Introducing Our
Civil Disputes & Litigation Team
Dominic is a third-generation partner at Tonkin Drysdale Partners. He leads our Civil Litigation team and is sought after to act in wills and estate disputes.
Dominic also has significant experience in Employment Law, Commercial Law, Personal Injury Law, Environment and Planning Law, and other civil disputes. Dominic is well regarded for estate planning, and residential and commercial conveyancing services.
Dominic conducts matters in the NSW Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, Federal Court, District Court, Federal Circuit and Family Court, Fair Work Commission, Personal Injury Commission, Land and Environment Court, NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal and the Local Court.
Dominic’s grandfather Philip founded the firm in 1958 and his father Paul is a current Partner.
Dominic is a Director of SCG Cricket and honorary solicitor to a number of local sporting and registered clubs.
Away from the office, Dominic enjoys time with his wife Megan and their young family at the Coast’s great beaches, cafes and restaurants, or keenly supporting one of his many sporting interests. Dominic is a member of the Australian Lawyers Cricket Council and represented the successful Australian team at the 2019 Lawyers Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.
One of the most experienced litigators on the Central Coast, Darrell Pannowitz has been with Tonkin Drysdale Partners since 1988.
With 32 years’ experience as a solicitor and over 47 years’ experience in NSW Courts, Darrell provided expert advice and representation in all Federal and State Courts and Tribunals. He has particular expertise in wills and estates disputes and personal injury. Darrell has also assisted clients with estate planning, residential and commercial conveyancing, and commercial transactions.
In 2015, Darrell was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Umina. In 2017 he was honoured with the prestigious Peninsula Chamber of Commerce President’s Award.
James is a part of Tonkin Drysdale Partners’ Commercial Law and Property and Conveyancing Law teams.
James brings a wealth of knowledge to the team, with previous experience in mid-tier law firms in Newcastle and Sydney. During his time at those firms, James developed a strong ability to provide his clients with proactive, practical and outcome-driven legal advice to assist his clients in achieving their objectives.
Outside of work, you’ll likely find James hiking in one of the many national parks that surround the Central Coast.
After a career as a neuroscientist, Aaron retrained as a lawyer and specialises in Commercial Law and Wills and Estates.
Aaron regularly appears and conducts matters in the Supreme Court, Local Court and the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal in contested commercial and estate disputes and guardianship matters.
Aaron brings a wealth of experience in evaluating and solving complex problems, and considerable commercial skills having served on a number of boards including as Director of Member Services for Surf Lifesaving Central Coast, and the independent University of Sydney Ethics Board.
Aaron is respected as a community leader, strong advocate for people with disabilities and youth, and is a previous recipient of the Gosford City Council Australia Day Volunteer of the Year Award for his work in these areas.
Outside the office, Aaron and his wife enjoy spending time with their two daughters, competing in IRONMAN triathlon, and surf life saving.
Joining the firm in 2023, Kurtis is part of our Commercial, Employment and Personal Injury Law and Civil Litigation teams at Tonkin Drysdale Partners and brings a wide range of knowledge and experience to the firm.
Kurtis has previously gained experience in litigious and non-litigious matters in commercial, insolvency and employment law. Prior to commencing his legal studies, Kurtis moved to London at the age of 19. During this time and upon settling back in Australia, Kurtis obtained experience in a range of industries prior to commencing his legal career, including construction and hospitality. Kurtis believes this makes him approachable whilst providing informed and calculated advice to clients.
Outside of work, you will find Kurtis playing golf on one of the Coast’s many courses, watching cricket in the summer months and following the Newcastle Knights in the winter months.
Tonkin Drysdale Partners’ civil dispute lawyers have extensive knowledge and experience in civil disputes and litigation. Backed by over 65 years’ experience, the team can provide expert advice in civil dispute and litigation matters.
Given the stakes for our clients, the Tonkin Drysdale Partners team approaches matters with a commercial, cost-effective approach that seeks to provide you with an optimal outcome. Our focus is on achieving our clients’ desired results and avoiding lengthy and costly litigation processes wherever possible. However, we will fight when required to protect our clients’ interests. We are experienced court advocates and have proven experience in all New South Wales and Commonwealth courts and tribunals.
We can act in or advise on any civil dispute— including providing a nationally accredited mediator if required—and advise on preventative measures to avoid any future disputes. We will also help minimise the damage if you are on the receiving end of a claim.
By working closely with you, we can expedite processes to secure payment or pursue a judgment to recover payment.
TDP’s Civil Dispute and Litigation Services:
- Contract disputes
- Consumer law and disputes
- Tenancy disputes
- Neighbour disputes
- Building and construction disputes
- Debt recovery
- Estate disputes
- Personal injury
- Employment disputes
- Defamation
Civil Dispute Time Limitations
Different time limits apply based the type of legal case at hand, so it is important to seek legal advice quickly. TDP’s team of Central Coast civil dispute lawyers can quickly assess your situation and provide relevant advice.
For expert legal advice, contact TDP today.
Get In Touch.
For expert legal advice, contact TDP today.