the lastest from penmans
keep up to date with the latest news, events and information from the penmans team
Say hHi to Benjamin!
Benjamin joined Penmans in February 2026 and has quickly become a valued member of our team.
Currently completing his Bachelor of Laws at the University of New England, Benjamin brings a thoughtful and structured approach to his work, supported by prior experience in litigation and disputes within a large financial services environment.
Working across our Wills and Estates team, as well as commercial litigation matters, Benjamin assists with legal research, drafting, and the preparation and organisation of evidence.
He has a particular strength in working through complex financial and factual material, helping to clarify issues and keep matters progressing in a practical and efficient way.
With a calm and measured approach, and a strong focus on client outcomes, Benjamin is building a solid foundation for his future in law.
We look forward to supporting his continued development as he progresses towards admission.
Timing is everything
When do you sign and stamp a bare trust in NSW?
Paula’s got the answer – and yes, timing really does matter
Law Society Journal feature
Penmans are proud to be featured in the Law Society Journal, the theme for this edition being all things ‘change’.
Easter is around the corner...
And that means our Easter Egg Guessing Competition is ON!
Think you can guess how many eggs are in the jar?
Drop your guess in the comments OR pop into our reception to record your entry!
Closest guess wins!
Winner announced April 1
Good luck…and may the best guesser win!
Our latest Pen-Points article
When someone offers to prepare a “free” Will, it is a tempting proposition. But are free Wills really free?
A recent Sydney Morning Herald article raised this very question.
Seniors Week 2026
This Seniors Week we are offering a special 25% discount off all our estate planning services, for both new and returning clients.
Get started by following the link or mention this ad when calling us.
You must contact us to make your appointment before Friday 27 March 2026 and attend your appointment before the end of April.
New Pen-Points Article
Timing is critical to avoid unintended stamp duty consequences when an SMSF is buying a property through a bare trust.
Read more in our new pen-points article: https://penmans.com.au/pen-points/
International Women's Day
This International Women’s Day we are proud to be the place that so many remarkable women in law call home.
Do your clients need help with positive covenants and restrictions on use?
Penmans can help you.
We have developed a streamlined system for assisting clients and maintain a detailed library of requirements for many metropolitan and regional Councils across NSW.
Our focus is on guiding clients through what can often be confusing legal and Council processes (that are often the final hurdle before an Occupation Certificate can be issued).
Our aim is to make the experience as smooth and efficient as possible.
Say hi to Janice!
This week we’re shining the spotlight on Janice Davis, one of our dedicated lawyers specialising in Wills and Estates at Penmans.
With a background in the Australian Federal Police and the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, Janice brings a calm, compassionate and practical approach to estate planning, deceased estates and estate disputes. Her unique blend of legal and psychology qualifications allows her to support clients with both expertise and empathy.
We’re proud to have Janice as part of the Penmans team.
PKF Event with Paula and Rebecca
Paula and Rebecca are guests of our friends at PKF tonight at Q1 at Newcastle!
Say hi to Sam!
Sam has been a longstanding member of Penmans since 1988, starting with us as
an office junior and growing with the firm ever since.
Now our Business Manager, Sam knows Penmans inside out and keeps everything
running smoothly behind the scenes, from systems and processes to people and
culture.
Her loyalty, dedication and commitment to the firm shine through in all she does.
Smokeball Spark Conference
When law firms improve their systems, legal services can be delivered more efficiently. Today Paula and Jackie are out of the office attending the Smokeball Australia Spark conference at Illumina in Sydney.
New Pen-Points Article
When disputes arise, it can be hard to know where to turn.
Who can help?
What will it cost?
Can a lawyer help solve my problem?
Getting answers to your questions starts with a conversation.
Say hi to Rebecca!
Rebecca began her legal career in the UK after graduating with an Honours Law Degree from the University of the West of England in 2002. She practised as both a barrister and solicitor before relocating to Australia and being admitted in New South Wales.
She has over seven years of local experience in commercial and civil litigation, acting in complex matters including corporate and shareholder disputes, intellectual property and equity, commercial and civil contract disputes as well as property disputes.
