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Leona Bennett, Managing Partner, Head of Family Law, Accredited Specialist, Family Law and Collaborative Solicitor at Southern Waters Legal
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Leona Bennett

Accredited Specialist | Head of Family Law
Collaborative Lawyer | Family Law
Leona Bennett is the Managing Partner and Head of Family Law at Southern Waters Legal, an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and trained Collaborative Practitioner with more than 25 years’ experience.

Leona is a highly regarded family lawyer and leader who advises clients across complex parenting, property and financial matters. She is a strong advocate for resolution-focused family law, prioritising negotiation, mediation and Collaborative Practice wherever appropriate to reduce the financial and emotional impact of separation while working towards strong outcomes for her clients.

Leona is passionate about advancing the profession and developing the next generation of lawyers through mentoring, professional development and legal education. Beyond her practice, she is deeply committed to improving access to justice for women and families affected by domestic and family violence. She established Southern Waters Legal’s pro bono partnership with The Family Co. and founded Women Supporting Women, which has raised more than $270,000 for the organisation since 2024.

Leona Bennett has received significant industry recognition for her contribution to the legal profession, leadership and community. In 2025, she received the Pro Bono Service Award and was named Small Firm Practitioner of the Year at the Law Society of NSW Member Awards, and was recognised as an Elite Woman by Australasian Lawyer. Her recent recognition also includes being named a finalist for Mentor of the Year at the 2026 Partner of the Year Awards, Regional/Suburban Lawyer of the Year at the 2026 Australian Law Awards and Pro Bono or Community Legal Centre Lawyer of the Year at the 2026 Women in Law Awards.

At the centre of Leona’s practice is the belief that every client is an individual, not a file. She combines technical expertise with empathy, recognising the personal and emotional complexities that often accompany family law matters and helping clients understand their options and make informed decisions about their future.

Leona holds degrees in Psychology (Honours) and Law (Honours) from the University of Wollongong and is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law.

Outside of Southern Waters Legal, Leona enjoys spending time with her family and playing sport, having previously represented Australia in Oztag.

Awards & Recognition

Leona Bennett Accredited Specialist in Family Law
Leona Bennett Regional Suburban Lawyer of the Year Finalist 2026
Leona Bennett Mentor of the Year Finalist 2026
Leona Bennett Family Law Partner of the Year Finalist 2025
Leona Bennett Not-for-Profit Pro Bono or Community Legal Centre Lawyer of the Year Finalist 2025
What Our Clients Say

Trusted by Our Family Law Clients

★★★★★

“Leona and the Family Law team at Southern Waters are an amazing power team of highly efficient, professional family law specialists who know their stuff and get the work done quickly, smoothly & most of all with real human compassion. At the lowest point of my life, this team came through for me and made me feel seen and heard. I am forever grateful to them, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Thank you!!”

— A

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

Family Law Client

★★★★★

“I can’t express in words how much Leona and her team have helped me and my children through one of the toughest times in our lives. We are not just another number; they take care of their clients, and I can’t express my gratitude enough to you all. Highly recommend!”

— L.U

Family Law Client