Our People
David Sekel
PartnerDavid Sekel is a Partner of SGL Law and has practised for over 25 years advising high net worth individuals, families and family offices on complex legal and structural matters. His practice focuses on holistic asset protection, succession planning, trust structuring and intergenerational wealth strategies, with extensive experience in complex trust and business structures, family succession, shareholder and buy/sell arrangements, and cross border estate matters. David is known for his commercial, solutions focused approach and his ability to navigate complex family and business dynamics with discretion and strategic insight. Working closely with clients and their broader advisory teams, he delivers tailored structures and long term strategies designed to preserve wealth, manage risk and support future generations. He is a trusted adviser to clients and professionals and is a preferred service provider to several top tier accounting firms in complex succession planning for companies, families and individuals, with substantial cross border experience across the US, Europe and Asia.
0433 233 320+61 2 9191 5445
Kathie Grinberg
PartnerKathie has been in practice since being admitted in 1979. She has specialised in commercial and property law and for many years was in-house legal counsel for a major listed property trust involving work on property acquisition, development and leasing of commercial buildings and shopping centres prior to commencing her own practice in 1990. Kathie has provided personal attention to her clients over many years particularly in the areas of commercial law, property and estate planning. Her interests also lie in her passion for the arts and she is currently a director of Musica Viva Australia. She has worked with a number of not for profit organisations both in promoting music and support for emerging musicians and performers and also legal advice in the property field for these organisations. She has also provided support and expert legal advice to various community organisations throughout her career. Kathie has been a pro bono panel solicitor with the Law Society.
+61 2 9191 5400
Christopher Hamilton
PartnerChris is a commercial litigation lawyer with a broad range of experience in advertising standards, building and construction, competition and consumer law, corporations' law, equity, employment and industrial law, insurance, property, therapeutic goods, torts, wills and probate. Since joining Sekel Grinberg Leggat in 2010, Chris has represented clients in both the Federal and State jurisdictions. Chris works predominantly with privately owned businesses and substantial families acting as an advocate before various Courts, Tribunals and statutory authorities as well as in relation to commercial negotiations and disputes. Employing alternative dispute resolution methods to find commercial solutions for clients where possible, Chris adopts a global approach to advocacy incorporating the intricacies of each matter with a practical working knowledge of the various forums to work with clients to achieve their specific goals and outcomes. Chris was admitted as a solicitor in 2008 and commenced his legal career in a not for profit focusing on youth in business.
+61 2 9191 5422
Nicole Leggat
PartnerNicole Leggat brings more than 23 years of legal experience to our practice. Nicole commenced her legal career with Westfield, where she specialised in retail and commercial leasing. In 2004, Nicole established her own boutique legal practice in Double Bay and has since built a strong reputation for delivering trusted, practical and commercially focused legal advice. Her practice encompasses property law, corporate and commercial transactions, and a broad range of general legal advisory matters. Nicole is recognised for her pragmatic approach, meticulous attention to detail and commitment to achieving successful outcomes for her clients. Drawing on extensive legal and commercial experience, she provides clear, strategic advice and practical solutions tailored to the needs of individuals, businesses and investors.
0414 231 519+61 2 9191 5400
Peter Surgeon
Special CounselPeter has been in practice since being admitted in 1976. He has specialised in commercial and corporate law for over 30 years, joining DibbsBarker Lawyers in 1979 and becoming a partner in 1981. Peter has provided commercial advice to public overseas and local clients on establishing business and expansion of those entities in Australia. Peter was supervising partner of the firm's International Desk. He also advises on restructuring, corporate transactions, and mergers and acquisitions. Peter has written the Australia sections on corporate governance and director's duties for editions of the Global Counsel Handbook and has memberships with the Law Council of Australia, International Law Section and the NSW Society for Computers and the Law.
+61 2 9191 5400
David Barnett
Special CounselDavid has been a practising lawyer for more than 40 years. He has held numerous executive positions and written and spoken on various legal subjects. He began his career with a mid tier commercial law firm however, for the major part of it, was legal counsel for major Australian companies. His speciality is general corporate advisory (including mergers and acquisitions, contract, financial services, employment and commercial litigation. He also has considerable experience in mining and energy, native title, gaming and administrative and taxation law.
+61 2 9191 5400
Ian Murray
Special CounselIan Murray is an experienced corporate and commercial lawyer with over 10 years' experience advising private clients, businesses and high net worth individuals. Ian specialises in mergers and acquisitions, corporate advisory, business and trust structuring, commercial transactions and estate planning. He has extensive experience advising family offices and private businesses on complex commercial matters, succession planning and wealth preservation. Known for his practical and commercially focused approach, Ian works closely with clients and their advisers to deliver tailored legal solutions. Ian holds a Master of Laws from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce.
+61 2 9191 5400
Anna Clarke
Senior AssociateJD MBAAnna is a corporate and commercial lawyer with experience in banking and finance, sale and purchase of businesses/companies and structuring, trusts and business succession planning. Since joining the firm in 2018, Anna has assisted with a range of transactions including advising both financiers and borrowers in relation to acquisition and project finance transactions, advising and acting on the sale and purchase of businesses/companies including various private equity and other complex corporate transactions and advising high net wealth individuals and families in relation to a broad range of matters including structuring, trusts, business succession planning and a range of commercial transactional and advisory work.
+61 2 9191 5400
Harchit Kaur
Senior AssociateLLB BComHarchit practices in the Commercial Litigation and Disputes team assisting individual clients and businesses to navigate disputes over a broad range of areas from breach of contract, commercial disputes, breakdown of business relationships, insolvency, intellectual property, employment, negligence, building and construction, property and leasing, wills and probate, claims in equity and defending clients from actions brought by Australian regulators including ASIC, ATO and ACMA. Harchit is highly regarded by her peers as a professional and formidable opponent who offers strategic, and where possible, commercial solutions. She is respected for her comprehension of complex legal principles and her 'can do, will do' attitude. Her clients often describe her as knowledgeable, responsive, and compassionate and someone who helps bring them certainty in an otherwise uncertain situation.
