DOOLAN WAGNER - family lawyers sydney

Our Team

Proven experience sets us apart

IT’S OUR JOB TO
MAKE IT EASIER

The Doolan Wagner Family Lawyers team specialises in the resolution of complex family law matters. Our Accredited Specialists have over 30 years of proven experience in the field of Family Law across all areas including, collaborative law, mediation, negotiation, parenting coordination and litigation. We understand that family law matters can be very difficult for the people involved, including your children. You can trust us to provide high quality representation, considered advice and effective negotiation to deliver the best possible outcome for you and your family.

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Lisa Wagner
Principal/Managing Director

Bachelor of Laws (Hons) (University of Sydney)

Bachelor of Economics (Hons) (University of Sydney)

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Christine La Cava
Senior Associate

Bachelor of Legal Studies (Macquarie University)

Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (College of Law)

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Oliver Lacey
Senior Associate

Bachelor of Laws (University of Newcastle)

Bachelor of Arts (University of Newcastle)

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Stuart Colderick
Associate

Bachelor of Laws (University of NSW)

Bachelor of Arts (University of NSW)

Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (College of Law)

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Ollie Najdenska
Associate

Bachelor of Laws (Western Sydney University)

Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (College of Law)

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Emilia Turnbull
Family Lawyer

Master of Laws in Human Rights Law and Policy (University of NSW)

Bachelor of Laws (Macquarie University)

Bachelor of Security Studies (Macquarie University)

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Rachel Kim
Family Lawyer

Juris Doctor (University of NSW)

Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (College of Law)

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Sandra Mayne
Practice Manager

Bachelor of Commerce & Administration (Victoria University, New Zealand)

Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Victoria University, New Zealand)

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Anne Marie
Jonas
Client Services Manager

Bachelor of Arts (University of Canberra)

 

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Lisa Wagner

Principal/Managing Director

Qualifications & Accreditations:

  • Bachelor of Laws (Hons) (University of Sydney)
  • Bachelor of Economics (Hons) (University of Sydney)
  • Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (College of Law)
  • Accredited Specialist, Family Law (2001)
  • Certificate in Collaborative Practice
  • Vocational Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution (previously known as)
  • Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (2012)
  • Admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW
  • Admitted as a Solicitor of the High Court of Australia
  • Independent Children’s Lawyer (2014)
  • Certificate in Parenting Coordination

Memberships:

  • Law Society of NSW
  • Member of the Collaborative Professionals (NSW) Inc.
  • Member of the Australian Association of Collaborative Professionals (AACP)
  • Member of Parenting Coordination Australia
  • Member of Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia

Lisa Wagner has over 30 years of experience as a specialist family lawyer having built her reputation over many years working both in Sydney’s CBD and regionally, before becoming the founding principal of her own firm.

Having studied economics with Honours at the University of Sydney, Lisa is particularly adept at offering her client’s pragmatic commercial solutions. As well as property and financial matters, Lisa has extensive experience in parenting and child support matters and acts as a court appointed Independent Children’s Lawyer for children in difficult and complex parenting cases.

Lisa’s aim is to provide her clients with exceptional service, expert guidance and strong representation.  Lisa is an Accredited Family Law specialist and a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner who can issue S.601 Certificates.  Lisa is recognised by her peers as an experienced litigator and skillful negotiator in all family law matters.

Lisa is also focused on giving back to the community. She has supported a range of community and pro bono initiatives, including the Manly Community Legal Centre and the North Shore Family Lawyers Practice Group.

Lisa believes that great law firms are focused on service. Doolan Wagner Family Lawyers is a dedicated and specialised family law practice, reflecting the strong service and solution focus approach that Lisa has become renowned for.

lwagner@familylawyersdw.com.au

linkedin.com/in/lisawagnerdwfl

 

 

 


“I want to sincerely thank Lisa and the team at Doolan Wagner Family Lawyers for all their hard work and exemplary service in guiding, and supporting, me through what has been a very difficult time in my life. Throughout my entire involvement, the communication has always been prompt, and the advice given always clearly explained, logical, and aimed at minimising conflict and protecting the children. Lisa’s court representation skills were outstanding, and she possesses an excellent network of professionals to call upon in related fields. Critically, her negotiating skills were key to avoiding the need for a final hearing, and the outcome achieved was sensible and fair for all parties concerned. I would have no hesitation in recommending Lisa Wagner to anyone in need of family law assistance.”
Tony D

 

Read Lisa Wagner's Recent Articles

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Christine La Cava

Senior Associate

Qualifications and Accreditations: 

  • Accredited Specialist Family Law
  • Certificate in Collaborative Practice
  • Bachelor of Legal Studies (Macquarie University)
  • Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (College of Law)
  • Admitted to practice in Supreme Court of NSW
  • Admitted to practice in the High Court of Australia

Memberships:

  • Law Society of NSW
  • Member of the Collaborative Professionals (NSW) Inc.
  • Member of the Australian Association of Collaborative Professionals (AACP)
  • Member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia

Christine La Cava was admitted as a solicitor in 1988 and has worked exclusively in Family Law for the past fifteen (15) years. During a successful initial period with the NSW Attorney General’s Department, Christine held roles in Local Courts throughout NSW including as Chamber Magistrate, Clerk of the Court, Registrar and Coroner. Christine entered private practice in 1991 with a Northern Beaches firm.

