Profiles
Debra Parker – Championing Compassion and Social Impact in Law
Debra Parker is a trailblazer in family law, known for combining professional excellence with compassion and community leadership. Through her advocacy, philanthropy, and mentoring, she continues to redefine how law can empower, protect, and uplift families across Canberra.
How did you start down this career path?
I started practising family law several decades ago, at a time when mediation was not fashionable and adversarial approaches were the norm. Women in family law were relatively rare, and proposing mediation was often seen as a sign of weakness rather than strength. What I witnessed, however, was that adversarial litigation was incredibly bruising—not only for clients on both sides, but also for practitioners. When I began exploring mediation, I discovered it to be a far more elegant and constructive way to resolve disputes. It offered a healthier, more dignified pathway for separating couples, which inspired my lifelong passion for mediation and my ongoing advocacy for it as a legitimate and powerful method of dispute resolution.
I started practising family law several decades ago, at a time when mediation was not fashionable and adversarial approaches were the norm. Women in family law were relatively rare, and proposing mediation was often seen as a sign of weakness rather than strength. What I witnessed, however, was that adversarial litigation was incredibly bruising—not only for clients on both sides, but also for practitioners. When I began exploring mediation, I discovered it to be a far more elegant and constructive way to resolve disputes. It offered a healthier, more dignified pathway for separating couples, which inspired my lifelong passion for mediation and my ongoing advocacy for it as a legitimate and powerful method of dispute resolution.
What inspires you in your role/industry? Why?
Helping people find resolution and peace in what is often the most challenging period of their lives is deeply rewarding. Every day I have the privilege of guiding individuals from a place of crisis toward a new beginning. That sense of purpose—knowing that I can help improve someone’s life, even in a small way—continues to inspire me.
Helping people find resolution and peace in what is often the most challenging period of their lives is deeply rewarding. Every day I have the privilege of guiding individuals from a place of crisis toward a new beginning. That sense of purpose—knowing that I can help improve someone’s life, even in a small way—continues to inspire me.
What’s your approach to customer service that separates you from the rest?
My mediation style blends compassion with firmness. I facilitate discussions but can also provide directive guidance and legal input when appropriate. I believe in allowing people time and space to reach decisions, rather than forcing outcomes. Persistence is another hallmark of my approach—I don’t give up easily when working toward resolution. Above all, I aim to create an environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to contribute to their own solutions.
My mediation style blends compassion with firmness. I facilitate discussions but can also provide directive guidance and legal input when appropriate. I believe in allowing people time and space to reach decisions, rather than forcing outcomes. Persistence is another hallmark of my approach—I don’t give up easily when working toward resolution. Above all, I aim to create an environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to contribute to their own solutions.
How do you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends?
I surround myself with experts and trusted advisors across disciplines, recognising that collaboration drives innovation. I also keep a close eye on emerging issues in family law and use challenges as opportunities to grow and refine my practice. Continuous feedback, humility, and a willingness to adapt are at the core of my professional evolution.
I surround myself with experts and trusted advisors across disciplines, recognising that collaboration drives innovation. I also keep a close eye on emerging issues in family law and use challenges as opportunities to grow and refine my practice. Continuous feedback, humility, and a willingness to adapt are at the core of my professional evolution.
What is the toughest challenge you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
Early in my career, managing the emotional demands of the work was a challenge. Over time, I learned the importance of maintaining professional distance while remaining empathetic. Mentorship from experienced practitioners helped me build resilience and confidence. Later, starting a new firm in the middle of COVID-19 presented its own hurdles—yet it reinforced the value of adaptability, teamwork, and determination in difficult times.
Early in my career, managing the emotional demands of the work was a challenge. Over time, I learned the importance of maintaining professional distance while remaining empathetic. Mentorship from experienced practitioners helped me build resilience and confidence. Later, starting a new firm in the middle of COVID-19 presented its own hurdles—yet it reinforced the value of adaptability, teamwork, and determination in difficult times.
What are some of your goals for the next five years?
I aim to continue refining my mediation practice and communication with clients, expanding my contributions to the profession through speaking engagements, board involvement, and mentoring. I’m also passionate about giving back to the community that has supported my career. At Parker Coles Curtis, our firm’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement remains a key part of our identity, and I look forward to continuing that legacy.
I aim to continue refining my mediation practice and communication with clients, expanding my contributions to the profession through speaking engagements, board involvement, and mentoring. I’m also passionate about giving back to the community that has supported my career. At Parker Coles Curtis, our firm’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement remains a key part of our identity, and I look forward to continuing that legacy.
About Parker Coles Curtis During times of relationship change or conflict, individuals may feel uncertain, stressed, or overwhelmed. With a combination of compassion, expertise, and life experience, the team cuts through legal jargon to clearly explain available options, offering legal guidance and support. They empower their clients to rebuild and recreate their lives. Based in central Canberra, they assist clients across Australia and internationally.
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