LawPod by Brydens Lawyers

Beycan Irmako

Lawyer

Areas of expertise: Personal Injury, Intentional Torts

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.

Languages spoken: English, Turkish

Why did you choose to work at Brydens lawyers and practice in Personal Injury Law?
Brydens Lawyers has a proven history as being an advocate for people who have suffered loss due to the actions or, inactions of others.

The firm has a passion for for assisting Plaintiff’s in proceedings involving an imbalance of power and as a result, Brydens Lawyers has developed a strong reputation in pursuing fair and just outcomes for their clients. To represent people in their most unsettling of  times was why I pursued a career in law, and it was a simple to decision to join a company that holds similar values.

Sam Sadat

Lawyer

Areas of expertise: Motor Vehicle Accident Claims, TPD Claims, and Workers Compensation

Language Spoken: Dari, Farsi, Urdu and Hindi

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Economics and Finance & Bachelor of Laws

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice in Workers Compensation?

I chose to work at Brydens Lawyers because I wanted to work in a leading and reputable law firm with experienced practitioners that are client focused and have a passion for helping them all achieve the most beneficial outcomes. Personal Injury and Workers Compensation claims provide me with an opportunity to truly make a difference, as I enjoy helping my clients in their most challenging of times. Brydens Lawyers is a firm that goes above and beyond in providing a holistic and tailored approach with every client. What also attracted me to Brydens Lawyers is its commitment to sporting ,community and charitable organisations not only in the south-west of Sydney, but throughout New South Wales. Since joining Brydens Lawyers, I have worked exclusively in the Workers Compensation Division assisting individuals who are incapacitated due to a workplace injury and helping these vulnerable clients brings me a sense of purpose. 

Abbas Bokhari

Lawyer

Areas of expertise: Personal Injury (Motor vehicle Accidents), Review and preparation of Commercial dealings, Group Life Insurance, Debt recovery, Family Law

Language Spoken: English, Urdu, Hindi, Saraiki

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Business Management, Diploma of Practice Management, Bachelor of Law, Graduate Diploma of Law

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice in Client Services law?

The leadership at Brydens Lawyers treats its employees as long-term assets. Our strengths are utilised to serve our clients. The two strengths of mine which were rightly identified by management were that I firstly enjoy resolving complex problems or issues for individuals needing genuine help. Secondly, my employment history and personal qualities demonstrated empathy for people. For those reasons, I was recommended for the solicitor’s role within the Client Services Division. 

In this role, I review and prepare status reports to oversee the progress of matters within various divisions of the firm. This role permits me to delve into the finer aspects and procedures involved in all matters. I am available to support the efforts of my colleagues in making claims or cases successful. Additionally, I am able to provide counsel and support to other members of the professional team by identifying any areas of concern that require additional attention as well as adding input in individual cases. I am also available to assist with the completing of particular tasks within certain matters where my experience and expertise is of great utility. In this role, I am also afforded the opportunity to attend the Brydens Lawyers Legal Centres and offer free legal advice to clients on a wide variety of legal issues. This is a particularly rewarding experience with a sense of higher cause and responsibility to our community. 

Consequentially, I am able to utilise my broad legal knowledge to identify any legal issues which may arise from a particular difficulty that a client finds themselves in. This allows me to properly identify the particular cause of action and ensure that the client receives the expert and specialised legal advice and representation that Brydens Lawyers is able to provide within the various divisions of the firm. I fulfil an essential role, at the forefront of client enquiry, in providing initial and salient legal advice to clients. The utility of the role continues as I remain a coordinator, a conduit as between the client and the individual division managing the matter, and assisting where I can to convert legal issues into solutions.

Andriana Hagipantelis

Lawyer

Areas of expertise: Workers Compensation

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Laws degrees

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice in Workers Compensation law?
I believe my path to Brydens Lawyers was predestined with my father being the Principal. I commenced employment as a law clerk and now as a Solicitor. I have worked within the common law division helping people claim compensation for injuries sustained in road and work accidents. Thereafter, I transferred to Workers Compensation. Workers Compensation has proven to be both personally and professionally very rewarding. I enjoy being in a position to assist people when they are in need after sustaining an injury at work. We do really make a difference to people’s live in a meaningful way.

