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.
