Headquarters:
Level 6/20 Macquarie St, Parramatta NSW 2150
Year founded:
2011
Number of employees:
15
Phone:
(02) 9891 6388
Email:
media@nsl.legal
Website:
newsouthlawyers.com.au
LinkedIn:
au.linkedin.com/company/new-south-lawyers
We have seen a significant increase in client acquisitions, and we have maintained a focus on high-value matters. This itself is primarily driven by existing referrals from current satisfied clients. Furthermore, our business development model is committed to ongoing professional development, attracting highly skilled talent as a result”
SIMON SEMAAN,
New South Lawyers
NEW SOUTH LAWYERS
Toufic Bazouni
Co-Founder and Managing Director
George Bazouni
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Marie-Antoinette Issa
Chief Communications Officer
Leadership
Toufic is the co-founder and managing director of New South Lawyers. He leads a team of skilled litigation lawyers and has extensive experience in Building & Construction, Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Insolvency.
Toufic has been involved in a range of complex and significant disputes that he has seen successfully resolved by litigation or dispute resolution. His strategic and extensive legal experience has seen him act for high-net-worth individuals, multinational corporations, directors or shareholders of companies, and insolvency professionals.
Toufic regularly appears on behalf of clients in superior and appeal courts. Most notably in 2022, Toufic has had success in several prolific matters. These included those centred around a building and construction dispute in relation to a significant non-payment to a builder (Renbar Constructions Pty Ltd v Sader; Sader v Renbar Constructions Pty Ltd [2022] NSWSC 172); and the interpretation of a partnership agreement in a development (S&C Nicola Pty Ltd v Peter Holmes Investments Pty Ltd [2022] NSWCA 72).
Toufic’s legal expertise has seen him act for a Councillor in the Auburn City Council Public Inquiry. The New South Lawyers Litigation and Dispute Resolution Team have received a number of professional accolades. These include:* Finalist in Dispute Resolution Team Of The Year - Australian Law Awards 2022* Finalist in Wellness Advocate of the year - Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards 2022* Win in Best Law and Related Services Firm <$30 million (Dispute Resolution & Litigation) - Client Choice Awards by Firm Checker 2020* Win in Best Law Firm, Dispute Resolution & Litigation - Client Choice Awards by Firm Checker 2018.
Toufic’s leadership has successfully reinforced the strong values upon which New South Lawyers was founded through his actions, while simultaneously holding every team member accountable to these high standards. His leadership encourages purpose-driven work in order to contribute to a culture that benefits staff in a way that is ultimately passed on to clients.
Toufic is also a member of the Society of Construction Law Australia, and previously served as a director of the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce between 2018- 2020.
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Toufic Bazouni
George is the co-founder and managing partner of New South Lawyers. He leads a team of skilled property lawyers, commercial & corporate lawyers, family lawyers, and environment & planning lawyers and has extensive experience in these matters.
As a lawyer, George possesses a sophisticated set of interpersonal and organisational skills and industry insights to deliver strategic advice across a range of ventures, transactions, and deals. His expertise in negotiations to secure alignment of the parties’ objectives, technical knowledge of the law, and capability in advising on the merits of different strategies means that he has achieved successful outcomes for his clients in various matters.
George’s accomplishments have been formally recognised through a number of professional awards and accolades. These include:
· Win in Best Property & Planning Firm <$30 million - Client Choice Awards by Firm Checker 2022
· Win in Best Commerical & Business Firm <$30 million - Client Choice Awards by Firm Checker 2022
· Finalist in Managing Partner of the year and Commercial Firm of the Year - Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards 2021
· Finalist in Commercial Partner of the Year - Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year awards 2021
· Finalist in Commercial Team of the Year; Deal Maker of the Year; Property Team of the year; Transaction Team of the Year - Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards 2020
· Finalist in Deal Maker of The Year - Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards 2018
Some of the most prolific matters in which George has been involved include a number of high-value acquisitions, commercialisation, commercial planning and urbanisation developments across Australia.
Among his staff, George’s leadership is highly regarded. Always available and analytical, he is an active listener who promotes a mindful, holistic approach to law practice. His open-minded, open-door, open-communication approach to strategy brings out the best in both staff and clients - through mentoring, coaching, and listening.
Co-Founder and Managing Director
George Bazouni
Sven has years of significant experience and outcomes in a senior advisory capacity in complex commercial dispute resolution and litigation, mergers and acquisitions, and major commercial and financial transactions. This includes working closely with Boards and executive management, increasingly for and within international jurisdictions.
Sven has spent the past 30 years helping people build and protect their businesses. He manages and advises on how to achieve the best commercial outcome and avoid and resolve disputes, often as the lead negotiator on their significant business transactions.
