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Solicitors
Our Darwin Solicitors
David De Silva AM
Principal
Litigation
Qualifications
Bachelor of Laws, University of Adelaide 1988
Admitted to practice 1989
Member of the Order of Australia – 11 June 2018
David is a prominent member of the Northern Territory business community and legal profession, having practised as partner and principal of De Silva Hebron for 25 years.
David commenced in the law as a Judges Associate with Justice Robin Millhouse in the Supreme Court of South Australia. He then completed Articles of Clerkship with the Darwin office of Poveys in 1989. Following his admission in 1989, David commenced employment as a junior lawyer with Cridlands.
In 1994, he went into partnership with James Hebron to form De Silva Hebron and following James’ departure interstate, David has been principal of the firm for the last 20 years.
David has had extensive board and committee experience in relation to private companies, non-government organisations and sporting bodies and is highly regarded in the area of administrative, racing and sports law, having completed a number of units in racing law and regulation through the University of Melbourne.
David is a community-minded practitioner who is focused on adding value to the local community and actively encourages the philanthropic activities of the firm.
David is a keen businessman who fosters and nurtures strong relationships with key stakeholders in the Northern Territory and his reputation in the commercial world has opened a number of opportunities for him to facilitate the development of the Northern Territory, most recently being made a Member in the Order of Australia for services provided to the Darwin business community.
Areas of Law
- Civil Litigation – all areas
- Commercial Law – all areas
- Liquor Licensing
- Administrative Law
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Laws, University of Adelaide, (1988)
Admissions
- Supreme Court of Northern Territory, 1989
- High Court of Australia
Current Board Positions/Directorships positions
- Darwin Performing Arts Centre Ltd – Chairman of Board – Appointed July 2013.
- Tennis NT Inc. – President of Board of Management – Appointed November 2013.
- Territory Equities Pty Ltd – Member of Board of Directors – Appointed June 2007.
Alana Cox
Partner
Commercial
Qualifications
Bachelor of Laws, Northern Territory University
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Australian National University.
Admitted to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory 17 December 2004
Admitted to the High Court of Australia 10 April 2006
Prior to commencing her employment with De Silva Hebron, Alana was a Research Officer in the Policy and Co-ordination Unit within the Department of the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory. Her duties included drafting instructions for Acts of Parliament, legal research, legal analysis, and preparation of documents for Parliament.
Following her employment with the Department of Chief Minister, Alana was Associate to the Honourable Justice Riley of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory.
In 2005 Alana commenced employment with De Silva Hebron where she worked in the commercial division of the firm. Thereafter, Alana moved to the litigation division of the firm where her practice included Work Health, Motor Accidents Compensation, Personal Injury and General Civil Litigation, in both the Local and Supreme Court Jurisdictions. Alana also acted in matters relating to Immigration Law, Criminal Law, Estate Law, Probate and Debt Recovery.
In 2008 Alana moved from the Litigation Department to the Commercial Department of De Silva Hebron where she now practices in all areas of Commercial Law. Alana is passionate about this area of law, and is committed to making complex transactions as simple as possible. She focuses on developing deep connections with her clients and getting to know their businesses, and provides commercially driven, practical solutions. Working as closely as she does with her clients, they view her as an extension of their teams.
Alana has extensive experience across all aspects of real estate transactions and all asset classes, having acted for many owners and developers of commercial real estate.
Alana’s in-depth knowledge and experience enables her to view transactions from all sides and work collaboratively to negotiate deals which leave all parties happy with the ultimate outcome. Her expertise includes:
Following her employment with the Department of Chief Minister, Alana was Associate to the Honourable Justice Riley of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory.
In 2005 Alana commenced employment with De Silva Hebron where she worked in the commercial division of the firm. Thereafter, Alana moved to the litigation division of the firm where her practice included Work Health, Motor Accidents Compensation, Personal Injury and General Civil Litigation, in both the Local and Supreme Court Jurisdictions. Alana also acted in matters relating to Immigration Law, Criminal Law, Estate Law, Probate and Debt Recovery.
