Our People

Mark Smith
Principal

Mark founded the firm in 2006 and is the Principal.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree and Bachelor of Science Degree.  Mark has also undertaken postgraduate studies and has obtained a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Sydney.

During Mark’s legal studies, he received two academic awards from The Sydney University Law Extension Committee for achieving first place in two subjects.

Mark is admitted as a legal practitioner in The Supreme Court of NSW and The High Court of Australia.

Mark is a highly experienced lawyer and has worked on a wide range of legal matters from international construction and infrastructure projects to small business and individual matters.

Mark practices in Commercial and Business Law, providing advice on complex business transactions, business sales and purchases, criminal matters and civil litigation.  He

 has extensive court experience and regularly appears in the local, district and supreme courts.

Mark has been nominated by the President of The Law Society for an Access to Justice Award.

 

 

William Onishi
Senior Associate

William holds a Masters of Laws Degree & Legal Practice from the University of Technology and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree (major in Accountancy) from the University of Wollongong and is admitted as a legal practitioner in The Supreme Court of NSW and The High Court of Australia.  While William was a member of The NSW Young Lawyers Association he was awarded the NSW Young Lawyer of the Year Award by Justice Harrison.

Since 2003 William has extensive experience working in the areas of Commercial and Corporate Law, Taxation Law, Insolvency Law, Family Law, Commercial Litigation, Employment Law, Property Law and Wills and Estates.

William also holds an Accounting degree and has previously practised as an accountant in both small and large international chartered accounting firms.

William approaches each client’s matter in a considered and professional manner.

William was born and educated in Australia and is fluent in Japanese.

 

 

Sukriti Bhati
Senior Associate

Sukriti has extensive experience in Family Law as well as Wills and Estates and Employment.

Sukriti is renowned for her comprehensive understanding of Family Law and achieving excellent outcomes for her clients generally without the need for court appearances.  Sukriti has a caring and understanding approach to her clients.

Sukriti has extensive experience in complex matters and is also skilled in achieving prompt settlement of small or more straightforward matters.

You will be supported by Sukriti as she steps into your matter to deal calmly and professionally with any stress or conflict on your behalf.

She is also a very experienced and capable court advocate.

Sukriti has two degrees from the University of Wollongong, a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics Major) and a Bachelor of Laws.  She is currently completing her Master of Applied Law (Wills and Estates).  She is admitted to practice as a legal practitioner in the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia.

Sukriti was born and educated in Australia and is fluent in Hindi.

 

 

Tim Scott
Senior Lawyer

Tim holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communications and Media Studies from The University of Wollongong and is admitted as a legal practitioner in The Supreme Court of NSW.

Tim appears regularly in local, district and supreme court matters.

Tim specialises in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Intellectual Property Law.  Tim has a reputation for achieving outstanding results and for his excellent courtroom advocacy.

Tim has a wealth of experience in criminal matters and has appeared in cases including murder, sexual offences, drug trafficking, importation and possession, assault and traffic offences.

Tim takes a practical and strategic approach to his matters and establishes rapport with his clients and assists them through what can be a stressful process.

 

 

Jason Francis
Senior Lawyer

Jason holds a Bachelor of Laws from University of Technology, Sydney and is admitted as a legal practitioner in The Supreme Court of NSW.

With competencies in Small Business Management, a wealth of construction industry knowledge and experience working within the NSW Department of Justice, Jason brings a comprehensive approach to Commercial and Business Law litigation matters.

Jason has broad and substantial court experience in Local, District and Supreme Court matters, and in proceedings in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. He is also an experienced practitioner in employment matters in the Industrial Relations Commission and the Fair Work Commission.

With a focus on strategic, cost-effective solutions, Jason provides professional and ethical representation to business and individual clients.

 

 

 

Theodore Totsis
Paralegal

As our paralegal Theo provides extensive assistance to the team of lawyers.

Theo has a strong academic background and is achieving excellent results in his double degree.

Brander Smith McKnight participates with the University of Wollongong to deliver the practical internship component of the law degree.  Theo was selected as an outstanding performer during his internship and has remained with the firm ever since.

Theo’s passion to assist clients and provide the best possible legal service fits perfectly with the culture of Brander Smith McKnight.

Theo is proud to be achieving a life long dream of becoming a lawyer and using his legal skills to assist the community.

 

 

 

Nadia Gubskis
Finance and Administration

Nadia is our finance and administration manager and has a Bachelor of Business Accounting from the Central Queensland University.

Nadia is also fluent in Russian.

 

 

 

Lauren Murray
Legal Secretary

Lauren Murray is our legal secretary who supports our team in all aspects of their client matters.

Lauren is our client’s first contact into the firm and holds great relationships with each client and appreciates the legal issues that our clients face in their matters.

 

 

 

 

Zoe Mallin
Legal Assistant

Zoe  is our legal secretary and administration assistant.  Zoe is currently completing a double degree in Law and Commerce at the University of Wollongong.  Upon completion of her degrees Zoe plans to work as a lawyer.

Zoe has extensive experience in administration and utilises these skills to enhance client services and provide exceptional client outcomes at Brander Smith McKnight.

As part of her studies Zoe undertook an internship at the District Court of NSW working with an esteemed District Court Judge and Associate, an experience that enabled Zoe to gain a practical insight into court processes.

Zoe also continues to be an active member of the NSW Community Fire Unit in her local area.