The people behind the practice.

Sophie Pettigrew

Legal Practice Director

For almost two decades, Sophie has worked alongside individuals, families and business owners navigating significant decisions and life transitions. Her experience spans family law, corporate and commercial law, dispute resolution, mediation and governance, providing a broad perspective on the legal, financial and personal issues that often intersect during periods of family change.

Sophie has a longstanding interest in improving outcomes for families experiencing significant change. Working alongside psychologists and family therapists, she has developed innovative programs and service models designed to support families through separation, divorce and co-parenting.

She believes that while legal outcomes matter, the way families experience the process matters too.

Family law · Commercial law · Strategic advisory

“Humility precedes honour.” — Proverbs 15:33

Laura Dowling

Special Counsel. Practice Lead, Family Law

Laura brings fifteen years of focused family law experience to Franklin Family Law's practice. With a Masters in Applied Law specialising in family law, she combines technical depth with genuine strategic flexibility, as comfortable in complex litigation as she is in negotiation and resolution. Laura is known for her precision, her commitment to outcomes that genuinely serve families, and her willingness to do family law differently. She joins from Canberra's leading family law practices.

Her work spans complex litigation, binding financial agreements and parenting matters, handled with the same rigour and care throughout. Clients value her most for her honesty. Laura tells them the truth about their situation, even when it is not what they were hoping to hear.

For complex, high-stakes matters, Laura offers a rare combination: unquestionable strength if a matter reaches the courtroom, a cost-disciplined approach that keeps fees proportionate to what is actually at stake, and genuine care for the people involved. She has acted for high-profile clients through large, document-heavy trials, identifying the real issues early and preparing so thoroughly that most matters resolve well before a final hearing. As Practice Lead, she keeps the team closely across the latest case law and leads with compassion rather than pressure, a standard reflected in every matter she touches.

Complex parenting · High-value property · Complex litigation and trials · Binding financial agreements · International family law

Rachael Aydami

Senior Associate, Family Law

Rachael brings extensive family law experience to Franklin Family Law, advising clients across the full spectrum of family law matters, including parenting disputes, property settlements and divorce. She combines sound technical expertise with a calm, practical approach, helping clients navigate separation with confidence and clarity.

Known for her thoughtful communication and genuine care for her clients, Rachael is committed to achieving practical outcomes while minimising unnecessary conflict. She provides clear, strategic advice tailored to each family's circumstances, supporting clients to make informed decisions for the future.

Rachael is also trained in Collaborative Practice — a structured, out-of-court process where both people are supported by their own lawyer, and where financial and family professionals can be brought in as needed. Everyone works around the same table towards an agreement, rather than through litigation, which often means less conflict, greater privacy and a resolution the family has shaped themselves.

Parenting · Property settlements · Divorce · Consent orders · Collaborative Practice

Dan Farkhutdinov

Solicitor, Family Law

Dan advises clients across parenting and property matters, from initial advice and negotiation through to consent orders and court proceedings. He takes a measured, practical approach, helping clients understand their options clearly so they can make confident decisions.

He is known for his careful preparation and calm communication, and for keeping matters moving without adding unnecessary conflict.

Parenting · Property settlements · Negotiation · Consent orders

Danielle King

Solicitor, Commercial and Family Law

Danielle advises across commercial and family law, working with clients navigating separation, parenting arrangements and property settlements, as well as the business and commercial issues that often sit alongside them. She combines technical care with genuine empathy, taking the time to understand each client's circumstances before advising on the way forward.

She is committed to clear, practical advice and to resolving matters efficiently wherever possible, while preparing thoroughly for the matters that need to be litigated.

Commercial law · Separation · Parenting · Property settlements

Sami Ley

Operations and Client Services Manager

Sami oversees the day-to-day operations of Franklin Family Law and is often the first point of contact for new and existing clients. She ensures every enquiry is handled promptly, discreetly and with genuine care, and that each matter runs smoothly from the first consultation through to resolution.

Working closely with Sophie and the wider team, Sami coordinates appointments, client communication and the practice's network of trusted professionals, so clients always know what happens next and who to speak to.

Client care · Practice operations · Coordination · Confidentiality

Tim Pettigrew

Innovation and Development Manager

Tim leads innovation and development at Franklin Family Law, focused on how the practice works as much as what it delivers. He designs the systems, technology and service models that make legal support clearer, faster and easier for families to navigate.

He works closely with Sophie and the team to build and refine the firm's programs and client experience, always with the same test: does this make the process better for the family going through it?

Service design · Technology · Process improvement · Client experience

Tricia Wang

Law Clerk

Tricia supports the family law team across parenting and property matters, assisting with court documents, disclosure, correspondence and file preparation. She is thorough, organised and committed to keeping matters moving efficiently for clients.

Court documents · Disclosure · File preparation · Research

Baylin Kucks

Law Clerk

Baylin assists the team with the preparation of court material, client correspondence and the day-to-day progression of files. He brings care and attention to detail to every matter he works on, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Now in his final year of law studies, Baylin combines academic study with hands-on experience across parenting and property matters, working closely with the solicitors to keep files moving efficiently.

Court documents · Correspondence · File management · Research