In 2009 Christine’s expertise and demonstrated proficiency was recognised by the Law Society of New South Wales when she was awarded accreditation as a specialist in Family Law.

Christine’s extensive experience, combined with her strong listening and communication skills and sensitive yet practical approach, will help make your family law experience as easy as a difficult situation can be.

Christine will help and support you with a full range of family law issues including divorce, complex parenting issues and financial issues. For those matters that require Court intervention, Christine is experienced in the Court process having regularly appeared before Judges and Registrars in both the Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia. Wherever possible Christine will aim to resolve your matter through a negotiated settlement.

When she is not at work, Christine enjoys socialising with family and friends both here and overseas, home renovation, music and reading.

clacava@familylawyersdw.com.au

linkedin.com/in/christinelacava

 

 


“I commend Doolan Wagner Family Lawyers on the process of finalising my financial separation and divorce. Lisa and her team were highly professional and detailed as well as empathetic and caring throughout the process. At each and every step I was given informed recommendations and a clear and concise understanding of the legal process I was facing. I felt supported and very comfortable knowing I had Doolan Wagner handling my affairs. Doolan Wagner Family Lawyers were recommended to me, and I definitely recommend them to others needing assistance in family law matters.”
Ingrid

Read Christine La Cava's Recent Articles

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Oliver Lacey

Senior Associate

Qualifications and Accreditations:

  • Bachelor of Laws (University of Newcastle)
  • Bachelor of Arts (University of Newcastle)
  • Admitted as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court of NSW
  • Admitted as a Solicitor in the High Court of Australia

Memberships:

  • Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia
  • Law Society of New South Wales
  • NSW Young Lawyers

Born and raised in the Hunter Valley, Oliver studied a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws at the University of Newcastle before being admitted as a solicitor in 2015.

After admission, Oliver worked at a leading CBD law firm where he specialised in commercial disputes involving equity, trusts, business valuations, complex corporate structures, insolvency, mortgages and commercial finance before transitioning these skills into family law.

With a special interest in high-value and complex property matters, Oliver applies a commercial mindset to financial disputes, priding himself on providing in-depth legal advice to achieve real world outcomes for clients. He opposes a “one-size fits all” mentality to family law, applying a tailored approach to meet his client’s needs, especially in matters involving children.

Whilst favouring early dispute resolution outside of Court, Oliver also has significant experience acting in matters involving significant interpersonal conflict and managing clients throughout this process.

Oliver is currently undertaking a Master of Applied Law (Family Law) at the College of Law.

olacey@familylawyersdw.com.au

linkedin.com/in/olaceydwfl

 

 


 

“Oliver Lacey represented me in a legal matter that had lots of aspects to it. The attention to detail, the time taken to explain to me all of the important points and possible pitfalls of the case, and the personal attention and reassurance was exceptional. Calls and emails were responded to promptly, which can be rare these days. Having a very good Solicitor who fully understood all of the issues and brought his experience to the table made the difference in getting a really good outcome. Prior to being referred to Oliver the issues had escalated and become very stressful. It was really good to get a swift and favourable settlement of the matter.”
Val Butler

Read Oliver Lacey's Recent Articles

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Stuart Colderick

Associate

Qualifications & Accreditations:

  • Bachelor of Laws (University of NSW)
  • Bachelor of Arts (University of NSW)
  • Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (College of Law)
  • Admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW
  • Admitted as a Lawyer of the High Court of Australia
  • Certificate in Parenting Coordination
  • Certificate in Collaborative Practice

Memberships:

  • Law Society of New South Wales
  • Family Law Section of Law Council of Australia
  • Greater West Family Law Practitioners Association Inc

Stuart holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales and has experience in a range of complex property and parenting matters both in documenting settlements and to final hearing stage.

Stuart’s meticulous eye for detail and ability to prioritise many competing tasks ensures that each of his clients receives prompt and considered advice.  Stuart has a wealth of experience dealing with minority shareholder interests, business valuations and self-managed super funds. He thrives on the more complex financial situations and his clients respect his ability to understand and advise them in these areas.

