Managing Partner and Head of Family Law, Leona Bennett, has been featured in the latest issue of The Brief, published by the Family Law Education Network (FLENA).
In the article “Trailblazer in Family Law: A Conversation with Leona Bennett,” Leona reflects on her journey into family law, her commitment to supporting women and families through complex legal challenges, and her advocacy for trauma-informed legal practice. With decades of experience in family law and a deep connection to the community, Leona’s work demonstrates how legal expertise, leadership and compassion can come together to create meaningful impact for clients and the profession alike.
A Career Inspired by Law and Psychology
Leona’s path into family law began with a strong interest in both law and psychology. Early in her academic career, she explored the turning points in women’s lives through her psychology research while also studying legal issues surrounding family violence. These two disciplines naturally intersect in family law.
During her legal studies, Leona discovered that family law provided a unique opportunity to combine her interests in human behaviour, relationships and the legal system. It quickly became clear that this area of law allowed her to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families navigating significant life transitions. Today, that same passion continues to shape her work with clients and her leadership within the firm.
Leadership in Family Law Practice
As Managing Partner and Head of Family Law at Southern Waters Legal, Leona plays a dual role as both a practising lawyer and a leader within the firm. Her days are a balance of:
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Advising clients through complex family law matters
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Appearing in court and mediations
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Mentoring and supporting her legal team
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Overseeing the development of the firm’s family law practice.
Despite the demands of leadership, Leona remains actively involved in client work. This hands-on approach allows her to stay closely connected to the real issues affecting families while also guiding the next generation of lawyers within the firm.
Building Strong Professional Networks for Women
One of the themes Leona frequently speaks about is the importance of building strong professional networks, particularly for women in law. Early in her career, she often found herself as the only female solicitor in male-dominated environments. While supportive colleagues surrounded her, the experience highlighted the value of creating meaningful professional connections with other women in the industry.
To address this gap, Leona helped establish informal networks of female lawyers who could support one another professionally and personally. These relationships have grown into powerful professional communities that continue to provide guidance, collaboration and mentorship.
Supporting Women Experiencing Family Violence
Beyond her legal practice, Leona is deeply committed to supporting women experiencing family violence. Several years ago, she connected Southern Waters Legal with The Family Co., a local organisation assisting women escaping domestic violence. What began as a simple outreach quickly developed into an ongoing partnership. Today, Leona and her team participate in a legal advice roster, volunteering their time to provide family law guidance to women who may otherwise struggle to access legal assistance.
Southern Waters Legal also participates in community information sessions, helping women understand their rights and the legal processes involved in separation and parenting arrangements. For many women navigating separation or family violence, access to clear and supportive legal advice can be a critical first step toward stability and safety.
Advocating for Trauma-Informed Family Law
Family law matters frequently involve deeply personal and emotionally challenging circumstances. As a result, Leona strongly believes that lawyers must approach these matters with both legal expertise and emotional awareness. A key part of her advocacy is the importance of trauma-informed legal practice.
Victims of family violence often require time and trust before they feel able to share their full experiences. Understanding this dynamic allows lawyers to better support clients and ensure their voices are heard within the legal system. Leona also highlights the need for continued progress within the court system to ensure processes better support victims of family violence while maintaining fairness and procedural integrity.
Educating Clients and Reducing Conflict
In addition to supporting victims, Leona believes family lawyers play an important role in educating clients about how their actions may be perceived within the legal system. For some clients, behaviour that may feel justified emotionally can appear very differently in court. Helping clients understand these perspectives can reduce unnecessary conflict and encourage more constructive outcomes for families and children.
Leona often focuses on encouraging practical communication and de-escalation wherever possible. This approach not only benefits the legal process but can also help families move forward more effectively following separation.
Women Supporting Women: A Community Initiative
One of Leona’s most impactful initiatives has been our Women Supporting Women fundraising event. The event brings together professionals from across law, finance, health and business to support women experiencing crisis and hardship.
In recent years, the event has grown significantly, attracting hundreds of attendees and raising substantial funds for organisations assisting women escaping domestic violence.
Beyond fundraising, the initiative has created a powerful community network where women can support, mentor and uplift one another. For Leona, the event represents the strength that comes from collaboration rather than competition.
A Commitment to Purpose-Driven Leadership
Leona Bennett’s work demonstrates that leadership in the legal profession is about more than legal expertise.
It involves:
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Supporting clients through some of the most difficult moments of their lives
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Mentoring and guiding future lawyers
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Contributing to community initiatives that create real change
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Advocating for improvements within the legal system.
Her recognition in The Brief highlights the broader impact she continues to make both within the family law profession and in the community.
Read the Full Article
This article provides a summary of the key themes from “Trailblazer in Family Law: A Conversation with Leona Bennett,” originally published in the March 2025 issue of The Brief by the Family Law Education Network (FLENA).
If you would like to read the full article, visit the Family Law Education Network website. We thank the Family Law Education Network for the opportunity to share this content and for recognising Leona’s contribution to the family law profession.
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