OUR TEAM
EXPERIENCED LAWYERS IN CESSNOCK AND NEWCASTLE
At Emery Partners, we have a team of expert lawyers who can handle all types of legal matters. We provide personalised legal services tailored to suit each client’s individual needs and offer quality legal guidance and advice for a competitive price.
NADA VUJAT
LEGAL PRACTITIONER DIRECTOR
Nada Vujat has practised personal injury law and employment law for over 25 years. Nada joined Emery Partners as a graduate-in-law in August 1996, and liked it so much, she has never left. Nada has been a principal/partner/director of Emery Partners since 2002. Prior to Emery Partners, Nada was awarded the inaugural BHP Newcastle Scholarship which facilitated six years of work at multiple departments within BHP Newcastle including steelmaking, the bloomcaster, public affairs and the training department.
Nada developed Emery Partner's Medical Law Department shortly after commencing with the firm. She has always harboured a passion for all things medical and health related. In 1992, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Newcastle, majoring in psychology. Nada had a particular interest in psychoneuroimmunology, audiology, visual systems and cognitive behavioural modification. In 1995, she graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New South Wales. In 2005, she graduated with a Master of Health Law from the University of Sydney.
Nada is committed to collaborative learning, and regularly hosts workshops and presentations for professional organisations, businesses, members of the legal profession and the local community. She has been honoured to have been invited to present at the International Congress on Law and Mental Health on multiple occasions, including in New York, Berlin and Amsterdam. She has presented for Continuing Professional Development Seminars, writing a workshop paper entitled “Personal Injury Damages in NSW”.
Nada is the current President of the Hunter Valley Law Society and the Women’s Network [Hunter]. She is also a member of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, the Women Lawyers Association of NSW and is an approved Independent Legal Assistance and Review Service Lawyer [NSW Workers' Compensation]. When asked why she does what she does, Nada responds: "I love the challenge; exploring the often myriad possibilities as to how to right the wrongs. It brings me immense satisfaction to guide somebody who is suffering and has suffered adversity towards hope, and yes, sometimes, that elusive concept called "Justice". That gets me out of bed every morning."
In her "down time", Nada entertains her passion for music and restoring relics of the past.
NADA'S LEGAL SPECIALITIES
REBECCA FLICK
LEGAL PRACTITIONER DIRECTOR AND FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION PRACTITIONER
Rebecca Flick has practised family law and criminal law for over 20 years, having been admitted to practice in February 2004. Prior to her admission, Rebecca also worked in the legal field.
Rebecca has a kind and friendly manner, with a no nonsense attitude to representing her clients and obtaining optimal results.
During Rebecca’s time as a lawyer she has handled thousands of matters and appeared before the Federal Circuit and Family Law Court of Australia, and New South Wales State Courts including Supreme, District, Local, Land and Environment Courts and NSW Industrial Relations Commission.
In addition to Rebecca’s vast knowledge in the areas of Family Law and Criminal Law, she has had a variety of experience in Property Acquisitions including Native Title, Conveyancing, Property Law, Wills, Powers of Attorney and Enduring Guardians, Probate and Administration, Family Provisions, Liquor Licensing, Cost Applications, Local Government and Environmental and Planning Law.
Rebecca is well aware that separating from a spouse is difficult and stressful. Rebecca remains focussed on working with you to achieve optimal results, and explores both alternate dispute resolution mechanisms and more traditional court avenues. Rebecca can assist you with formalising any agreement you have reached with your former spouse. Producing practical, efficient and cost effective solutions is integral to Rebecca's practice.
Rebecca is also an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and offers mediation services.
In her criminal practice, Rebecca offers no judgment only assistance, advising you and representing you throughout the process. Rebecca has experience in the defending and prosecution of matters in the criminal jurisdiction.
Outside of work Rebecca regularly participates in community talks on various topics, particularly relating to Family Law, and offers her spare time to local community groups and schools. Being a true local, Rebecca takes pride in nurturing and giving back to her local community.
REBECCA'S LEGAL SPECIALITIES
JACOB ETHERINGTON
SOLICITOR
Joining Emery Partners in 2018, Jacob works primarily in Wills and Estate Planning, Probate, Conveyancing and Commercial Law.
Jacob enjoys assisting his clients to produce legal documents in preparation for life’s contingencies and to navigate through the more trying periods of a person’s life.
With a strong passion for the legal system, particularly Alternative Dispute Resolution, Jacob maintains a keen interest in working with his clients to produce more efficient, satisfying outcomes.
Jacob was awarded a Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Newcastle.
When not working, Jacob spends time with his young family, tinkering in the shed, camping, and catching up with friends.
JACOB'S LEGAL SPECIALITIES
SUPPORT STAFF
KYLAH MOLLOY
Kylah began working with Emery Partners as a legal assistant in 2023 and has gained valuable experience working alongside our Rebecca Flick with her Criminal Law and Family Law matters. Kylah finds fulfilment contributing to the dispute resolution process of our clients' legal matters. Kylah has an eye for detail, strong time management and organisation skills, which ensures she succeeds in her role at Emery Partners.
