Baker’s dozen: South Australia’s young rising stars of family law
They are smart and driven with empathy and insight beyond their years. From surrogacy to child protection, meet the young guns of South Australian family law.
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They are young, super smart and driven with empathy and insight beyond their years – meet 13 of the fastest rising stars in South Australia’s family law space, each aged under 35.
For some, making a change in the family law space has long been an aspiration spurred by personal experience; for others the move into the complex and sometimes depressing area of civil law has been “serendipitous”.
But whether they’ve chosen to specialise in surrogacy and adoption, divorce, child protection or complicated high-net-worth financial structures they each speak of their work’s great rewards.
Tolis & Co Lawyer senior associate Kyle Goldsworthy, 28, said he continued to draw inspiration from his own mum, who single-handedly raised her family while battling a rare auto-immune disease.
“She always placed the needs of me and my siblings above (her) own … I now know this to be the most telling sign of a good parent,” he said.
While Port Lincoln-based Lydia Ho of Mellor Olsson Lawyers, also 28, who speaks fluently in four languages, is focused on ensuring regional South Australians get access to top-level legal advice.
Relative newcomer Gemma Collins-Little, 26, of Janson Lawyers at Christie’s Beach, said: “In the grand scheme of what lawyers can do it might seem insignificant but when I help a child out of a horrible situation so they can grow in an environment that is safe and nurturing for them, it can mean a great deal to that child.”
Today, The Advertiser profiles standout young lawyers working in the family law and divorce space, identified through conversations with industry insiders, leading lawyers and professional training institutions and affiliations.
It is the first of a two-part series to celebrate the state’s emerging legal eagles working across civil jurisdictions and it follows a feature on those considered the state’s best.
Chanel Martin, Resolve Divorce
Aged just 34 and a partner at Resolve Divorce, an all-female law firm in North Adelaide, there’s no disputing Chanel Martin’s earned her place as a young industry leader in the area of family law in this state.
She is one of a handful of formally-accredited family law specialists in South Australia and also holds a Masters of Law (family law), both being the highest qualifications available to a family lawyer. In addition, she is certified divorce coach and collaboratively-trained lawyer.
Her former law lecturers continue to rate the Flinders University alumna highly, recommending her inclusion in this list.
“It wasn’t until I graduated and got a taste of the real world that I took an interest in family law … I started working as an associate at the then Family Court of Australia and this is where my passion for family law and supporting families was sparked,” she said.
She lists as a career highlight, helping build “one of the largest boutique law teams in South Australia”, expanding the firm from herself and co-founder Rose Cocchiaro to a team of 14, including nine lawyers, in under 10 years.
“I want my firm to truly change the way individuals and families experience divorce … at the same time changing the stigma around separation,” she said.
“Relationships can change and families can change, too; it doesn’t always have to be a negative experience, with the right support, a family can thrive after separation.
“That’s the impact that I hope my career will ultimately have.”
Erica Panagakos, Clark Panagakos
This impressive young lawyer, nominated by her former university, also made it into our list of SA’s top family and divorce lawyers.
The 34-year-old is director at Clark Panagakos, a collaborative family law practice she set up in partnership with veteran Adelaide lawyer Bev Clark.
“I have acted for a variety of clients, ranging from parents struggling to agree arrangements for their children in difficult circumstances, to high-net-worth individuals with complex financial structures and everything in between,” Erica Panagakos said.
“I also enjoy the crossover into other areas of law, including trusts, wills and estates, taxation, and property law.”
Panagakos said she fell into family law, stepping in to help a solicitor who was readying for maternity leave.
“I studied family law as part of my (University of Adelaide) law degree but it wasn’t until I started working as a lawyer that I felt it could be my area of specialisation,” she said.
“I enjoy the opportunity to help families navigate challenging situations and the diverse range of cases that I work on each day.”
Lydia Ho, Mellor Olsson Lawyers
Port Lincoln-based, this 28-year-oldsolicitor’sability to speak fluently in four languages uniquely equips her to effectively communicate the intricacies of family and divorce law to her broad and diverse clientele – something she is passionate about.
A graduate of both the Australian National University and University of Adelaide, Lydia Ho is described as having “exceptional qualities as a family and divorce lawyer … a truly distinctive and sought-after professional”.
Yet, she almost didn’t study family law at all.
“Enrolling in family law was a necessity due to my double degree schedule but it turned out to be a serendipitous choice,” she said.
“Witnessing the impact of family law on individuals going through separation, particularly those who endured family violence, was eye-opening and humbling; understanding the emotional and personal aspects of legal issues made me appreciate the critical role family law plays in people’s lives during such challenging times.”
Today she is a fierce advocate for those living in the state’s regional and rural areas.
“I find great fulfilment in providing support to people in regional Australia, especially in areas where government assistance may be limited … one of my primary goals is to demonstrate to the local community that the legal services they receive here are just as exceptional as those in Adelaide,” she said.
“What has been particularly rewarding is when I can help migrants and survivors of family violence stay in Australia and move forward in life with a fair and reasonable family law outcome.