Known for her calm, practical and empathetic manner, Rebecca guides clients through contentious matters with clarity and confidence. Outside the office, she loves keeping active and regularly competes in marathons and triathlons.
Say hi to Nathan!
Nathan joined the Penmans team in October 2025 as a Law Clerk in our busy Business and Commercial team while completing his combined Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Criminology at the University of Newcastle. This year he has moved to our litigation team, providing support to our lawyers in this busy area of our practice.
Working closely with our lawyers and paralegals, Nathan is gaining hands-on experience across a wide range of matters and learning the practical realities of commercial disputes along the way. One of his biggest adjustments so far? Learning how to sit still while working – a big change from standing all day selling sports shoes!
Nathan willingly turns his hand to whatever is needed in a fast-paced law firm, and we’re looking forward to supporting his continued growth as he works towards commencing legal practice in 2029.
New Pen-Points Article!
Considering a granny flat arrangement for your family, but don’t know where to start?
Penmans are experienced with granny flat agreements, and we can help you make sure you get it right (and comply with Centrelink requirements).
Read more about our fixed fees for granny flat agreements here:
Say hi to Karen!
Karen has been a valued member of the Penmans team since 2008 and is a highly respected Licensed Conveyancer. With experience in the legal industry dating back to 1995, Karen is known for her dedication, compassion, and attention to detail.
She looks after complex commercial transactions as well as residential sales and purchases. She is a focused, dedicated professional and is a pivotal part of our property law and conveyancing team.
We’re incredibly grateful for her expertise, kind nature and loyalty to our clients and firm.
Say hi to Jenny!
With more than 20 years’ experience across a range of administration and support roles, Jenny joined Penmans in 2022 as our receptionist — and we’re very glad she did.
In our growing and fast-paced firm, Jenny keeps everything running smoothly as the first point of contact for new and returning clients, handling calls, visitors and enquiries with calm efficiency. As the friendly face and welcoming voice of Penmans, she makes sure everyone feels valued and well looked after.
And beyond her professionalism, Jenny’s warmth and infectious laugh bring a wonderful energy to our office every day.
Say hi to Tess!
Tess joined Penmans back in 2020 as a Paralegal while completing her Diploma in Law. She was admitted as a lawyer in November 2023.
It quickly became clear where her passion and talent truly shine — wills and estates. Since late 2024, Tess has focused exclusively on this important area, now working closely with Accredited Specialist Angela Brischetto and Director Bailey Dunleavy.
She’s also currently completing her Master of Applied Law (Wills & Estates), consistently achieving distinctions and high distinctions (no surprises there!).
What our clients love most about Tess is her compassion, diligence and natural empathy. Whether she’s helping someone plan for the future or supporting families through the administration of a loved one’s estate, she ensures every client feels understood, supported and confident.
We’re so proud to have a rising start like Tess in our team.
Congratulations Zoe – promotion to administrative assistant (Wills and estates team)
Congratulations Zoe – promotion to administrative assistant (Wills and estates team)
Zoe joined us in September in an entry level administration position. It was quickly evident that she was willing to do what it takes to succeed in the role (and always with a willing attitude and a smile on her face).
Despite only being with us for a few months, when we created a new role to support our paralegals in our rapidly growing Wills and estates team, we knew Zoe, with her calm and gentle nature and eagerness to learn and progress, was the perfect fit. We are excited to see her moving along the pen-path so quickly and about her future at Penmans.
Welcome Janice!
Say hi to Michael!
Michael joined us earlier this year, stepping into an office environment for the very first time after working as a plumber’s labourer while studying at university. Now, he’s about to begin his third year of a combined Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Business, and he brings that same hands-on attitude to everything he does here.
He’s quickly become known for rolling up his sleeves and helping wherever he’s needed — from reception duties to supporting Rebecca with litigation research to working alongside Paula on corporate and commercial files.
Michael is our gentle giant with a calm, thoughtful presence, and we’re so glad to have him as part of the Penmans team.
Since 1946...
Strong history. Stronger future.
