Umbrella Family Law co-founder Jane Libbis said she’d been looking to strengthen the firm’s presence in the Gippsland region for some time. 

“We’re always looking for opportunities to expand our footprint but it has to be the right fit,” she said. 

Ms Libbis welcomed the opportunity to work with Seawater Legal founder Ana Talko-Nicholas.

“Ana Talko-Nicholas has an exceptional reputation and we’re aligned in both method and manner and have been great friends and colleagues since we first worked together in the late 90s. 

“She will be a wonderful addition to our team,” she said. 

Ms Talko-Nicholas grew up in Bairnsdale and has strong ties to the Gippsland region. She has a deeply ingrained sense of community, having volunteered at the Footscray Legal Service, worked on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, and served as a senior lawyer with Victoria Legal Aid. 

Ms Talko-Nicholas has welcomed the integration as a chance to benefit from the structure and support of a larger law firm, including access to mentors, junior lawyers, and practice management and support staff. 

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“I’m particularly looking forward to being exposed to and learning from Umbrella Family Lawyers’ niche experts,” said Ms Talko-Nicholas.

“Umbrella’s lawyers have specialist expertise in traditional and emerging areas of family law — pet custody and collaborative practice, being two examples. 

“I’m excited by the opportunities the integration will give me to continue to grow professionally, and to be able to expand my offering to continue to achieve positive outcomes for clients in the Gippsland region.”