Chief Communications Officer/ CCO
Marie-Antoinette Issa
“We have seen a significant increase in client acquisitions, and we have maintained a focus on high-value matters. This itself is primarily driven by existing referrals from current satisfied clients. Furthermore, our business development model is committed to ongoing professional development, attracting highly skilled talent as a result”
SIMON SEMAAN,
New South Lawyers
“We turn opportunities into actions and transform them into outcomes. As a result, we have a reputation – both among professional circles and satisfied clients – for our exceptional, objective-focused approach”
SIMON SEMAAN,
New South Lawyers
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We turn opportunities into actions and transform them into outcomes. As a result, we have a reputation – both among professional circles and satisfied clients – for our exceptional, objective-focused approach”
SIMON SEMAAN,
New South Lawyers
“We have seen a significant increase in client acquisitions, and we have maintained a focus on high-value matters. This itself is primarily driven by existing referrals from current satisfied clients. Furthermore, our business development model is committed to ongoing professional development, attracting highly skilled talent as a result”
SIMON SEMAAN,
New South Lawyers
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Simon Semaan
Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Steve is a highly regarded and experienced commercial property lawyer who has been involved in numerous multimillion-dollar matters ranging from site acquisition to sales and resales. He works closely with some of Melbourne’s most prominent and successful property developers and businesspeople.
Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Simon Semaan
Lisa Fowler
Partner
Lisa’s love of all property-related matters makes natural sense for her to specialise in property law. Whether it’s negotiating the sale of land contracts for development sites, negotiating bespoke development agreements, undertaking large-scale due diligence on commercial/retail properties, drafting commercial/retail leases and agreements, or giving advice on specific property law issues, she is 100% committed to doing the best job possible for clients.
Lisa is a confident communicator with a strong ability to negotiate under pressure. She immerses herself in every project and brings a calm and measured approach to every legal issue.
Partner
Lisa Fowler
Founded in 2011, New South Lawyers is a leading Sydney-based law firm specialising in 12 key practice areas. It has won a range of prestigious accolades over the past two years, including Best Law and Related Services firm for three areas – property & planning, dispute resolution & litigation revenue, and firm revenue – at the Firm Checker Client Choice Awards 2020.
Considered among the “best family lawyers in Parramatta,” New South Lawyers has been growing rapidly over the past several years and is listed as a 2022 Fast Firm by Australasian Lawyer. Its revenue grew by over 60% in the last financial year, driven largely by its strong relationship building with clients and the excellence of its legal service.
“We have seen a significant increase in client acquisitions, and we have maintained a focus on high-value matters,” says Simon Semaan, chief financial and operating officer. “This itself is primarily driven by existing referrals from current satisfied clients. Furthermore, our business development model is committed to ongoing professional development, attracting highly skilled talent as a result.”
New South Lawyers’ key practice areas include dispute resolution, building & construction, family law, financial services & tax, corporate & commercial, restructuring & insolvency, intellectual property, property & leasing, real estate & planning, energy & resources, environment & planning, and criminal law.
We turn opportunities into actions and transform them into outcomes. As a result, we have a reputation – both among professional circles and satisfied clients – for our exceptional, objective-focused approach”
SIMON SEMAAN,
New South Lawyers
Heather Richardson
Partner
Denise Wightman
Partner
Peter Lettieri
Partner
Kimi Shah
Partner
Heather is a highly experienced, commercially focused lawyer who practices in dispute resolution and commercial litigation and leads a growing employment law practice.
A long-term member of the Kalus Kenny Intelex team, she has vast experience in many areas of commercial litigation and administrative law, particularly on employment law and complex commercial litigation, director and shareholder disputes, shareholder oppression, contract disputes and intellectual property matters. Heather’s focus is to address issues as early as possible through alternative dispute resolution.
Partner
Heather Richardson
Denise’s practice focuses on corporate and commercial matters including joint venture and shareholder agreements, complex structuring advice, finance and general commercial contracts. Acting for a range of clients, predominantly privately held businesses and high-net-worth individuals, Denise brings a highly technical and commercial approach to each matter and, as a result, has been instrumental in helping clients to establish, grow, protect and sell their businesses.
As a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Commercial Law, she provides clients with enormous value and insight into complex commercial matters.
Partner
Denise Wightman
Peter advises clients on a wide variety of commercial disputes, with a particular focus on building and construction, shareholder and contract disputes. He works closely with developers, builders, other building professionals, directors and shareholders, as well as private clients from a range of industries to resolve their disputes through litigious and non-litigious means, including alternative dispute resolution processes and strategic negotiation.
Partner
Peter Lettieri
Kimi leads the Estate Planning and Wealth Protection team and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She understands the complex and delicate nature of family estate planning, the technical requirements around probate and estate administration, and the importance of preserving wealth for future generations. Her advice is accurate, commercial, strategic and tailored to each situation.
Partner
Kimi Shah
Heather Richardson
Partner
Kimi Shah
Partner
Peter Lettieri
Partner
Denise Wightman
Partner
Heather is a highly experienced, commercially focused lawyer who practices in dispute resolution and commercial litigation and leads a growing employment law practice.
A long-term member of the Kalus Kenny Intelex team, she has vast experience in many areas of commercial litigation and administrative law, particularly on employment law and complex commercial litigation, director and shareholder disputes, shareholder oppression, contract disputes and intellectual property matters. Heather’s focus is to address issues as early as possible through alternative dispute resolution.