As we enter our 80th year, we want to be your first choice when the law intersects with your life, business and property.
Say hi to Naomi
It takes many people to operate a successful law firm, but we think the backbone is those who have chosen the path of career paralegal. These professionals provide a stable source of support, knowledge and skill to the lawyers in the team.
Naomi joined us in October, bringing over 20 years of experience to the role. We appreciate her kind heart, superior skillset and seemingly endless good ideas!
She naturally embodies all of our values and we are so lucky that she has chosen to become part of the pen-team.
Penmans Christmas Race Day for Westpac Rescue Helicopter
A huge thank you to all who came along to the first ever Penmans Race Day! It gave us a chance to thank some of the many people who partnered with Penmans this year and of course raise funds for Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Thanks for everyone at The Entertainment Grounds for the stunning day.
We can’t wait to do it next year!
Say hi to Zoe
It takes the right people to keep a law firm running smoothly, and Zoe is one of those quiet achievers who makes a big difference behind the scenes.
Zoe joined us in September 2025 and is currently completing her Certificate III in Business Administration. She brings diligence, positivity, and a beautiful attitude to everything she does — and we’re so lucky to have her on the Penmans team.
She supports our business manager, receptionist, and accounts department… and if you call the office on a Wednesday, chances are you’ll be greeted by her friendly voice.
Help us give Zoe a warm hello — she’s an absolute treasure!
Thank You!
When someone trusts you enough to recommend your services to their own clients, that is the highest form of praise.
Our Pen-People
Say hi to Kayla
Kayla joined Penmans in July 2024 and is a pivotal part of our property and commercial team. With a love of property law, and helping people, Kayla loves the complex property problems that we are regularly entrusted with.
She also loves helping our long-standing and new clients navigate their conveyancing and leasing matters (along with business sales and purchases).
We love having Kayla around. She is a person that naturally embodies all of our values and that shines out of her. We are so grateful that she calls Penmans home.
Celebrating our Partnerships
Big thanks to the team at DiJones Commercial Central Coast for partnering with Penmans for many years.
Thanks to Brett and Garth Hunter for their continued support!
Proudly supporting Ronald McDonald House Gosford
‘Tis the Season to make DOUBLE* the difference ❤🎄!
You can help families with a seriously ill or injured child stay together this Christmas – donate today and have your gift DOUBLED*, thanks to the team at Penmans Lawyers.
➡ Visit: https://12daysofchristmas.org.au/doubleyourdifference
Say hi to Melissa
This week we celebrate Melissa, who joined Penmans in May this year bringing a wealth of experience spanning almost three decades. A qualified licensed conveyancer and possessing a genuine passion for complex matters, Melissa has quickly become an invaluable support to Paula and together they work on some of our most complex commercial and property matters.
A quiet achiever, Melissa strives for excellence in all she does and we love having her as part of the Penmans team.
Say hi to Caitlyn!
We love shining a light on a member of our team who has travelled the Penmans-path from a trainee to a role that that is just right for them.
Being naturally organised and possessing a love of helping people, Caitlyn found her niche in conveyancing and has worked exclusively in our property law and conveyancing team for the last five years. Clients appreciate her hard work and patience, during what can be a stressful time, and we appreciate how naturally she reflects all of Penmans core values.
Thinking an online (or AI or DIY Will) is the easy option?
With everything just a click away, it’s tempting to think AI, online templates, or organisations that offer a DIY option, can do the job of a lawyer – and do it cheaply.
But the real question is: how much will those “savings” cost you in the long run?
Here’s what we’ve learned from helping clients who found out the hard way.
Welcome Erica
Say hi to Erica!
Since joining us in September Erica has fit beautifully into her role as a Law Clerk in our growing Property, Business & Commercial team and is currently learning the ropes of conveyancing and leasing.
Erica has a year to go in her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business Administration, and we are super excited about her future.
Our Pen-People
Say hi to Caitlyn
At Penmans, we’re proud that several of our senior paralegals began their careers with us as trainees.
