Our team

Having seen the impact of hard-nose litigation in the 1980s and 1990s, Debra was attracted to mediation well before it was mainstream. This attraction was because she experienced mediation as a way clients could avoid protracted, expensive and destructive court litigation. She saw firsthand how resolving matters by mediation, with mutually acceptable outcomes, was empowering for both parties and so much better for those wanting to move on.

It was the positive ripple effect, that she saw in clients’ lives, that got Debra into mediation in private practice and then in 2005 she was appointed as a Dual Registrar of the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia (as they were then). Mediation was a large part of her role, and she was invigorated by seeing the clear relief that it brought individuals but also with the discovery that she had a real aptitude and skill with mediation. Debra is a Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.

In 2015, Debra went back into private practice, taking her well-honed mediation skills (around 2,500 mediations at the court) with her. By this stage in her career, Debra had a reputation as someone who was tough and pretty good at the court, and this led to other lawyers engaging Debra to conduct mediation.

All this experience culminated in the creation of Parker, Coles Curtis which was driven by Debra’s desire to create a more compassionate family law offering and Debra contributes to this personally with her empathetic and realistic approach with clients.

Debra is well known for not only being strong and tenacious but having a unique ability to provide her clients with the much-needed strength when they don’t feel they have the capacity to be strong. Being with clients at often the worst time of their lives, when they’re a complete wreck and supporting them through that is what is most important and rewarding for Debra.

Debra’s clients often tell her that when they sought her help, they were confused, overwhelmed, couldn’t see the future, and couldn’t see a light. But after working with Debra, they felt empowered again and grateful for the support in helping them to get to a better place so that they could start again with an outcome that gave them a future.

Along with supporting clients, it is important to Debra that Parker, Coles Curtis has a strong moral compas and this means supporting others in the community that are more vulnerable. It brings great joy to Debra to enact this every day through Parker, Coles Curtis supporting the community financially, partnering with organisations that support more vulnerable communities or through other informal channels such as mentoring and teaching.

The value that Debra’s colleagues place on her exceptional skill and experience is evidenced through her appointments, such as being the only Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers in the ACT, Chair of the Dispute Resolution Committee and the Canberra Collaborative Law Group, member of the Professional Ethics Committee of the ACT Law Society, Review Panel member for Legal Aid ACT and the ACT representative on the national board of the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators.

Outside the family law arena, Debra is most likely to be found happily gardening or engaging in physical exercise, like swimming, bike riding or walking in the bush. She takes great pleasure in travel, good meals and good movies.

Catherine has a remarkable ability to show a way forward, giving direction when people are feeling lost. Her direct approach, strategic and creative thinking is what underpins her reputation within the family law arena.

She is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and also acts as an Independent Children's Lawyer (ICL), where she supports children, appearing in court and advocating for their absolute best outcomes in various situations. Having children of her own, this role is particularly close to her heart.

Catherine’s practical and strategic nature, combined with her ability to precisely cut through information and identify the most important elements, has been key in providing her clients with certainty while offering an empathetic ear. She has a true passion for her clients, guiding them every step of the way and providing alternative dispute resolution options such as negotiation and mediation, where she possesses considerable experience.

Some of Catherine’s proudest moments in her career include seeing the transformative results she has achieved for clients who were once at rock bottom. Later, these clients have described the outcomes as 'life-changing' and 'pivotal'.

Catherine contributes to the legal profession as an elected Council member for the ACT Law Society, participating on the Family Violence & Children’s Committee, volunteering at the Women’s Legal Centre, and the ACT Law Society Pro Bono Legal Advice Bureau. She also mentors young lawyers and supports organisations such as Menslink, undertaking significant challenges such as a five-day walk, 142km epic adventure, which is longer than the Kokoda Track (96km) and further than the distance to Everest Base Camp (130km). Her support for organisations like Menslink and Lifeline highlights her commitment to mental health and aiding single mothers.

Her decision to pursue family law was solidified during her time at Legal Aid, where she frequently provided advice at the magistrates court on family violence orders and personal protection orders. Over the following decade, her desire to deliver a more holistic service to clients was a driver to innovate and form a partnership with fellow directors Jacqui and Debra, aiming to transform the approach to family law by empowering clients with tailored solutions.

Catherine enjoys dance, theatre, walking, yoga, and cycling. She cherishes time spent with her children and indulges in her love for baking—and the subsequent tasting. Not one to pass up a good margarita or a glass of red wine, Catherine balances her professional achievements with a rich personal life that embraces both culture, relaxation and fun.

