
Alastair Tiddy
Principal
Alastair brings 30 years of corporate experience to the Rockdene table. He has provided strategic and legal advice across mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, major contracts and outsourcing, competition law and federal court litigation. He takes a client-first approach, crafting sound, pragmatic and comprehensive legal solutions while protecting his clients’ broader interests.
Education
- Master of Laws
- Bachelor of Laws
- Master of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Law)
- Diploma in Theology.

Craig Sadler
Senior Associate
Craig gained his legal credentials working intensively across the construction and commercial law sector in his native South Africa, where he represented clients in the High Court. Now skilled in Australian law, he brings impressive advocacy and civil litigation skills to his legal practice, along with a practical, solution-based approach.
Education
- B.Proc (Wits)
- Bachelor of Laws (Wits)
- Admitted to the Johannesburg Bar (1997)
Jon Tiddy
Legal Support
Jon is well grounded in corporate securities investment services and law enforcement. He also provides valuable support work in the areas of investigation, analysis and drafting of court documents. His strong work ethic and resourceful approach ensure swift, efficient turnaround for clients.
Education
- Bachelor Arts (Criminology)
- Bachelor of Social Science (Hons)
- Master of International Relations
- Graduate Certificate – Fraud and Financial Crime
Our Team
The Rockdene team boasts more than 50 years’ combined business and legal experience, both in Australia and overseas.

Alastair Tiddy
Principal
Alastair brings 30 years of corporate experience to the Rockdene table. He has provided strategic and legal advice across mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, major contracts and outsourcing, competition law and federal court litigation. He takes a client-first approach, crafting sound, pragmatic and comprehensive legal solutions while protecting his clients’ broader interests.
Education
- Master of Laws
- Bachelor of Laws
- Master of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Law)
- Diploma in Theology
Bernadine is trained and experienced in both South African and Australian legal jurisdictions. She was admitted to practice in NSW in 2019 and has worked at Rockdene Lawyers since arriving with her family in 2020.
Prior to emigrating to Australia, Bernadine was Principal of her own law practice in South Africa for 7 years, covering property law, litigation, family law and wills and estates.
Having completed an MBA, she can provide solutions that are both legally and commercially sound. She is passionate about people and forming long-lasting client relationships. Outside of the law, she LOVES baking and all who have enjoyed her baking can attest to the fact that she is very good at it.
Education
- Bachelor of Laws LLB (University of Pretoria 2009)
- Master of Business Administration (Australian Institute of Business 2017)
- Admitted Solicitor ZA 2011 and AU 2019
- Member of the NSW Law Society

Bernadine Swaffield
Senior Associate

Sarah Abraham
Law Clerk
Sarah as successfully completed her Arts/Law degree from UNSW and has commenced the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the College of Law.
Sarah will be seeking to be admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW in early 2022 when her Grad Dip is completed.
Sarah supports the other lawyers at Rockdene Lawyers conducting research for advice to clients, providing litigation support, assisting in conveyancing and administration.
She looks forward to working as a full-time solicitor, while undertaking pro-bono work for LegalAid whenever possible.
Key interests
Sarah has a keen interest in Immigration, Family, Constitutional and Criminal Law.
Outside Interests
- A keen follower of Formula 1.
- especially Carlos Sainz of Ferrari.
- enjoying foreign cuisines.
- especially Thai
- Sci-fi and Crime novels
- Sarah enjoys playing basketball whenever her studies permit.