A little over 18-months ago three remarkable women came together to create a one-of-a-kind family law firm.

In September 2020 Debra Parker and Catherine Coles (previously from Watts McCray Lawyers in Canberra) joined forces with Jacquelyn Curtis (previously at Phelps Reid and DDCS Lawyers) to form a new family law firm.

They’ve created a warm, kind and compassionate law firm providing quality and excellent service.

When you step into their stylish firm, you truly feel welcomed into a warm and calm, environment. They wanted their clients to feel as comfortable, as though they are meeting a friend for a cuppa in a loungeroom rather than stepping into a clinical, intimidating environment.

Parker Coles Curtis aim to make their clients feel welcome, safe and supported every step of the way on their family law journey. They hope to instil clients with the confidence and calm they need to be able to move ahead and provide them with emotional and professional support every step of the way.

After less than one year, Parker Coles Curtis was awarded boutique diversity law firm of the year and were finalists of many prestigious awards including excellence in service, product innovation, boutique firm and they were highly acclaimed by the National Doyles guide. Debra Parker was the only Partner in Australia shortlisted as a finalist in two Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Award categories including Family law and Dispute resolution.

Their legal team has grown exceptionally since opening their doors. Originally starting with one solicitor, Monica Serci (also moving across from Watts McCray Lawyers) and one administration assistant growing to a crew of 15 within one year. The close-knit team, always celebrating their wins, birthdays and they are proud to support the local community organisations that are close to their hearts. These include sponsorship of Menslink, DVCS, Lifeline, Canberra hospital and donated 10% of every new consultation to supporting women and children fleeing violence in Afghanistan.

Founding Director Debra is the only lawyer in Canberra with a Specialist Accreditation in two areas (family law and dispute resolution). Bringing her incredible experience to the firm, she is passionate about mediation and a more collaborative approach to help clients to resolve matters outside of court. Debra has personally completed thousands of mediations and is ranked by the Doyles guide as “Preeminent” family law status in the ACT and as a “Leading” mediator. She sits on the International Law Committee and is the Chair of the Alternate Dispute Resolution committee for the ACT Law Society.

Founding Director Catherine Coles, who worked with Debra at Watts McCray, has been described as a “graceful gladiator” by a former client. She has a Specialist Accreditation in family law and has an empathetic but straight forward approach. She volunteers at the Women’s Legal Centre and provides Pro Bono legal advice and is also a Council member for the ACT Law Society and is an independent children’s lawyer and on the Children and Family Violence Committee. Catherine is has been ranked as a “Leading” family lawyer by the National Doyles guide in both Family & Divorce Lawyer as well as Parenting, Children & Custody Matters.

Founding Director Jacquelyn Curtis has a Specialist Accreditation in family law and brings over a decade of experience to the firm. She champions cooperative co-parenting and respectful separation to limit the adverse impact of conflict upon children, wherever possible. As a separated parent herself, Jacqui walks the cooperative co-parenting talk in her own life and coaches her clients about keeping the child’s interests front of mind. She is highly persuasive, strategic in negotiations, mediation and has a key interest in areas that include complex parenting cases and issues of risk to children. Jacqui was ranked as a “Leading” family lawyer by the Doyles guide in both Family & Divorce Lawyer as well as Parenting, Children & Custody Matters.

Parker Coles Curtis feel that helping clients through one of the most difficult periods of their lives is honour and privilege which they do not take lightly. They have been awarded with over 40 heartfelt 5 star reviews from clients.

If you’re looking for a kind-hearted, quality family lawyer look no further. With their motto “Here when life happens”, they truly are, always there when clients need them. Providing clear communication, guidance, advice and offering a range of options and encouraging alternative dispute resolutions to court when possible, including mediation and collaborative law.

Call their friendly team or easily book online for an initial consultation or a free 15-minute phone call to discuss your family law matter and what your next steps might look like. They’ll make the process smooth, simplified and less daunting. Sometimes having some of those burning questions answered about children and finances can give you the initial clarity to move forward in your separation journey.

Phone their team on (02) 5114 2660 or email hello@parkercolecurtis.com.au or visit their website to book a service online https://parkercolescurtis.com.au/book-now/