His 30 years corporate experience included providing strategic and legal advice C-Level teams in areas covering Mergers and Acquisitions; Corporate Governance, Major Contracts and outsourcing,  Competition Law and Federal Court litigation.

After years of working in the corporate sector, Alastair decided to follow his passion for the law and enter private practice.

Alastair has a strong inclination toward human rights and served as a volunteer Solicitor at a Community Legal Centre in Darlinghurst providing free legal advice to the homeless and disadvantaged.  He also worked with various human rights groups in Apartheid-era South Africa.  This culture of caring for people continues in Rockdene Lawyers where team members are encouraged to provide low-fee and pro bono legal representation in selected matters.

With his strong corporate experience, Alastair has advised clients on capital raising, business acquisitions, shareholder agreements, employment law and corporate compliance.

Alastair also heads up the Family Law practice and successfully represents clients in the Family Court in defended hearings as well as finalising property settlements through mediation and consent.

Since working in the private sector, Alastair brings his corporate experience and formal qualifications to work for the benefit of both private and business clients.  This is evident in Alastair’s approach in strongly protecting the interests of his clients and in providing sound, realistic and commercially practical advice and solutions.

Alastair’s extensive experience in the corporate sector is backed up by formal qualifications

• Master of Laws
• Master of Business Administration.
• Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Commerce, majors in Economics, Finance and Law
• Diploma in Theology

Alastair grew up in Zimbabwe and completed his military service with the Royal Rhodesian Air Force as a Pilot.  He later went on to work for various overseas shipping companies.

When not at work, you will find Alastair spending leisure time working with wood, on the water  kayaking and ministering at his local church.

Bernadine is an experienced lawyers 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 2021.

Bernadine is now Principal of her own law practice – LightHill Law – and continues as an associate of  Rockdene Lawyers.

She assists clients with Wills and Estates, Commercial Law and Property Law matters.

Prior to emigrating to Australia, Bernadine was Principal of her own law practice in South Africa for 8 years, covering property law, litigation, family law and wills and estates.

Having completed an MBA, Bernadine is equipped to 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

Mae is an experienced lawyer who has practised in both public and private sectors. She was admitted as a solicitor in NSW in 1997, working in private practice and then at Legal Aid NSW as a family lawyer, often acting as a children’s legal representative in complex cases.

Mae heads up the Estate Planning practice at Rockdene as she has a particular interest in estate planning, and has extensive experience in obtaining Grants of Probate, Wills, Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship. Mae is committed to giving sound and sensible legal advice with diligence and compassion.

She has assisted may clients with all manner of estate matters including complex estates and trusts.

Outside of her legal work, Mae is a parent leader and speaker for Family Advocacy NSW, an organisation working to promote the rights and interests of people with developmental disability. She also enjoys raising her four children and supporting her parents in their retirement years.

Education

• Bachelor of Laws, University of Sydney, 1994
• Bachelor of Economics, University of Sydney, 1994
• Admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW, 1997

Sarah joined Rockdene Lawyers as a law clerk when she was in her final semester Arts/Law student at UNSW and graduated in Spring 2021. She successfully completed her Grad Dip in Legal Practice at the College of Law.

After admission to the Supreme Court of New South Wales, she continued working with Rockdene Lawyers, advising clients in the Wills and Estates practice, assisting in Family Law matters, Commercial law and Property Law.

Sarah has sharpened her skills and interests such that she proved to be a valued member of the team and many clients have expressed their appreciation of her support for their matters.

Outside of practicing law, Sarah is a keen follower of Formula 1 and enjoying playing basketball. Sarah has also discovered the pleasures of overseas travel.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws – UNSW
• Grad Dip Legal Practice