Her approach of empathy coupled with fierce advocacy for her clients when needed, provides a sense of calm even in the most challenging of situations for her clients.

Having started her career as a paralegal at Legal Aid ACT and then progressing to become a Judge’s associate, Jacqui gained valuable, up close and personal experience with litigation and the legal processes families navigate during times of conflict.

After a short stint in a London family law practice, she came back to Australia and established a career exclusively in family law in Canberra.

Gaining a solid reputation amongst her peers and clients alike, and a Specialist Accreditation along the way, Jacqui felt a growing sense of being constrained with the way law firms traditionally approached family law. Having walked in the shoes of a separated parent herself and knowing there had to be a more modern and innovative way to provide legal support to her clients, Jacqui seeded some of the early ideas that led to the establishment of Parker Coles Curtis. Those seeds grew into a reality, with the combined vision of her co-Directors and the opening of Parker Coles Curtis.

Jointly leading a fabulous team of talented individuals at Parker Coles Curtis is what Jacqui describes as the pinnacle of her career so far. Additionally, focusing on her key interest areas of complex parenting cases – including issues of risk to children, matters involving family or domestic violence and contested property or financial matters, gives her great purpose and drive.

Delivering her clients great outcomes and closure is a feeling that propels Jacqui, every day. As a co-parent herself, Jacqui champions cooperative co-parenting and respectful separation to limit the adverse impact of conflict upon children, wherever possible.

Jacqui gives back to the law profession in many ways, starting with growing the younger members of the Parker Coles Curtis team from the ground up. She is also a member of the Family Law Committee and the Family Law Pathways Network.

Jacqui is also passionate about giving back to the community and within Parker Coles Curtis she champions the support of many community organisations including Karinya House, Menslink, Menstable and Women’s Legal Centre.

While articulate and with top notch written communication skills, truly hearing people and understanding exactly where they are at, are the strengths her clients say garnered their trust and confidence in Jacqui’s approach and expertise.

Outside of her working life, Jacqui enjoys reading – she loves nothing more than being enraptured by a good book – preferably poolside! An explorer at heart, she also loves travel with her family, being outdoors (particularly walking up mountains) and fitness. Her time with friends, family and her children are most special to her.

Recognised for her extraordinary achievement of becoming a partner of a firm by the age of 29. Sarah's career is a testament to her exceptional blend of compassion and sharp legal insight. Offering more than mere representation, she establishes partnerships built on trust and mutual respect with her clients, guiding them through their most challenging moments with unparalleled dedication and skill.

Sarah’s journey into law was sparked at the tender age of 16, driven by a love for Law and Order and a pivotal conversation with her dad that presented a choice between a traditional pathway versus the pursuit of higher education. Opting for the latter, she embarked on a Diploma in Legal Services, which led to a practical stint in a Family Law firm in the Southern Highlands. That role not only cemented her career in Family Law but also ignited a passion that has continued to burn brightly.

What sets Sarah apart is her unique background, having grown up in a small family business. This experience has endowed her with a profound understanding of the personal and professional dynamics of family-run enterprises, enriching her approach to family law with empathy and insight into parental disputes and the intricacies of business involvement.

Proudly climbing the ranks at a young age to become a partner, Sarah views her rapid ascent and the trust placed in her by her firm as some of her most significant career milestones. Her approach to client service is characterised by determination, a no-nonsense attitude, approachability, directness, and empathy. This combination has garnered her high praise from clients, who appreciate her for being a calm and firm advocate, offering clear choices and direction, and communicating in an honest and direct manner.

Colleagues and clients alike describe Sarah as an intelligent mentor, providing "big sis vibes," and labelling her a "pocket rocket" for her dynamic, direct, and no-nonsense approach to family law. Sarah also volunteers her time to the Canberra Region Rugby League as the only female Co-Chair of the Judiciary Panel. Outside of her professional life, Sarah treasures spending time with her family, her partner, and their little one, grounding her and providing a personal source of joy and balance.

Admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW in December 2015, Sarah's dedication to family law has been evident throughout her career, from her years as a paralegal to her notable role in supervising a large family law team across multiple offices of a national firm. Her expertise spans complex property and parenting matters, including high net worth cases, and her legal journey has seen her handle cases from Cairns to Melbourne, showcasing her versatility and deep understanding of the legal landscape.

At Parker Coles Curtis, Sarah Rodrigues stands as a beacon of dedication and compassion, her impressive career marked by a steadfast commitment to guiding clients through the intricacies of family law. Her journey, marked by significant achievements and a profound commitment to her clients, reinforces her role as an indispensable pillar of support and expertise.

