WHO WE ARE

Southern Waters Legal is a boutique law firm that is dedicated to providing expert legal advice to its valued clients.

Established in 2009, our firm has grown to unite leading practices under one brand, offering comprehensive, coordinated advice across Sydney and beyond.

At Southern Waters Legal, our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We take pride in the strong relationships we build and are grateful for the trust our clients place in us. 

Since day one, we’ve focused on more than just legal outcomes; we’ve set out to build a firm where trust, empathy and expertise go hand in hand.

Our multidisciplinary team works closely across practice areas to deliver cohesive legal strategies, ensuring every client feels understood, supported and empowered at every step.

We are a client-focused law firm and every one of our clients is important to us. We are proud of the relationships we have developed with our clients and believe the number of referrals we receive is a testament to our level of service.

With leaders in the fields of Family Law, Estate Incapacity & Succession Planning we pride ourselves on providing innovative, practical advice, service and cost-effective solutions. Southern Waters Legal was established in 2009 by Simon Bennett, who recognised a substantial need in the market for a legal firm that provided specialist advice, unrivalled customer service and an intimate client relationship where advising clients involved all of their advisers. This method ensures that our clients receive streamlined, coordinated advice and highly personalised service.

Simon & Leona Bennett
Managing Director & Managing Partner

Careers

Looking to grow your legal career in a supportive, forward-thinking environment? We’re always on the lookout for passionate, driven professionals who want to make a real difference.

Community

We’re proud to be part of a community that supports one another. From local initiatives to firm-led events, giving back is central to who we are.

Legal Practice Areas

Our team offers clear, coordinated legal advice across a range of legal services, delivering practical solutions in Family Law, Estate Planning, Property, Commercial Law and more.

BUSINESS TEAM

Behind every great result is a dedicated team. Meet the people who keep our firm running smoothly and ensure every client experience is seamless.

TESTIMONIALS

"Simon, Leona and all their staff dealt with my Estate Planning and Family Law matter in such a professional manner, I cannot thank them enough. The care and patience shown to me during the time of my matters was truly amazing! Again thank you all so much."

Glen
Estate Planning & Family Law Client

"Thank you for your very friendly and professional help in getting all of our affairs sorted in such a short time. We are very glad we came to Southern Waters Legal, ad we’re really appreciative of the professional manner and advice with which we received."

Wayne & Margaret
Estate Planning Client

"I have been a client of Southern Waters Legal for a number of years now. It is at specific times in our lives that we really value integrity and honesty in those we deal with. Simon, Leona and the team have helped me organise our affairs at a very tough time in my life, they have provided wise counsel, legal support and hand-holding as I went through the sale of my family home and moving to new premises. I have received possibly the best financial advice that is reaping rewards for me now. Thank you to a wonderful team of professionals. Thank you"

Anne
Property Client

"I used Leona and her team’s services during an extremely difficult and stressful period of my life. They were able to guide me through the steps required from beginning to end of divorce and financial settlement and set up a plan to follow that helped to take out a lot of the anxiety around not having control over the situation. I had 100% faith at all times in Leona and her team that my best interests were always taken into consideration and I was only contacted when needed to avoid being charged unnecessarily. These guys are the dream team and highly recommend them."

Stephanie
Family Law Client

"Family law can be very daunting but Leona Bennett removed all the confusion of the ‘legal jargon’ and step by step walked me through the family court process. Leona made it simple and I always had a full understanding of what was happening and made clear decisions for the final outcome. Leona and her team were there for me, working their wisdom to always provide greater clarity and support."

Cheryl
Family Law Client

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to you for your exceptional guidance and support throughout my property settlement and divorce.

Your expertise, strategic thinking, and calm command of the process were deeply reassuring, especially during the most difficult moments. What stood out even more was your unwavering commitment to acting ethically and with integrity, even when the other side did not extend the same courtesy. That strength of character meant a great deal to me and helped me stay anchored in a process that was often emotionally and morally challenging.

Thank you for being both a skilled advocate and a steady presence. I’m deeply grateful to have had you in my corner.

Madeline
Property Law Client

I would like to say a truly heartfelt thank you for everything you did yesterday. You went above and beyond, not just in terms of the legal work, which was so thorough and professional but in the way you showed such care, calm and kindness throughout.

"This has been an incredibly emotional and complex chapter of my life, and to have someone like you guiding the final stages made all the difference. You were steady, thoughtful, and incredibly responsive.  I felt genuinely supported and looked after!

Thank you for helping me bring this to a close with grace and dignity. I’m so grateful our paths crossed."

Maddie
Family Law Client

WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE BEEN RECOGNISED AS BOTH AWARD WINNERS AND FINALISTS ACROSS A NUMBER OF PRESTIGIOUS LEGAL INDUSTRY AWARDS.

THE FOLLOWING REPRESENT JUST A SELECTION OF OUR RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS.

