Local Team Members
Skilled lawyers
Years in Business
supported Causes
One of the Central Coast’s largest law firms.
Comprehensive legal expertise across all areas of law, tailored to your needs
Legal advice you can count on.
Decades of trusted legal experience, guiding clients through every stage of life
Recommended by Doyle’s Guide
Our Family & Divorce Law Services are leading in the area on the Central Coast
Caring for the community
Tonkin Drysdale Partners is a long-term supporter of a range of local clubs and charities
TDP welcomes Nick Fagan to partnership.
In July 2024, we welcomed our fifth partner to the firm, Nick Fagan who specialises in family and criminal law
Central Coast Lawyers for over 65 years
Established in 1958, Tonkin Drysdale Partners has proudly served the local community for almost seven decades
If you’re looking for a Central Coast lawyer, Tonkin Drysdale Partners offers one of the largest, most experienced law firms in the area.
Tonkin Drysdale Partners is a Central Coast law firm that has been serving the local community for more than 65 years. With experience, knowledge and a passion for success, we can provide you with expert advice.
Our Central Coast lawyers have over 100 years’ combined experience. We specialise in family law, wills and estates, conveyancing, criminal law, commercial law, employment law, personal injury, and mediation.
Located in Woy Woy on the Central Coast, our team offers services to the Central Coast, Newcastle and Sydney regions. If you’re looking for a Central Coast lawyer, our expert team would be pleased to assist.
Our Expertise

Civil Disputes
Central Coast Civil Dispute & Litigation Experts

Commercial Law
Tonkin Drysdale Partners oNers expert commercial law services across the Central Coast, Newcastle and Sydney regions.

Criminal Law
Expert Criminal Lawyers on The Central Coast

Drug Offences
Central Coast Legal Experts
Facing a drug charge can be life altering. Trust Tonkin Drysdale Partners’ experienced criminal defence team to provide expert legal guidance led by Partner Nick Fagan.

Employment Law
Employment Law services you can rely on

Estate Litigation
The most trusted Estate Litigation representation on the Central Coast

Family Law
Central Coast Family Lawyers You Can Trust

Local Planning
Tonkin Drysdale Partners are trusted experts in local planning and government law on the Central Coast.

Mediation Services
Resolve Disputes with Expert Mediation Services
Avoid the stress and expense of court with Tonkin Drysdale Partners' expert mediation services. Our accredited Central Coast mediators specialise in family law mediations. At Tonkin Drysdale Partners, we offer mediation services to assist individuals in resolving family disputes efficiently, potentially without court intervention. Our nationally accredited mediators have significant experience in facilitating resolutions.

Personal Injury
Offering trusted advice and representation for workplace injuries, motor vehicle accidents and compensation claims.

Property & Conveyancing
With over 65 years of experience, we handle residential and commercial property transactions, leases, contracts and disputes with precision and care.

Wills & Estate Planning
Plan for the future with trusted Central Coast Wills & Estate Planning services from Tonkin Drysdale Partners.
Experienced service you can count on
Meet the team
One of the Central Coast’s largest law firms
Legal Assistant Probate
Family Law Secretary
Assistant Practice Manager
Administrative Assistant
Legal Secretary
Conveyancing Assistant
Managing Partner
Partner
Partner
Conveyancing Assistant
Family Law Secretary
Solicitor
Probate Paralegal
Family Law Paralegal to Lee Pawlak
Conveyancing Assistant
Bookeeper
Senior Associate
Secretary to Dominic Tonkin
Leasing Assistant
General Manager
Conveyancing Assistant
Partner
Partner
Receptionist
Probate & Conveyancing Secretary
Family Law Secretary
Solicitor
Lee Pawlak acted for me in my family law matter. To provide context, I am also a lawyer. I decided to instruct Lee in my matter because he is known among legal circles as being one of, if not the best, family lawyer on the Central Coast. Words can’t express what your efforts have meant to me. I could not have been happier with the way that you and our barrister handled the matter. I think the part that was the most impressive to me was your work on the financial affidavit. You are every bit deserving of the Doyle’s recommendation. The care and attention that you gave to my file gave me so much comfort in knowing that I was in the best hands possible. I strongly encourage anyone in need of a family law lawyer to contact Tonkin Drysdale Partners.
Tony R
My experience with Paul Quinn and the team at Tonkin Drysdale Partners was outstanding, not only does Paul Quinn have a very professional approach, he also demonstrates empathy and understanding. I was heard no matter how silly my suggestions or understanding of the situation may have been, and this gave me the courage to push through and fight for what was fair & just, at a time in my life that has proved to be the most difficult of times. I can not thank you enough for your support and understanding Paul & thank you to the whole team at TDP who were so lovely and compassionate.
Denby D
We engaged Lee Pawlak and his team during a particularly challenging family law matter involving custody. With little prior knowledge of the legal process, we were immediately reassured by Lee’s professionalism, clarity, and genuine commitment to our case. His deep understanding of family law and strategic approach meant that the outcome was not only favourable, but also brought a sense of security and peace back to our family. We’re extremely grateful and would highly recommend Lee to anyone navigating a complex or sensitive family law situation. His expertise and integrity are second to none.
Kira C
I had the pleasure of working with Aaron Camp, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the legal services. From the very beginning, Mr Camp demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism, attentiveness and expertise. He took the time to understand my case in detail and keep me informed every step of the way. His thorough approach and dedication ensured a positive outcome which was nothing but special and I genuinely felt that my best interests were always his top priority. It’s rare to find someone who combines such knowledge with outstanding customer service.
Nikcol N
I would like to thank Lee, Nadia & the team at TDP for their professionalism, compassion and support they provide to me. At a difficult time in my life, they helped in my journey while offering some wisdom along the way.
I would thoroughly recommend this practice.
Michael F
Nick Fagan came highly recommended to me when I sought new legal services after a disappointing experience with another firm. From our first conversation it became clear switching to Nick would be a good decision. Nick was strategic in his approach and gave me confidence he could deliver a great result. Nick outperformed my expectations, resolving the matter within a matter of weeks. I want to thank Nick for his professionalism and tenacity through the process and would highly recommend him to anybody seeking an experienced lawyer.
Alex W
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Tonkin Drysdale Partners acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land and pays respect to Elders past, present and future. We recognise Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to place and their rich contribution to society. We acknowledge both the Darkinjung people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which our offices sit.