Koffels Solicitors & Barristers is a Sydney law firm that acts across 18 areas of law, from institutional abuse compensation and family law to commercial, property, and specialist matters such as sports and equine law. We act for individuals, families, and businesses, and for clients across Australia.
Browse our practice areas below, or contact us if you are not sure which one applies to your situation. We will connect you with the right lawyer.
Institutional abuse compensation
We have extensive experience acting for survivors of institutional and historical child sexual abuse, helping them seek compensation through the civil courts. We act with sensitivity and discretion, and with an understanding of how difficult this process can be.
Civil compensation is assessed on the harm you have suffered, including your health, career, relationships, and quality of life, and it is not subject to a cap. Virtually all claims settle before a hearing, and confidentiality is standard.
In most cases, New South Wales no longer imposes time limits on civil claims for child sexual abuse, although individual circumstances still matter. Read more about limitation periods for historical institutional abuse claims.
If you are thinking about the National Redress Scheme, get independent legal advice first. Accepting a Scheme payment permanently extinguishes your right to bring a civil claim, and applications close on 30 June 2027. Read 5 things you should know about the National Redress Scheme.
No win, no fee arrangements are available for eligible institutional abuse compensation claims. Read more about our institutional abuse compensation practice, or request a free, confidential consultation.
Personal and family
Family law and divorce
From separation and divorce to parenting arrangements and property settlement, we give clear advice and a focus on practical outcomes through one of life’s most difficult periods.
Medical negligence
If you or a loved one has been harmed by substandard medical care, we can advise whether you have grounds for a compensation claim and guide you through the process.
Wills, estates, and probate
We prepare wills, administer estates, and resolve probate disputes, helping families protect what matters most and avoid unnecessary conflict.
Criminal law
We represent clients facing a wide range of charges, with experienced representation at every stage from first response through to court.
Property and construction
Real estate and property law
We act for buyers, sellers, and investors in residential and commercial property transactions, from contract review through to settlement.
Building and construction law
We advise developers, builders, and owners on contracts, disputes, and regulatory compliance across residential and commercial projects.
Strata and community title
We advise owners corporations, strata managers, and individual lot owners on strata and community title matters, from by-law disputes to building defects.
Commercial and corporate
Corporate and commercial law
We give commercially focused advice to businesses of all sizes on company structuring, contracts, governance, and day-to-day commercial matters.
Finance and credit law
We advise lenders, borrowers, and guarantors on lending arrangements, securities, and credit disputes.
Employment law and workplace relations
We advise employers and employees on contracts, terminations, workplace investigations, and disputes.
Insolvency
We advise businesses and individuals facing financial distress, and creditors, on their options under Australian insolvency law.
Intellectual property
We help clients protect and commercialise their intellectual property, from trade marks and copyright to licensing and IP disputes.
Cross-border transactions
With extensive international experience, we advise businesses and individuals on cross-border transactions, structuring, and the legal issues of operating across jurisdictions.
Immigration law
We advise individuals and businesses on visa applications, sponsorship, and the wider immigration process.
Disputes and litigation
Litigation and dispute resolution
We represent clients in commercial and civil disputes, resolving matters efficiently where we can and preparing to litigate when we must.
Specialist areas
Sports law
We act for athletes, clubs, and sporting bodies on contracts, disciplinary matters, and the legal issues specific to the sports industry.
Equestrian and equine law
Drawing on Ross Koffel’s own background in the equestrian world, our equine law practice advises on horse sales and purchases, equestrian disputes, and industry-specific legal issues.
Frequently asked questions
What areas of law does Koffels practise in?
Koffels Solicitors & Barristers practises across 18 areas of law, including institutional abuse compensation, family law, medical negligence, criminal law, property and construction law, commercial and corporate law, and specialist areas such as sports and equestrian law. You can browse all of our practice areas above.
Does Koffels offer a free initial consultation?
Yes. Koffels offers a free, confidential initial consultation for institutional abuse compensation matters. For other practice areas, please contact us to discuss your situation and the options available.
Does Koffels act for clients outside New South Wales?
Yes. Although Koffels is based in Sydney, we act for clients across Australia and, in some practice areas such as cross-border transactions and institutional abuse compensation, for clients located overseas.
What does no win, no fee mean?
No win, no fee means that for eligible institutional abuse compensation claims, you do not pay our legal fees unless your claim is successful. The terms are set out in a written costs agreement, which we explain at your free consultation. This arrangement applies to institutional abuse compensation matters and does not apply across all of our practice areas.
Is there still a time limit for an institutional abuse compensation claim?
In most cases, New South Wales no longer imposes a time limit on civil claims for child sexual abuse, although individual circumstances still matter. If you are unsure whether your situation is affected, contact us for a free, confidential consultation before assuming a claim is out of time.
Should I apply to the National Redress Scheme?
The National Redress Scheme may be appropriate in limited circumstances, such as where a civil claim is not viable. The maximum Scheme payment is $150,000 and many payments are significantly lower, and accepting a payment permanently extinguishes your right to bring a civil claim. Applications close on 30 June 2027, and we strongly recommend independent legal advice before you apply. Read more in our review of the National Redress Scheme.
How do I know which lawyer I need to speak to?
If you are not sure which practice area applies to your situation, you do not need to work this out yourself. Contact us with a brief description of your matter, and we will connect you with the right lawyer at Koffels.
