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Meet Our Friendly Family Law Accredited Specialist Team

Our family law accredited specialists work tirelessly day in and day out to ensure that we provide the finest family law services to our clients.

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Awards

Achievements

What is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law?

An Accredited Specialist is a family lawyer who has demonstrated exceptional expertise and competence in the specific area of family law.

This specialist status is awarded by the Law Society through its Specialist Accreditation Scheme, which requires rigorous assessment and recognition of the solicitor’s advanced skills and knowledge in their chosen legal field. Our accredited specialists are dedicated to providing the highest standard of legal services, ensuring that clients receive expert advice and representation tailored to their unique needs.

Our commitment to excellence means that our Accredited Specialists are among the best in their field, providing expert legal advice to our clients.

Minimum of five years of full-time legal practice

Practising as a lawyer in Family Law for at least three years .

Passing The Law Society’s assessments in communication, client relations and their specialist area of law.

Our Accredited Family Law Specialists

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Mark Youssef

Partner

Sydney, NSW

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Crispian Carlowe

Partner

Brisbane, QLD

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Alex Bourne

Senior Associate

Sydney, NSW

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James Lee

Senior Associate

Sydney, NSW

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Michelle McDermott

Senior Family Lawyer

Victoria, VIC

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Antoinette Gauci

Senior Associate

Sydney, NSW

Team

A team you can rely on

From a small team of 7 lawyers to over 45 family law specialists, Unified Lawyers has grown into one of Australia’s leading family law firms. 

Our growth as a family law firm is more than just numbers – it’s a reflection of the trust families across Australia place in us, and the results we deliver every day.

team you can rely on

When to Seek the Expertise of a Family Law Specialist at Unified Lawyers

While not all family law matters require the involvement of an Accredited Specialist, certain cases can greatly benefit from their specialised knowledge.

These cases may include:

Complex Property Settlements

Situations involving multiple real properties, trusts, or companies.

Parenting Matters

Cases characterised by complexities such as domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health concerns, or child protection issues.

Spousal Maintenance Applications

Navigating the intricacies of financial support between spouses.

International Relocation of Children

Addressing the legal challenges associated with relocating children across international borders.

At Unified Lawyers, our team of accredited family law specialists are committed to providing the highest level of expertise and support for your family law needs. Contact us directly so we can help you get the best possible result for your case.

600+
5 Star Reviews and Thousands of Lives Transformed

At Unified Lawyers, results matter because they matter to you. We’ve helped more than 8000+ clients across Australia resolve their family law matters with care and expertise.

Accredited Family Lawyers | francesco

Francesco Turini

1 review

I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the service you provided. I am very satisfied with the professionalism, friendliness, and courtesy you demonstrated throughout our interactions. It made a significant difference in addressing my concerns. Your support and guidance were invaluable, and I feel fortunate to have had you on my side. Especially Thank you to Kristine Tran, and Justin Pasqualino. Best regards, Francesco

November 9, 2025
Accredited Family Lawyers | Rasha

Rasha Al-Ahmed

2 reviews

It was truly an honor to work with Jessica Balic during one of the most difficult and sensitive periods of my life — a highly complex international child custody case. Despite the challenges, Jessica managed the matter with remarkable professionalism, calmness, and precision. From the very first day, Jessica demonstrated exceptional dedication and genuine care for every detail of my case. She was always prepared, meticulous, and clear in explaining every legal step in a way that was easy to understand. I strongly recommend Jessica Balic to anyone dealing with a complex family or custody matter. She is a lawyer who combines professionalism, intelligence, and deep human compassion — a rare and invaluable combination in this field, Thank you Jessica for helping me get my daughter and my life back.

November 10, 2025
Accredited Family Lawyers | rachel

Rachael Belle Myers

10 reviews

I am truly grateful for the support and guidance I received from Diana Melas throughout my financial separation. She was calm, compassionate, and incredibly knowledgeable from start to finish. Diana explained my rights clearly, outlined all available options, and ensured I felt informed and confident in every decision I made. Diana led with both empathy and strength. I feel very fortunate to have found a lawyer who combines expertise with such kindness and professionalism. Highly Recommend.