Partner
Heather Richardson
Denise’s practice focuses on corporate and commercial matters including joint venture and shareholder agreements, complex structuring advice, finance and general commercial contracts. Acting for a range of clients, predominantly privately held businesses and high-net-worth individuals, Denise brings a highly technical and commercial approach to each matter and, as a result, has been instrumental in helping clients to establish, grow, protect and sell their businesses.
As a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Commercial Law, she provides clients with enormous value and insight into complex commercial matters.
Partner
Denise Wightman
Peter advises clients on a wide variety of commercial disputes, with a particular focus on building and construction, shareholder and contract disputes. He works closely with developers, builders, other building professionals, directors and shareholders, as well as private clients from a range of industries to resolve their disputes through litigious and non-litigious means, including alternative dispute resolution processes and strategic negotiation.
Partner
Peter Lettieri
Kimi leads the Estate Planning and Wealth Protection team and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She understands the complex and delicate nature of family estate planning, the technical requirements around probate and estate administration, and the importance of preserving wealth for future generations. Her advice is accurate, commercial, strategic and tailored to each situation.
Partner
Kimi Shah
Heather Richardson
Partner
Peter Lettieri
Partner
Denise Wightman
Partner
Kimi Shah
Partner
Heather is a highly experienced, commercially focused lawyer who practices in dispute resolution and commercial litigation and leads a growing employment law practice.
A long-term member of the Kalus Kenny Intelex team, she has vast experience in many areas of commercial litigation and administrative law, particularly on employment law and complex commercial litigation, director and shareholder disputes, shareholder oppression, contract disputes and intellectual property matters. Heather’s focus is to address issues as early as possible through alternative dispute resolution.
Partner
Heather Richardson
Denise’s practice focuses on corporate and commercial matters including joint venture and shareholder agreements, complex structuring advice, finance and general commercial contracts. Acting for a range of clients, predominantly privately held businesses and high-net-worth individuals, Denise brings a highly technical and commercial approach to each matter and, as a result, has been instrumental in helping clients to establish, grow, protect and sell their businesses.
As a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Commercial Law, she provides clients with enormous value and insight into complex commercial matters.
Partner
Denise Wightman
Peter advises clients on a wide variety of commercial disputes, with a particular focus on building and construction, shareholder and contract disputes. He works closely with developers, builders, other building professionals, directors and shareholders, as well as private clients from a range of industries to resolve their disputes through litigious and non-litigious means, including alternative dispute resolution processes and strategic negotiation.
Partner
Peter Lettieri
Kimi leads the Estate Planning and Wealth Protection team and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She understands the complex and delicate nature of family estate planning, the technical requirements around probate and estate administration, and the importance of preserving wealth for future generations. Her advice is accurate, commercial, strategic and tailored to each situation.
Partner
Kimi Shah
Sarah M Stewart
Associate Vice President,
Leasing and Call Centre Operations
Karen Bannister, CM
Vice President, Marketing
Dave Longbottom
Chief Technology Officer
Alex Ventura
Head of Marketing
Damian Palovick
Senior Vice President of Underwriting
AXA XL – Delegated Authority Programs, North America
Dr. Mary Lavoie
Head of Risk Management and Senior Vice President
AXA XL – Delegated Authority Programs, North America
Mark Bernacki
Chief Underwriting Officer
Ryan Armijo
Chief Operating Officer, Underwriting Division
Bob Petrilli
President, Underwriting Division
Looking to 2022–23, New South Lawyers aims to double its current number of practitioners. It will also look to continue its growth by developing several of its existing divisions, to introducing new practice areas including administrative law pertaining to health care complaints and appeals to regulatory bodies.
Commenting on the next several years, the firm says that the Australian legal profession needs to “take innovative approaches to ensure talent recruitment and retention.” With the aim of significantly increasing its own talent base, the firm says that a strong employee value proposition will continue to be a key focus over the coming 12 months.
“With the profession not spared from the post-Covid effects of The Great Resignation, high salaries are no longer sufficient to attract and retain staff,” Simon says.
“Therefore, firms must also work to provide a positive culture with flexible working, and support systems that minimise employee burnout.”
New South Lawyers regularly provides thought leadership and commentary on legal issues across its key practice areas, and has recently published several articles discussing various issues around Family Law. It says that it also expects to see a rising incidence of cybercrimes, and part of its focus in professional development will be to ensure their lawyers remain “educated and agile” to deal with the ramifications of these matters as they emerge.
“Our dedication, determination and attention to detail delivers real results,” concludes George.
“We turn opportunities into actions and transform them into outcomes. As a result, we have a reputation – both among professional circles and satisfied clients – for our exceptional, objective-focused approach,” adds Simon.
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Marie-Antoinette is an experienced media professional with a demonstrated history of working across multiple platforms – including over two decades of professional experience in print, broadcast production, digital media, and public relations. Following her graduation with a B Media/LLB from Macquarie University, Marie-Antoinette went on to contribute to a range of organisations including ACP/Bauer/Are Media, the Nine Network, and the ABC. Her work has been published across a number of news and lifestyle publications including The Huffington Post, The Daily Mail, and Finder.com.au.