Caitlyn joined Penmans in 2013 and has grown through a range of roles to find her niche in Probate, estate administration, and estate planning. For over five years, she’s supported Bailey Dunleavy. Caitlyn brings her kind nature and very special empathy to every matter which is so important in the sensitive areas of deceased estates, disputes and estate planning.
We’re proud to celebrate Caitlyn’s journey and her invaluable contribution to our team!
Penmans Christmas Race Day
We are very proud to be partnering with Westpac Rescue Helicopter for this year’s Penmans Christmas Race Day!
Table bookings are filling fast – help us raise funds for Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service – Central Coast Region this Christmas!
Penmans Christmas Race Day Thursday 18th December.
Our Pen-People
Welcome Angela!
Our Pen-People
Say hi to Danielle!
Danielle joined us in mid-2025 and has quickly become an integral part of our conveyancing team. She has over 18 years of conveyancing experience and qualified as a licensed conveyancer in 2021.
Focusing on residential sales and purchases, Danielle’s clients benefit from her strong experience and practical approach which, when combined with her gentle nature, alleviate what can often be a stressful time.
Our clients love working with Danielle, as do we!
Law Society of NSW Rural Issues Conference
Paula is attending the Law Society of NSW Rural Issues Conference in Sydney today. On the agenda are the critical issues of AML, reform in the areas of family violence in Family Law matters, wellbeing in the law and the unique challenges in remote and regional areas of talent attraction and retention.
Our Pen-People
Say hi to Ebony!
Ebony brings energy and enthusiasm to her role as a Paralegal in our commercial and property team. She is a whizz with technology, and has grown her skills since she joined Penmans as an administration trainee four years ago.
If you contact us needing the assistance of our commercial and property lawyers, Ebony is probably the first person you will speak to. She is excellent at identifying the issue you need resolved and allocating your matter to the best person in our team.
Ebony also looks after the people who call our office daily needing the assistance with overseas documents, supporting Paula in her notarial practice.
Our Conveyancing Team
Meet Danielle, Caitlyn, Karen, Paula & Kayla, our dedicated conveyancing and property law team. Penmans have been trusted by our community to look after their conveyancing needs for almost 80 years.
Summer is in the Air
Summer is in the air, that means cricket is back! To help celebrate the start of the Warnervale Wildcats Cricket Club season tomorrow, we had our favourite Wildcat come back for another visit. Razzy had challenged Paula to game, so the Penmans office turned into the SCG!
Good luck to all at the Warnervale Wildcats for the start of their season tomorrow, Penmans are delighted to be partnering with you!
President's Dinner with Paula
The Central Coast Law Society hosted our guests from Phillip Street at the beautiful Avoca Beach House last night. Thank you to our special guests, CEO Kenny Tickle, Junior Vice-President Jacqui Dawson and Councillor Danielle Captain-Webb.
Central Coast Law Society President's Dinner
Huon, Maddie, Paula, Rebecca, Michael and Kayla headed to Avoca Beach House for the Central Coast Law Society‘s President’s Dinner.
Summer is coming!
Penmans are proud to be back sponsoring the Warnervale Wildcats Cricket Club for 2025/26. Last Friday, Paula joined the club at the season launch at Wyong Leagues Club. Go Wildcat’s!
Gosford Charity Golf Day for Westpac Rescue Helicopter!
Regional Women Lawyers Annual Conference
Paula is out of the office today, attending the Regional Women Lawyers annual conference in Dubbo.
As a female law firm leader, Paula is a champion for women in law, and is looking forward to the opportunity to learn from and encourage other women lawyers from across the State serving our communities in a wide range of practice areas.
Proudly Supporting Westpac Rescue Helicopter
This coming September we will be part of the Gosford Charity Golf Day, raising funds for Westpace Rescue Helicopter Service. We’ll have a team representing Penmans and a hole sponsorship.
Do you want an expert or a generalist?
There is no area of your life that is not affected by the law.
When you need a lawyer, do you want an expert or a generalist?
Two Years at West Gosford
We have been in our new home in West Gosford for almost two years, how time flies!
Welcome Danielle!