October 28, 2025
Accredited Family Lawyers | F

Fiona Henderson

3 reviews

I engaged Unified Lawyers for a family law matter at a time when I felt confused and vulnerable. From the outset, Sophia Bechara and Louise Cassar provided clear guidance, strong support, and genuine care. I never felt alone during the process. They protected me from intimidation and helped me stand my ground with confidence. Thanks to their expertise and professionalism in family law, I achieved a fair and just outcome, the best possible result for both me and my children. I’m incredibly grateful and would highly recommend Unified Lawyers to anyone navigating a family law matter who needs both compassion and strength on their side.

September 23, 2025
Accredited Family Lawyers | unnamed

Eddie Gerdak

Local Guide • 1 reviews

It is without hesitation that I recommend Ms. Ryan to anyone seeking dedicated and compassionate legal representation in family law matters. I also wish to commend your firm for having someone of her calibre on your team. Her commitment to her clients and her integrity as a professional reflect extremely well on your practice. I sincerely thank Ms. Ryan for her unwavering and continued support and guidance, and I would not hesitate to recommend her services and your firm, Unified Lawyers, to future clients in need of outstanding legal representation.

October 2, 2025
Accredited Family Lawyers | ju moon

Ju Moon

8 reviews

I received professional and efficient help with my family law matter, and I couldn’t be happier with the service. The team , especially my lawyer, Ms. Jessica O’Brien was professional, thorough, and guided me with great expertise and care. Communication was always prompt, and I consistently felt confident that my best interests were being looked after. If you’re seeking a reliable and compassionate family law firm, I highly recommend them.

November 11, 2025

Office Locations

You can visit us at any of our office locations to connect with our team and get the support you need.

Sydney CBD

Level 5, 299 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000

Marrickville

Suite 3, 369 Illawarra Road, Marrickville NSW 2204

Melbourne CBD

Level 40, 140 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Miranda

Level 4, 29 Kiora Road, Miranda NSW 2228

Gold Coast

Level 13, 50 Cavil Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, QLD 4217

Brisbane CBD

Level 19, 10 Eagle St, Brisbane City QLD 4000

North Sydney

Level 25, 100 Mount Street, North Sydney NSW 2060

Parramatta

Level 14, Suite 1428, 3 Parramatta Square, 153 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150

Bondi Junction

Level 22, Suite 2201, Tower Two Westfield, 101 Grafton Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022

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Take The First Step Today

Family law doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With Unified Lawyers by your side, you’ll have the support, expertise, and proven results you need to move forward with confidence.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Accredited Family Lawyers

Choosing an Accredited Specialist ensures you receive the highest standard of legal expertise. At Unified Lawyers, our Accredited Specialists have practised law full-time for at least five years post qualification and maintain an ongoing focus on the area of family law. 

They have passed their states Law Society’s assessments in communication, problem-solving, client relations, and their specific legal field.

To maintain this status, they must annually renew their accreditation, remain members of the Law Society, and continually update their skills through professional development.

To determine whether a solicitor is an Accredited Specialist, check for the Specialist Accreditation logo, the phrase ‘Accredited Specialist’, or the abbreviated word ‘Acc Spec (field of law)’ following their name on letterhead or promotional materials.

To find an Accredited Specialist, visit The Law Society of NSW.

You can find an accredited lawyers by viewing their profile on the find a lawyer list which is where registered solicitors in NSW, to confirm that they are accredited in the field of law that is most relevant to your needs.

You can contact our Accredited Specialists at Unified Lawyers today.

An Accredited Specialist is a solicitor who has demonstrated superior knowledge and expertise in a specific area of law.

This status is conferred by each states Law Society following an assessment process, ensuring the solicitor’s skills in communication, problem-solving, client relations, and on going professional development in their area of speciality.

Accredited Specialists must also maintain their expertise through continuous professional development and accreditation renewal.

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