Our Principal Director Nicole Evans develops long standing relationships with her clients and has particular expertise in criminal and family law cases involving allegations of indecent/sexual assault/domestic violence and same-sex parenting matters.

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Nicole is an empathetic and strong advocate for her clients and understands how stressful litigation can be. Nicole takes the time to ensure her clients feel supported and defended through the legal process.

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Nicole is a Collaboratively trained lawyer and can assist family law clients in Collaborative Practice.

In the Doyle's Guide Nicole Evans is rated by her peers as a Recommended NSW Estate Litigation Lawyer.  Nicole is also the author of Lesbians & The Law: A Guidebook for Australian Families.

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Nicole is passionate about the law. She loves writing and has been published in The Huffington Post Australia and Mamamia. Nicole is also an avid cook and appeared on Season One of Come Dine with Me Australia and Season One of Masterchef Australia.

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Nicole was featured on the 7.30 Report on the ABC as the legal expert on the High Court case of Masson v Parsons. Go to our Press page to see all of Nicole's interviews and articles.

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Nicole was also featured as the Family Lawyer in the NSW Law Society's new podcast series 'Lawfully Explained', in the podcast 'Unhappy Marriage, Happy Divorce?'

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Nicole is a member of the NSW Law Society, Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia, Women Lawyers' Association of NSW, Member of the Australian Association of Collaborative Professionals (AACP) and Collaborative Professionals NSW (CPNSW).

KAREN OLIVEIRA | LAWYER / PRACTICE DIRECTOR

SAM LEWIS  |  ASSOCIATE

Sam graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from the University of Newcastle in 2018. During his time studying, Sam developed a keen interest in Family Law and advocacy.

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Sam gained experience representing clients in complex property, parenting, family violence and child protection matters in the Family Law team of a well-respected, large boutique firm in Newcastle, before joining Nicole Evans Lawyers.

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Sam fosters positive, compassionate and trusting relationships with his clients to ensure they feel comfortable, well-informed and supported when experiencing family disputes.

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Admitted as a lawyer in the Supreme Court of NSW and in the High Court of Australia, Sam has represented clients in Courts across all jurisdictions both State and Federal.

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Outside of the law, Sam practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has played competively in rugby union and cricket sides throughout NSW. 

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Through his sporting endeavours, Sam has developed a keen sense for discipline and dedication which he translates in striving to achieve the best results for his clients.

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EMILY BARKER  |  Director - FAMILY LAW

Emily has specialised in family law since her admission as a lawyer in 2014 and is an expert in her field. She advises clients across a diverse spectrum of family law matters including complex financial cases, parenting matters involving serious allegations of family violence and sexual abuse, and de facto matters.  

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Emily's life experience and technical expertise ensures that every client feels empowered and supported in what can be challenging circumstances. She has natural strengths in representing and dealing with complex personal matters and appreciates that for many people, this may be the first time they are interacting with the legal system and that an empathetic advocate is key.

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Prior to her path as a lawyer, Emily had a decade-long career in television as a sports reporter for both Channel 10 and Channel 9 and also as a reporter on Channel 9's 'A Current Affair' program. She also had the privilege of working as an advisor to the former President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Professor Gillian Triggs.

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Emily holds a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Univeristy of Queensland and is a member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia, Women Lawyers Association of NSW and the Law Society of NSW.

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 THOMAS DE MARTINO |  LAWYER

Thomas graduated with a Bachelor of Laws majoring in International Relations and Global Governance from Macquarie University in 2020. During his studies, Thomas developed a passion for social justice and recognised the importance of Family Law in administering social justice in people's day to day lives.​

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Thomas has gained valuable experience working as a Legal Information Officer with a Community Legal Centre and upon completion of his studies, Thomas worked as a clerk and Junior Lawyer for a prominent sole practitioner in Care & Protection Law.

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Admitted as a Lawyer in the Supreme Court of NSW, Thomas has experience working in both the Children's Court and the Federal Circuit and Family Court in the provision of legal services to clients who have experienced family violence and whose difficult personal circumstances qualified them for a grant of Legal Aid.

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Thomas is well versed in listening to and discussing the legal issues of clients from all walks of life and is passionate about giving his clients a voice in the legal system. 

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Outside of the law, Thomas loves to focus on his physical health and has a passion for good food. On the weekends, Thomas plays for his local rugby union club in the NSW Suburban Rugby Union Competition.

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KayLah walsh  |  paralegal

Kaylah joined Nicole Evans Lawyers in February 2021 and is currently in her final year of university studying a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts (Psychological Science) at Macquarie University.

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She found her passion for family law in high school through studying legal studies. During high school Kaylah developed her leadership skills through completing leadership programs, including the Mitchell Youth Leadership Program and Max Potential. At the end of her Max Potential Scholarship, Kaylah created 'Helping Hero: Right Start Initiative', to raise awareness and take action to help all students in Australia have the right to start their education in Australia.

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Kaylah's passion and drive for helping others is apparent in her strong work ethic.

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In her spare time, Kaylah loves to stay active through HIIT training, boxing and taking her dog for a walk. She also loves cooking for her family and friends.

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BRIE HICKS | PARALEGAL

Brie is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Technology, Sydney.

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Brie has worked in client-based services for over 12 years and understands the importance of developing and maintaining strong client relationships. Through this work, Brie has developed her ability to empathetically manage client-based work and swiftly handle disputes.

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She developed her passion for family law through competing in the UTS Law Student's Society Advice Writing Competition: on family law (property). Brie won the competition and decided to pursue her passion with our firm. She has a particular interest in property matters and parenting matters involving allegations of family violence.

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Prior to joining Nicole Evans Lawyers, Brie assisted a senior criminal defence barrister and undertook an internship at a Community Legal Centre. 

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Brie also has a deep-seated interest in style, art and design. She brings her creativity, ability to genuinely connect with clients, and strong work ethic to both her studies and her work.

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