About us.
Catherine Parks, Director
I have been a practicing Family Lawyer since 2004 and have been an Accredited Family Law Specialist since 2015. Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to work in Sydney’s top law firms and have a world of experience in working with complex personalities, complex family dynamics and complex property portfolios, though I have also had the opportunity to assist in many family law disputes that may be less complex but which are equally important. I was recommended by Doyle’s Guide in the Leading Parenting and Children’s Matters Lawyers NSW 2020, and have received a leading ranking in this category in 2023.
I am an accredited mediator, an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, a Parenting Co-Ordinator and a member of the Australian Association of Collaborative Professionals.
As a consequence of my 20 years of continuous practice as a family lawyer, a large part of which has been in the role of litigator, I am passionate about assisting families, whenever possible, to divorce or separate without going to court.
Leanne Mastrofilippo, Practice Director
I have worked in the legal profession since 2002 and have worked exclusively as a Family Law lawyer for over 13 years. Having spent much of my career working in Sydney’s top Property and Family Law firms I have gained a wealth of experience in complex property division matters, high-conflict parenting disputes, child support, spouse maintenance and representing third parties who have found themselves embroiled in Family Law proceedings.
My approach is centered on providing strategic representation to achieve the best outcome for each client’s unique situation. This approach is rooted in compassion, empathy and an understanding of the emotional and legal complexities involved in Family Law proceedings.
I also assist clients with estate planning to ensure their wishes are carried out in the event of illness or incapacity. I understand the legal requirements for the drafting of Wills, Powers of Attorney and Guardianships giving clients peace of mind that these important matters are taken care of.
I am a member of the Law Society of New South Wales and the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia.
Paniz Yazdi, Associate
I have worked exclusively in family law for over 8 years. I hold a Juris Doctor (Distinction) from the University of New South Wales, and I am an accredited mediator. Prior to being admitted as a solicitor, I worked as an Associate to a Judge in Division 1 and 2 of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. I have experience working in one of Sydney’s reputable boutique family law firms. I was appointed as a Deputy Registrar of the Court in 2022. My roles at the Court have provided with an in-depth understanding of the Court process.
My combined experience in private practice and at the Court has provided me with invaluable experience and I am able to assist families to resolve a wide range of issues including high risk parenting matters, property division, spousal maintenance, and child support.
Natalie Curic, Paralegal & Executive Assistant
I hold a Bachelor of Business and Commerce degree, and commenced my Juris Doctor post graduate studies at Macquarie University in 2022. I began my corporate career in qualitative and quantitive research working across a broad range of industries involving business services and consumer behaviour. Prior to joining Parks Family Law I spent 10 years working in a legal support business. My time in this field gave rise to my current position as paralegal and client liaison manager of Parks Family Law . I am fortunate to be able to use my diverse work experience, research background and a special interest in family law to support our clients through a very personal and life-changing event.
Helen Pickering, Office Assistant
Prior to commencing work with Parks Family Law, for the previous 16 and a half years I was a Judicial Associate to a Judge in the Family Court of Australia (as it was then known). I have significant and extensive experience and knowledge of the working in the Family Court. I enjoy assisting our clients in all dealing relating to administrative aspects relating to court processes.
Testimonials
“Catherine Parks was an incredible source of support to me at a time when I was most vulnerable, and she quickly gained my trust. She had genuine insight into my complicated circumstances and was able to offer me practical and candid advice in a compassionate manner. Catherine is clearly a highly experienced lawyer, and she adeptly negotiated with the other party and handled my court proceedings with expertise. I have since recommended Catherine Parks to several others, and would not hesitate to do so again.”
— N.T., Client
“I highly recommend Catherine Parks to anyone seeking a Family Law Solicitor. Not only is Catherine exceptionally knowledgeable in Family Law, she always kept me well-informed and was readily available to answer any questions or concerns that I may have had. Catherine was genuinely concerned for my wellbeing and it showed throughout my case as she always explained the process step by step.
Catherine will defend you and give you the encouragement to fight for your rights even when you’ve lost the will-power. My case settled in December 2020 with a positive outcome in my favour. Catherine helped my sons and I get our lives back, and made it possible to plan a positive future. I will be forever grateful.”
— E.K., Client
“Thank you for being a fantastic support and trusted advisor through this process. You are truly terrific!”
— A., Client