Penmans are delighted to welcome experienced Licensed Conveyancer Danielle Alger to our property team. Danielle brings more than 18 years of legal experience to the role. Penmans are delighted to be expanding our conveyancing capacity with the addition of Danielle’s expertise.
At Penmans we offer fixed fees for conveyancing which you can read more about on website: https://penmans.com.au/conveyancing/
Thank you!
We have delivered a basket full of food and other items to CoastShelter – a huge thanks to our team and everyone who donated goods!
New Fixed Fee Packages
Fixed fees, no compromises.
With our fixed fee packages you will have certainty about what we will do and what it will cost you.
Our Fixed Fee Packages for various practice areas are available now:
With Penmans you get fixed fees, and no compromises
Interest rates are heading down, and we have taken the opportunity to review our fixed fee packages and make them even more competitive. If you are buying or selling, trust the experts at Penmans with your conveyancing matter.
Penmans Winter Donation Drive
Coast Shelter is an amazing local charity that helps so many families in need.
Simply drop off your donation and we’ll do the rest!
Next Fixed Fees + Updated Packages
Our Fixed Fees Packages are growing!
Fixed fees, no compromises.
Community Connections
Paula, proudly representing Penmans, at the Junior Presentation night for the Warnervale Wildcats Cricket Club!
Mentoring is a privilege not a burden
Chris reflects on the investment that his mentors made in him, and how that set him up for his own career as a lawyer, and a mentor himself
Congrats Tess!
We are so proud of our rising star Tess. She knew right from the start that Wills and Estates was the area of law that she loved and wanted to dedicate her professional life to. Although only in her second year of practice, she is already embarking on a Masters of Applied Law majoring in Wills and Estates.
In her first subject she has achieved the highest High Distinction grade. What a testament to your hard work and talent Tess.
🎉Celebrating Bailey’s 10 years as a lawyer🎉
This week marks the tenth anniversary of Bailey’s admission as a lawyer. It’s pretty special that back in 2015, it was Paula who moved Bailey’s admission at the Supreme Court.
Bailey and Paula have been business partners for almost five years, and thought they would mark the occasion by reenacting the obligatory photo!
Congratulations Bailey!
Chris Elder, celebrating 50 years of Service
We are delighted that Chris took the time recently to sit down with Paula and reflect on his 50 years of service to the law. Here is the first in a series, the uni years.
Welcome Rebecca
Penmans are delighted to welcome Rebecca Campbell to our dispute resolution and litigation team. Before commencing practice in NSW 6 years ago, Rebecca practised as a barrister and a solicitor in the UK for 10 years.
She has experience in a wide range of civil and commercial disputes including estate litigation, intellectual property, equity, debt recovery, lease disputes and corporate and commercial matters.
With this area of our practice continuing to grow, we are looking forward to Rebecca partnering with our clients through the complexities of disputes and litigation.
Paula is on MC duty today!
The Central Coast Law Society is honoured to be hosting the first regional visit for 2025. On today’s agenda is an exciting line up of speakers on topics including AI, Productivity and Wellbeing in the Law. Thank you to Pullman Magenta for such a fabulous event.
Welcome to Pen-Points
Pen-Points is a place for our team to share our insights into current issues arising within our practice areas.
IWD 2025
Thanks to The Fox Group for the invitation and to Kefi Restaurant for putting on such a great event for local business women to celebrate International Women’s Day. Such a wonderful way to send a Tuesday afternoon!
A Profession for All
On International Women’s Day, Chris Elder and Paula reflect on the rapidly changing profession, how it was, and where we can still go.
This is the first in a series of special features where Chris and Paula discuss a variety of topics, from the early days of Chris’ time at Penmans through to how Gosford has changed.
Welcome to our law students!
Penmans are excited to welcome to our team 3 students currently studying law at the University of Newcastle.
Gabrielle Mallia is in her 5th year and is working alongside Bailey & Huon on a variety of matters. Michael Anderson and Madison Dunn have just started 2nd year and have been supporting Tess Moran in her estate planning practice.
Lifelong learning is one of our values, and we are delighted to be partnering with the lawyers of the future as they experience real life practice alongside their academic studies.
