Business Details
18 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Services in Sydney
Dowson Turco Lawyers was founded in 2008 with a vision to practice law differently by prioritizing inclusivity, empathy, and community support. As Australia's only Out Loud and Proud LGBTQIA+ law firm, we combine decades of legal expertise with a deep commitment to equality and social justice. Our diverse team of practitioners specializes in criminal law, family and estates law, litigation, property law, and commercial law, serving clients across Australia and internationally.We are recognized for our advocacy in LGBTQIA+ rights, including leading parliamentary inquiries into hate crimes and securing landmark legal outcomes. Our approach blends technical excellence with a nuanced understanding of our clients' lived experiences, ensuring tailored, compassionate representation. We invest in ongoing staff development and community partnerships to deliver comprehensive legal solutions while maintaining a welcoming, inclusive environment for all clients.
Services
Family Law
Criminal Law
Estate Planning
Employment Law
Property Law
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of combined experience in family law advocacy
- Australia's only Out Loud and Proud LGBTQIA+ law firm
- Award-winning diversity initiatives recognized nationally
- Proven success in complex criminal and human rights cases
- Specialized estate planning for non-traditional families
Associations and certifications
- Diversity Initiative of the Year 2023 (Australasian Law Awards)
What people say
Empathetic representation
Successful case outcomes
Inclusive environment
Expert legal guidance
Community advocacy
Services
Family Law
Our family law practice addresses complex relationship disputes, parenting arrangements, and property settlements. We specialize in LGBTQIA+ family matters including rainbow family agreements, surrogacy, and IVF arrangements. With decades of experience in the Family Court of Australia, we provide strategic advice on financial agreements, child custody, and mediation services. Our team understands the unique challenges faced by diverse families and offers tailored solutions that prioritize children's welfare and equitable outcomes.
Criminal Law
We defend clients facing serious criminal charges including drug supply, sexual offenses, and cybercrime. Our team has secured dismissals in complex cases involving historical allegations and represented clients in the Court of Criminal Appeal. Specializing in LGBTQIA+ advocacy, we challenge discriminatory practices while providing strategic defense in matters ranging from traffic offenses to organized crime allegations. Our approach combines technical legal expertise with a commitment to protecting clients' rights throughout the judicial process.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services create certainty for asset distribution and future care arrangements. We draft wills, powers of attorney, and advanced care directives tailored to non-traditional families. The LOVE Project provides specialized estate planning for LGBTQIA+ elders, ensuring legal protections for relationships and assets. Our team handles complex family provision claims and advises on testamentary trusts. We offer an online system for streamlined estate instructions while maintaining personalized legal guidance for all clients.
Employment Law
We represent employees and employers in discrimination claims, contract disputes, and unfair dismissal cases. Our practice addresses workplace discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, and disability. We draft employment contracts, negotiate workplace agreements, and defend clients before the Fair Work Ombudsman. With expertise in industrial relations, we resolve disputes involving adverse action claims and workplace policy violations while promoting inclusive employment practices.
Property Law
Our property law team handles residential and commercial transactions across Australia. We assist with property purchases, leasing agreements, and construction contract reviews. Specializing in complex property disputes, we represent buyers, sellers, and investors in matters involving off-the-plan developments and company title lots. We provide strategic advice on property settlements during relationship breakdowns and negotiate terms for commercial leases, ensuring legally sound transactions for all parties involved.
People
Stacey Dowson
Managing Partner
Admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW in 1996, Stacey Dowson co-founded Dowson Turco Lawyers in 2008. With extensive experience in community legal practice, she leads the firm's commitment to LGBTQIA+ advocacy and social justice. Her expertise spans family law and human rights, driving the firm's mission to provide inclusive legal services.
Mary Turco
Special Counsel
Mary Turco, admitted in 1984, holds dual degrees in Arts and Laws from UNSW. As co-founder, she directs the firm's pro-bono initiatives including advocacy for gay hate crime victims. Her legal career combines academic rigor with practical expertise in complex litigation and community advocacy.
Nicholas Stewart
Partner
Nicholas Stewart heads the criminal and human rights law teams since joining in 2012. His practice focuses on defending clients in serious criminal matters while advancing LGBTQIA+ rights through strategic litigation. He has represented clients in landmark cases involving discrimination and constitutional challenges.
Brett
Business Manager
Brett oversees operational management, ensuring efficient service delivery across all practice areas. With extensive experience in legal administration, he supports the firm's growth while maintaining client-focused service standards.
Ella
Senior Associate
Ella specializes in family law, representing clients in complex parenting and property disputes. Her practice emphasizes non-traditional family arrangements, providing strategic advice on co-parenting agreements and surrogacy arrangements while advocating for equitable outcomes.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We specialize in family law, criminal law, estate planning, employment law, and property law with particular expertise in LGBTQIA+ legal matters.
Do you offer services outside Sydney?
Yes, we represent clients across Australia and internationally in matters involving Australian law and cross-border legal issues.
How do you support LGBTQIA+ clients?
As Australia's only Out Loud and Proud LGBTQIA+ law firm, we combine lived experience with legal expertise to provide culturally competent representation tailored to diverse family structures.
Can I get help with property disputes?
Our property law team handles residential and commercial disputes, leasing agreements, and construction contract reviews with nationwide experience.
Do you provide pro-bono services?
Yes, we maintain active pro-bono programs supporting victims of discrimination and advocating for systemic legal reforms.
How do I start a legal case?
Contact us via phone or our online enquiry system to discuss your matter and receive strategic legal guidance tailored to your situation.
