Professional Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Laws (Hons) (The University of Sydney)
- Bachelor of Commerce (The University of Sydney)
- Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (The College of Law)
- Member, Law Society of NSW
- Member, Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia
- Admitted Solicitor, Supreme Court of NSW and High Court of Australia
Experience:
Ben has practiced almost exclusively in the jurisdiction of family law, both prior to, and since admission to the legal profession. With dual tertiary qualifications in commerce (accounting) and law, together with experience in commercial law matters, Ben is uniquely adept at financial and forensic accounting processes in the context of family law property matters. He has a breadth of understanding of complex trust and asset structures; he ensures that no potential property entitlements of his clients escape the subject of division.
Ben’s priority and passion is achieving just and equitable outcomes for his clients in the most cost effective and timely means possible. Importantly, he is empathetic towards clients’ unique circumstances and understands that everyone’s situation is different. Adopting a pragmatic approach, he strives to attain negotiated settlement whenever practicable, however, he is also a skilled and tenacious litigator when required.
Ben’s primary focus is helping his clients navigate legal complexities arising from separation and to assist them achieve the best possible outcome in a judicious and professional manner. In addition to matters of separation, Ben focuses on the estate planning aspects of family law and is well placed to prepare and advise on Financial Agreements for married and de-facto couples. As part of the team of experienced lawyers specialising solely in family law at Doolan Callaghan Family Lawyers, Ben’s clients benefit from a collaborative approach to a diverse range of family law issues.
Ben is an accomplished author having published a thesis that closely followed the recent parliamentary inquiry whilst investigating perceived systemic gendered bias in Australia’s family law system. He is a firm believer in lifelong learning and takes a proactive approach to keeping up to date with the latest developments in family law, including legislative amendments and preeminent case law.
Ben lives on the lower North Shore.