Liam’s legal career began as an Associate in the (now) Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia where he gained invaluable insight into courtroom advocacy and the Court’s decision-making process. This experience provided Liam with a robust foundation in both parenting and property matters.

Following his time with the Court, Liam served as a Legal Policy Officer at the Attorney-General’s Department in Canberra. In this role, he advised on reforms to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and worked in the International Family Law section, where he helped parents have their children returned to Australia pursuant to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

Liam was drawn to family law due to his desire to assist people in difficult times and the sense of reward he feels in helping clients achieve parenting arrangements that are in their children’s best interests or favourable property settlements. His first experience in family law was with an internship at the North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service in Katherine, Northern Territory.

Liam has great aptitude for tricky family law cases having successfully assisted clients with high stakes litigation including where there are alleged risks of harm or reversals of residence proposed. He has also advised and represented clients who have third party interests, in conflict of interest matters and costs applications.

Liam is the Secretary of the Canberra Region Family Law Professionals Association (CRFLPA) (2023 & 2024), a member of the ACT Law Society and the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia.

At Parker Coles Curtis, Liam McCarthy applies his extensive legal knowledge and practical experience to assist clients through their family law matters, ensuring expert guidance and support through every step of the legal process.

Cameron Rybinski's entry into the realm of family law was as unique as his approach to solving the complex challenges it presents. His journey began not with a lifelong dream, but with practical experience that sparked a passion for the field. During his studies, Cameron was captivated by the intersection of government policy, human behavior, and the law. This fascination with the human element of law propelled him into his legal practice, culminating in his admission in 2017 and the commencement of his practice in 2019 after a rewarding stint in Sydney.

Cameron's blend of skills and experience is distinctly characterised by his people-centric nature. With a background in hospitality and customer service, he prides himself on his ability to communicate with a wide array of individuals, making him exceptionally relatable and understanding. His knack for lateral thinking and devising alternative solutions has had a significant impact on the clients he serves, offering them innovative paths through their legal matters.

What Cameron values most in his career is his resilience in navigating through challenging cases and circumstances. He approaches his clients with a unique mix of realism, diligence, approachability, client focus, and a genuine effort to understand their perspectives. This blend of qualities not only makes him a reliable and dedicated advocate but also ensures that his clients feel truly heard and supported throughout their legal journeys.

Feedback from those who have worked with Cameron often highlight his helpfulness, gratitude for his guidance, attentiveness, dedication, and patience. His straightforward and direct approach, underpinned by his reliability and dedication, is consistently praised both by clients and peers within the field of family law.

Recently named a rising star in family law, Cameron has a pronounced preference for alternative dispute resolution. He is passionate about empowering his clients, illuminating paths outside litigation, and ensuring they are aware of all available options. This approach reflects his belief in helping clients help themselves, avoiding the need for court-imposed decisions whenever possible.

Cameron's life outside the office is as rich and varied as his professional one, with interests that include cycling, dining out, cooking, and hosting. These activities underscore his appreciation for the finer things in life and his ability to switch off from work, ensuring a well-rounded and balanced lifestyle.

Having returned to Canberra after his time in Sydney, Cameron has reaffirmed his commitment to the capital as the ideal base for both his life and his practice. His strong background in hospitality and customer service, combined with his dry sense of humor, allows him to cut through the core of any issue and provide clear, unequivocal advice.

At Parker Coles Curtis, Cameron Rybinski is not just a family lawyer; he's an advocate for alternative paths, a guide for those seeking clarity and support, and a dedicated practitioner ready to stand by your side.

Family law was the natural landing ground for Madeleine Bonadeo, with her passion for law and making a difference in people's lives. She dived straight in as a paralegal while completing her law degree and has practiced exclusively in family law since her admission to the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory and the High Court of Australia. Despite some initial reservations about the emotional toll of assisting people in navigating separations, Maddie found herself deeply fulfilled by the work and is grateful for the path that had serendipitously fallen into her lap.

Having graduated from the University of Canberra with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Madeleine’s academic background provides her with a unique lens through which she views family law matters. Her double degree enriches her understanding of the psychological aspects of parenting disputes and the financial motivations in property matters. Additionally, her prior experience in bookkeeping equips her with the skills necessary to navigate complex financial and property issues with precision.

In her career, Maddie takes pride in her ability to assist clients in reaching practical, cost-effective resolutions of their matters. Her approach to family law is defined by her commitment to transparency, honesty, and a strategic, calm manner, all while being cognisant of the emotional turmoil that can accompany separation and delivering advice in a trauma-informed way.

