About

Michael conley lawyers

A boutique law practice located in the heart of Sydney, Michael Conley Lawyers has been helping Sydney families since 1988. Family and estate law experts, our team works hard to achieve a positive result for you and your family, focusing on mediation and negotiation to limit the financial and emotional costs of litigation.

OUR MISSION

We assist families to resolve their differences and get on with their lives. Our firm is committed to delivering family law and estate services using a personalised and collaborative approach to achieve cost-effective resolutions.

Firmly focused on the best interests of our clients and their families, our experienced team of legal professionals is committed to securing the best possible outcome for you, every time.

OUR values

Integrity

Honesty and respect lie at the heart of everything we do for you

Collaboration

Our team works with you to achieve the best possible outcome

Empathy

We take a compassionate and supportive approach to all matters

Expertise

Experts in family and estate law, you can trust our advice

Cooperation

We focus on mediation and negotiation for cost-effective outcomes

Looking for a Family Lawyer? Want to find out more?

Book a free 15-minute call to discuss your needs and to arrange a meeting with one of our experienced family and estate lawyers.

OUR team

Michael Conley

- Partner

Almost 40 years ago, when Michael was working for what is now Ashurst, formerly Blake Dawson Waldron Lawyers in their litigation department, he recognised a need for specialised family law services and started his own boutique firm in 1988, the first of its kind in Sydney. 

A qualified Mediator and Arbitrator, Michael is skilled in negotiating settlements. Michael also has extensive experience in litigation in Family Law matters and brings to the table strategic planning informed by decades of experience. Michael over the years has been involved in some of the leading Family Court decisions.

Away from the office, Michael is a keen surfer and tennis player.

Email Contact: michael@michaelconley.com.au

Louisa Lo-Cao

- Accredited Specialist Consultant
- Accredited Specialist (Family Law)

Louisa has worked in the area of Family Law exclusively since 2011. She has extensive experience in complex financial matters and parenting disputes. Louisa has also worked on numerous cross-jurisdictional matters involving overseas jurisdictions and frequently works with leading forensic accountants and barristers within the field. 

Louisa speaks fluent Mandarin and has extensive experience in assisting Chinese clients both in Australia and China with their family law matters. Louisa is focused on the needs of her clients and is committed to providing a cost-efficient and practical approach to her matters. Louis holds a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Social Science. She is also a volunteer solicitor for both the Women’s Legal Service and Marrickville Legal Centre.

Outside of work, Louisa enjoys swimming and trail running with her dogs.

Email Contact: louisa@michaelconley.com.au

Jessica Carter

- Senior Associate

Since joining the team in 2011, Jessica has worked extensively in family law involving both parenting matters and complex financial matters; including property settlements, binding financial agreements, spouse maintenance and child support agreements. Jessica is experienced in resolving complex matters through mediation and negotiation, as well as through the court when necessary. Jessica also has experience in a range of parenting matters, including matters involving family violence, ADVOs and children with special needs.

When she is not working, Jessica is at a park keeping up with her two young children.

Email Contact: jessica@michaelconley.com.au

Jessica Fonti

- Associate

Jessica graduated from the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws and ever since then has pursued a career in family law. Jessica is enthusiastic about assisting clients to achieve resolution outside of court through negotiation and mediation, where possible. 

However, Jessica also has experience working on both parenting and property matters before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. She balances a compassionate and a ‘can-do’ attitude when communicating with her clients, and her goal is to achieve the finalisation of her client’s family law matters with efficiency.

Outside the office, Jessica likes to connect to her heritage by learning the Italian language and enjoying delicious Italian food.

Email contact: jfonti@michaelconley.com.au

ollie Najdenska

- Associate

Ollie has worked exclusively in family law since graduating from Western Sydney University. Ollie has had the opportunity to be involved in the conduct of both property and parenting matters, involving large and small asset pools, relocation proceedings, as well as divorce proceedings. Ollie is motivated to resolve disputes via negotiation where possible and is committed to approaching her matters in the most cost-efficient and practical way possible. Ollie has experience with resolving matters outside of Court both in the conduct of mediations and private arbitrations. Ollie understands the complexity and difficulty that accompanies separations and prides herself on being compassionate and understanding towards clients.

Outside of the office, Ollie enjoys fun days at the beach and exploring new travel destinations.

Email contact: ollie@michaelconley.com.au

William Allchurch

- Associate

William has worked in family law since 2018, working at Michael Conley Lawyers and a  Family Law Chambers. These experiences have given William the opportunity to work closely and learn from both solicitors, leading counsel and Senior Counsel. William also worked at leading investment bank Jarden Australia in both investment banking and corporate finance. This combined experience in family law and finance has led to William’s keen interest in both property and parenting matters. William is able to apply his financial experience to effectively assist clients in complex financial matters. His personable client relationships and exceptional attention to detail allows him to achieve the best outcome for his matters, whilst also providing the emotional support needed during the course of the proceedings.

When he isn’t in the office you can find William on the football field or surfing at one of Sydney’s fantastic beaches

Email contact: william@michaelconley.com.au

Uzma Sarwar

- Associate

Uzma has continued to work in the legal industry whilst completing her degree, assisting her team with large commercial transactions, parenting, property, and estate matters.

Uzma has also successfully completed the International Negotiation, Mediation and Arbitration program at the University of San Diego California and in line with the firms values, always strives to implement these approaches where possible in resolving matters. Uzma is a proficient speaker of Dari, Farsi and Hindi.

In her spare time, Uzma enjoys volunteering for her local community, including assisting with the organisation of youth programs.

Email contact: uzma@michaelconley.com.au

Lilliana Fante 

- Associate

Lilliana has worked exclusively in family law since graduating from the University of Technology, Sydney. Lilliana takes pride in being approachable and organised to ensure that her client’s receive the best possible support and advice. She understands the needs of her clients and takes pride in exceeding expectations and rising to meet any challenges. Lilliana demonstrated a keen interest in Family Law and Succession Law throughout her studies and has enjoyed being able to apply those interests to continue to achieve the best outcomes for her clients. 

At Michael Conley Lawyers, Lilliana is known for working hard to assist the team in providing exceptional service to all clients. 

Out of the office, you can find Lilliana dancing with her friends and spending time with her family.

Email contact: lilliana@michaelconley.com.au

DOMINIQUE CORMIE

- Finance and Operations Manager

Dominique has worked in Accounting and Legal practices for more than 25 years.    

Dominique joined the firm in 2019 and brings a wealth of knowledge to the business in areas such as Trust Accounting, Office Management and Legal Software solutions.

Outside of work Dominique enjoys Golf, the beach, learning Spanish and travelling.

Email contact: dominique@michaelconley.com.au

nicholas hudd

- Paralegal

  Email contact: nicholas@michaelconley.com.au

Lily Harris

- Paralegal

  Email contact: lily@michaelconley.com.au

Do you need a family or estate law expert?

Are you separating from your partner? Unsure of your rights regarding probate? Michael Conley Lawyers can help.

Give our team a call on (02) 9223 5299 or send an email to lawyers@michaelconley.com.au.