Congratulations to Libby Campbell, Tamworth’s Young Employee of the Year.

Libby was recently awarded the prestigious title of ‘Young Employee of the Year’ at the 2019 Tamworth Quality Business Awards.

Libby is a Tamworth local who obtained her undergraduate degrees in Arts and Law at the University of New England, Armidale.

While attending university, Libby was involved in a number of community incentives including Backtrack Youth Works, a not-for-profit organisation that assists troubled youth involved in legal proceedings.  Around this time Libby was also selected to complete an internship with Magistrate Stafford at the Armidale Local Court.  These two experiences particularly afforded Libby a very immediate view of the judicial system, even before she was qualified to practice in it.

In 2015 Libby returned to Tamworth, initially working as a paralegal while completing her Diploma of Legal Practice through the College of Law, Sydney.

Libby was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW in 2017 and commenced employment as a solicitor with Everingham Solomons shortly thereafter.

Libby practices primarily in personal injury law, employment law and commercial litigation.  On a day to day basis Libby acts for both employers and employees in workers compensation and employment disputes. Libby also takes instructions from various parties in a wide range of commercial disputes.

Additionally, Libby is also undertaking the very demanding task of studying a Masters in Business Law while working full-time.

Outside of the office, Libby is a successful netballer, has an interest in a New England cattle property and is a member of the NSW Young Farmers.

At Everingham Solomons, we are very proud to have someone as likable, smart, and dedicated as Libby on our team and think of it as only fitting that Libby be recognised as Tamworth’s Young Employee of the Year.

If Libby can be of any assistance to you, please contact Everingham Solomons because Helping You is Our Business.

Click here for more information on Clint Coles

Sir Adrian Solomons Law Bursary Recipient

Everingham Solomons is proud to announce the successful bursar for 2018 is Claire Annis-Brown. Claire is an extremely well rounded student of McCarthy Catholic College having achieved excellent academic results in a range of subjects through her HSC.  She is both liked and admired by her teachers and peers alike.

Claire is an accomplished sportswoman, particularly in Hockey where she has captained Tamworth representative teams for a number of years. She has also been involved in a range of local charitable endeavours over a long period of time.

Claire is enrolled to study law at the University of Newcastle in 2019 and Everingham Solomons wishes Claire the very best in that endeavour.

As the successful bursar, Claire has received a monetary award to assist with her study and the invitation for clerkship at Everingham Solomons during University breaks.

Claire’s school, McCarthy Catholic College, has also received a donation from the firm.

Everingham Solomons is committed to the growth of the region and the success of its youth and has for many years offered a bursary to Year 12 students wishing to pursue university qualifications in law.

The bursary was named in honour of one of the firm’s founders, Sir Adrian Solomons. Sir Adrian completed his secondary education at Tamworth High School before commencing university studies in law in 1940 at the University of New England and later at Sydney University.  Sir Adrian returned to Tamworth after his admission as a legal practitioner in 1949 to become a respected solicitor and founding partner of Everingham Solomons.

Sir Adrian was knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in 1982 for services to law and government having for many years been a member of the NSW Parliament and remained a consultant to the firm until 1989.

If you would like more information on the Law Bursary, please contact Everingham Solomons because, Helping You is Our Business.

Pedal the Peel Cycling Challenge 7 April 2019

Everingham Solomons is proud to be one of the major sponsors and organisers of the Pedal the Peel Cycling Challenge to be held at Moore Creek Tennis Club, Moore Creek Rd, Tamworth on Sunday, 7 April 2019.

The event is unique to Tamworth because it caters for all levels of rider fitness and experience.

You can choose from a flat 15 km or 25 km course or the more challenging 45 km or 100 km hilly courses.

The event is designed to encourage all levels of riders (minimum age 12 years) to become involved, have a great fun day and help raise money for local charities.

It is unique because we don’t ask you to raise thousands of dollars sponsorship to ride in the Challenge.

You only need to pay your registration fee of $50 per rider. If however you register before 28 February, there is an earlybird fee of $35.

