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Paul Magagnino

Paul Magagnino

Managing Partner

Peter Chodat

Peter Chodat

Partner

Amy Harper

Amy Harper

Partner

Michael Hatfield

Michael Hatfield

Partner

Mario Quintiliani

Mario Quintiliani

Partner

David Addinall

David Addinall

Partner

Jarrad Downs

Jarrad Downs

Partner

Ashleigh Georgopoulos

Ashleigh Georgopoulos

Partner

Patrick Schmidt

Patrick Schmidt

Partner

Terri Anderson

Terri Anderson

Special Counsel

Alice Laurence

Special Counsel

Nicki McNamara

Nicki McNamara

Special Counsel

Melissa Pacheco Zizic

Melissa Pacheco Zizic

Special Counsel

Franca Parolin

Franca Parolin

Senior Associate

James Watt

James Watt

Senior Associate

Kareena Abraham

Kareena Abraham

Associate

Cassandra Bujaroska

Cassandra Bujaroska

Associate

Taylah Jensen

Taylah Jensen

Associate

Karsandra Mantis

Karsandra Mantis

Associate

Brooke Sharp

Brooke Sharp

Associate

Valentina Zmijanjac

Valentina Zmijanjac

Associate

Daniel Blake

Daniel Blake

Lawyer

Shaneen Dhondy

Lawyer

Travis Hardaker

Travis Hardaker

Lawyer

Cornelia Joyce

Cornelia Joyce

Lawyer

Jana Massingham

Jana Massingham

Lawyer

Teagan McConchie

Teagan McConchie

Lawyer

Remy Rovere

Remy Rovere

Lawyer

Genevieve Van Yzendoorn

Genevieve Van Yzendoorn

Lawyer

Harry Webb

Lawyer

Oliver Dostal

Oliver Dostal

Law Graduate

Georgia Robson

Georgia Robson

Law Graduate

Shanae Allen

Licensed Conveyancer

Kim Duffy

Kim Duffy

Licensed Conveyancer

Vanessa Gordon

Vanessa Gordon

Licensed Conveyancer

Leesa Mak

Leesa Mak

Licensed Conveyancer

Shayne Lopeman

Shayne Lopeman

Marketing Manager

Jessica Tate

Jessica Tate

Human Resources Manager

Michael Williams

Michael Williams

Finance Manager

Aaron Schwarz

Aaron Schwarz

IT Manager and Paralegal

Angelique Grossi

Angelique Grossi

Paralegal

Zoe Weekes

Zoe Weekes

Paralegal

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NSW e‑bike safety standards update

By Remy Rovere, Lawyer • March 26, 2026

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, have exploded in popularity across New South Wales, offering an affordable, eco-friendly and fun way to get around cities like Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. But rising use has also brought safety concerns, legal confusion, and a raft of new laws designed to keep riders and pedestrians safe. What is a legal e-bike in NSW? Under NSW law, an e-bike is treated as a bicycle, but with specific technical standards: The motor must be pedal-assisted only, meaning the motor helps only while you pedal. The motor must cut out when the bike reaches 25 km/h. Maximum continuous motor power is being reduced and aligned with national standards to 250 watts . E-bikes that don’t meet these criteria may not be suitable for riding on roads or shared footpaths. Road rules still apply Even if your e-bike is legal to own and ride, you must still follow normal road and path rules, including: Riders must wear an approved helmet . You must obey all applicable NSW road rules , including those about mobile phones, traffic signals, and riding on paths and shared spaces. Legal e-bikes must essentially behave like bicycles, meaning motor assistance must cut out at 25 km/h and you cannot use throttle-only propulsion above walking speed. Age restrictions under consideration Safety concerns , particularly around injuries to younger riders, mean that NSW is examining minimum age limits for e-bike use which includes possibly setting a minimum age (possibly between 12 and 16) for riding e-bikes. The aim is to curb risky behaviour and reduce serious accidents involving children on high-powered or modified e-bikes. Crackdown on illegal e-bikes One of the biggest legal shifts in 2026 is a crackdown on non-compliant and high-powered e-bikes. These crackdown operations are currently being carried out by NSW Police . What happens if you ride an illegal e-bike? Riding a non-compliant e-bike can attract fines. It as anticipated that consequences may expand with new legislative changes and e-bike riders should keep themselves informed of their rights and obligations under the law. As authorities have emphasised, the crackdown isn’t just punitive, it’s about safety and ensuring e-bikes are a sustainable mode of transport, not a source of harm. Looking ahead Due to increasing popularity and uptake of e-bikes in NSW and the associated dangers of e-bike use, it is anticipated that there are still changes to come in regard to the use of e-bikes. As discussed, this may include minimum age requirements or other methods of keeping track of people who own and operate e-bikes. Whether you’re commuting, exercising or just enjoying a ride through your local neighbourhood, understanding these laws helps you stay safe and legal, and make the most of your e-bike experience. If you’re unsure whether your e-bike meets legal requirements, check the manufacturer’s specifications against the NSW government criteria, and consider professional advice on compliance. If you, or somebody you know, have been injured while riding your electric (or non-electric) bike or scooter, and need help or advice navigating rights and entitlements to compensation, please reach out, we are here to help and are only a phone call or online enquiry away. Our experienced personal injury team offers a FREE, no-obligation consultation to assess whether you may be entitled to make a claim. If you decide to proceed, our services are provided on a no win, no fee basis. Contact us today to discuss your options.