In 2008 Alana moved from the Litigation Department to the Commercial Department of De Silva Hebron where she now practices in all areas of Commercial Law. Alana is passionate about this area of law, and is committed to making complex transactions as simple as possible. She focuses on developing deep connections with her clients and getting to know their businesses, and provides commercially driven, practical solutions. Working as closely as she does with her clients, they view her as an extension of their teams.
Alana has extensive experience across all aspects of real estate transactions and all asset classes, having acted for many owners and developers of commercial real estate.
Alana’s in-depth knowledge and experience enables her to view transactions from all sides and work collaboratively to negotiate deals which leave all parties happy with the ultimate outcome. Her expertise includes:
- the acquisition and disposal of industrial and commercial land, both leased and vacant
- development of land, including subdivisions and easements
- property portfolio management, including commercial leasing; and
- property due diligence;
- establishing companies, trusts and other business structures including preparing shareholder documents;
- business succession and estate planning;
- corporate governance including company procedures and directors duties;
- commercial contracts including services agreements, shareholders agreements, terms and conditions of supply, asset leases, and guarantees.
Many of Alana’s clients have been with her for over 10 years, drawn to her commercial acumen, attention to detail, engagement and her ability to identify and negotiate appropriate risk allocation.
Having developed a dedicated team of skilled and service oriented lawyers and support staff, Alana is able to service the constant demands of large real estate portfolios whilst delivering quality outcomes in a timely manner.
She has particular skills in capital transactions, complex development agreements for leases and joint ventures.
Having developed a dedicated team of skilled and service oriented lawyers and support staff, Alana is able to service the constant demands of large real estate portfolios whilst delivering quality outcomes in a timely manner.
She has particular skills in capital transactions, complex development agreements for leases and joint ventures.
Peter Orr
Special Counsel
Personal Injuries and Workers Compensation
Qualifications
Bachelor Of Laws Deakin University March 2001
Admitted to Practice: Victorian Supreme Court 3 June 2002
Admitted to Practice High Court of Australia July 2002
Prior to becoming a lawyer, Peter worked as an Associate to Commissioner Simmonds in the Federal Industrial Relations Commission (now Fair Work). In that role Peter developed a good understanding of employment law.
Peter undertook articles with Norton White specialising in Maritime and Aviation Law.
Together with the majority of Norton White, Peter moved to Ebsworth & Ebsworth in 2003, where he assisted senior solicitors in acting for most of the major airlines in the Deep Vein Thrombosis claims being made against them. This involved the overall management of some 200 files and claims against the airlines. Peter also acted for the State of Victoria or for individual Police Officers in proceedings brought for personal injury against the State and the Officer.
In 2005 Peter moved to country Victoria and opened up his own legal practice, practising in a variety of areas during this time being the preparation of wills and powers of attorney, obtaining grants of probate and estate administration, lease negotiations and general commercial law and litigation. Being a sole practitioner Peter developed the ability to manage his own files and to ensure that all applicable time frames were completed.
In 2012 Peter moved to the Northern Territory and commenced employment with De Silva Hebron as part of the litigation team and in that time developed a good understanding of the laws applicable in the Northern Territory Jurisdiction. Peter has acted in numerous Workers Compensation matters, in Court of Summary Jurisdiction and Supreme Court Criminal proceedings, in Federal Magistrates Court and Fair Work Commission employment matters.
Peter specialises in personal injury claims and in the last few years he has had two significant successes. In one matter his client was awarded a significant amount for an injury he suffered whilst riding his bicycle. In another matter which settled prior to the hearing, in which Peter’s client had suffered extensive injuries in a house fire, Peter’s client achieved a significant settlement which will provide for the client’s future needs.
