Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Nicole Evans has built her career by refusing to slow down. She was named to Australasian Lawyer’s 2025 Elite Women list, recognition that underscores both her legal skill and her determination to expand opportunities for women and gay women in the profession.
As managing director of Barker Evans, she leads a growing Sydney boutique that has earned a reputation for handling sensitive family and criminal law cases with care and tenacity.
Evans’ drive stems from experiences earlier in her career when discrimination was overt and opportunities were limited. She learned to disregard prejudice and focus on building resilience, a discipline that carried her through the challenges of establishing her own practice.
Barker Evans has grown to a double-digit headcount and concentrates on matters ranging from sexual assault and domestic violence allegations to same-sex parenting disputes. Clients often come to the firm at their most vulnerable, and Evans has positioned her team to respond with empathy and pragmatism.
Leadership at the firm reflects Evans’ personal pace. She is explicit about never taking her foot off the gas pedal, a style that demands focus but also rewards initiative. Younger lawyers are encouraged to stretch their skills, assume responsibility early and test themselves on complex files. That rhythm has built loyalty within the firm and cultivated a team willing to commit to its forward momentum.
The practice’s achievements track directly to that ethos. Recognition in Doyle’s Guide, publication of Evans’ book Lesbians & The Law: A Guidebook for Australian Families, and her inclusion in the NSW Law Society Journal’s Breaking Barriers in the Law all demonstrate outcomes earned through steady work. She has also been called on by media outlets to explain complex legal issues in plain terms, extending her influence in the profession.
Differentiation comes through action rather than marketing lines. Collaborative practice in family law is one example. Evans has invested in training to help families resolve disputes without litigation when possible.
She also insists that the firm give priority to discrimination cases, reflecting her belief that progress in law is measured in how it treats those most likely to be sidelined.
“Being named an Elite Woman is profoundly important so that other women, and particularly gay women, who may be facing similar prejudices can be inspired to continue to push forward with their careers,” she explains.
That perspective feeds into her ambitions for Barker Evans’ future. She has identified same-sex parenting disputes, particularly cases involving biological and non-biological parents, as a developing area of law where precedent remains thin and outcomes are inconsistent.
Evans intends to build the firm’s authority here, continuing through publications and casework to refine how the courts address modern family structures. “For me, my preferred legacy would be to lead the way by demonstrating a fine example of how to approach and resolve same-sex family law matters,” she says.
For Evans, recognition on the Elite Women list is less a career capstone than a signpost of what remains to be done. She has carved out a practice that shows resilience and empathy can guide growth. The work ahead promises to be as relentless as the pace she sets, which is exactly how she intends it.
Civic Tower, Level 13/66 Goulburn Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
02 8379 1892
nevans@barkerevans.com.au
linkedin.com/in/barkerevans
barkerevans.com.au
Nicole Evans
Managing Director Barker Evans
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Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
2004–2008
2017
2019
2023–2024
2025
2004: Attained Practising Certificate
2008: Appointed Principal Director at Uther Webster & Evans Solicitors
2004–2008
Published Lesbians and the Law: A Guidebook for Australian Families
2017
Established Practice as Nicole Evans Lawyers
2019
2023: Established practice as Barker Evans Lawyers
2024: Featured in the NSW Law Society Journal, March 2024 Edition of Breaking Barriers in Law
2023–2024
Acquired Bleier Family Lawyers
Won the Inside Family Law Award 2025 – Purpose Award
Named as a Finalist for the Women in Law Awards 2025 – Flos Greig Trailblazer Award
2025
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.