Included in the registration fee is a steak sandwich and drink which will be provided on return to the start/finish location at Moore Creek Tennis Club. There will also be live music at the start/finish site, so you can enjoy some socialising on your return.

It’s unique because it supports lesser known and less well-supported community organisations.

This year the event will support Youth Insearch which is a grass roots, early intervention program which works with at risk youth and focuses on resolving adolescent issues at peer level. This organisation has had tremendous results in assisting at risk youth change their lives.

We all know that mental health has become a huge issue, so we are continuing to support Billabong Club House.

Domestic violence is also a large and sometimes hidden issue in our region and this year we will be supporting Tamworth Family Support Service to help fund a 12 week support group for women, the victim of domestic violence.

We will also be supporting Rotary Lodge which provides emergency accommodation at Tamworth Base Hospital. The lodge is in urgent need of renovation.

You know the event will be well-run and costs kept to an absolute minimum because it is an event organised by the Rotary Clubs of Tamworth First Light and the Rotary Club of Sunrise.

We encourage you to support this valuable community fundraising effort.

You can register online at www.pedalthepeel.org.au

Everingham Solomons Solicitors supporting our community.

Click here for more information on Terry Robinson

NSW Introduces Mandatory Interlock Orders for Mid-Range Drink Driving Offences – Megan Jury

MJTougher penalties for drink-driving offences came into effect in NSW aimed at reducing trauma on our roads. The changes are particularly significant for those convicted of first-time mid-range offences i.e. a blood alcohol reading between 0.08 and 0.149 and no convictions of a similar kind or major drink-drive offences in the previous 5 years.

Penalties from 3 December 2018

If you are convicted of a first-time mid-range drink driving offence committed on or after 3 December 2018 the court must now order you to participate in the interlock program for a minimum 12 months and disqualify you from driving for a minimum 6 months. If you wish to drive after the disqualification period has passed you must apply for an Interlock licence which carries with it a zero alcohol limit.

What is an alcohol interlock device and who pays?

An interlock is an electronic breath testing device that is connected to the ignition of a vehicle and prevents it from starting if alcohol is detected. It is also programed to require random breath tests whilst the vehicle is being driven and records all alcohol readings, vehicle starts, engine shut-offs and violations. Data is downloaded from the device monthly and sent to NSW Roads and Maritime Services for review. Interlock devices also have built in cameras to reduce the risk of another person providing a breath sample to start the vehicle.

The cost of the interlock program is born by the participant and costs between $2,200 and $2,500.00 for one year. This is on top of an increased potential fine of up to $2,200. Although the Court can approve a concession rate or grant an exemption from participating in the interlock program (and extend the disqualification period) they will only do so in limited circumstances.

A conviction for first-time mid-range PCA will cost you.

If you have been charged with a drink-driving offence the Solicitors at Everingham Solomons can assist you in preparing and presenting your case to help achieve the best possible outcome because Helping You is Our Business

Another Accredited Specialist at Eversols – Terry Broomfield

TJBEveringham Solomons is delighted to announce that Director Mark Grady has become a Law Society sanctioned Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law.

To become an Accredited Specialist it is necessary to have practiced significantly in a recognised specialist area for an extensive period of time. In addition the Applicant’s knowledge of the specialist area is tested in a formal examination process as well as in extensive written work.   Further peer review is conducted to satisfy the Specialist Accreditation Board that the Applicant has the requisite knowledge to profess to be a specialist in that particular area.

Everingham Solomons Director Mark Grady is now the fifth Director to be accredited by the Law Society as an Accredited Specialist and the Second Personal injury Law Accredited Specialist. Other areas of Everingham Solomons Accredited Specialists Directors are Business Law, Property Law and Family Law.

Historically Everingham Solomons has encouraged specialisation amongst its Solicitors. When the Law Society first introduced the Accredited Specialist program in 1993 all the then existing Partners of Everingham Solomons successfully applied and achieved specialisation in their chosen fields of practice.  The process of continuous improvement of all Solicitors’ knowledge of their practice is actively encouraged at Everingham Solomons with a number of our Solicitors successfully progressing Masters Degree’s in Law from various Universities and the College of Law.