Kylah has completed several qualifications in Business Administration and Legal Services and is now currently studying a Bachelor of Laws at the University of New England. Once Kylah has completed her Practical Legal Training and has been admitted to practice law in New South Wales, Kylah intends to continue working with Emery Partners to further support the local community with their legal needs.
CARLEY JACKA
Carley commenced with Emery Partners in 2007 and has developed expertise assisting in personal injury and employment law. With an Advanced Diploma in business administration and legal services, people are Carley’s passion [and after hours, she finds time to help out our four legged furry friends too].
When asked why she has remained loyal to EP, Carley says:
“I love to help people in crisis; people in need. It gives me enormous satisfaction to shine a little hope in troubled times.”
DEBORAH BENDER
Deb originally joined our firm in 2000, climbing the ranks from office junior and is now one of our extremely competent conveyancing assistants.
After a short time away to have her babies, Deb returned to us in 2010. Deb and Rochelle are now the powerhouse which make up the conveyancing team, under the direction of Jacob Etherington.
Blessed with a young family Deb is finding her organisational skills, which she is so well known for in the firm, are being carried through to her family life. Deb is a keen netballer and loves nothing more than relaxing with family and friends.
FIONA WALLACE
Fiona came to the Emery Partners team in 1989 in our accounts department and is currently our office all-rounder.
After a short break to raise twin sons in 2000, Fiona returned to the firm in 2007. She initially thought this was only going to be short term, however, Fiona has remained a valuable member of the Emery Partner's team. Attention to detail and a friendly "can do" demeanour make Fiona a vital member of our team.
As a mother to two boys, Fiona’s excellent time management skills shine and are often called into play when she is at work. Fiona devotes any free time to the local community including longstanding involvement with the local rugby league club. If by chance she has any time to relax, this is spent with her family and friends.
ROCHELLE SELMES
Rochelle has been in the legal industry for over 12 years commencing her employment with Emery Partners in 2010.
A local girl, Rochelle possesses all the skills, passion and drive to be a success in conveyancing. After completing her studies, she was awarded an Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing in 2021. She is now a registered Licensed Conveyancer and a member of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers.
Rochelle’s strengths include her attention to detail, a strong focus on client satisfaction and a positive attitude to ensure positive outcomes. Rochelle’s sound understanding of all aspects of conveyancing together with her client focused attitude embodies Emery Partners philosophy of “Empowering People” which makes her a real asset to the firm.
Rochelle has three children and is a devoted Mother to them. Relaxing with family and friends is the perfect solution for unwinding from the pressures of her dedication to excel in the complex world of conveyancing.
GINA HARRISON
Gina is studying a double degree in Global Indigenous Studies and Law at Newcastle University and hopes to become a lawyer and advocate for disadvantaged people and local community services that support them. Gina has spent the last 15 years volunteering across the community in many roles, while raising 4 children, the youngest of which are still in Primary School. Most recently volunteering with Cessnock Family Support Service on the management committee, as well as Cessnock Driving Success where she proudly helps young people in our community build up their driving hours on their Learners permit. She feels gaining your licence is a fundamental right that protects people from disadvantage and isolation in a community that has limited public transport. Gina continually builds her skills to help assist others, recently completing a Drug & Alcohol First Aid Certificate and Youth Mental Health First Aid Certificate. Gina loves photography, reading, Geocaching and the beach.
SAFFIRE PENN
Saffire joined the Emery Partners team in 2023. Saffire provides support to our employment law and personal injury team at our Newcastle office.
Saffire is a full-time student of the University of Newcastle, undertaking a Bachelor of Laws (Honours). In 2023, she was placed on the College Commendation List for exceptional academic performance.
Saffire graduated with a Bachelor of Communication, majoring in News media (journalism) in 2023.
Saffire very much enjoys the study of law and is committed to “making a difference”.
Saffire has a knack for organising and assisting clients to stay informed.
SAMANTHA KITCHEN
Samantha joined the Emery Partner’s litigation team in 2023. Sam is currently supporting our employment law and personal injury team at our Newcastle Office.
Sam is a full-time University student of the University of Newcastle, and will graduate with a Juris Doctor and Diploma of Legal Practice at the end of 2024. During her legal studies, Sam was added to the Dean’s Merit List in the fields of Administrative Law and Legal Systems.
Sam was awarded a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Health Professions major) with distinction in 2021. In the same year, Sam was a College Scholar with the College of Health and Medicine at the University of Newcastle. In 2020, Sam was added to the Faculty of Health and Medicine Commendation List.
When asked why she pursues a career in the law, Sam responds:
“I like a challenge. I like listening to people’s stories, and love working out solutions to really complex problems.”
Sam is passionate about combining both her legal and medical backgrounds.
GINA HARRISON
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LILY SANDERS
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MATTHEW BEUGELING
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