A certified Parenting Coordinator as well as trained in Collaborative Practice, Stuart prioritises helping separating parties reach out of court settlements. However, he understands this isn’t always possible and is confident when taking your matter to Court.  With a conscientious approach to family law, an empathetic nature and a maturity beyond his years, Stuart is the ideal lawyer for any family law situation.

We are confident you will find Stuart knowledgeable and approachable in all your dealings with him.

scolderick@familylawyersdw.com.au

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-colderick

 



“Stuart and the team at Doolan Wagner were indispensable and dealt with my matter with absolute professionalism, patience and empathy. They are truly specialists in their field and were consistently thorough with all explanations. It was very clear throughout our engagement that they had only my best interests in mind, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services to anyone.”

Cecile

Read Stuart Colderick's Recent Articles

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Ollie Najdenska

Associate

Qualifications & Accreditations:

  • Bachelor of Laws (Western Sydney University)
  • Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (College of Law)
  • Admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW
  • Admitted as a Solicitor of the High Court of Australia

 

Memberships:

  • Law Society of New South Wales
  • Family Law Section of Law Council of Australia

Ollie has worked exclusively in family law since 2017 and during that time she has gained experience in a broad range of family law matters, including:

  • Parenting disputes
  • Complex financial matters
  • Child support matters
  • Divorce applications
  • De facto separations
  • Spouse maintenance

With a solid understanding of the complexity and difficulty that accompanies separations, Ollie brings a level of empathy and compassion to her practice and is genuinely passionate about helping people navigate the family law system in the most cost-effective, timely and pragmatic way possible.

Ollie strives to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients via alternate dispute resolution, however, is also skilled in advocacy should the need arise for a matter to be litigated in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

 

onajdenska@familylawyersdw.com.au

linkedin.com/in/ollienajdenska/

 

     

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Emilia Turnbull

Family Lawyer

Qualifications and Accreditations:

  • Master of Laws in Human Rights Law and Policy (University of NSW)
  • Bachelor of Laws (Macquarie University)
  • Bachelor of Security Studies (Macquarie University)

Memberships:

  • Law Society of New South Wales

Emilia holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Security Studies from Macquarie University and a Master of Laws specialising in International Human Rights Law from the University of NSW. She has experience in a range of property and parenting matters and has a background in Wills & Estates law as well as Family Provision litigation.

Having studied International Law, Emilia has a strong focus on upholding community values and in having an empathetic approach to client concerns. Her communication skills and high attention to detail allow her to diligently work with other senior lawyers at Doolan Wagner Family Lawyers.

Emilia is passionate about providing individuals with the tools to access a fair justice system, and protecting vulnerable parties in dispute.

In her spare time Emilia is learning Portuguese, and volunteers for both Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children.

eturnbull@familylawyersdw.com.au

linkedin.com/in/emilia-turnbull

 

Read Emilia Turnbull's Recent Articles

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Rachel Kim

Family Lawyer

Qualifications and Accreditations:

  • Juris Doctor (University of NSW)
  • Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (College of Law)

Memberships:

  • Law Society of New South Wales

Additional Languages:

  • Korean

Rachel holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of New South Wales and was admitted as a Lawyer to the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

Prior to her admission, Rachel gained extensive legal experience working in Family Law. She helped many clients move on with their lives following a relationship breakdown.

A bilingual speaker fluent in Korean and English, Rachel utilises her strong communication skills to provide practical advice to clients of all ages and backgrounds, and to resolve their property and parenting matters.

Rachel takes a friendly, supportive, passionate, and patient approach to helping her clients in the areas of Family Law, Dispute Resolution and Domestic Violence.

She is committed to providing outstanding support to her clients and achieving the best outcome for her clients in the most timely and cost-effective way.

In her spare time, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family.

rkim@familylawyersdw.com.au

 

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Sandra Mayne

Practice Manager

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Commerce & Administration (Victoria University, New Zealand)
  • Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Victoria University, New Zealand)

Born and raised in New Zealand, Sandra is the Practice Manager for Doolan Wagner Family Lawyers, focusing on operations, communications, and staff well-being.  With over 15 years of experience working for a range of large international firms, government entities and small businesses in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, Sandra brings a variety of expertise to the collective.

Outside of work Sandra enjoys spending time with her daughters, and going cycling.

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Anne Marie
Jonas

Client Services Manager

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Arts (University of Canberra)

 

Additional Languages:

  • German

Anne Marie is our Client Services Manager and is the voice on the phone when you ring Doolan Wagner Family Lawyers. She has a wealth of experience in customer relations, having worked in executive client services for over 25 years.

With her warm and empathetic nature, Anne Marie is your best point of contact as she will be able to direct your call and get you in contact with your lawyer, as well as help you feel at ease when you come to see us during this very complicated time.

When not at work, Anne Marie likes to go sailing, dining out and enjoys the Arts.