At Everingham Solomons we pride ourselves in developing specialist skills so that we can provide the best possible advice in a cost effective manner because Helping You is Our Business.

Click here for more information on Terry Broomfield.

Sir Adrian Solomons Memorial Law Bursary. Applications are now being accepted until 28 October 2018. – Clint Coles

CCEveringham Solomons are still accepting applications from Tamworth, Quirindi, Gunnedah or Manilla students for the Sir Adrian Solomons Memorial Law Bursary.

The Sir Adrian Solomons Memorial Law Bursary has long provided financial assistance for the successful applicant during their first year of university as well as an opportunity to gain valuable paid work experience in our offices periodically throughout the duration of their studies.

This year, for the first time Everingham Solomons will also be making a cash donation to the school of the successful applicant to assist in maintaining the excellent educational standards that our region can offer.

All Principals of local High Schools have been contacted and advised of the details. Interested students should liaise with the Principal or Careers Advisor of their school, who will assist them in making a formal application for this Bursary. Alternatively interested students can contact Monica Brooks for an information pack.

We emphasise that the selection process does not depend solely on academic merit. We appreciate that students come from a variety of backgrounds and accordingly the selection process concentrates on the attributes of the student as a whole, rather than solely academic achievement.

The Bursary has gained widespread interest since its inception and continues to provide a valuable opportunity for current Year 12 students wishing to pursue a legal career. The Bursary is also open to students currently undertaking a gap year who will be commencing university study in 2019.

Everingham Solomons view the Bursary as a continuing commitment to young people in the communities of Tamworth, Quirindi, Manilla and Gunnedah and we encourage interested students to apply. Applications will be accepted until 28 October 2018.

Welcome Megan

MJMy name is Megan Jury and I recently joined the team at Everingham Solomons as a Solicitor.

I graduated from UNE in 2014 with a Bachelor of Criminology and graduated with a Juris Doctor from Macquarie University in 2017. I was admitted as a Solicitor in June 2018 after completing my Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice through the College of Law.

Originally from New Zealand, my husband was born and raised in Tamworth and has served in the Royal Australian Navy for many years. We have raised three outstanding daughters, one of whom is a casual secondary school teacher in Tamworth.

After years of balancing my thirst for knowledge with family and work commitments, I completed a Diploma of Tourism in 2010 and worked full-time in the travel industry whilst completing my Criminology degree by distance. Inspired to do some good, I then enrolled full-time in the Juris Doctor at Macquarie University, focusing on International Law, Dispute Resolution, Company, Criminal and Family Law.

In my spare time I love to travel overseas and explore other cultures, spend time with family, or curl up with my dogs and read a good crime novel or embark on a Stan or Netflix crime show marathon.

Having spent many years living in different locations I am excited to be living back in Tamworth. Despite Tamworth’s many changes since I last lived here, the people have remained as friendly and generous with their time as ever.

I am proud to join the team at Everingham Solomons and to work with Solicitors and support staff who truly care about their clients, community and each other. I bring to my role recent experience with the Aboriginal Legal Service in Redfern and past experience in management, training and customer service.

As a member of the Litigation Team, I will be working with Directors Terry Broomfield, George Hoddle and Clint Coles. I am certain their wealth of experience will provide the best possible foundation for my legal career because at Everingham Solomons Helping You is Our Business.

Protection of Confidential Information – Ken Sorrenson

KJSbwTechnology has fundamentally changed the way business information is stored and shared. For instance, smart phones have given the capacity to access computer systems and to retain and share information to a much greater extent than would have been possible in the past. Particularly after termination of employment, this has led to many claims by employers against former employees alleging misuse of confidential business information.

The first issue is always to determine whether particular information should be considered to be confidential or not. That involves consideration of a wide range of factors including –

  • The extent to which the information was generally known outside the business;
  • The value of the information to potential competitors;
  • The amount of money or effort expended in developing the information;
  • The ease or difficulty with which the information could be properly acquired or duplicated by others;
  • The measures taken to guard the secrecy of the information;
  • Whether it was clearly made known to the employee that the material was confidential; and
  • The extent to which the information can be readily identified.

