Family Law advice and representation 

Adelaide    Mount Barker    Bordertown    Naracoorte

Empowering you to move forward, confidently

Sonya Ballinger

Sonya Ballinger

I love classes at the gym.  After having young children and not having that freedom, I now find classes (and that liberty) life changing!  That is me now. 

When I was younger I graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Laws, First Class Honours and several academic prizes.

I was steered into the world of very large commercial legal firms. I worked in a ‘magic circle’ firm, Allen & Overy in London and then on my return to Adelaide I was promoted to partner at a large local firm Minter Ellison when I was 29.

In London I worked on multibillion-dollar disputes for global clients. In Adelaide I advised on insurance and commercial disputes, including conducting several matters as large as $30 million for local, interstate, English and American clients and their advisers.

It was high profile, technically challenging and exciting – but it did not tick the boxes for me at a personal level. I had studied family law at University and really enjoyed it.

On having my children I was able to reflect on what I wanted to do and I was then able to focus on practising family law.

I am approachable and empathetic, and I find practising family law very rewarding. I understand that a relationship breakdown can be a difficult and heartbreaking time.

I am committed to becoming a trusted advisor for my clients. I am genuinely concerned for their best interests. I ensure my clients are fully advised and well placed to make informed decisions for their future.


Qualifications

Graduate Certificate in Applied Law (Family Law), The College of Law – 2012
Company Directors Course, Australian Institute of Company Directors – 2010
Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test leading to admission to the Supreme Court of England and Wales – 2002
Graduate Certificate in Legal Practice, Law Society of South Australia – 1998
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (with First Class Honours), Flinders University of South Australia – 1997


Memberships

Law Council of Australia – Family Law Section
Law Society of South Australia


Elma Li

Elma Li

I enjoy catching up with friends at cafés with a cup of hot chai and exploring gateaux and desserts on the menu.

I am a final year Bachelor of Law student at the University of Adelaide. 

Family Law situations can be emotionally charged and complex.  I am understanding, compassionate and approachable, and I like to help clients feel as comfortable as possible.  My friendly and caring manner puts me in good stead to communicate effectively with clients.

My Chinese cultural background and fluency in Mandarin and Cantonese also assist clients with those backgrounds to feel at ease.

I find it rewarding to empower clients in often emotional situations to make legally sound and well planned decisions in Family Law.

I enjoy working with the firm’s clients and I am dedicated to acting in their best interests.


Client testimonials

  • Michelle

    I could not have obtained the final outcome without your help and advice. You cared about me and my well-being every step of the way. Thank you for believing in me when at times I doubted myself.

  • Ivan

    Sonya is a really high calibre lawyer and a very decent person, which doesn’t always go hand in hand. She did not always agree with the route I wanted to take but we achieved a fair settlement for both parties which avoided unnecessary antagonism and litigation.

  • David

    Thank you for all your support and assistance with my marriage breakdown. I was able to obtain the best possible outcome available to me in complex circumstances. I felt listened to and understood and was given time to think through options and choose how I could proceed, despite limited options.

  • Erin

    It has been an enormous relief to be working with solicitors whom I have complete confidence in, not only in their ability to provide sound legal advice, but also in their capacity to understand and keep a strong focus on the people and the relationships at the heart of the matter. I have felt comfortable raising concerns and sharing personal information, knowing it would be addressed professionally and respectfully.

    Throughout this process Sonya and Madalene have been immensely compassionate. They have been understanding and respectful in dealing with the issues at hand, which for me have often been sensitive, stressful and daunting. Having my concerns heard and understood has been a great reassurance to me, particularly in an arena that might otherwise have felt disempowering and overwhelming.

    At each step along the way I was fully informed of my options, and was empowered to make choices that supported the best interests of the children. Communication has always been clear, professional and timely. Sonya and Madalene have been very understanding of my circumstances, and meeting and phone call arrangements were made to accommodate life with small children.

    I would absolutely recommend Ballinger Legal. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been so supported through this process.

  • Peter

    Sonya gave sound advice and I feel it paid off in the end. Sonya was always on hand when required and responded in a very prompt time. As I was working FIFO at the time the majority of communications were done by email and phone. Sonya was very accommodating with this and also booked in face to face meetings around my roster. Thanks again for all of your hard work and support.

  • Jodie

    It took 18 months and a lot of negotiation however I am very pleased with the outcome. Most importantly I felt supported throughout the process to behave in an ethical and mature manner. Sonya was very caring and considerate. I was very impressed with the thoroughness of the service. The preparation of legal documents was of the highest standard. I always trusted that Ballinger Legal acted in my best interests.

  • Marina

    I retained Ballinger Legal for legal advice on asset protection. I received top tier service and advice and I hope to engage your services again soon.

  • Rachel

    It was a difficult situation where the outcome depended on so many things - particularly because our son is a teenager. My sudden instructions and urgent situation resulted in Ballinger Legal outdoing themselves by attending to me so quickly despite their current workload. Sonya and the team were outstanding. I did not always hear what I wanted to hear but I always received very honest advice and assistance with utmost integrity.

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Our philosophy

At Ballinger Legal we want to contain conflict, not see it escalate

If you have any questions