Common conveyancing mistakes when buying or selling property in NSW

By Associate, Brooke Sharp • March 22, 2026

Buying or selling property is often one of the largest financial transactions a person will make. While the conveyancing process may appear straightforward, even small mistakes can lead to costly delays, disputes, or unexpected liabilities. Understanding some of the most common conveyancing pitfalls can help buyers and sellers avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smoother property transaction. What is conveyancing? Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of property from one party to another. It involves preparing and reviewing contracts, conducting searches, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and coordinating settlement to finalise the transfer. For many people, the process can seem administrative. However, each transaction carries significant legal and financial risks that need to be carefully managed. Failing to review the contract before signing One of the most common mistakes is entering into a contract without first obtaining legal advice. A contract for sale may contain special conditions that affect the buyer or seller’s rights. These can include clauses relating to conditions that have to be met prior to settlement, defects, additional fees, and restrictions to the use of the property in question. Once contracts have exchanged, parties are generally legally bound to complete the transaction. Having a solicitor or conveyancing review the contract before signing or alternately during a cooling off period, can help you identify the potential risks and allow amendments to be negotiated before you are bound by the terms. Not conducting proper due diligence Buyers should ensure appropriate searches and inspections are carried out before committing to the purchase. Important due diligence steps may include: Pest and building inspections; Title and zoning searches; Reviewing council approvals for structures on the property; and Checking for easements, restrictions or covenants. Failure to investigate these matters can result in unexpected issues after settlement, including development problems, disputes with neighbouring properties and hidden costs. Overlooking settlement adjustments The settlement process involves parties adjusting on financial items such as: Council rates; Water rates; Strata levies; and Land tax (if applicable). If these adjustments are not properly calculated, either party may end up paying more than they should. Experienced solicitors and conveyancers ensure these adjustments are verified and accounted for when exchanging figures prior to settlement. Delays caused by missing documents Property transactions often involve strict deadlines. Missing documents, incomplete disclosure, or delays in obtaining mandatory certificates can slow the process and potentially jeopardise your position putting you at risk of costs and rescission. Working with a solicitor or conveyancer early in the process can help ensure all necessary documentation is prepared and exchanged in accordance with set timeframes. Not seeking legal advice for complex transactions While many property transactions follow a standard process, some situations can involve additional legal complexity. Examples include: Purchasing property through a company or trust; Buying off-the-plan developments; Rural or large land purchases; Subdivisions or development potential; and Transfers between family members. In these cases, legal advice can help ensure the structure of the transaction is appropriate and compliant with the relevant laws. The value of experienced conveyancing advice Property transactions involve significant financial commitments and legal obligations. Even experienced buyers and sellers can encounter unexpected issues if risks are not properly identified. Seeking professional conveyancing advice early in the process can help: Identify and mitigate potential risks found in contracts; Ensure appropriate searches are conducted using the correct platforms; Manage settlement deadlines to remove the stress from you; and Avoid costly mistakes which you may be liable for. With the right guidance, the conveyancing process can proceed smoothly, allowing buyers and sellers to focus on the next stage of their property journey. Contact the number one conveyancing team in the Illawarra today. We are experienced, approachable, and here to ensure your transaction is smooth and stress-free.