Welcome
Penmans Lawyers have acquired Angela Anthony’s legal practice Q & A Legal and Conveyancing.
Angie was admitted as a solicitor in 1994 and in 2014 purchased the practice of JJ Lees & Associates. Since that time Angie has focused on deceased estates, conveyancing and estate planning.
Paula, Bailey and the whole team at Penmans welcome the clients of Q & A to our firm and look forward to partnering with you into the future.
Thank You Kris!
Celebrating 50 years as a lawyer!
We are proud of the Penmans legacy which spans almost 80 years. 2025 marks Chris Elder’s 50th year of practice. Chris is a wonderful lawyer, a committed mentor, and a wonderful human. We are delighted that he remains interested in and involved with our firm, despite having retired from the partnership almost 10 years ago.
Today Paula sat down with Chris to share stories from the past and plans for the future of Penmans (with a healthy dose of cricket thrown in). Keep an eye out for upcoming posts, sharing snippets from their chat.
Regional President’s meeting for 2025 at the Law Society
Paula’s back in Phillip Street street today attending the first Regional President’s meeting for 2025 at the Law Society. Packed agenda includes AI and the upcoming Anti-Money Laundering legislative changes.
Congrats Tess!
Thank You Kris!
Kris’s last day at work before she sails off into the sunset. She has been an integral part of the fabric of Penmans for more than four decades. We are sad to be saying goodbye and know that our clients will miss her, as will we. We wish her a wonderful retirement.
12 Days of Christmas with Ronald McDonald House Gosford Family Room
We are so proud to be supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW (RMHC Northern NSW) and the Gosford Family Room!
You can help give families with seriously ill or injured child the best gift of all this Christmas – each other. Donate now: www.rmhcnnsw.org.au/12DaysofRMHChristmas
Celebrating 2024 with the Central Coast Law Society
It’s time to celebrate all the wonderful work of the Central Coast Law Society. Last night, Paula Roberts and Michael Seton hosted members and honoured guests The Law Society of NSW President Brett McGrath, State Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch AM and Law Society Councillor Danielle Captain-Webb.
Hunter Valley with the Pen-People!
We are so grateful for the loyalty, professionalism and resilience of our amazing Penmans team. Taking some time out today in the Hunter Valley to acknowledge our most important people.
And we have a party bus…
Central Coast Business Review Feature!
Thanks to Central Coast Business Review for featuring Penmans in a recent article!
Penmans and the Community
Penmans is proudly supporting the Warnervale Cricket Club this summer. On Friday, Paula (and Ryan) proudly attended the 2024/25 Season Launch on behalf of the Penmans team.
Central Coast Regional Law Society
Last Friday, Paula was back on Presidential duties, hosting our honoured guests from the The Law Society of NSW with Central Coast Regional Law Society Secretary, Michael Seton.
Welcome Huon
With specialisation comes growth! Our decision to narrow our practice areas and concentrate on our areas of speciality has opened up an opportunity to expand our team. We are delighted that Huon Shields has joined us.
Huon brings with him more than 7 years of experience as a lawyer in both commercial transactions and litigation with a particular expertise in intellectual property and franchising matters.
Woman Hood Central Coast
When we saw that Dr. Gordon Reid MP was helping raise awareness for amazing work the team at Woman Hood Central Coast do for the community, we wanted to be part of it.
We've joined the Wildcats!
We love supporting our local community sport groups; this summer we’ll be right behind the Warnervale Wildcats!
Proudly known as the family club, we are all proud to be part of the Wildcat Family!
Local Business Awards
Last night, Paula and Bailey represented Penmans at the Local Business Awards. We were proud finalists in the Legal Service Award and while we didn’t take out the award this year, being a finalist was well-deserved recognition of our team’s dedication to our clients.
A little more about Kayla
We have let Kayla settle in for a few weeks…now it is time to learn a little more about our newest team member!
Welcome to Kayla!
The Penmans team are delighted to welcome experienced lawyer Kayla Johnstone to our Commercial and Property team. Kayla brings with her a wealth of experience, a love of people and infectious energy. We can’t wait to introduce her to our clients.