“On a personal level, I have a strong aspiration to contribute to the Eyre Peninsula community by using my linguistic skills to educate and support the growing multicultural population. “Being able to bridge the language barrier for these individuals and offer them much-needed legal guidance brings me immense joy and fulfilment; it’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of efforts that make a difference in people’s lives.”
Kyle Goldsworthy, Tolis & Co Lawyers
Nominated by several sources, including a leading SA barrister in the family law space, this young lawyer who turns 28 this month, is described as having “maturity, skill and confidence” beyond his years.
The senior associate’s areas of expertise extend from family law (primarily parenting and property matters) to care and protection (matters involving children being removed from their parents/caregivers by the Child Protection Department).
“I knew I wanted to be a lawyer from a young age,” Kyle Goldsworthy said.
“I was raised by a single parent with a rare auto-immune disease, who always placed the needs of me and my siblings above (her) own.
“I now know this to be the most telling sign of a good parent – if not for the sacrifices made by my mother, I would not be the person or lawyer I am today.”
He shifted from initially wanting to practice criminal law after undertaking a family law “capstone” course in the final stages of a graduate diploma at University of Adelaide.
“I quickly found that my passion fell in assisting parents with their family law disputes, as well as assisting parents in navigating care and protection matters in the Adelaide Youth Court … I have always striven to advocate for my clients while focusing on the best interests of the children,” he said.
Goldsworthy said he’s driven to “provide certainty and stability to my clients and their children … resolving matters as quickly and effectively as possible”.
“I (now) have a keen interest in undertaking the requisite training to become an Independent Children’s Lawyer, so that I can focus on advocating for the rights and voices of children,” he said.
His career aspirations also include “becoming a barrister at the Independent Bar and hopefully, in due course, becoming a member of the judiciary in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia”.
Dajana Vujica, Swan Family Lawyers
The 33-year-old University of Adelaide alumna attributes her “unique mix of court and country experience” as helping shape her early career success.
“My first job out of university was as a deputy associate to a judge in the Federal Circuit Court (as it was then known) … I spent most of my days in the courtroom and became familiar with the barristers and solicitors of the family law profession in Adelaide,” the now senior associate said.
“This role enabled me to grasp a realistic understanding of how family law matters are dealt with by the courts.”
Dajana Vujica moved to a regional firm in Mount Gambier before returning to Adelaide in 2021.
“I enjoy the personable nature of family law and the real and raw human side of it … my clients are almost always going through the most difficult period of their lives and I genuinely feel that I can make a difference to their overall experience in the way that I advise and guide them through the process,” she said.
“I enjoy the variety of work … family law is a busy and fast paced-area of practice.
“There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to family law matters and I enjoy the strategic nature and problem-solving approach required to achieve a positive outcome.”
Alysia Panagakos, Clark Panagakos
Alysia Panagakos, 29, is described by one of the state’s most senior, leading divorce lawyers as “well respected in the court and the profession generally … known to be hardworking, caring and brilliant with clients – all qualities you need in a family lawyer”.
The University of Adelaide graduate said she chose to study family law in her final year of her degree.
“I was drawn to the fact that family lawyers need to have a broad understanding of many areas of the law to assist clients and creatively problem solve … (also) the opportunity to work closely with and support members of the community through what is often the toughest experience of their lives,” the senior associate said.
“Clients often find themselves in desperate need of assistance and it is a privilege to have the opportunity to guide them towards a resolution.”
Nestoras “Nes” Alexandropoulos, Mellor Olsson
The 34-year-old graduate of Flinders University said while he is driven to grow his expertise in all aspects of family law, for him a critical space stands out.
“My main goal …focusing on the area of intervention orders to help people in circumstances where domestic violence has been a factor in their separation,” Nestoras “Nes” Alexandropoulos said.
“During my studies I had a general interest in all areas of law, however I decided to focus on family law (while) undertaking pre-graduation work experience at a small firm specialising in family law and criminal law.”
It is clients who motivate him. “I enjoy getting to know my clients and helping them through what is generally one of the most stressful times of their lives,” he said.
“I find a lot of people are unsure of what steps need to be undertaken following a separation and how it can affect their lives … having the proper knowledge of this area of law and helping people is rewarding particularly when an outcome is reached; you see the relief they feel when their matters are finalised and they can move on with their lives.
A senior associate, he is described as being a “standout professional in the field” due not only to his knowledge but “the genuine concern he displays for his clients”.
Vanessa Camerlengo, Resolve Divorce
Aged 31, this Resolve Divorce solicitor is one of only a handful of practitioners in SA to hold formal qualifications as an accredited specialist in family law and is recognised as an expert in the collaborative law space.
The UniSA alumna further expanded on her skills as a collaborative lawyer last year, travelling to the US for the 2022 International Academy of Collaborative Professionals Forum.
“I’ve always known that I wanted a career where I could make a difference in people’s lives,” Vanessa Camerlengo said.
“I loved the intricate nature of law but knew that I would need to work in an area that had strong personal relationships.
