Young Lawyers in 2014 and 2015 and was involved with the projects and programs of NSW Young Lawyers at an organisational level. Lisa's appointment to the Executive Council stemmed from her service as the NSW Young Lawyers Regional Delegate for the St George and Sutherland Shire Law Society. She was also a member of the Regional Law Society Executive Committee from 2010 to 2013. In 2019 Lisa undertook further studies to become a Collaborative Lawyer.

Job Titles:

• Principal & Notary Public
• Rebecca / Principal & Notary Public

Rebecca's practice involves providing commercial and practical advice to clients in relation to property and transactional matters.In 2004 and 2005, Rebecca was named the NSW Young Property Lawyer of the Year and was the Foundation Chair of the NSW Young Lawyers Property Law Committee. Rebecca has also served on the NSW Law Society Property Law Committee and regularly lectures the legal profession on developments in all areas of property law. Rebecca has acted on a wide range of matters including: Commercial clients in relation to the sales and purchases of various business enterprises. Advising a national client in relation to its leasing portfolio. Acting for developers in relation to residential and commercial development projects, including advising on site acquisition, development approvals and the "off the plan" sales. Working with clients and advising them on unique and innovative structures for property projects and on GST and Financial issues. Co-ordinating due diligence reporting and advising on property issues arising from the sale of a national hotel chain including negotiating the assignment of numerous leases across Australia. Acting on the leasing, strata subdivision and commercial off the plan development of a multi-storey office block in North Sydney. Acting on commercial and retail leasing portfolios for both lessor and lessee clients, including redevelopment leasing of shopping centres. Background Rebecca graduated from the University of Sydney in 1996 with a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours and a Bachelor of Arts. Rebecca was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in February 1997 and initially practiced in the Commercial Property Divisions of Rosenblum & Partners and Blake Dawson Waldron. Rebecca has been with WMD Law since March 2000 and is the Principal of the WMD Property Group. In 2010, Rebecca was appointed as a Notary Public, appointed for life by the Supreme Court of New South Wales and given statutory powers to witness documents, administer oaths, and perform other wide-ranging administrative functions of a national and international nature.

Job Titles:

• Chief Operating Officer

Job Titles:

• Lawyer
• Member of Our Wills

Sarah is a member of our Wills and Estates Team. With her diverse experience in the healthcare and legal industry, Sarah provides clients with advice about drafting their Will, Power of Attorney, Enduring Guardian, and other relevant estate planning documents. Sarah also assists clients with the process of obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration to facilitate the distribution of an estate. Background Sarah has a clinical background as a health scientist, which has given her a unique perspective on legal matters. Sarah gained diverse experience through her prior work in medico-legal and medical compliance roles prior to joining our team. She also worked for a boutique firm and assisted with general family law and estate matters. Qualifications Sarah graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Health Sciences, followed by a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Technology Sydney. She was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW in 2019.

Job Titles:

• Senior Associate

Taylah is a member of our Criminal and Family Law Divisions. Taylah assists in the conduct of criminal matters at Local and District Court levels including driving offences, drug matters and assaults. Taylah has experience with District Court trials and sentencing hearings in regard to serious assault, firearms and drug matters and is competent in preparing briefs and instructing Counsel. Taylah also works in our Family Law Division and has experience in parenting and property matters, including matters concerning ADVOs, spousal maintenance and child support departure orders. She assists with drafting Court documents, briefing Counsel and case management. Background Taylah joined WMD Law while still in her studies gaining experience in the Commercial, Criminal, Family and Estates Law Divisions. After graduating University with Bachelor degrees in both Law and Commerce with a major in Accounting, Taylah gained a Diploma of Legal Practice at the College of Law before being admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW.