Romy Tagliapietra

Legal Assistant

Romy recently joined Newport Law. His experience in Legal Administration stems from his childhood. Romy is Rossana Court’s son and has had extensive experience in the office environment. After assisting with setting up the firm after it was taken over by Rossana in 2008 Romy took 12 months off to travel the UK. On his return from travels he joint a compensation firm in the CBD of Sydney in an administrative role. He is now back with at Newport Law in an administrative role assisting in the day to day running of the office in general and attending to client’s needs and enquiries. Romy is well regarded by our clients and is valuable member of staff.

Nicole Blakeman

Bookkeeper

Nicole joined the firm after using Rossana for personal legal affairs. She has over 20 years experience in her vocation and looks after the financial affairs of many local businesses. Her understanding of confidentiality sources from years of managing medical practices. She is mother to 6 children and wife to Kerry. She is currently coming to the end of renovating her family home and is looking forward to the next challenge.

Claire Martin – JP

Legal Assistant/Receptionist

Claire Martin has over a decade of experience in the legal industry. She started her career in Law as a Law Clerk working in the city for over six years. She then moved into working for suburban law firms after a short maternity leave. She has been a Justice of the Peace since 2005. She is currently studying Law through the Legal Professionals Admission Board at Sydney University. The majority of her background is in Conveyancing, Commercial and Family Law. Claire also has a background in Photography and Marketing, Advertising and PR training. Claire is a devout mother to her daughter Lilyana and spends any spare time running around after her. Claire has lived on the Northern Beaches since she was 5 years old and intends on raising her young family here. She loves fine dining and yoga.

Erin MacFadzean

PA & Paralegal

Erin has played a significant role at Newport Law since her arrival. Erin has extensive experience in several areas of law, and in particular wills and estates. She has over a decade of legal industry experience. As Rossana’s Personal Assistant and paralegal, she helps manage files from beginning to end. Erin continues to expand her knowledge in the areas of Compensation and other Torts. She has undertaken work for both local and big city law firms over the years. Outside of work, Erin enjoys a busy social life. Erin lives on the Northern Beaches and enjoys spending time socialising with friends and staying active.

Linda Shacklady

Conveyancing

Linda Shacklady has been with Newport Law since 2008 and has over 40 years experience. You will find Linda happy to assist you with your purchase and sale of residential or commercial property, refinancing or new mortgages or residential leasing matters. Linda understands that buying and selling property can be a stressful and perplexing process. With her extensive experience and knowledge in this area, she is able to provide you with an efficient, solicitous and professional service and guide you every step of the way, ensuring your property transaction is as smooth as possible. Our clients know Linda as a devoted member of the staff at Newport Law. She is well respected by both clients and colleagues. We know you will find her friendly advice and developed attitude of assistance to you. Linda was raised on the beautiful Northern Beaches and never intends to leave. Enjoying a busy working life, she is a wonderful mother to her two daughters. Linda enjoys travelling the world, going to the beach, and most importantly spending time with family and friends.

Stephen Smith Dip. Law SAB.

Solicitor Consultant

Stephen Smith has over 40 years experience in most areas of law. Graduating in 1964 from the Solicitors Admission Board in Sydney, Stephen worked alongside his father and eventually took over the family business, F J Smith & Co. The Firm is now known as Newport Law where he has continued as a Consultant. Stephen has lived for many years on the Northern Beaches, raising his family and conducting his business at Newport. He is well known by all the locals. Over the years he has been involved in Newport Breakers Rugby Union Club and various other sporting clubs. Heading into semi-retirement Stephen can often been seen on the golf course or swimming laps at Newport Beach.

Adam Court - BA. LLB Acc. Specialist

Personal Injury Compensation Solicitor

Adam Court is a New South Wales Law Society Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury with 22 years experience in the field of Compensation claims. Before joining Newport Law, Adam was an associate partner at several city law firms that specialise in Compensation matters for claimants. Adam has also acted briefly for insurers defending compensation claims which has enabled him to gain insight into the way insurer’s think. He has practiced in Insurance and Compensation Litigation in England. Adam is a former member of the Law Society Personal Injury Committee. As a highly sought after Personal Injury Accredited Specialist Adam is helping many clients with their Compensation and Insurance matters all over Australia. Adam is recognised as being amongst the best and most dedicated lawyers in the field of Compensation law having been involved in Compensation claims netting millions of dollars in compensation for claimants over his career. Adam is a partner at Newport Law which has offices in Newport, North Sydney and Parramatta. Adam will come to you, if for any reason of disability you are unable to attend an appointment at any of the 3 offices. Newport Law offers a No Win – No Fee service, which means that you do not have to pay legal costs unless your case is successful. Large law firms will often assign your case to a paralegal or junior lawyer. At Newport Law, Adam Court will handle your Compensation claim personally from taking instructions to your Court hearing or settlement. Because of comparatively low overheads you will find our rates extremely competitive compared to city law firms.

Rossana M Court - BA. LLB.

Principal Solicitor

Rossana Court is an accomplished lawyer specialising in Personal Injury and Compensation matters. Her experience extends from Personal Injury, Workers Compensation and Victims Compensation to Wills and Estate Planning, Probate, Employment law, Family Law, Property Law, Real Estate Law. Rossana is the principal solicitor at Newport Law. She has extensive experience in litigation and dispute resolution in Compensation Law. Rossana’s expertise includes acting in negligence claims, litigation, insurance disputes, professional indemnity claims, Family Provision Act and commercial litigation. Rossana has had extensive experience acting for plaintiffs and applicants. She is extremely well regarded by her clients and peers as a professional who shows great empathy for her clients and a keen understanding of the issues clients face. She studied at the University of New South Wales, Australia, obtaining an LLB degree, Bachelor of Arts majoring in History. Graduating in 1996 she holds a current practicing certificate with the Law Society of NSW, and is qualified to appear in the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia. She is the Principal Solicitor of Newport Law on Sydney’s Northern Beaches taking over the practice from Stephen Smith in 2008. Rossana has worked in many of Sydney’s largest law firms during her career and speaks fluent Italian and has an understanding of French and Spanish. She is a proud mother of daughter Lydia, son Romy and two adorable puppies Spyda and Lily. You might just see her taking the puppies for a walk around Newport from time to time.