Shauna Ellul

Lawyer, Medical Negligence division

Areas of expertise: Personal Injury- Medical Negligence.

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: LL. B

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice in Medical Negligence?
I initially commenced employment with Brydens Lawyers in 2013 as an Administrative Assistant, prior to studying law. Brydens Lawyers has assisted me in my professional development and fostered my passion for representing injured persons and fighting for their rights and entitlements. Nothing is more satisfying than assisting my client’s in obtaining excellent outcomes after suffering so significantly as a result of another’s negligence. It has been an honour and a privilege to work in a company that is as empathetic and sympathetic as I am to the plight of the innocently injured. One thing that I have learnt was work with Brydens Lawyers is that our job is to advocate for our clients’ interests only and that doing the best job that we can for a client is the reward in itself.

Natalie Dadisho

Senior Associate, Practice Group Manager- Family Law, Wills, Estates & Probate Division, Accredited Mediator

Areas of expertise: Family Law – property settlement, parenting arrangements, divorce, spousal maintenance, child support, financial agreements. Wills & Estate – Wills, Power of Attorney’s Enduring Guardians, probate, family provision claims

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: NSW Law Society Accredited Specialist-Family Law, Collaborative Lawyer, LLB, BSc & Maths, Nationally Accredited Mediator

Languages spoken: English and Assyrian

Why did you choose to work at Brydens lawyers and practice in Family Law?
I joined Brydens Lawyers as a law clerk in 2007. Following my admission I took on the role of junior solicitor within the Commercial division and later in the Family Law-Wills & Estates division. I have practiced exclusively in this area ever since and today I am honoured to say that I am the Practice Manager of the division for Brydens Lawyers. Practising in this area has allowed me to fulfil my aspirations of not only being a Solicitor but helping people in times of need. In the last 14 years I have seen too many instances of difficulty arise in family circumstances and also on the distribution of a deceased’s estate where there has not been proper legal advice and representation beforehand. In my role I am able to advise, guide and assist our clients through what is most likely to be the most emotionally traumatic and difficult time of their lives. I choose to work at Brydens Lawyers because this firm represents the same ethos and principles that have guided me in my professional career. Brydens Lawyers’ reputation as a firm of the people, helping in times of need, is no better illustrated than within the division that I have the honour of leading. It is this ethos that was instilled in me by our firm’s Principal and it is this ethos that I have sought to instil in all those who work with me.

Natalia Dasic

Senior Lawyer

Areas of expertise: Superannuation, TPD, Income Protection, Life Insurance, Personal Injury, Common Law.

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Communication Studies, Graduate Diploma of Legal Practise

Languages spoken: English, Serbian

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice in Superannuation + TPD?
I choose to work at Brydens Lawyers because at its core Brydens Lawyers is a firm which encompasses and upholds the values of integrity, respect for clients and colleagues and passion in pursuing justice for its clients.  I joined Brydens Lawyers in 2015 as a Lawyer within the Personal Injury- Common Law Division and had the opportunity to work alongside lawyers and support staff who dedicate everyday to ensuring our clients are represented in the best possible way and achieve the best outcome available to them. 
I am now privileged to work within the Superannuation, TPD and Life Insurance division in what is an extremely rewarding role where we are able to provide assistance to clients whose lives have been significantly impacted by injury or illness.  I am dedicated to upholding Brydens Lawyers core values and strive to provide the highest standard of service to our clients with empathy, compassion and expert legal guidance.

William Lidden

Lawyer

Areas of expertise: Common law litigation, including Work Injury Damages, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Public Liability, Occupiers Liability and Defamation.

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts (Politics and Journalism)

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice in Personal Injury Law?
I commenced with Brydens Lawyers in 2016 at the start of my degree, as a Law Clerk. Brydens Lawyers has provided me with many opportunities to hone and refine my legal skills, and I take great personal satisfaction in delivering results for clients who have been thrown into dire circumstances. The rule of law and access to justice are the cornerstones of a pluralist, democratic society like Australia, and I am proud to play some small part in that. I am looking forward to expanding my practice areas in the future.

