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Shila Batenburg - Principal
Shila
graduated from Auckland University, NZ on 5 May 1983 with her law degree. She
joined Legal Aid Queensland in 1984. She was admitted in ACT as a Barrister and
Solicitor in June 1987 and in Queensland as a Solicitor in July 1987. She is an
Accredited Family Law Specialist having practiced almost exclusively in family
law matters since 1987 and is now regarded as a leading family law practitioner
in Brisbane.
Shila
offers a wealth of experience in family law matters, including property
settlements involving at times complicated corporate and trust structures and
issues of law, and likewise in parenting cases involving simple and complex
family dynamics and issues, defacto relationship cases and mediation as well as
court litigation. She has developed a deep understanding of clients’ problems
and needs and the dynamics involved in their particular circumstances.
Shila
offers a balanced, practical and considered approach to all matters undertaken
by her. She prides herself in providing clients with an honest and complete
picture of the pros and cons of a particular approach, as well as an
understanding of the law and how the courts may approach their matter, before
they make any decision regarding their family law issue. She encourages and
ensures her clients make their own decisions after being fully informed about
all the circumstances of their particular case and their options.
Shila
is highly committed to negotiating and achieving settlement outcomes for clients
where possible, however she is also skilled in litigation where court
intervention is necessary. Shila has completed and obtained certificates in
Mediation Skills and Collaborative Practice of Law.
She
demonstrates integrity and excellent listening and analytical skills, together
with an open and an approachable and a matter of fact manner. She is dedicated
to performing her job with professionalism and sensitivity.
Shila
is also on the select Panel of private lawyers appointed as Independent
Children’s Lawyer in complex parenting cases. She is a Family Law member of the
Law Council of Australia, a member of Queensland Family Law Practitioner’s
Association, Women’s Legal Service, Women Lawyers Association of Queensland and
North Brisbane Lawyers Association. She is also a secretary of the North
Brisbane Lawyers Association.
In
addition, she assists clients with wills and the administration of deceased
estates.
Lindsey Miles - Senior Associate
Lindsey Miles was promoted to Senior Associate of sbA family Lawyers after
joining the firm in 2006. Lindsey has practiced exclusively in Family Law and
associated areas of law since 1998.
Lindsey commenced her career as a lawyer in general practice, exposing her
to many areas of law, however always holding a focus on Family Law matters. This
experience has enabled her to assist clients in dealing with a wide range of
issues, including complex property and children’s matters.
Lindsey is a skilled litigator and appears regularly in the Family Court,
Federal Magistrates Court and state courts.
Lindsey has been a member of the Independent Children’s Lawyers Panel since
2001, enabling her to represent the best interest of children in both complex
family law and child protection cases.
In 2001 Lindsey was involved in the education of fellow legal practitioners
with the introduction of the new Child Protection Legislation. As part of this
role, Lindsey traveled to various parts of Queensland, conducted seminars via
video link as well as partaking in Continued Legal Education.
In addition Lindsey has experience in representation of both applicants and
respondents in domestic violence proceedings.
Lindsey has successfully completed a Mediation Training Course through the
Queensland University of Technology and uses these skills in her daily practice.
Lindsey is able to use these skills in assisting her clients to reach an
amicable and cost effective resolution where ever possible.
Lindsey was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in
1981, after successfully completing the then Solicitors Board Examinations and 5
years Articled Clerkship. She is also admitted as a Solicitor of the High Court
of Australia.
Lindsey is a member of the Queensland Law Society, Family Lawyers
Practitioners Association, Family Law Section of Law Council, Women’s Lawyers
Association and is a volunteer at Women’s Legal Services.
William Schoenmaker - Senior Solicitor 
William has over 20 years
experience as a solicitor and is able to draw on an extensive experience base
when advising clients. Since 2002 William has practiced extensively in the
area of Family Law and has dealt with issues involving child, property, child
support and domestic violence matters. He has also provided clients with
assistance in the review and preparation of various property agreements. William
has also assisted clients in the preparation of wills and estate matters.
William is keen to establish an
early rapport with clients by initially reviewing all possible options with a
focus to a negotiated outcome. However where necessary, he is able to prepare
court documents and appear at court for clients.
William has for some years served
as a volunteer legal advisor at the Caxton Legal Service.
Steve Tropoulos - Associate
Steve has practised in Family and Relationship
Laws since his admission as a Solicitor in 2002 and has completed a
Master of Laws, majoring in Public Law at QUT.
Steve is personable and promotes the resolution of
matters in a diligent and cost effective manner. Informed negotiation is
promoted at every stage of the litigation process.
Steve also drafts Cohabitation and Financial
Agreements and advises clients of the advantages and disadvantages of signing
such documents should they be presented one by a partner or spouse.
Steve regularly appears for clients in the Family and
Federal Magistrates Courts for property and parenting matters. He also appears
in the State Courts for child protection matters.
Steve is available for town agency referrals.
Steve is a member of the Queensland Law Society,
Family Law Practitioners Association, the North Brisbane Lawyers Association and
a Volunteer at the Nundah Community Legal Centre.
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