Business Details
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Sydney & Newcastle
Somerville Legal combines the expertise of a large law firm with the personalized attention of a boutique practice. With offices in North Sydney and Newcastle, our team of accredited specialists delivers practical legal solutions across family law, business law, wills & estates, and strata matters. We prioritise client goals through transparent communication, innovative problem-solving, and a commitment to cost-effective outcomes.Our litigation team prepares cases thoroughly while maintaining control to protect client interests, and our estate planning specialists utilise testamentary trusts for asset protection and tax efficiency. With decades of combined experience, we provide tailored advice to businesses, families, and individuals.
Services
Family Law
Business Law
Wills & Estate Planning
Strata Matters
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Probate
Estate Litigation
Commercial Law
Employment Law
Intellectual Property
Highlights and features
- Accredited specialists in business law and wills & estates by the Law Society of NSW
- Practical approach focused on client goals and cost-effective solutions
- Experienced in alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and arbitration
- Personalised legal advice from a team with over 40 years of combined experience
- Flexible availability, including after-hours strata meeting attendance
Associations and certifications
- Law Society of NSW
- STEP (Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners)
Services
Family Law
Our family law team provides practical advice for property settlements, de facto relationships, children's issues, and binding financial agreements. We prioritise swift resolutions to reduce emotional and financial strain while ensuring fair outcomes. Clients benefit from specialist expertise in contested divorces and prenuptial agreements.
Wills & Estate Planning
We create tailored wills, testamentary trusts, and powers of attorney to protect assets and ensure your wishes are honoured. Our accredited specialists advise on tax-efficient structures and defend contested estates. Clients gain peace of mind through comprehensive planning and litigation support.
Business Law
Specialist business law services cover contracts, tax structuring, asset protection, and dispute resolution. Accredited lawyer Tim Somerville advises on minimising risks while maximising growth opportunities. Clients receive strategic guidance aligned with long-term commercial goals.
Strata Matters
We represent lot owners, developers, and strata schemes in NCAT and courts for levy collection, by-law breaches, and building defects. Our team balances practical solutions with robust advocacy to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting property interests.
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Our litigation team handles cases from local courts to supreme courts, focusing on settlement where possible but prepared for trial. We control costs by managing most work in-house and utilise barristers strategically. Clients benefit from transparent case updates and outcome-focused strategies.
People
Tim Somerville
Founding Partner
Accredited business law specialist with 40+ years' experience. Leads tax structuring and estate litigation, combining technical expertise with strategic commercial advice.
Stephen Lynch
Director
Wills & estates accredited specialist and STEP member. Expert in testamentary trusts, probate, and complex estate disputes with national recognition.
Emily Priestley
Senior Associate
Specialises in drafting complex wills and estate litigation. Provides clear guidance on asset protection and inheritance claims.
Ben Hemsworth
Managing Director
Oversees operational excellence and client service delivery across litigation and commercial law practices.
Andrew Somerville
Solicitor
Focuses on business law and tax structuring, supporting clients with contractual and compliance matters.
Questions
What areas of law does Somerville Legal specialise in?
We specialise in family law, business law, wills & estates, strata matters, and litigation. Our accredited specialists handle complex cases across these fields.
Can I sign my will via video conference?
No - wills require physical presence of two non-beneficiary witnesses. We offer alternative arrangements during restrictions while complying with legal requirements.
What are the benefits of a binding financial agreement?
These agreements protect assets in de facto or marital relationships, clarifying financial responsibilities and avoiding court disputes during separations.
How does Somerville Legal handle estate disputes?
We prioritise mediation but litigate aggressively when needed. Our specialists resolve contested wills, family provision claims, and executor disputes efficiently.
Do you offer after-hours services for strata matters?
Yes - our strata team attends meetings outside business hours to accommodate client needs and resolve urgent property issues promptly.
