DORTER FAMILY LAWYERS - Key Persons
Andrew has worked in family law since 2012, most recently at a large national commercial firm. He has intimate experience and knowledge in complex parenting matters (including relocation and recovery orders, and issues of family violence), complex/high value property settlement matters and child support issues, including child support departure orders, departure prohibition orders and objections to decisions of the child support agency.
Andrew often appears in the Family Court of Australia, Federal Circuit Court of Australia, and the Supreme Court of New South Wales. He works with pre-eminent Counsel and Senior Counsel of leading family law barristers' chambers, and has strong relationships with valuers, accountants and psychologists to deal with all issues facing his clients.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce (International Business) with Distinction from the University of Wollongong. He also completed a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Australian National University.
Anthony holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (Criminology) from Macquarie University. He has been admitted as a solicitor in NSW, as well as being admitted to the High Court of Australia.
Anthony has previously worked as an Associate to both a Justice and the Deputy Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Prior to joining Dorter Family Lawyers, Anthony has worked as a solicitor in both family and criminal law. During this time, Anthony has represented a wide variety of clients and has gained extensive litigation experience as well as gaining the skills and experience needed to effectively and efficiently finalise matters. Anthony is passionate about advocating for his clients but is also committed to resolving matters and assisting clients achieve the best outcome possible.
Anthony has previously volunteered at the Inner City Legal Centre and been a member of the executive council of the City of Sydney Law Society.
Antonia Cacopardo joined Dorter Family Lawyers and Mediators in 2021 having worked exclusively in family law since 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Criminology and has also completed her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. Antonia was admitted as a solicitor in 2018.
Antonia has gained broad experience across financial and parenting matters including property settlements, complex parenting matters, spouse maintenance and child support. She also volunteers at Marrickville Legal Centre providing assistance in property and parenting matters.
Antonia's empathic approach to the sensitive issues that arise in family law together with her social science background provide her with a unique perspective and ability to put clients at ease while providing quality advice and representation.
Cara is passionate about family law. Prior to joining Dorter Family Lawyers and Mediators she previously worked as Deputy Associate to a Judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and prior to this, as a family law research assistant to three barristers giving her a firm understanding of the complexities of family law. Cara has also worked in an international litigation firm and gained experience volunteering at Redfern Legal Centre.
Cara is positive and approachable and applies herself in a calm and patient manner when attending to the interests of clients and interacting with her colleagues.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant
- Personal Assistant to Rebekah Dorter
Christine is the Personal Assistant to Rebekah Dorter and is the first point of contact for clients with queries when Rebekah is out of the office.
Christine has a strong administration background with 20 years' experience as a Legal Secretary. Christine is empathic and has a sound understanding of issues faced by family law clients, having worked in family law for over 8 years.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the New South Wales Law Society
Christopher has expertise in advising clients on a wide range of issues arising from the breakdown of family relationships. Principally, Christopher's expertise includes advising on complex/high value property settlement matters. Christopher also has experience in complex parenting matters and advising in relation to Child Support.
Christopher has worked exclusively in family law since 2013 and most recently as a Senior Associate at a large national commercial firm. Christopher has assisted clients with matters dealing with divorce, property division and parenting disputes arising from the breakdown of marital and de facto relationships.
Christopher is passionate about the family law jurisdiction. Christopher regularly appears for clients in the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. He works with leading family law barristers and has developed strong relationships with valuers, accountants, and psychologists alike to assist clients to navigate the family law system. Christopher takes a pragmatic approach to the resolution of family law disputes and works hard to achieve the best outcomes possible for clients.
Christopher was admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia in December 2014. Christopher holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Advanced Business Leadership) with a Sub-Major in Accounting.
Christopher is a Member of the New South Wales Law Society, a Member of the New South Wales Young Lawyers Family Law Committee and a Member of the Family Law Section.
Job Titles:
- Office Manager
- Personal Assistant to Christopher Palumbo
Jadene is the Personal Assistant to Christopher Palumbo, having joined the team in 2022. She has worked as an administrator and Practice Manager across an array of industries over the last 17 years, and has a strong understanding of best practice management. Having completed her BA/LLB and being admitted to practice, she has a unique perspective on the intricacies of the family law process garnered from working exclusively in family law legal practices for over 5 years. As the Office Manager of Dorter Family Lawyers and Mediators, Jadene ensures the firm runs efficiently whilst continuing to provide a premium service to our clients, delivered with professionalism and sensitivity.
James holds a Bachelor of Laws with a Major in Criminology from Macquarie University. He has worked with the firm since 2022 and was admitted as a solicitor in 2023.
James has a keen interest in family law and brings with him a variety of experience and knowledge having completed an internship with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia prior to joining Dorter Family Lawyers. He brings a fresh perspective to the complexities of family law matters affecting clients based in regional and remote areas, and always strives to assist clients to achieve the best outcome possible.
Julie is dedicated to providing high quality legal services and is passionate about supporting clients in all areas of family law. Julie has completed a Masters of Law (Applied Law) with a majoring both in Family Law and Business Law & Transactions. She understands that every family unit is unique and nuanced which can involve high conflict matters involving family violence and special needs of children and/or complex financial structures.
Having worked exclusively in family law since 2017, Julie has also gained invaluable insights of Court processes and judicial discretion and decision making from her experience as an Associate to a Family Law Judge. This, together with her experience in complex parenting and high-net-worth matters involving complex trust and business structures provides the foundation for expert and tailored advice to clients with varying needs. Clients are placed in a position of control to make informed decisions about their family law matters.
Julie also graduated from UNSW with a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts with distinction and a philosophy major.
Maeve was admitted with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Counselling from the University of Notre Dame. Maeve's communication skills and ability to multi task are her core strengths.
Her experience in counselling and working with children as a swimming teacher means that she is well placed to deal with the complexities involved in supporting clients with their family law matters.
Natasha has completed a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) with Distinction at the University of Technology Sydney and is currently undertaking her Practical Legal Training. Natasha is an experienced paralegal and is passionate about Family Law. Her strong work ethic, communication skills and dedication allow her to provide excellent support to our lawyers and clients.
Rebekah is a highly respected and sought-after family lawyer in Sydney. Her 30-year track record of integrity, technical knowledge and negotiation skills make the difference in achieving a successful resolution.
Rebekah's background in commercial law is an invaluable asset for complex disputes involving companies, partnerships and family businesses. She brings clarity and strategic thinking to what can often be a confusing and frustrating process.
As a psychology graduate and Nationally Accredited Mediator, Rebekah provides the acute conflict management expertise necessary to resolve property and parenting cases outside of the courtroom. Having Rebekah Dorter on your side is having an industry beacon looking after your best interest.
Rebekah also has extensive experience in matters concerning parental alienation, which is a serious allegation and requires expert advice to navigate. Rebekah is also a practising Independent Children's Lawyer.