There are many grey areas in assessing whether information is in fact confidential or not but good business practice should involve any business controlling its information by –

  • Adopting a “need to know” level of security to access information. Most modern computer systems have the ability to set differing levels of access to information depending upon the job description or seniority of employees seeking to access information;
  • Clearly designating that particular information is confidential and the perceived consequences of that information being disclosed; and
  • Requiring employees to enter into confidentiality undertakings preferably before they are able to access confidential information.

At Everingham Solomons, we have the experience and expertise to assist you with all your business documentation including confidentiality undertakings and if necessary, with legal proceedings to protect confidential business information because Helping You is Our Business.

Click here for more information on Ken Sorrenson

Sir Adrian Solomons Memorial Law Bursary – Applications are still being accepted. – Clint Coles

CCEveringham Solomons are still accepting applications from Tamworth, Quirindi, Gunnedah or Manilla students for the Sir Adrian Solomons Memorial Law Bursary.

The Sir Adrian Solomons Memorial Law Bursary has long provided financial assistance for the successful applicant during their first year of university as well as an opportunity to gain valuable paid work experience in our offices periodically throughout the duration of their studies.

This year, for the first time Everingham Solomons will also be making a cash donation to the school of the successful applicant to assist in maintaining the excellent educational standards that our region can offer.

All Principals of local High Schools have been contacted and advised of the details. Interested students should liaise with the Principal or Careers Advisor of their school, who will assist them in making a formal application for this Bursary.  Alternatively interested students can contact Monica Brooks for an information pack.

We emphasise that the selection process does not depend solely on academic merit. We appreciate that students come from a variety of backgrounds and accordingly the selection process concentrates on the attributes of the student as a whole, rather than solely academic achievement.

The Bursary has gained widespread interest since its inception and continues to provide a valuable opportunity for current Year 12 students wishing to pursue a legal career. The Bursary is also open to students currently undertaking a gap year who will be commencing university study in 2019.

Everingham Solomons view the Bursary as a continuing commitment to young people in the communities of Tamworth, Quirindi, Manilla and Gunnedah and we encourage interested students to apply.  Applications will be accepted until 28 September 2018.

Click here for more information on Clint Coles

Rising Stars in the Legal Industry – Terry Robinson

TLRbwEveringham Solomons Solicitors is proud to announce that George Hoddle and Clint Coles have been appointed as Directors of Everingham Solomons, in recognition of their expertise in their chosen fields of law, their professionalism, their commitment to the North West and their continued growth as lawyers.

George was admitted as a Solicitor in 2008 and holds a bachelor of Law and a bachelor of commerce.

George’s work is focused on commercial litigation, dispute resolution and employment law matters with a particular focus on rural issues.

George has been involved in a number of large complex commercial matters whilst working in Sydney prior to joining the firm.

George has a particular interest in resolving disputes between parties practically and cost effectively. He enjoys being involved in and assisting in building disputes and construction matters.

George grew up in Gunnedah, is married with three children and currently resides in Carroll on a rural property.

Clint Coles commenced working with Everingham Solomons in 2010 as a Law Clerk having previously been awarded the Sir Adrian Solomons Memorial Law Bursary prior to commencing his legal studies.

In 2013, Clint completed a Master’s Degree in Commercial Litigation, with a focus on commercial remedies available under contract, trade protection legislation and equity.

Clint is now completing a Master of Laws at the University of Sydney and the Chartered Tax Advisory program through the Tax Institute.

Clint enjoys being involved in commercial litigation as well as commercial business and property transactions.

At Everingham Solomons we invest significantly in training and up skilling our young professionals so that we can offer a diverse range of expertise in a variety of areas that few regional legal firms can emulate.

We aim to deliver practical solutions and personalised service with integrity and this tradition is continuing with the appointment of George and Clint as Directors of our firm.

We are proud to announce and congratulate George and Clint on their appointments.

If you need assistance in a legal matter, please contact us because Helping You is Our Business.

Click here for more information on Terry Robinson