Madeleine has been described by her clients as a "gift" and a "right-hand gal," known for her dedication and ongoing support throughout her clients’ family law journeys. Her colleagues recognise her for being driven, tenacious, and strategic, qualities that make her adept at navigating the complexities of family law.

Outside of her professional life, Maddie enjoys unwinding with a glass of wine, playing video games, and spending quality time with her Italian greyhound puppy. These leisure activities reflect her belief in the importance of balance and self-care.

At Parker Coles Curtis, Madeleine Bonadeo is not just a whip-smart lawyer; she's a compassionate listener and a dedicated advocate. With her comprehensive understanding of both the legal and emotional aspects of family law, Madeleine is committed to guiding her clients through their legal journeys towards closure and certainty with empathy and expertise.

Her journey into family law began during her university studies, where she embraced the role of a paralegal at a family law firm. It was there that Hannah found that she could combine her love of client interaction and the application of her analytical prowess at a level that is rare across legal jurisdictions. Despite a brief foray into commercial law upon completion of her studies, where she found the lack of client connection and visible impact of her work disheartening, Hannah's passion for family law drew her back, reaffirming her commitment to making a tangible difference in people's lives.

Armed with a Bachelor of Law (Hons) and a Bachelor of International Relations from the Australian National University, along with a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law, Hannah's academic foundation is as impressive as her professional ethos. Hannah is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory and the High Court of Australia.

What sets Hannah apart is her soft-spoken demeanor coupled with innate empathy and compassion, which in conjunction with her commitment to explaining complex legal concepts in a practical and straightforward manner, her clients consider to be her most valuable attributes. This unique blend of attributes allows her to deliver difficult truths and legal advice in a manner that is not only considerate and kind but also nuanced and tailored to the specific needs of her clients.

Hannah takes pride in her ability to methodically break down complex property matters and navigate challenging coparenting relationships, valuing the opportunity to assist clients with the intricacies of their matters. Described as compassionate, candid, and approachable, she embodies these qualities in every client interaction, ensuring that her clients feel understood, heard and supported.

Clients consistently describe Hannah's approach as empathetic and soothing, highlighting her ability to navigate the emotional complexities of family law with care and sensitivity. Her colleagues and clients alike commend her careful, considered, and compassionate approach to legal matters, reflecting her deep commitment to her work.

Outside the legal world, Hannah can be found working at a local winery (frequently waxing lyrical about the regional characteristics of varietals grown in the cool climate Canberra wine region), planning her wedding, walking her overexcitable Italian Greyhound, or delving into mystery novels.

At Parker Coles Curtis, Hannah Weston stands out not only for her legal acumen but also for her profound ability to connect with clients on a human level, guiding them through their most challenging times with grace and understanding.

Sarah Mountford-Bunn's path to family law is a testament to the power of natural inclination and the pursuit of passion. From the outset, Sarah was drawn to the intricacies of law, with a keen interest sparked during her high school legal studies. Sarah's inherent strengths and the advice of those who knew her best steered her toward the field of law, where her talent for strategy, argumentation and advocacy could truly shine.

Sarah's journey into family law was as unexpected, despite initial reservations about the field, a family law course during her studies unveiled a deep-seated passion for the practice. Following her heart by changing her career path to family law, Sarah set out her on a path of discovery and fulfillment.

What sets Sarah apart in her legal practice is not just her legal acumen but a rich tapestry of life experiences. Having embarked on a legal career later in life, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge from her ventures in setting up companies and startups, understanding the backend of business, and navigating the complexities of trusts. Her life skills, coupled with a compassionate nature and a protective instinct, make her an invaluable ally to her clients.

Sarah takes pride in her willingness to reinvent herself, transitioning from a position of authority and responsibility in the business world to start anew in the pursuit of her long term legal passion. Her approach to client relations is built on honesty, support, frankness, realism, and protective qualities that resonate deeply with those she serves. Clients appreciate her attentiveness, prompt responses, and genuine care, often expressing gratitude for her dedication.

Outside the office, Sarah's interests reflect her diverse talents and compassionate nature. Whether renovating her house and garden, volunteering at animal shelters, spending quality time with her family and baby, or indulging in her love for cooking, Sarah embodies the balance between professional dedication and personal fulfillment.

With qualifications including a Bachelor of International Relations and Politics, Masters in Business with Distinction, and an LLB Hons, Sarah's multifaceted background enriches her practice at Parker Coles Curtis. Clients and colleagues alike commend her ability to connect on a personal level, underscoring her role not just as a lawyer, but as a steadfast supporter and advocate for those navigating the complexities of family law.