Adam Gibbs
As a local business owner and family man, Adam is very aware of the needs and requirements of the local community. He prides himself on being approachable, professional and reliable. An active community member, Adam has provided legal advice to numerous local businesses and organisations, as well as the hundreds, if not thousands, of clients he has been fortunate enough to act for over the years. With a wealth of experience in commercial law, property law, retail and commercial leasing and conveyancing, Adam is admitted to practice in NSW and the High Court of Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws.
Meredith Duensing
Meredith has worked with SP Garrett Lawyers for over 20 years. She is a highly experienced solicitor who has proudly established strong relationships with clients, agents, accountants and other professionals across the region. She is known for her efficiency and diligence. Having lived in the Northern Rivers her whole life, Meredith has expert knowledge of the local area and the issues that can arise, particularly in property transactions. She has extensive experience in conveyancing, subdivisions, easements, leases, strata, sale and purchase of business, commercial law, business law and planning law.
Fiona Lomax
Fiona was born and educated in the Alstonville area and is a fourth generation solicitor from a well respected local legal family. Fiona qualified as a lawyer in 2000. After practicing in Sydney, Dublin and London and locally, she has now settled in Alstonville with her husband, and young family. Fiona has a range of experience in a variety of legal areas including the sale and purchase of residential and commercial property, business law, wills and estate planning and general litigation. Fiona looks forward to assisting you with your legal needs at SP Garrett Lawyers.
David Balzer
David was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2007. David has practised extensively in the areas of Wills and Estate Planning, Deceased Estates and Probate, Property Law and Conveyancing, Commercial and Retail Leasing and general Commercial Law. David is highly regarded in Wills and Estates matters, having acted in a variety of complex Probate matters, complex applications for Letters of Administration and Family Provision Claims. David is committed to providing clients with tailored and practical solutions to their legal needs regardless of whether you are an individual or a large commercial client.
Melissa Short
Melissa has worked in legal administrative roles for the last 20 years & has extensive experience with assisting in Wills, Estates & Conveyancing matters. She thrives in a rapid workflow environment whilst maintaining a calm approach to her work. Her warm and caring nature enables her to communicate comfortably with clients especially when handling sensitive matters. Having grown up in the Northern Rivers Melissa has a special connection with the local community and spends her free time with her family and 2 children at their off the grid property.
Hettie White
Hetti is currently studying law at Southern Cross University. Her passion for law comes from understanding and patience, as the law is forever changing, challenging her to progress and evolve both in and out of the workplace. Hetti is incredibly passionate about serving her local community: especially during times of crisis such as the recent Northern Rivers floods. As Hetti puts it, ‘the people in the Byron and Ballina regions offer an immense amount of open-mindedness and support to all, making it a beautiful place to live.’
Narelle Watton
Narelle Watton holds the role of Practice Manager and has over 30 years experience in the field of law including both New South Wales and Queensland jurisdictions. Narelle is patient and understands the needs of clients and industry colleagues. With her IT knowledge, attention to detail and practical experience, she is a much respected and appreciated member of the team.
Taylor Varcin
Taylor is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws at Southern Cross University. Her passion for the law comes from its challenging nature, which is equally rewarding. As Taylor says, ‘the profession is ever-evolving which makes the job interesting and creates constant learning opportunities. Having the support and guidance which Meredith has provided makes my job worthwhile. I acknowledge that most of my confidence in my job extends from her time and effort in teaching me!’
Sharon Haselden
Sharon has been working in our law firm for six years. With prior experience in banking and finance, Sharon brings a great deal of expertise, understanding and knowledge to SP Garrett Lawyers. Her passion is supporting people through the tribulations of deceased estates with a great deal of compassion backed by personal experience. Sharon loves being a part of the local community. As she puts it, ‘When you learn to shake off the big city lifestyle you can really relax and appreciate how to live life to its fullest!’
Tonaya Basso
Tonaya is currently studying law at Southern Cross University. She loves the challenge of having to think critically and that no two days on the job are the same. Her favourite part of working at SP Garrett Lawyers is when the team comes together to solve a problem or they get a seemingly unsolvable matter over the line. ‘It’s an adrenaline rush!’ Tonaya loves how close-knit and supportive the Northern Rivers community is. ’Whenever there is a crisis or a person in need the community rallies around them and shows overwhelming support.’
Isabelle Braly
Isabelle completed her Juris Doctor at Bond University and has focused her legal career on her passion for building and construction law. Isabelle advises on contracts, disputes, defective work, incomplete work, payment and securities issues, subcontractors’ arrangements and debts for homeowners/builders in residential and commercial matters. Isabelle also practices and advises on a wide range of commercial, civil and local court matters, including driving and traffic offences, debt collection, property and neighbour disputes, and family provision claims.
Saasha Greeney
Workplace Relations and Employment Law is a highly specialised area of law that is forever changing and evolving. Further, working in a local, regional environment presents unique challenges, and the sensitive and confidential management of client matters is a fundamental duty that SP Garrett Lawyers takes very seriously. For this reason, SP Garrett Lawyers, works in association with Saasha Greeney of Law Ensure in Lennox Head, to offer the full range of employment law and industrial relations advice for both employers and employees of all Workplace Relations and Employment Law matters. She advises on the engagement and termination of workers, award and legislation interpretation, managing employee misconduct and underperformance. Saasha has previously worked for the renowned Australian law firms Minter Ellison and Hicksons Lawyers and brings a wealth of experience in Australian employment law.