Newly Accredited Specialists Announced

We are thrilled to announce that five lawyers in our Family & Relationship Law team have become accredited specialists in family law.

This is a fantastic achievement for Amy Papandreas, Hayley Chester, Jeanette Merjane, Niki Schomberg and Stefan Pantellis, who undertook months of intensive study and assessment to achieve this accreditation while continuing to manage significant family law practices.

What this means for our clients

Our national Family & Relationship Law practice now includes 40 accredited specialists in family law, the highest number of any firm in Australia.

• For clients, this means access to the highest level of specialised family law advice, backed by:
• advanced technical expertise that has been independently tested and recognised,
• sharper strategic thinking for complex parenting, financial and high-stakes matters, and
• reliable, contemporary guidance grounded in deep experience across the full spectrum of family law.

What is the accreditation process?

To become an accredited specialist in family law, a lawyer must have practised predominantly in the field for at least five years. The accreditation process is highly rigorous and includes:

• assessment of written work,
• a “mock file” involving complex and multi-layered legal issues,
• evaluation of client interviewing skills,
• a comprehensive examination covering all areas of family law, and
• the process is governed by the relevant state legal professional bodies, with assessments reviewed by experienced practitioners appointed specifically for this purpose.

Beyond the numbers, this milestone reflects our commitment to being a safe pair of hands for every client, providing clear, practical and compassionate support through some of life’s most challenging moments.

The strength and depth of our Family & Relationship Law Group reinforces its reputation as a pre-eminent practice, trusted nationally and internationally.