The journey into law…
When Wendy was completing Year 11 many moons ago, there was a decision to be made between a career as a teacher or a legal secretary. Legal secretary initially won out but Wendy’s passion for teaching also comes through via mentoring others.
Wendy’s passion for Family Law started from working in a firm that provided her with experience in all areas of law including conveyancing, criminal, Wills and Estates, tax and Family Law.
During her extensive career Wendy has undertaken many roles within the legal profession including personal assistant, paralegal, law clerk and financial analyst. It was throughout this period that Wendy developed a particular interest in complex and high wealth Binding Financial Agreements and property matters and the investigative nature of researching and analysing property documents.
Wendy’s mentor, the now retired Justice Benjamin, finally convinced Wendy to undertake a law degree which Wendy undertook as a mature aged student and whilst working full time.
The journey is not complete as Wendy is proposing to undertake further study by way of a Diploma of Accounting in 2026 to further her experience to assist in aspects of Family Law matters.
The passion for family law
No case is the same. Each client has their own story to tell.
Wendy enjoys the pleasure and relief a client has when their matter is resolved with her assistance either via negotiation or via the Court system.
Experience in family law
Wendy has over 30 years’ experience predominantly in Family Law. Wendy enjoys teaching and mentoring others in all aspects of Family Law.
Wendy is across all changes to legislation including the practice and procedure that flows from those changes and also keeps up to date in relation to all case law and changes made through the Courts.
Wendy has a particular interest in complex financial matters including companies, businesses, partnerships and trusts and the taxation consequences that may follow on from any proposed or finalised property divisions.
Although her particular interest is complex financial matters, Wendy is able to assist in all other aspects of Family Law matters.
Assisting Lawyers and Counsel in complex high wealth financial property settlements, including high profile matters, disputes regarding costs, and appeals. Drafting detailed submissions for use by Senior Counsel in complex property proceedings. Instructing Counsel at court events and attending conferences with Counsel. Analysing financial documentation relating to corporate entities, trusts, and businesses, including tracing funds between accounts held with financial institutions. Instructing single experts and adversarial experts. Preparing all pleadings and complex Binding Financial Agreements, including prenuptial agreements and Child Support Agreements. Researching relevant case law, commentary, and related materials. Assisting Solicitors with precedents, particularly in unfamiliar areas, and contributing to precedent development. Supporting Solicitors and personal assistants with court processes and negotiated agreements. Liaising with in-house taxation lawyers and drafting advice to clients regarding taxation liabilities arising during proceedings or by agreement.
Other areas of expertise
Wendy has some experience in adoption, criminal (ADVOs), conveyancing, Wills and Estates and taxation.
If Wendy is not sure of the current legislation or practice and procedure, Wendy researches to ensure that all aspects comply with the current legislation or practice and procedures, noting that Wendy predominantly works in Family Law.
Our care for clients
Wendy is a strong advocate for the client. Wendy will ensure that whatever case is being put forward can be verified as best as possible and that any advice provided is realistic.
Wendy has a strong attention to detail and, through her forensic analysis in property matters, is able to counteract a claim made by the other party to assist with a quicker resolution through negotiation once that evidence is put forward and to also ensure that the evidence being put forward by the client can be corroborated.
Wendy is passionate about Family Law and wants to assist the clients as best as she can knowing that most clients are unsettled and going through an emotional time in their lives.
Why Unified?
The culture of the firm is in its name “Unity”. Wendy liked the feeling that everyone seemed to enjoy working at Unified and that she would be able to enjoy a work/life balance for the first time in her career.
Wendy also felt very welcomed by the team from the onset, before she even started.
Passion outside of the law
She enjoys reading a good book, spending time at her favourite beach or river with her husband and their happy 11-year-old Beagle, and going on holidays together. She also makes time for a weekly date night with her husband and loves catching up with family and friends, even if it’s just for a simple coffee date.