Family Law advice and representation
Adelaide Mount Barker Bordertown Naracoorte
Empowering you to move forward, confidently
Sonya Ballinger
Sonya Ballinger
I love classes at the gym. After having young children and not having that freedom, I now find classes (and that liberty) life changing! That is me now.
When I was younger I graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Laws, First Class Honours and several academic prizes.
I was steered into the world of very large commercial legal firms. I worked in a ‘magic circle’ firm, Allen & Overy in London and then on my return to Adelaide I was promoted to partner at a large local firm Minter Ellison when I was 29.
In London I worked on multibillion-dollar disputes for global clients. In Adelaide I advised on insurance and commercial disputes, including conducting several matters as large as $30 million for local, interstate, English and American clients and their advisers.
It was high profile, technically challenging and exciting – but it did not tick the boxes for me at a personal level. I had studied family law at University and really enjoyed it.
On having my children I was able to reflect on what I wanted to do and I was then able to focus on practising family law.
I am approachable and empathetic, and I find practising family law very rewarding. I understand that a relationship breakdown can be a difficult and heartbreaking time.
I am committed to becoming a trusted advisor for my clients. I am genuinely concerned for their best interests. I ensure my clients are fully advised and well placed to make informed decisions for their future.
Qualifications
Graduate Certificate in Applied Law (Family Law), The College of Law – 2012
Company Directors Course, Australian Institute of Company Directors – 2010
Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test leading to admission to the Supreme Court of England and Wales – 2002
Graduate Certificate in Legal Practice, Law Society of South Australia – 1998
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (with First Class Honours), Flinders University of South Australia – 1997
Memberships
Law Council of Australia – Family Law Section
Law Society of South Australia
Elma Li
Elma Li
I enjoy catching up with friends at cafés with a cup of hot chai and exploring gateaux and desserts on the menu.
I am a final year Bachelor of Law student at the University of Adelaide.
Family Law situations can be emotionally charged and complex. I am understanding, compassionate and approachable, and I like to help clients feel as comfortable as possible. My friendly and caring manner puts me in good stead to communicate effectively with clients.
My Chinese cultural background and fluency in Mandarin and Cantonese also assist clients with those backgrounds to feel at ease.
I find it rewarding to empower clients in often emotional situations to make legally sound and well planned decisions in Family Law.
I enjoy working with the firm’s clients and I am dedicated to acting in their best interests.
Client testimonials
Our philosophy
At Ballinger Legal we want to contain conflict, not see it escalate