LEGAL INSIGHTS

Wills & Estates – Live Webinar

Wills & Estates – Live Webinar

Our Special Counsel and Accredited Specialist, Adeline Schiralli, is presenting a one-hour webinar for the College of Law on the essentials of Wills and Estates Practice. Date...

read more

JOIN OUR TEAM

Southern Waters Legal has multiple offices across Sydney, including Cronulla, Sydney CBD, Avalon and Menai. Our team is enthusiastic, energetic, and excellent at what we do. Not only do we provide expert legal advice, but we also offer an empathetic and highly personalised service.

We are always on the lookout for new talent, so if you would like to join our team, please email your resume to: careers@southernwaters.com.au.

Simon and Leona Bennett Southern Waters Legal
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Senior Legal Secretary – Family Law (Cronulla)

The Role

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced and proactive Senior Legal Secretary to join our busy Family Law team in our Cronulla office.

The successful candidate will have proven experience, with the ability to work autonomously and be an organised individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes initiative, and enjoys being part of a collaborative and supportive team. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide high-level secretarial and administrative support to our Family Law team
  • Draft, review, and prepare correspondence and legal documents
  • Prepare and file Court documents
  • Liaise with clients, Courts, Solicitors and Barristers
  • Manage diaries, appointments, and deadlines
  • Audio/dictaphone typing and document management
  • Assist with billing, accounts and general administration tasks

Selection Criteria

  • Proven experience supporting senior solicitors in Family Law
  • Strong communication, organisational and time management skills
  • High attention to detail and accuracy
  • Professional, proactive and positive attitude
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
  • Team player who values collaboration and client service excellence

Benefits and Culture

  • A supportive, team-focused, and value-driven culture
  • Opportunities for growth and career progression
  • Regular social events
  • Beachside location in Cronulla
  • Modern office space with leading-edge technology supported by IT
  • Access to on-site gym and pool
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Birthday leave
  • Convenient public transport and parking options nearby

Our Values

  • A supportive, team-focused, and value-driven culture
  • Opportunities for growth and career progression
  • Regular social events
  • Beachside location in Cronulla
  • Modern office space with leading-edge technology supported by IT
  • Access to on-site gym and pool
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Birthday leave
  • Convenient public transport and parking options nearby
Mid-Senior Solicitor – Family Law (Cronulla)

The Role

Our award-winning Cronulla beachside office is seeking a passionate and energetic full-time Solicitor to join our dynamic legal team. This role offers the successful candidate excellent exposure to high-quality family law matters, along with ongoing support and mentorship from our experienced team.

The role will involve applying excellent technical expertise and client-focused skills across a range of family law matters, including:

  • Parenting arrangements
  • Property settlements
  • Divorce matters
  • Child support
  • Asset protection
  • Binding financial agreements
    Mediations and court appearances

Selection Criteria

  • Relevant experience providing high-quality legal advice in Family Law
  • Display initiative and enthusiasm
  • Confident and professional manner
  • Ability to work around tight deadlines
  • Excellent communication and organisation skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Positive attitude

Benefits and Culture

  • A supportive, team-focused, and value-driven culture
  • Opportunities for growth and career progression
  • Regular social events
  • Beachside location in Cronulla
  • Modern office space with leading-edge technology supported by IT
  • Access to on-site gym and pool
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Birthday leave
  • Convenient public transport and parking options nearby

Our Values

We live and work by our values, which underpin our successful culture:

  • Integrity
  • Excellence
  • Empathy
  • Can-Do Attitude
  • Communication & Teamwork

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume to careers@southernwaters.com.au. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

 

Mid-Senior Solicitor – Estate Planning

The Role

Our busy legal team is seeking a passionate and energetic full-time Solicitor. Opportunities are available at both our Sydney CBD office and our beachside Cronulla location.

The role involves applying excellent technical expertise and client-focused skills across a range of estate planning matters, including:

  • Asset protection
  • Wills and complex estate planning, including testamentary trusts
  • Incapacity planning
  • Succession planning for companies and trusts
  • Probate and estate administration
  • Estate litigation disputes
  • Superannuation

 

Selection Criteria

  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in estate planning or related areas
  • Demonstrated initiative, enthusiasm, and strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines
  • Excellent communication and organisational skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to collaborate within a team while working autonomously
  • Hardworking and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
  • Alignment with our shared values

Benefits and Culture

At Southern Waters Legal, we are committed to remaining at the forefront of technology while fostering a supportive and flexible workplace. Our management team fosters an environment where staff can thrive, providing a professional setting that prioritises growth, development, and success.

  • Supportive, team-focused, and value-driven culture
  • Opportunities for growth and career progression
  • Regular social events
  • Choice of beachside Cronulla or central Sydney CBD location
  • Modern office space with leading technology and IT support
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Birthday leave
  • Convenient public transport and parking options

Our Values

We live and work by our values, which underpin our successful culture:

  • Integrity
  • Excellence
  • Empathy
  • Can-Do Attitude
  • Communication & Teamwork

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume to careers@southernwaters.com.au. Only successful candidates will be contacted.