Thi Nguyen

Lawyer

Areas of expertise: Medical Negligence

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Law

Languages spoken: English, Vietnamese

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice in Medical Negligence?
Brydens Lawyers being an industry leader in litigation, has provided me with the depth of experience no other firm could offer. The high standard set by Brydens Lawyers alongside the work ethic of the staff therein align with my own work values. This all comes back to prioritising the needs of the client and representing their best interests to obtain the most desirable outcome.

It is a privilege to be able to work for Brydens Lawyers and have the opportunity to represent those who have suffered from a medical error in an industry that was designed to care for and nurture them. It is a true honour to be able to act on behalf of our clients and provide legal services and advice in their time of need seeking compensation for the negligence that has occurred to them.

Nicole Jirathammakul

Associate

Areas of expertise: Family Law – property settlement, parenting arrangements, divorce, spousal maintenance, child support, financial agreements. Wills & Estates – Wills, Power of Attorney’s Enduring Guardians, probate, letter of administration, family provision claims

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Socio-Legal Studies and Juris Doctor

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice in Family Law?
Early in my legal career, I wanted to work at a firm like Brydens Lawyers which has a client-focused approach to legal representation and advocacy.  We pride ourselves in assisting those in need and providing them with the information and advice that applies to their individual circumstances. This is particularly the case in family law and estate law. Practising in these areas at Brydens Lawyers has given me the privilege to assist and represent individuals and families during their most difficult times.

Osman Aydogan

Associate – Practice Group Leader – Commercial Law Division

Areas of expertise: Commercial, Corporate, Property, Wills & Estates, Debt Recovery, Dispute Resolution and Civil Litigation

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: BBUS. LLB. MTEACH(SEC) – Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Master of Teaching (Secondary)

Languages Spoken: English and Turkish

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice in personal injury law?
It is certainly a privilege to be working for Brydens Lawyers, a law firm that not only provides services to the growing South Western Sydney community, metropolitan and regional New South Wales, but also supports many charitable causes and stands strong in growing Australian sport through its various sponsorships. My dedication and objective of providing the highest level of quality legal services and building strong connections with the community is one that is also shared and supported by Brydens Lawyers. Having always appreciated the importance of economic growth and the relevance and impact that businesses and organisation have on the community, practicing in the complex area of Commercial law allows me to contribute to the betterment of society by advising and directing strategic change and decision making, assisting in conflict resolution and risk management, and driving fair commercial dealings.

Michael Dababneh

Senior Lawyer, Personal Injury division

Areas of expertise: Motor Vehicle Accident, Work Injury Damages, Public Liability, Product Liability, Assault, Historic abuse claims.

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: LL. B Bachelor of Laws, WIRO approved Lawyer

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice Commercial Law?
Working with Brydens Lawyers gives me an opportunity to meet and act for those most seriously injured as a result of other people’s negligence. These life changing events have a significant impact on people’s lives and working here gives me access to a field I am most passionate about. It’s a deeply personal area of law so I am not just crunching numbers and reading clauses; I get to see how the impact of an accident on a person and their loved ones and importantly, get to find a way to right a wrong.

Alexander Hairs

Senior Lawyer, Practice Group Leader, Medical Negligence division

Areas of expertise: Personal Injury- Medical Negligence.

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts – Psychology, Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Queen Scout, Australian Scout Medallion.

Languages spoken: English.

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice Commercial Law? From a very young age I know I wanted to be a lawyer appearing in the Court room. Having engaged in Scout Australia, it was ingrained into me that I should use my skills to assist those less fortunate than myself, and Plaintiff medical negligence work allows to me do both.

I am not only a medical negligence lawyer but also a Patient Advocate and this has become my passion in my professional life. Not only ensuring that my client’s voice is heard by big corporate medical insurance companies, but also assisting them navigate the often complication health system especially after they have fallen through the cracks.

I am honoured that Brydens Lawyers has provided me the opportunity to manage their medical negligence division so that my voice can become my client’s voice allowing them to receive the justice they deserve.

Tiffany Truong

Lawyer

Areas of expertise: Common Law – work injury damages, public liability and motor vehicle accident claims

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice in personal injury law?
I joined Brydens Lawyers due to their leading reputation in personal injury law. I also resonate with their vision in ensuring that we are providing a voice for injured clients. I enjoy practicing in personal injury law particularly as it allows me to understand that clients should not be treated as merely cases, rather, each client has their own story to tell and the significant impact that the injuries have had on their lives. It is both extremely rewarding and satisfying being able to successfully seek the desired outcomes for our clients.