Kells continues support for Kiama Nippers, celebrating five years of community involvement

By Shayne Lopeman, Marketing Manager • March 17, 2026

As the Kiama Nippers season draws to a close this month, Kells Lawyers is proud to continue its longstanding sponsorship of the Kiama Nippers, a cornerstone of the Kiama community. The Kiama Nippers, part of the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club, provide children aged 5–14 with the skills, confidence, and enjoyment of surf lifesaving through a safe, structured, and fun program. Kells Lawyers has been a flag-year sponsor for the past five years, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to investing back into the communities that have supported its growth and prosperity. Michael Hatfield, Partner at Kells’ Kiama office and local resident, commented "Supporting the Kiama Nippers is about more than sponsorship, it’s about giving back to the community that has given us so much. Over the past five years, we’ve seen firsthand the positive impact this program has on children and families across Kiama. Being part of this tradition, and helping nurture young lifesavers, is something we’re proud to contribute to." Through its ongoing support, Kells Lawyers helps the Nippers continue to deliver a program that builds confidence, skills, and a love of the ocean, while strengthening community connections across Kiama. "Investing in grassroots initiatives like the Nippers is part of how we give back to the region," Michael Hatfield added. "Our firm’s success is tied to the health and vibrancy of the community around us, and we’re committed to supporting programs that make a real difference." Kells’ sponsorship underscores the firm’s broader commitment to local sport, youth programs, and community development across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region. For more information, visit Kiama Surf Life Saving Club Nippers . Kells has grown to become a leading full-service law firm in Sydney and the Illawarra region, working alongside our clients and evolving our services to meet our clients’ changing needs. We have a team of passionate, energetic, and client-focused legal professionals with over 70 staff based across 6 offices in Sydney and throughout the Illawarra. For more information contact Shayne Lopeman Marketing Manager +61 2 4221 9362 slopeman@kells.com.au

Digital assets in a property settlement: what you need to know

By Ashleigh Georgopolous, Partner • March 11, 2026

As more aspects of our lives move online, digital assets are increasingly forming part of family law disputes. From cryptocurrency and online businesses to social media accounts and digital intellectual property, these assets can hold significant value and may be considered when property is divided following separation. Understanding how digital assets are treated in a property settlement can help parties ensure that all assets are properly identified and fairly distributed. What are digital assets? A digital asset is any asset that exists in digital form that holds a value. In the context of family law, this can include a wide range of items, such as: Cryptocurrency holdings (such as Bitcoin or Ethereum) Online businesses and e-commerce stores Domain names and websites Digital intellectual property, including software, designs or online content Social media accounts that generate revenue Digital advertising accounts or monetised platforms NFTs (non-fungible tokens) Online investment accounts Digital wallets or payment platforms In many cases, these assets may not be immediately visible in traditional financial documents, which can make them harder to identify during a property settlement. Are digital assets included in the asset pool? Under Australian family law, the Court considers the total asset pool of the parties when determining a property settlement. This includes assets held individually by the parties, jointly, or by the parties through companies or trusts. Digital assets are treated the same as other forms of property. If an asset has financial value, it is generally included in the property pool regardless of whether it exists physically or digitally. The importance of full financial disclosure All parties involved in family law proceedings are required to provide full and frank disclosure of their financial circumstances. This includes digital assets. Because some digital assets can be difficult to detect, issues can arise where one party fails to disclose them. For example, cryptocurrency wallets or online trading accounts may not appear on standard bank statements. If undisclosed digital assets are later discovered, the Court has the power to revisit or set aside a property settlement that was reached without consideration of these assets. The growing role of cryptocurrency Cryptocurrency has become one of the most common digital assets appearing in modern day property settlements. Because cryptocurrency transactions can occur outside traditional banking systems, they can be more difficult to trace. However, blockchain analysis and forensic accounting techniques are increasingly used to identify crypto holdings and transaction histories. Protecting digital assets during separation If you are separating and hold digital assets, it is important to take steps to properly disclose them. This may include: Recording all digital assets and accounts you hold Preserving transaction histories Obtaining professional valuations where necessary Seeking legal advice early to ensure proper disclosure Early identification of digital assets can reduce disputes and help ensure a smoother property settlement process. Seeking legal advice The complexity, volatility and sometimes hidden nature of digital assets can create challenges if they are not properly identified and managed. Obtaining legal advice early in the separation process can help ensure that such assets are correctly disclosed, valued and included in the overall asset pool. If you are navigating a property settlement involving digital assets, experienced legal guidance can assist in protecting your interests and achieving a fair outcome. Do you need family law advice? We specialise in all areas of family law and have a team of experienced, caring family lawyers conveniently located throughout the Illawarra region and the Sydney CBD.

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