Jessica Barker
Claire Grogan
A desire to help people resolve their legal problems, to explore interesting issues and problems in the law, and to keep her brain active and challenged were Jessica Barker’s motivations for becoming a solicitor. Growing up in regional NSW, Jessica graduated with a double degree in arts law from the University of Wollongong in 2007. Completing a graduate diploma in legal practice at ANU while working full-time with EBA Lawyers, she was admitted as a solicitor in June, 2008. Jessica practices in the areas of litigation and criminal law. “I pride myself in consistently demonstrating an approachable and understanding attitude,” she says. In the future, Jessica hopes to see more opportunities for training solicitors in “bedside manner”. Also, more efficient and improved systems Australia-wide for Legal Aid so that legal representation can be available to all people, regardless of their circumstances.
“Family Law can be a highly emotional area of the law, requiring patience and understanding,” says Claire Grogan, an associate at EBA Lawyers. Claire’s main practice is family law in both the Commonwealth and State jurisdictions. Her work includes property applications, children’s matters, divorce, and care matters. In addition to acting for husbands, fathers, mothers and wives, she acts for grandparents, aunts and uncles and is also an independent children’s lawyer/child representative. Claire has a thorough knowledge of family law and an excellent record of achieving good results. A particularly good communicator, she is able to empathise in order to properly understand the needs of her clients. She has Law and Commerce degrees from ANU, a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, and a Master of Laws. Her postgraduate studies have been in law and alternative dispute resolution. Claire has also undertaken interdisciplinary team collaborative training.
SOLICITOR
EBA Lawyers 122 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan Phone: 6128 1200 Email: jessica.barker@ebalawyers.com.au
LAWYER
EBA Lawyers 17-21 University Avenue, Canberra Phone: 6206 1300 Email: claire.grogan@ebalawyers.com.au
Numira Kuruppu
Kristy McBain
Flexibility, adaptability, and the fact that she’s a quick learner have been the keys to Numira Kuruppu’s success in the field of litigation and family law. “To gain experience I have to put myself out of my comfort zone and face unfamiliar situations which has been a challenging experience for me,” the young solicitor says. “And the law offers me that opportunity.” Since moving here from Hobart with her Sri Lankanborn parents in 1990, Numira studied arts/law at ANU before moving into a role as a paralegal at EBA Lawyers at the end of 2007. Now an admitted solicitor, she has been concentrating on family law which she says needs “greater accessibility and efficiency.” “I studied law because I thought it would teach me skills useful for many varied and different occupations – but now I am actually practising as a solicitor, I am really enjoying it,” she says.
As a solicitor working in the property/commercial area of EBA’s Canberra office, Kristy deals with all facets of property and commercial law including conveyancing, leasing, business matters, wills and estates and commercial litigation work. “After completing my degree, I decided to pursue a career in property/commercial law as I have great mentors in the firm in those areas and want to work with them to hone my skills,” says Kristy. ”I have been with this firm now for three years and love it.” A proud Merimbula girl who moved to Canberra to study, Kristy is recently married. She was co-chair of the Youth Advisory Council in 2007-2008, reporting to Deputy Chief Minister Katy Gallagher on youth issues in the ACT. “I find it very satisfying when clients ring me for a chat, even after I’ve completed their matter. I enjoy my work and I think clients pick up on that. They feel I’m approachable and they are comfortable talking to me. It’s very rewarding.”
SOLICITOR
SOLICITOR
EBA Lawyers 17-21 University Avenue, Canberra Phone: 6206 1300 Email: numira.kuruppu@ebalawyers.com.au
EBA Lawyers 17-21 University Avenue, Canberra Phone: 6206 1300 Email: kristy.mcbain@ebalawyers.com.au
Eileen Robbins
Agatha Batticciotto
TEAM MANAGER, ACT
Enjo Phone: 6255 8843 Mobile: 0417 335563 Email: eileen_robbins@bigpond.com
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Eileen Robbins is a woman on a mission. She wants everyone in Canberra to help save the environment by cleaning their homes and outdoors without chemicals by using Enjo and only a bit of water. Sound impossible? It’s not, says Eileen, ACT Team Manager for Enjo. Offering a cost-effective alternative to cleaning with harmful chemicals, Enjo products are made with fibre technology which eliminates the need for up to 90 per cent of chemical cleaners. “Once you see Enjo in action, you’ll change the way you clean,” says Eileen. Enjo also saves time, energy and money. Cleaning is quicker. Average households can save up to 50 litres of water a week. Surfaces stay cleaner for longer and you no longer need a cupboard full of expensive cleaning products. Enjo is a direct selling company. It’s taken off here and Eileen is looking for consultants. “It’s great income, offers flexibility, free training and you can be your own boss,” says Eileen. “All this attracted me to Enjo and I’ve never looked back.”
OWNER
Epic Hair Studio B06 Gallery Court,Westfield Woden Phone: 6282 8428
Salon owner Agatha says her loyal team at Epic Hair Studio feels like family, spending a lot of time together working, training and socialising. Her energetic team, comprising Connie, Janene, Branka, Josie, Shaun, Jessica, Katrina, Sarah, Caitlin, Alex, Andra, Maroof, Victoria and Agatha herself, are all highly trained. “As an owner, I’m constantly putting time and energy into my team,” she says. “Finding and keeping talented staff is one of the greatest challenges for salons.” As well as their talent and expertise, Agatha says her team at Epic has the passion to strive to make people happy. “Our reputation in customer service is to spend time with customers helping them find the look they want,” Agatha says. Herself a talented stylist, Agatha took out the 2007 ACT/ NSW Trend Vision championships that saw her competing against some of Australia’s top salons. Epic Hair Studio at Westfield Woden is open seven days a week.