Suzette Pereira

Lawyer, Commercial division

Areas of expertise: Commercial Litigation, Banking and Finance Litigation

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Commerce & Bachelor of Law

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice Commercial Law?
I’ve always known Brydens Lawyers for its leading reputation in the industry, community ties and its dedicated service and expert legal advice it provides to each of its clients.

Having a previous background in Banking and Finance Litigation, the diverse area of Commercial Law and its client facing practice, satisfies my passion in assisting those who face injustice and disadvantage whilst providing commercially pragmatic advice.

My compassion and client centric approach aligns with the ethos and values Brydens Lawyers represents and its reputation in achieving the best possible results for all at an affordable cost, is what appealed to me the most.

It is a true privilege to have joined this firm and build my experience based on passion, integrity and assisting our clients to achieve maximum justice

Maria Drosos

Lawyer, Superannuation + TPD division

Areas of expertise: TPD, Superannuation, Income Protection and Life Insurance Claims

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Business + Commerce, Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice Commercial Law?
I chose to work at Brydens Lawyers because my values align with the core values of integrity, passion and respect. Brydens Lawyers is a firm with utmost professionalism and commitment towards clients. I have always been passionate about helping people and this is what led me to pursue a career in law. I commenced my legal career at a plaintiff compensation firm working in the areas of Personal Injury and Superannuation claims. Since joining Brydens Lawyers, I have worked exclusively in the TPD, Superannuation, Income Protection and Life Insurance Division assisting individuals who are unable to work due to injury, illness and disability to access their insurance benefits under their superannuation policies.

In what can be a lengthy and complicated process, I am committed to making the claims journey as simple and stress-free as possible. My aim is to ensure that claims are resolved in a timely manner and that positive outcomes are achieved.

I find it rewarding to assist those who have found themselves in difficult circumstances and to ease the burden that has been placed on them after a challenging and emotional time in their life.

Katherine Elias

Lawyer, Workers Compensation division

Areas of expertise: Workers Compensation

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Applied Psychology) with a Bachelor of Laws

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice Commercial Law?
I wanted to work at a reputable law firm with industry leading mentors that are client focused and have a passion for helping people achieve justice. I believe Brydens Lawyers not only satisfies this criteria but goes beyond given its involvement in the community by supporting a number of organisations and charities. In my opinion, Workers Compensation is one area of law that truly makes a difference by helping those within our community who have suffered, through no fault of their own, an injury at work and who are simply seeking proper compensation to which they are entitled. I have a strong passion for helping people which is why I chose to work at Brydens Lawyers in the Workers Compensation Division.

Beycan Irmako

Lawyer

Areas of expertise:

Qualifications, accreditations, awards:

Languages spoken: 

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice in Commercial Law?

Kemal Arikan

Lawyer

Areas of expertise: Dispute Resolution – Commercial Litigation, Debt Recovery, Bankruptcy and Insolvency, Commercial / Corporate – Business Structuring and Advice, Commercial Transactions, Company Governance & Disputes, Employment – Unfair Dismissal, Discrimination, General Protections, Bullying, Contract Advice & Disputes

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Business & Bachelor of Laws

Languages spoken: English and Turkish

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice in Commercial Law?
I chose to work at Brydens Lawyers because of its leading reputation in the legal industry. Brydens Lawyers are renowned for always having their client’s best interests at heart. At Brydens Lawyers we are not afraid to fight for our client’s rights and are willing to go above and beyond to obtain the best possible outcome for them. Brydens Lawyers also has solicitors practising in different and specialised divisions with high levels of expertise, and it is very rewarding to be a part of the team.

