NURTURING RELATIONSHIPS SINCE 1995

Nicola Benbow

buy canibus Lyrical law Principal

http://cjni.com/onepage/blog/page/2/?Tag=local Accredited Specialist in Family Law

“We take a down-to-earth approach with our clients and know that often people’s dealings with us are their first experiences with any legal process. We understand this can be an anxious time.

“I like wherever possible to resolve matters for clients without going to court. I am very happy when I save my clients time and money and make the process as painless as possible. I also enjoy helping people play a role in their legal results rather than just making decisions for them.

“Then when people return to us again and again for different legal services, the fact that we know them and their families makes the whole process smooth and efficient.”

Nicola studied law at the prestigious Otago University and started her legal career in New Zealand in property and commercial law.

She later became an accredited family lawyer for the emotional satisfaction of assisting families experiencing separation. Nicola regularly represents clients in the Federal Magistrates’, Family and Local Courts.

Nicola has been a valued part of Sharon Moss Legal since 2002, and in August 2024, she proudly stepped into the role of Principal.

At Sharon Moss Legal, Nicola also continues to practice property, commercial law and estate planning. She regularly represents clients in the Supreme Court on commercial and estate matters and represented clients at the Guardianship Tribunal.

Nicola was attracted to Sharon Moss Legal for the variety of satisfying legal work and for the firm’s valued culture of giving a personal touch while helping people through difficult times in their lives. She enjoys attending to many repeat clients who return to Sharon Moss Legal as their needs change over time between different areas of legal expertise.

Sharon Moss

Special Counsel

“Running a general legal practice in the suburbs means we work with families in a variety of legal situations.

“For me, family law is as much about negotiating a good outcome with minimal emotional distress as it is about educating clients on the necessary legal processes they will encounter along the way. If I can keep a matter out of court, I do.

“One of my greatest professional satisfaction is when I see a client, long after their matter has been finalised, and hear about their ongoing constructive and amicable relationship with former partners.

“I often find I am blending one area of law into another – there are important links, for example between family law, property law and deceased estates – our clients benefit from our overall expertise in many areas.”

Sharon Moss has worked in the practice for over 20 years, serving as the firm’s Principal from 2002 until 2023. During her long legal career, Sharon has developed vast expertise in a range of areas, including family law, wills and estates, property/conveyancing, commercial law and general law. Now, in her role as Special Counsel, Sharon remains actively involved in the firm, continuing to support clients and mentor the legal team.

Sharon became an accredited specialist in family law in 2003. She was attracted to specialising in family law because she wanted to provide caring legal support to clients going through the personal difficulties of separation, making parenting arrangements and finalising financial and property settlement. Sharon works hard to help families resolve issues quickly and get on with their lives. Her considerable experience in wills and estate planning, including powers of attorney and guardianship, forms a large part of her firm’s regular work. Sharon is always on hand to assist in conveyancing and particularly property disputes.

Nikitha Allada – Associate

Nikitha has been working at Sharon Moss Legal since 2018, initially as a paralegal and then as a solicitor upon her admission. She completed the Juris Doctor at Macquarie University in 2017 and was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in October 2018.

Nikitha went to high school locally at Manly Selective Campus. She completed a Bachelor of Science (Psychology and Neuroscience) at the University of Sydney in 2014 before developing a passion for law.

Over the course of her legal career, Nikitha has obtained extensive experience in the area of family law. She has been involved in high conflict parenting matters, complex property matters, jurisdictional matters, and divorce matters.

Nikitha also has broad experience in conveyancing including in relation to residential and commercial property, off the plan purchases, retirement living and acting on behalf of developers in complex subdivisions. She has also been involved in other property matters such as the sale and purchase of businesses, leasing, deceased estate transfers and family law transfers.

Nikitha prides herself in being diligent and empathetic in challenging and sensitive situations and she is passionate about helping clients. She looks forward to assisting you with your matter in a supportive manner.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science
  • Juris Doctor Law Degree
  • Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
  • Admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW
  • Member of the Law Society, NSW

nikitha@smosslegal.com.au

Kathy Foster

Kathy has a wealth of experience and a solid background in licensed conveyancing, particularly in the Northern Beaches and Greater Sydney areas, with over 30 years in the legal field. Having qualified as a Licensed Conveyancer at Macquarie University in 2016 adds a more recent, formal qualification to her extensive practical experience.

With her deep understanding of property transactions and legal matters, Kathy is well-equipped to assist clients in navigating the complexities of property dealings. Her combination of hands-on experience and academic training gives her a unique perspective, helping her provide expert advice and services in areas such as property purchases, sales, and settlements.

Kathy enjoys building long standing and trusting relationships with clients and colleagues alike and understands that it is imperative to have built, strong communication skills, with attention to detail to effectively manage matters from start to finish.

Kathy@smosslegal.com.au