As well as his legal career Peter was also a member of the Royal Australian Navy for six years, a Customs Officer with the Australian Customs Service for 10 years and an Associate to a Fair Work Commissioner for 5 years.
These experiences have equipped Peter with a broad range of knowledge in a variety of areas which he finds he is able to utilise in supplementing his legal expertise when acting for a client.
Peter undertook articles with Norton White specialising in Maritime and Aviation Law.
Together with the majority of Norton White, Peter moved to Ebsworth & Ebsworth in 2003, where he assisted senior solicitors in acting for most of the major airlines in the Deep Vein Thrombosis claims being made against them. This involved the overall management of some 200 files and claims against the airlines. Peter also acted for the State of Victoria or for individual Police Officers in proceedings brought for personal injury against the State and the Officer.
In 2005 Peter moved to country Victoria and opened up his own legal practice, practising in a variety of areas during this time being the preparation of wills and powers of attorney, obtaining grants of probate and estate administration, lease negotiations and general commercial law and litigation. Being a sole practitioner Peter developed the ability to manage his own files and to ensure that all applicable time frames were completed.
In 2012 Peter moved to the Northern Territory and commenced employment with De Silva Hebron as part of the litigation team and in that time developed a good understanding of the laws applicable in the Northern Territory Jurisdiction. Peter has acted in numerous Workers Compensation matters, in Court of Summary Jurisdiction and Supreme Court Criminal proceedings, in Federal Magistrates Court and Fair Work Commission employment matters.
Peter specialises in personal injury claims and in the last few years he has had two significant successes. In one matter his client was awarded a significant amount for an injury he suffered whilst riding his bicycle. In another matter which settled prior to the hearing, in which Peter’s client had suffered extensive injuries in a house fire, Peter’s client achieved a significant settlement which will provide for the client’s future needs.
As well as his legal career Peter was also a member of the Royal Australian Navy for six years, a Customs Officer with the Australian Customs Service for 10 years and an Associate to a Fair Work Commissioner for 5 years.
These experiences have equipped Peter with a broad range of knowledge in a variety of areas which he finds he is able to utilise in supplementing his legal expertise when acting for a client.
Relevant experience from other past positions
- 1981 to 1987 Member of Royal Australian Navy;
- 1988 to 1998 Member of Australian Customs Service;
- 1998 to 2002 Associate to Federal Industrial Relations Commissioner
Relevant experience from other past positions
Member of the Darwin Community Legal Service Volunteer division and provides volunteer legal services to the Community Legal Service on a monthly basis
Leanne Kerr
Associate
Commercial Litigation
Qualifications
Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts – Queens University, Belfast 2010
Masters of Law, University of Ulster – University of Ulster 2011
Graduate Diploma Legal Practice – College of Law – 2017
Admitted to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory – 2017
Admitted to the High Court of Australia – 2018
Leanne undertook a combined Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts in Law and Politics at Queens University, Belfast in 2010 and completed a Masters in Human Rights Law and Transitional Justice at University of Ulster, in 2011.
Leanne completed her Australian legal qualifications at the University of Sydney in 2016 before going on to obtain a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice with the College of Law in 2017, whilst working at De Silva Hebron as a clerk.
Leanne was admitted to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory in December 2017 and the High Court of Australia in January 2018. Leanne has a diverse practice including commercial litigation, construction law and wills and estates planning and litigation, employment law and personal injury.
Leanne remains committed to social justice and volunteers at both Darwin Community Legal Services (DCLS) and Top End Womens Legal Services (TEWLS) in her spare time.