Thanks to everyone who voted!!
We’re very proud to be finalists in the 2024 Local Business Awards!
We just had to share this amazing feedback! Thank you Ruth and Steve!
In February, we partnered with Westpac Rescue Helicopter in their annual Wills Week. We were able to support this amazing community asset, with all fees donated to the Westpac Helicopter.
Ruth and Steve were one of the many Central Coast locals who booked who choose Penmans for their Will during Wills Week.
We were thrilled to hear about their experience with Penmans and Tess in particular!
Since 2010 the New South Wales Cancer Council has offered a pro-bono legal service to cancer patients who are unable to afford to engage a private solicitor. Penmans were one of the first law firms to sign up for the pro bono scheme in 2010 with Paula providing those services to clients until Bailey was admitted in 2015. Tess has now taken the baton from Bailey and continues to carry on the Penmans’ tradition giving back to our community where we can.
Recently we were visited by the representatives of the Cancer Council who presented us with this award.
Next Monday we celebrate 12 months of Paula and Bailey’s partnership at Penmans. We sat down with Paula and Bailey to chat about the last 12 months.
We’re so proud to be nominated for the Local Business Awards 2024!! Let’s get our votes in: https://thebusinessawards.com.au/74984/penmans-lawyers
Last night Paula attended the President’s dinner, part of the Far North Coast Regional Visit. Guests included a large number of Regional Law Society Presidents, current Councillors, Law Society staff and local practitioners and they were treated to an address by special guest, His Honour Chief Justice Andrew Bell who acknowledged, among many things, the ongoing efforts of the local profession in helping their communities recover from the devastating 2022 floods. He also reflected on the changes in the delivery of the services of the Courts since the pandemic and shared his views on the profession’s response to AI.
We agree with His Honour, whilst AI has its place, the legal challenges faced by human beings, require human intelligence to address.
Paula also took the chance to get her copy of Constant Guardian, Changing Times signed by His Honour, and she is quite chuffed about that!
Today we celebrate the remarkable Marie Byles, the first female solicitor in New South Wales who was, in 1924, admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
Until 1918, under the Legal Practitioners Act 1898, females were not considered a “properly qualified person”, therefore, not able to practice law in New South Wales. Just 5 years after graduating with a Bachelor of Laws, Marie had opened her own law firm, the first female in New South Wales to do so. Marie was instrumental in breaking down gender barriers and we at Penmans, being an all-female team, are forever in her debt.
Marie also has a unique connection to the Central Coast. As an avid bushwalker (like several of our team, including Paula, our longest serving current partner) and conservationist, Marie visited what is now known as Maitland Bay, camping with friends. It’s hard to imagine, but at the time the Central Coast bushwalking club would not admit women. So Marie joined the Sydney Bush Walkers Club and with other dedicated members campaigned for Maitland Bay and surrounds to become public land. In 1930 Bouddi National Park was proclaimed (where you will often find Paula on the trails). A lookout over Bouddi has been named in honour of Marie.
Today, we celebrate and honour Marie Byles, a true trail blazer for a profession that now comprises well over 50% women. Much has changed in 100 years.
Friday May 17: Today we celebrate the bicentenary of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. As the title of this astounding book perfectly captures, the Supreme Court is our constant guardian in changing times. Our lawyers are proud to be officers of such an institution and to have devoted our vocational lives to the law.
Last Thursday, Paula Scott, in her role as Regional President of the Central Coast Law Society, joined Adrian Thompson CA (Chartered Accountants ANZ Committee Chair) in welcoming local lawyers and accountants to our first joint event ‘Sunset Sips’ event at Terrigal Trojans…Can’t wait for the next get together!
On 29 February 2024 Paula attended her first meeting of the Presidents of the NSW Regional Law Societies.
One of the matters discussed was something Paula has long been passionate about, how we ensure access to justice for all by attracting talented lawyers to regional areas.
She also enjoyed getting to know some of the other Regional Presidents along with 2024 NSW President Brett McGrath and the now CEO Kenneth Tickle.
