Mark Youssef or Mark Ian Youssef is a Partner at Unified Lawyers and an Accredited Specialist in Family Law, with experience across complex parenting, property, divorce, child support and financial agreement matters. He is also a nationally accredited mediator, adjunct lecturer at The College of Law NSW, and has served on Law Society of NSW family law committees. Mark Youssef’s interest in the law started at a young age, taking whatever opportunities to study and explore the area, as well as attend court hearings and speak to others about their experiences as legal representatives.
Experience in family law
As a Sydney Family Lawyer, Mark Youssef has been an accredited specialist in family law since 2011 as well as an adjunct lecturer in the Master of Applied Law (family law) program at the College of Law NSW.
He was admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW in 2005 and later the High Court of Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Macquarie University, majoring in philosophy/political science, and a Master of Law and Legal Practice from the University of Technology, Sydney, majoring in family law.
The Law Society of NSW previously appointed Mark a member of the Specialist Accreditation Family Law Advisory Committee in 2014/15, 2016/17 and 2018/19 as well as the Family Law Committee in 2018 and 2019, which reviews legislation and government policy.
Mark Youssef’s caseload is predominantly based on often complex and protracted matrimonial parenting and property matters. He is an accredited mediator, trained as an Independent Children’s Lawyer and has taken part in previous Law Week activities by visiting local schools to educate children about the law.
In addition to his work, Mark has volunteered at a community legal centre and served as a pro bono family lawyer with the Cancer Council of NSW, whilst his strong interest in legal education leads him to present seminars on various topics relating to family law to private institutions and community groups. Mark is also a presenter to the profession in its Continuing Professional Development (‘CPD’) and organises as well as chairs the annual Judges’ Day seminar series at the College of Law.
Mark Youssef deals with all aspects of family law, including, but not limited to:
- Divorce and annulment
- Parenting arrangements
- Property settlements
- Spousal maintenance claims
- Child support disputes incl. departure orders and over 18s maintenance
- Contraventions
- Financial Agreements
Other areas of expertise
Experience in family provision claims and other matters litigated in the Supreme Court of NSW.
The passion for family law
The effect the area has on private individuals and their families at often one of the most difficult stages of their lives, and how a lawyer may be able to assist.
Our care for clients
For Mark, representing clients who have been wronged by their former partner or spouse, whether in parenting and/or matrimonial property matters, is a relationship built on trust, respect and hard work. It is important for Mark that his clients’ voices are heard in negotiations or, if necessary, court, and their entitlements are afforded to them. Mark also has a wide network of trusted colleagues to whom he refers and is referred work including criminal lawyers, barristers in various areas of law, conveyancers, property and business valuers, amongst many others.
Why Unified?
Unified presented as a welcoming firm to both new staff and clients, dedicated to making a difference and treating everyone with respect.
Passion outside of the law
Spending time with family and friends; American political commentary; world history / geo-political documentaries; theological reading; visiting the golf driving range.
Other languages
Mark Youssef hails from an Egyptian background and speaks fluent Arabic. He is a proud and respected member of the Sydney Coptic Orthodox community.
Mark Youssef’s Media Coverage
Featured in the College of Law
Mark contributes to legal education and thought leadership in family law as an Adjunct Lecturer at the College of Law NSW.
Published 11 June 2025
Rice and Asplund: Mark Youssef’s Perspective on Parenting Order Revisions
Family law practitioners may be well acquainted with the significance of the Rice and Asplund case when seeking to vary parenting orders, but application of the ‘significant change in circumstances’ test can be complicated. Mark provides valuable insights into this fundamental threshold test.