+61 2 9191 5400
Samantha Krochmal
Senior AssociateDipLaw LPAB/USYD, GDLP College of Law, BNurse UOWSamantha is a highly experienced Senior Associate in the Corporate and Commercial team, having joined the firm in October 2022. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, thorough approach and commitment to excellence, Samantha brings a high level of precision and care to every matter she manages. Combining her legal expertise with extensive professional and life experience, Samantha provides clients with considered, practical and commercially focused advice. She is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes while ensuring every aspect of a matter is handled with diligence and professionalism. Samantha was awarded the Stuart Spencer Prize in recognition of her academic achievements.
+61 2 9191 5400
Tanja Stojanovic
Senior AssociateTanja Stojanovic is a highly regarded Senior Associate with over 10 years of legal experience across property law, commercial leasing and commercial transactions. Having held senior in house legal positions with leading national and international businesses, Tanja brings a strong commercial perspective and a practical, solutions focused approach to legal advice. Tanja has extensive experience advising on complex leasing arrangements, property transactions, contract negotiations and broader commercial matters. Known for her exceptional attention to detail, strong negotiation skills and commitment to achieving the best outcomes for her clients, she combines technical expertise with a genuine understanding of commercial priorities. Tanja holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Technology Sydney and has completed her Practical Legal Training through the College of Law Australia.
+61 2 9191 5400
Linda Thai
AssociateLinda practises in commercial litigation and dispute resolution, advising business owners, investors and private clients across a broad range of commercial matters. Linda has experience acting in District Court, Supreme Court (in NSW, VIC and SA) and Federal Court proceedings involving contractual disputes, property and development matters, insolvency, equity and urgent interlocutory applications. She is committed to delivering practical, commercially focused advice and achieving effective outcomes for her clients. Linda is fluent in English and Cantonese and also understands Mandarin, enabling her to assist a diverse range of clients.
+61 2 9191 5400
Alexandra Dadich
LawyerLLB BSc (Medical Science)Alexandra commenced working as a Solicitor in the Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution team at Sekel Grinberg Leggat soon after her admission. Alexandra assists clients and businesses navigate disputes over a broad range of areas from commercial disputes, insolvency, intellectual property, employment, negligence, building and construction, property and leasing, probate and family provision disputes and other claims in equity.
+61 2 9191 5400
Phillipa Ferreira
LawyerPhillipa commenced her career at Sekel Grinberg Leggat in 2020. Since joining the Estate Planning team, Phillipa has gained experience assisting clients with a wide range of estate planning matters, including the preparation and drafting of a comprehensive suite of estate planning documents, such as Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Appointments of Enduring Guardian and other tailored estate planning instruments. She works closely with senior practitioners to ensure clients’ wishes are carefully understood and accurately reflected in tailored estate planning solutions. Phillipa is meticulous in her approach, ensuring all documentation is prepared with precision, care and attention to detail.
+61 2 9191 5400
Kayla Dritsas
LawyerKayla Dritsas is a solicitor focusing on probate, estate administration and wills and estates. Kayla assists executors and beneficiaries with probate applications, the administration of deceased estates and the preparation of court documents. She has experience managing probate requirements, responding to court requisitions and assisting with estate disputes and succession matters. Known for her attention to detail, compassionate approach and clear communication, Kayla is committed to guiding clients through the probate and estate administration process with care, efficiency and professionalism.
+61 2 9191 5400
Elliana Feng
LawyerElliana Feng is an experienced property and commercial lawyer with legal experience in both Australia and China, advising individuals, businesses, developers and investors on a broad range of property and commercial matters. Elliana specialises in commercial and retail leasing, residential and commercial property transactions, off the plan developments, secured lending and foreign investment matters. Known for her attention to detail and practical, commercially focused approach, Elliana works closely with clients to deliver clear and effective legal solutions. She is fluent in English and Mandarin.
+61 2 9191 5400
Georgia Dyson
LawyerGeorgia Dyson is a Solicitor at Sekel Grinberg Leggat, practising primarily in property law, conveyancing and commercial and residential leasing. With a strong attention to detail and a practical, commercially minded approach, Georgia is committed to ensuring transactions progress efficiently while protecting her clients’ interests. Georgia holds a Bachelor of Laws and Business from the University of Technology Sydney. Her combined legal and business background enables her to approach matters with both technical understanding and commercial awareness, delivering practical, solutions tailored to her clients’ needs.
+61 2 9191 5400
Nicole Vander Reyden
ConveyancerNicole is a licensed conveyancer specialising in residential property sales and acquisitions. She has substantial experience in dealing with both high and low net worth properties and provides timely and sensible advice and balances both commercial and legal considerations for her clients.
+61 2 9191 5400
Jodie Adams
Finance DirectorJodie oversees the firm's financial operations, bringing strategic oversight and commercial acumen to the practice's financial management and governance.
+61 2 9191 5400
Yasmin de Teliga
Executive Support and Practice OperationsYasmin brings over 20 years of experience in project management, family office operations and office administration. Yasmin oversees our practice operations, coordinating client communications and ensuring the seamless management of day-to-day activities. Known for her exceptional work ethic, attention to detail and unwavering commitment to clients and colleagues, Yasmin takes pride in building trusted relationships and delivering the highest standard of service. Her dedication to both the firm’s clients and its team ensures that every matter is approached with professionalism, discretion and genuine care.
+61 2 9191 5400