Daniel Wong

Lawyer, Commercial division

Areas of expertise: Leasing, Commercial transactions, Litigation, Employment

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Commerce & Bachelor of Laws

Languages spoken: English and Cantonese

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice in Commercial Law?
I first became aware of Brydens Lawyers through its sponsorship of the Sydney University basketball gymnasium. Brydens Lawyers active engagement with local sporting teams and the wider community generally, appealed to me as did the Brydens Lawyers philosophy of giving voice to those who cannot speak for themselves when in need. Brydens Lawyers also embraces cultural diversity which adds greatly to the firm’s culture and something I wanted to be a part of. With over 50 years of success, Brydens Lawyers has cemented itself as one of Australia’s leading law firms, and to be able to play even a small part in the Brydens Lawyers team of professionals providing quality legal representation and advice, is a privilege. The nature of commercial law requires legal problems to be resolved in a timely and efficient manner by applying relevant legislation and precedents. I enjoy the challenges entailed in commercial law as I find it richly rewarding to assist our clients in overcoming challenges and to do what we can in contributing to the growth and success of their business.

Alexandra Wright

Lawyer, Personal Injury division

Areas of expertise: Common law litigation including Work injury Damages, Motor Vehicle Accident, Public Liability.

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Law (LL.B)

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice in Personal injury law?
I initially commenced employment with Brydens Lawyers in 2010 as an administrative assistant , prior to studying law. I chose to work for Brydens Lawyers as they are one of the leading law firms in the industry and are highly committed to providing high level professional and expert legal advice with integrity , passion and respect. I have seen this commitment personally over the years on many occasions.
Brydens have assisted me with my professional development and encouraging my passion for law as well as assisting injured clients in difficult situations.

By practicing exclusively in the area of personal injury litigation I am able to assist those in their time of need by fighting for their rights and entitlements.

I am incredibly honored to fulfil my passion of playing a positive role in our client’s lives whilst achieving the best possible outcome for each and every client.

Lee Hagipantelis

Principal of Brydens Lawyers

Areas of expertise: Personal injury and compensation claims, motor accident claims, workers compensation claims, superannuation and TPD claims, medical negligence claims, public liability claims.

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Laws, NSW Law Society Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law, former serving member of the NSW Law Society Personal Injury Committee, former Arbitrator of the District Court.

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice in Personal injury law?
I joined Brydens Lawyers in 1988 following my graduation from the University of Sydney. I was placed by then partner, the late Ian Edward Bryden, into the Personal Injury Division of the firm to work with him. I was able to very quickly identify that Mr Bryden was a solicitor of exceptional talent and ability but more importantly, a solicitor of integrity and ethics. Mr Bryden became my mentor and I developed a genuine passion for personal injury and compensation claims. The pursuit of justice on behalf of those innocently injured persons was both professionally and personally very satisfying. In 1994, at the age of 29 years, Mr Bryden made me his Partner. In 2012 I assumed full ownership of Brydens Lawyers. To this day, under my stewardship, Brydens Lawyers continues to provide expert legal advice and representation to all our clients and do so by ensuring that we conduct ourselves in the most ethical, honourable and professional manner. The ethos of the firm is defined by our passion for ensuring the best possible outcome for our clients who invariably find themselves in difficult circumstances through no fault of their own. This is why we do what we do.

Angelica Villar

Senior Associate, Manager of Personal Injury Services

Areas of expertise: Common Law – Motor accident claims, work injury damages claims, public liability claims, product liability claims, medical negligence claims, professional negligence claims..

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Specialist Accreditation

Languages spoken: English and Spanish

Why did you choose to work at Brydens lawyers and practice in Personal Injury Law?
In my final years of university I knew I wanted a client facing role in the legal industry and personal injury was exactly that. I was fortunate enough to land a role at Brydens Lawyers as a Paralegal in 2012. I knew Brydens Lawyers were industry leaders and a household name when it came to Personal Injury. It felt like a true privilege to join the firm and build my experience in a firm where clients were first above all, litigation was never feared and quality was never compromised. My compassionate and respectful approach to clients was welcomed and encouraged and I feel as though my growth within the firm has been largely a result of instilling the Brydens Lawyers values as my own.

John Matthews

Senior Associate, Practice Group Manager, Workers Compensation division

Areas of expertise: NSW Workers Compensation, Federal Workers Compensation (also known as ComCare), Dust disease claims.

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor or Law, Accredited Specialist- Personal Injury Law, IRO Approved Lawyer (ILARS).