Volunteer Work
- Darwin Community Legal Services (DCLS)
- Top End Womens Legal Services (TEWLS)
Thomas Richardson
Senior Solicitor
Commercial
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts (BA) – University of Melbourne 2011
Juris Doctor (JD) – University of Melbourne – 2016
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice – The College of Law – 2017
Certificate of Legal Business Skills – The College of Law – 2017
Admission to the Supreme Court of Victoria – 2017
Thomas studied a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, graduating in 2011 with a double-major in Ancient History and Philosophy. In 2013 he commenced the Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne before completing the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice with the College of Law. Thomas commenced work as a paralegal during his undergraduate degree at Lily Ong Solicitors, a law firm in Melbourne, specialising in foreign investment and immigration law. In 2017 he was admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria and started practice as a solicitor. Thomas commenced work at De Silva Hebron in 2018 and works primarily in corporate and commercial law.
Areas of Law
- Commercial Transactions
- Corporate Governance
- Joint Ventures
- Charitable and Private Trusts
- Liquor Licensing
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts, The University of Melbourne, 2011
- Juris Doctor, The University of Melbourne, 2016
- Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, The College of Law, 2016
Admissions
- Supreme Court of Victoria, 2017
Cassandra Mammino
Solicitor
General Commercial Law
Qualifications
Bachelor of Laws – Charles Darwin University – 2013
Bachelor of Arts – Charles Darwin University – 2013
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice – Australian National University – 2015
Admission to the Supreme Court of Northern Territory, 2016
Cassandra undertook a Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Arts in Darwin, before completing the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice with the Australian National University in 2015. Commencing work with the Top End Women’s Legal Service during her undergraduate program, she continued to volunteer as a legal intern, before securing the Administration Officer position. Commencing work with De Silva Hebron in 2017 as a Solicitor, Cassandra has recently been admitted to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory and works primarily in commercial law.
Kelly Stephenson
Solicitor
Civil Litigation
Qualifications
Bachelor of Law and Legal Practice – Flinders University 2018
Bachelor of International Studies – Flinders University 2018
Admission to the Supreme Court of South Australia – 16 April 2018
Admission to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory, 2018
Kelly undertook a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice/ Bachelor of International Studies at Flinders University in Adelaide and graduated in 2018, completing her practical legal training as part of her degree.
Throughout her undergraduate degree, Kelly worked with the Flinders Legal Advice Clinic as a law clerk and completed an internship with the US Congress. Kelly also did two summer clerkships, at HWL Ebsworth and Wallmans Lawyers, before becoming a fulltime graduate clerk at Wallmans Lawyers, working primarily in commercial property law.
Commencing work with De Silva Hebron in 2018 as a Solicitor, Kelly has recently been admitted to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory and works primarily in litigation.
Throughout her undergraduate degree, Kelly worked with the Flinders Legal Advice Clinic as a law clerk and completed an internship with the US Congress. Kelly also did two summer clerkships, at HWL Ebsworth and Wallmans Lawyers, before becoming a fulltime graduate clerk at Wallmans Lawyers, working primarily in commercial property law.
Commencing work with De Silva Hebron in 2018 as a Solicitor, Kelly has recently been admitted to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory and works primarily in litigation.
Eesha Raut
Solicitor
Litigation | Wills & Estate Planning
Qualifications
Bachelor of Laws and Commerce – Charles Darwin University 2019
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice – College of Law 2019
Admitted to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory, 2020
Volunteer Work – Darwin Community Legal Services (DCLS)
Eesha undertook a combined Bachelor of Laws and Commerce with a major in Management at Charles Darwin University, graduating in 2019.
Eesha undertook a combined Bachelor of Laws and Commerce with a major in Management at Charles Darwin University, graduating in 2019.
During her undergraduate studies Eesha was chosen to become a New Colombo Plan scholarship recipient as a part of a Federal Government initiative to encourage cross-cultural studies between Australia and Asia. As a scholarship recipient, Eesha completed a component of her studies at the China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing.
Eesha commenced working at De Silva Hebron in early 2019 as a Graduate Clerk where she completed her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practices and was admitted to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory in the same year. Now a solicitor, Eesha primarily works in litigation and estate management.
Where possible, Eesha continue to volunteer at the Darwin Community Legal Services (DCLS).