Somerville Laundry Lomax Solicitors

03/09/2026

We are incredibly proud to announce Natalie McDonnell’s appointment as Partner at Somerville Laundry Lomax Solicitors.

Natalie’s dedication to our clients and team have made her an invaluable part of SLL. This appointment is a wonderful recognition of her hard work and the contribution she continues to make to our firm.

Her appointment reflects not only her professional achievements and reputation, but the leadership and values she brings to our firm.

Please join us in congratulating Natalie on her appointment.

28/08/2026

Have you been unfairly left out of a Will?

If you believe you may have been unfairly provided for - or left out entirely - our experienced family provision team can help you understand your rights and options.

We’ll guide you through the process with clarity, compassion and empathy, making sure you feel supported every step of the way.

For more information, call us on 02 6621 2481 or visit our website: https://sll.com.au/services/

18/08/2026

Congratulations, Max Ward!

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Max Ward to Associate within our Commercial Law team.

Max has a strong commitment to our clients, his team and and his growth within the legal profession. His hard work and dedication have made this a well-deserved achievement.

We are incredibly proud to see Max reach this milestone and look forward to watching him continue to grow in his career with SLL.

Congratulations, Max!

07/08/2026

A heartfelt client testimonial highlighting the compassion and dedication of one of our exceptional family law solicitors.

30/07/2026

Following her admission as a solicitor, we are delighted to announce the promotion of Jorja Hodghton to Associate.

Since joining our team, Jorja has consistently demonstrated dedication and a genuine commitment to achieving the best outcomes for her clients.

In her new role, she will continue practising in Commercial Law, with a focus on Conveyancing, Probate, and Wills & Estate Planning.

Jorja's talent, work ethic and passion for helping clients make her a valued member of our team, and we couldn't be prouder to recognise this well-deserved achievement.

28/07/2026

What Will My Court Case Actually Cost Me?

This is one of the most important questions a client can ask.

It is also difficult to answer with certainty at the beginning of a court matter. Legal costs depend on how the case develops. New issues may arise, documents may increase, expert evidence may be required, and the other party’s approach can create additional work.

Court proceedings have many moving parts. Costs can therefore accrue quickly, particularly when urgent applications, extensive evidence, barristers, experts or unexpected disputes become involved.

A costs estimate is usually an informed estimate, not a fixed price. If the scope of the work changes, the estimate may also need to change.

A common misunderstanding is:

“If I win, the other side will pay all my legal costs.”

Usually, that is not correct.

A simple way to understand legal costs is to think about a visit to the doctor.

The doctor charges a fee. Medicare pays part of it. You pay the gap.

Court costs can operate in a similar way.

Your solicitor charges solicitor–client costs under your costs agreement.

If you are successful and obtain a costs order, the other party may be required to pay party–party costs. That amount is usually only a contribution towards your total legal costs.

The difference is the gap you pay yourself.

Unlike Medicare, party–party costs are not automatic. You must first obtain a costs order or reach an agreement about costs. The amount may then need to be negotiated, assessed or determined.

Legal costs may also include barristers’ fees, expert reports, court filing fees, searches and other external expenses.

Before signing a costs agreement, read it carefully and make sure you understand:

1. how fees are calculated;
2. what work is included in the estimate;
3. what expenses are charged separately;
4. what may cause costs to increase;
5. what you remain liable to pay if you win; and
6. what you may have to pay if you lose.

A good solicitor should explain both the legal merits and the commercial reality.

The real question is not simply:

“Can I win?”

It is:

“What is the likely result, what will it cost to get there, what might I recover, and will the outcome be worthwhile?”

Sean Radburn
Managing Partner of Somerville Laundry Lomax Solicitors

22/07/2026

Yesterday, our team came together at the Lismore Workers Clubs for internal SLL procedures and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) training.

Days like these are about more than compliance—they're an opportunity to learn from one another, strengthen our knowledge, and continue growing as a team.

20/07/2026

16/07/2026

Good litigation is rarely won by one person alone.

The solicitor may lead the matter, but strong outcomes usually come from a disciplined team working together with a clear strategy.

That team includes the client, solicitors, support staff, barristers, experts, witnesses and sometimes mediators.

Each person has a role.

The client brings the facts, history and commercial reality.

The solicitor identifies the issues, tests the evidence, manages the strategy and keeps the matter moving.

Support staff make sure the file is organised, deadlines are met and the detail is not lost.

Barristers bring forensic skill, independence and advocacy.

Experts provide specialist evidence where technical knowledge is required.

When those roles are aligned, litigation becomes sharper, more efficient and more purposeful.

When they are not, litigation can quickly become reactive. Emotion can overtake judgment. Correspondence can become a substitute for progress. Costs can rise without improving the client’s position. The real issues can be buried under noise.

That is why preparation matters.

The best litigation strategy starts with clear questions.

▫️What are the real issues?
▫️What evidence supports them?
▫️What evidence hurts us?
▫️What does the client actually need to ▫️achieve?
▫️What are the risks?
▫️What is the cost of continuing?
▫️What is the pathway to resolution?

Those questions require honesty. A good legal team does not simply tell a client what they want to hear. It tests the case, identifies weaknesses early and makes deliberate decisions about when to press, when to negotiate and when to resolve.

In my experience, strong outcomes come from discipline, preparation and teamwork.

Litigation is not about noise. It is about judgment, evidence, timing and ex*****on.

The solicitor’s role is to lead the team, manage risk, test the evidence and maintain momentum.

When that happens, clients are not just represented. They are supported by a team working with purpose toward the best achievable outcome.

- Sean Radburn
Managing Partner of Somerville Laundry Lomax Solicitors