Expert Lawyers in Charlestown

Berryman Partners is one of Newcastle & Lake Macquarie’s leading law firms.

The team at Berryman Partners Lawyers have been providing legal services to people and businesses in the local region for over 45 years. We maintain a professional, yet friendly personal approach.

Our firm was established over 45 years ago by John Kilpatrick. Ross Berryman joined him as a partner and we have been known as Kilpatrick Berryman, Kilpatrick Berryman and Gray and now Berryman Partners Lawyers. Our firm is led by our Managing Partner David Berryman, who has been in legal practice in Charlestown for over 35 years. David’s brother, Chris, has also been with the firm for over 30 years, and they lead a dedicated team of professionals focused on meeting client’s needs.

Meet Our Team

David Berryman

David is the Principal Solicitor, bringing a wealth of experience to our firm.  Admitted to practice in 1985, David has been guiding clients through legal matters for nearly four decades.

David’s areas of practice include conveyancing, wills and estates and business issues.  His extensive expertise ensures that he can handle a wide range of legal challenges with confidence and precision. Whether you’re buying or selling property, property development, planning your estate, or managing legal aspects of your small business, David is here to provide clear, practical advice and support.

David takes great pride in working with generations of families within the local community.  He values the trust and long-standing relationships that have been built over the years, and he is committed to providing personalized and reliable legal support to each and every client.

With David’s vast experience and personable approach, you can trust that you’re in good hands, no matter what your legal needs may be.

Chris Berryman

With over thirty years in the industry, Chris has honed his expertise in property and small business transactions, ensuring a seamless and stress-free process for all clients. His extensive knowledge and meticulous attention to detail make him an invaluable asset in navigating the complexities of conveyancing, small business and commercial leasing.

Chris is especially passionate about assisting first-time homebuyers.  He understands that purchasing a home is not just a transaction but a significant milestone in his clients’ lives. Chris takes pride in guiding new homeowners through each step, providing clear and compassionate support to make their dream of homeownership a reality. His approachable manner and commitment to client satisfaction have earned him a reputation for excellence and reliability.

Liz McIntyre

As a Senior Associate specialising in family law, wills and estates, Liz brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her practice.

Admitted as a solicitor in 2013, Liz’s began her career in general practice, gaining a broad spectrum of legal knowledge.  This foundation has equipped her with the expertise to provide comprehensive and thorough advice.

Liz understands that she works with clients during the most challenging times in their lives.  She prioritises building strong relationships, ensuring clients feel comfortable and heard. Her approach is client-centric, focusing on understanding and addressing individual needs with empathy and clarity.

Liz is a pragmatic practitioner. She is acutely aware of the stress associated with legal disputes.  She works collaboratively with clients to achieve effective resolutions, yet she is always prepared to advocate confidently on her clients’ behalf when necessary.

Jessica Benson

Jessica is an Associate Solicitor and has been a member of the Berryman Partners team since 2020.

Jessica’s psychology degree perfectly equips her to assist clients through some of the most difficult times in their lives, with Jessica predominately working in family law and deceased estates. Jessica’s holistic approach to her practice helps clients to navigate the intricate issues at hand in both family law and deceased estate matters.

Jessica approaches her matters with compassion and a hard-working demeanour. Jessica understands that the areas of family and estate law are about so much more than cases and legislation – they are about people, emotion, and the future of families.

Jessica strives to understand both the legal and emotional complexities of a client’s matter, finding solutions that not only address immediate legal issues but also foster a sustainable path forward for everyone involved.  Jessica’s goal is to help clients find amicable solutions wherever possible through negotiation and mediation, however she is also prepared to vigorously advocate for clients through litigation when necessary.

Maxcine Taylor

Alisa Richardson
Legal Secretary

Vickie Best
Receptionist

Kim Tracey
Legal Secretary

Angie Davys
Settlement Clerk

Jessica Dunn
Receptionist

Lawyers that care

Our lawyers genuinely want to help, so we take the time to listen and find out about your situation. Whether you’re after legal advice or representation in court, Berryman Partners will provide expert advice tailored to your situation and goals. We will help to address your concerns or questions, regardless of your situation. No question is a silly question!

How we work

When you talk to Berryman Partners, we will:

  • Provide you with practical, easy to understand legal advice
  • Clearly outline your options
  • Keep you updated regularly
  • Provide full details of costs
We have over 45 years experience providing expert legal advice.
Our compassionate team will listen to your case and provide you with easy to understand advice.
We will work closely with you to achieve the results you deserve.

Legal services

Some of the areas of law we can help with include:

  • Family law, divorce, de facto and same sex relationships
  • Property law and conveyancing
  • Wills, estate planning and elder law
  • Deceased estates
  • Wills disputes and claims
  • Commercial property and leasing
  • Business law advice
  • Debt collection and recovery services