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice in Workers Compensation Law?
At Brydens we have specialist divisions in different areas and each division develops a level of expertise which is very satisfying to be a part of.

We also have access to specialist barristers who are keen to work with us. This means we are able to give clients good service in their matters and use our pooled knowledge to ensure the best possible results are achieved for our clients

Tanya To

Senior Associate, Practice Group Leader, Personal Injury division

Areas of expertise: Public Liability, Work Injury Damages, Motor Vehicle Accident claims, Compensation to Relatives, Medical Negligence, Coal Mining and Union work.

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Law, Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Specialist Accreditation in Personal Injury, Doyle’s Guide- Injury & Compensation Law Rising Star 2020

Languages spoken: English, Vietnamese

Why did you choose to work at Brydens lawyers and practice in Personal Injury Law?
I chose to work at Brydens Lawyers doing Personal Injury in 2013 because I wanted to be part of a firm who has been for many years and still is, an industry leader. Even to this day I am overwhelmed by how passionate and dedicated all those who work at Brydens Lawyers are on achieving the best possible outcome for each and every client.

Wes Ranson

Senior Associate, Practice Group Manager, Personal Injury division

Areas of expertise: Motor Vehicle Accident (including QLD), Public Liability (including QLD), Work Injury Damages – Police and Coal Mining claims, and Defamation actions.

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: B.A., LL. B; Accredited Specialist, Personal Injury Law.

Why did you choose to work at Brydens lawyers and practice in Personal Injury Law?
Brydens Lawyers is a leading personal injury firm who is committed to representing its clients with distinction. When I started with the firm, many years ago, I was attracted by its professionalism, strong core values, and its desire to provide a voice for those clients who are unable to speak for themselves. I am pleased to say those strong core values that I was attracted to 20 years ago, continue to remain entrenched in the firm’s fabric today. Personal injury law is a highly rewarding practice area, and I am extremely proud to be part of such an inclusive team who play a significant role in assisting people to rebuild their lives following injury.

Natalie Dadisho

Senior Associate, Practice Group Manager- Family Law, Wills, Estates & Probate Division

Areas of expertise: Family Law – property settlement, parenting arrangements, divorce, spousal maintenance, child support, financial agreements. Wills & Estates – Wills, Power of Attorney’s Enduring Guardians, probate, family provision claims

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: NSW Law Society Accredited Specialist-Family Law, Collaborative Lawyer, LLB, BSc & Maths

Languages spoken: English, Assyrian

Why did you choose to work at Brydens lawyers and practice in Family Law?
I joined Brydens Lawyers as a law clerk in 2007. Following my admission I took on the role of junior solicitor within the Commercial division and later in the Family Law-Wills & Estates division. I have practiced exclusively in this area ever since and today I am honoured to say that I am the Practice Manager of the division for Brydens Lawyers. Practising in this area has allowed me to fulfil my aspirations of not only being a Solicitor but helping people in times of need. In the last 14 years I have seen too many instances of difficulty arise in family circumstances and also on the distribution of a deceased’s estate where there has not been proper legal advice and representation beforehand. In my role I am able to advise, guide and assist our clients through what is most likely to be the most emotionally traumatic and difficult time of their lives. I choose to work at Brydens Lawyers because this firm represents the same ethos and principles that have guided me in my professional career. Brydens Lawyers’ reputation as a firm of the people, helping in times of need, is no better illustrated than within the division that I have the honour of leading. It is this ethos that was instilled in me by our firm’s Principal and it is this ethos that I have sought to instil in all those who work with me.

Sher Afgan

Lawyer, Workers Compensation division

Areas of expertise: Workers Compensation, Dust Disease and Asbestos claims, Comcare and Hearing Loss.

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Laws (WSU), Bachelor of Commerce (WSU), Bachelor of Business (WSU), Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Master of Laws (University of Sydney). IRO Approved Lawyer (ILARS). Completion of International Commercial Alternative Dispute Resolution; Negotiation, Mediation and Arbitration at Michigan State University.

Languages spoken: Urdu and English

Why did you choose to work at Brydens lawyers and practice in Workers Compensation Law?
Prior to joining Brydens Lawyers in March 2021, I worked in an International Think Tank where I assisted in Negotiations and Arbitrations of various disputes matters related to international law at International Court of Arbitration by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), with the state representatives and Ambassadors. I have worked in a wide variety of practice areas including Personal Injury, Family Law and Criminal Law.