“My first job out of university was in a family law firm, and I fell in love with the area. I felt as though I was making a real difference in the lives of not only my clients, but their families too.
“In family law, every day brings a new challenge. No two clients are the same, and nor are divorces – they are all different; there is a strategic aspect to family law that means you must carefully consider your clients goals, interests and concerns as well as their overall wellbeing. “We are often fighting for the most important things in people’s lives – their children, money and future – meaning the stakes are high, but with it, the opportunity for truly rewarding work.”
Tayla Inglis, Mellor and Olsson
The 27-year-old Flinders University graduate is fast emerging as a significant player in the realm of surrogacy agreements and adoption in SA.
“I have always wanted to focus on an area of law where I can make a positive difference in people’s lives and build strong relationships,” Tayla Inglis said.
“I was given the opportunity to study family law as a subject in my final year of university and was fortunate enough to be awarded a prize for achieving the highest mark in my class – this achievement fuelled my passion to practice family law further.
“What I love most is being a part of the process of helping individuals and families during a highly emotional and stressful time … I am also passionate about areas not commonly associated with family law and divorce.”
This includes surrogacy and adoption which Inglis describes as “happier aspects of family law”.
“I take great pride in being able to assist people who are unable to have children of their own, whether that be through assisting with the preparation of a lawful surrogacy agreement or obtaining adoption orders in the Youth Court,” she said.
“My career aspiration is to be recognised as a leader in this field and continue to help grow families … my proudest career achievement to date has been obtaining an adult adoption order in the Youth Court for a foster care mother to recognise her already existing mother/daughter relationship with her adult child.
“This was extremely important to my client and her daughter, it was such a happy moment for them and I was so grateful to be a part of this process.”
Nadia Behar, Tolis & Co Lawyers
The 32-year-old partner at the Mile End-located firm, who first aspired to be a lawyer at age 10, has long been drawn to family law and believes studying psychology alongside her law degree at Flinders University has helped cement her dream – and success.
“(I’ve) developed a particular skill for property matters that involve complex entities and concepts … I enjoy the intellectual challenges associated with the complex property settlement matters in which I have been involved,” Nadia Behar said.
“In addition, and though somewhat cliché, I also take significant pride in knowing that my work assists people to overcome … what is often a very taxing time – both mentally and emotionally.
“I am extremely proud of the many clients that I have assisted … from those who have presented in my office in a visibly anxious state as a result of family violence, to those who have desperately sought to protect their children and those who have been, and felt, completely helpless, financially insecure, and dependent on their ex-partner.
“It is the gratitude of these people that makes what can, at times, be draining, stressful and challenging work, both worthwhile and rewarding.”
Rebecca Zanol, Tindall Gask Bentley (TGB) Lawyers
The 34-year-old senior associate who studied law at Flinders University is celebrated for her “balanced view of the law, developed during her time as an industrial advocate at SA Unions, where she also honed her keen negotiation skills”.
Rebecca Zanol also brings a fresh take to city court rooms, having worked for several years in Strathalbyn gaining experience in property settlements involving regional farming land, partnerships and inheritances, along with a good understanding of family trusts and how they are intertwined with family law interests.
“I went into general practice when I left university, so I had a taste of a few different areas of law (but) family law was the one area that came naturally to me and which I found the most rewarding, so I decided to work solely in this area,” she said.
“I think my proudest career achievement is that I have always been dedicated to consistently delivering the best possible service to my clients that I can, without exception.”
Gemma Collins-Little, Janson Lawyers
Gemma Collins-Little, 26, is described by a senior lawyer at a competing firm as demonstrating “she has the aptitude above her years”.
“(She) is detail focused which is needed in our practice area and has a calm and considered approach … it appears she will certainly be one to watch,” the nominator said.
The up-and-coming Christies Beach-based lawyer qualified in Laws Legal Practice at Flinders Uni in 2021.
“I absolutely love working with clients and their children and the challenge of turning what can be a difficult situation into a resolution … it is extremely rewarding helping clients achieve their goals and, in doing so, helping families resolve conflict,” she said.
“In the grand scheme of what lawyers can do it might seem insignificant but when I help a child out of a horrible situation so they can grow in an environment that is safe and nurturing for them, it can mean a great deal to that child.”
And what are her career dreams and aspirations?
“I would like to attain my accreditation as a mediator and take on matters as an Independent Children’s Lawyer … further down the track, I see myself venturing out and beginning my own firm south of Adelaide – we shall see what the future holds,” she said.
Stefanie Wheare, Andersons Solicitors
At 34, the University of Adelaide graduate, with qualifications in commerce and law,
was admitted to the Supreme Court of South Australia in 2012 and the High Court of Australia the following year.
Stefanie Wheare commenced her career in a generalist legal firm working across personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal law, superannuation and wills and estates before developing a passion and focus on family law.
Celebrated for her “empathetic approach”, she points to her own young family as helping her “relate to the worries and concerns that many parents often face when dealing with child custody arrangements and making decisions in the best interests of their children”.
A senior associate at her firm, her approach is described as “honest and informative … easy to understand”.
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