Brydens Lawyers is one of the leading law firms in Sydney. Working for Brydens Lawyers is a spectacular opportunity where I can satisfy my passion in assisting those who are disadvantaged and deserve maximum compensation. I feel so privileged to work for Brydens Lawyers where my primary approach is client-centric, to accomplish the best possible outcome and contentment for our clients.

Amanda Azzinarro

MATERNITY LEAVE

Katrina Lam

Lawyer, Superannuation + TPD division

Areas of expertise: Motor vehicle accident claims, total and permanent disablement claim including making claims for Life Insurance and other Private Health Insurance benefits, Work Injury and Workers Compensation claim including hearing loss claims and institutional abuse.

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: LL. B, BA

Languages spoken: Vietnamese and English

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice Commercial Law? Brydens Lawyers offered scholarship program to students who were in need of financial support to continue studies at my University, Western Sydney. I am honoured to be employed at this firm. Brydens is one leading law firm who are well known for their legal services in all areas of law and famous in the field of personal injury compensation. I have chosen my career path in personal injury law. Brydens is the only firm that is able to connect me with people who suffer from injuries and injustice. The firm gives an enthusiastic lawyer like me the opportunity to represent my clients in the process of reclaiming legal rights and justice.

Alecia Lee

Lawyer, Commercial Division

Areas of expertise: Commercial Law, Litigation and Immigration

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Law (Honours), Master of Law (Dispute Resolution)

Languages spoken: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Malay and Indonesia

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice Commercial Law?
I saw Brydens Lawyers’ sponsorship in sports events and uni sports centres. Giving back is a significant part of my values. Further, Brydens Lawyers do not pre-judge clients and always fight for the best outcome for their clients. I want to work for a company that shares the same values as I do. I know that I can make a difference in the community through my work at Brydnes Lawyers. I have particular interests in corporate insolvency litigation, insolvency law, corporations law, commercial litigation, contractual disputes, tax fraud related matters, corporate governance, compliance and risk issues, corporate restructuring, commercial disputes and immigration law.

Nicole Jirathammakul

MATERNITY LEAVE

Tiarnne Brown

Lawyer, Family Law, Wills + Estates division

Areas of expertise: Family Law – property settlement, parenting arrangements, divorce, spousal maintenance, child support, financial agreements. Wills & Estates – Wills, Power of Attorney’s Enduring Guardians, probate, family provision claims

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Law from Western Sydney University, Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law, 2017 – ‘Volunteer Student of the Year Award’ by the Honourable Justice Anthony Payne at the Macarthur Legal Centre’s 30th Anniversary Awards night.

Why did you choose to work at Brydens lawyers and practice in Family Law?
I chose to work in Family Law at Brydens Lawyers because I am passionate about helping families through the difficult process of separation, including parenting matters, property/financial matters, and divorce. I am committed to advising clients of their rights and obligations to achieve the most commercially pragmatic outcome for their case. I also understand the importance of applying a compassionate and facilitative approach when assisting clients through the most vulnerable time of their lives, particularly if there are children involved. I strive to ensure that the best interests of the children are the most paramount consideration in any agreement reached.

I chose to work in the Wills and Estates department at Brydens Lawyers because I appreciate the importance of preparing Wills, Power of Attorneys and Enduring Guardian documents to ensure that client’s estates are protected during their lifetime and when they have passed away. I assist families administer and distribute an estate when a loved one has passed away by obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. I strive to simplify the estate process for clients that are experiencing grief and loss.

Sher Zaman

Lawyer, Commercial division

Areas of expertise: Commercial Litigation, Banking and Finance Litigation

Qualifications, accreditations, awards: Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Laws

Languages spoken: Urdu, Hindi, and English

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers and practice Commercial Law?
I decided to work at Brydens Lawyers because it shares my vision of positively impacting people’s lives. Having financial services in-house experience and coming to diverse practice of Commercial Law at Brydens, it allowed me to execute my passion and client centric approach that I focus on resulting in best possible outcome for the individual client as well as corporate client.

Natalia Dasic

(Bio to get in new year)