We Are Ardent

Welcome to Ardent Lawyers, your trusted local law firm based in the Shoalhaven. We are a dynamic and fun team of legal professionals with deep-rooted expertise and passion for a variety of legal areas. From family law and conveyancing to wills, estates, our goal is to provide you with the highest standard of legal services while being approachable, transparent and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome you.

Who We Are

The word "ardent" means having or showing very strong feelings, enthusiasm, or passion. It can describe someone who is intensely devoted, eager, or zealous in pursuit of a cause or activity. In essence, it conveys a sense of deep emotional intensity and commitment.

At Ardent Lawyers, we believe in combining legal expertise with a personal touch. We are not just a law firm that offers sound legal advice—we are your legal partners through every step of your journey in life. Our team is passionate about delivering results with a focus on client care and tailored services. With extensive experience across a broad range of legal services, we take pride in being problem solvers and compassionate advocates for our clients.

Our founder, Mary-Jean Lewis, established Ardent Lawyers with the vision of offering high-quality, professional legal services to the Shoalhaven community. Since then, we have expanded our services to cover a wide range of legal needs while maintaining our core values of integrity, honesty, and accessibility.

Our Approach

At Ardent Lawyers, we know that every legal matter is unique. That’s why we take the time to understand your specific situation, provide clear guidance, and work together to achieve your goals. Our approach is client-centered, and we’re committed to making the legal process as straightforward as possible, while delivering efficient and effective solutions.

Clear Communication: We believe in open and honest communication. Legal matters can often be complex, but we are here to simplify them, helping you understand the legal implications at every stage of your case. Whether it’s a property transaction or a family dispute, you can rely on us to explain your options clearly, empowering you to make informed decisions.

Cost-Effective Solutions: We are transparent with our fees and offer practical, cost-effective legal solutions. We understand that legal services can sometimes be daunting from a financial perspective, so we ensure that there are no hidden surprises by offering fixed fees in most matters. You’ll receive a clear outline of the costs involved in your matter, and we will always aim to provide affordable solutions.

Experienced and Dedicated Team: Our team of lawyers and support staff have extensive experience across various legal fields. From family disputes to conveyancing and much more, we bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to every case, ensuring that your legal needs are handled professionally and with care.

Contact Us

If you’re looking for reliable legal advice and representation in St Georges Basin, Ulladulla, or any of the surrounding areas, look no further than Ardent Lawyers. Contact us today for a consultation. We provide home visits at no extra cost. We’re here to provide you with the legal support you need.

Why Choose Ardent Lawyers?

Local Expertise with a Personal Touch: As a local firm, we understand the specific needs and challenges faced by the Shoalhaven community. We live and work in the same area, so we’re committed to offering solutions that are not only legally sound but also tailored to your local environment.

Comprehensive Legal Support: With a broad range of legal services, we are equipped to assist you with almost any legal matter. Our team works together to provide a holistic approach, ensuring that your legal issues are resolved efficiently and with minimal stress.

Community-Focused: At Ardent Lawyers, we’re more than just legal practitioners. We’re proud members of the local community and are dedicated to supporting it through our legal expertise. Whether it’s assisting local businesses, helping families through difficult times, or giving back through community initiatives, we are committed to making Shoalhaven a better place for everyone.

Accessible and Approachable: Legal issues can often feel overwhelming, but we are here to make the process as straightforward as possible. Our team is approachable and always available to answer any questions you may have. We aim to create long-lasting relationships with our clients, based on trust, transparency, and reliability.

Our Legal Services

At Ardent Lawyers, we provide a wide range of legal services tailored to the needs of our local community. Whether you’re buying or selling property, navigating family law issues, or needing help with estate planning, we’re here to help.

  1. Family Law: Family disputes can be emotionally challenging. We offer compassionate and expert legal guidance in areas such as divorce, child custody, property settlements, and spousal maintenance. Our family law team takes a practical and empathetic approach, ensuring that your rights are protected while helping you navigate the complexities of family breakdowns. We are on the Legal Aid NSW for matters requiring a grant of legal aid.

  2. Conveyancing: Whether you’re buying or selling property, our conveyancing services ensure that the transaction process is smooth and stress-free. We handle all aspects of property law, including contracts, settlements, and title transfers, ensuring that you meet all legal requirements and deadlines.

  3. Wills and Estates: Planning for the future is crucial, and we are here to help you with estate planning, drafting wills, and managing estates. Whether you need assistance in creating a will or navigating the probate process, our team provides the legal expertise you need to ensure that your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes.

  4. Public Notary Service: We offer professional and reliable public notarial services for all your legal document needs. Whether you require notarization for international documents, affidavits, statutory declarations, or certification of true copies, our qualified Notary Public ensures that your documents meet all legal requirements.

  5. Dispute Resolution/ Mediation: Disputes can arise in many aspects of life, from business disagreements to personal conflicts. Our team is skilled and accredited in mediation and dispute resolution and can help you reach amicable solutions, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

  6. Personal Injury Law/ Compensation: Accidents happen, and if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Our team can assist you in personal injury claims, helping you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.

  7. Commercial Law and Leases: We provide expert advice and representation in all aspects of commercial law, including the drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial leases and any dispute litigation. Whether you’re a landlord or tenant, we ensure your interests are protected and that all legal obligations are clearly outlined. We assist with commercial contracts, business agreements, leasing disputes, and property-related transactions. Our goal is to offer tailored legal solutions to support your business needs and help you navigate the complexities of business with confidence.

Ardent meaning:

Adjective:

— having, expressive of, or characterised by intense feeling; passionate; fervent: an ardent vow; ardent love.

— intensely devoted, eager, or enthusiastic; zealous: an ardent theatergoer. an ardent student of French history.

— vehement; fierce: They were frightened by his ardent, burning eyes.

— burning, fiery, or hot: The ardent core of a star.

 

Mary-Jean Lewis

Principal Lawyer

Mary-Jean has created Ardent Lawyers with a wealth of knowledge and experience in practicing in national, international and even sole practitioner firms.

Mary-Jean is passionate about looking after her clients and making sure they are always kept up to date with the progression of their matters. She is a passionate litigator who enjoys the litigation court process which makes her an aggressive and scary opponent.

Mary-Jean worked two legal jobs (one full time and one part time) whilst studying a Bachelor of Laws part time. Her extensive experience as a legal secretary, together with being a country girl at heart (growing up in Orange, NSW) has helped her to develop as a grounded, down to earth and approachable lawyer.

Mary-Jean is a member of the Law Society of NSW and an accredited specialist in personal injury law.

Specialist Accreditation is a structured peer to peer assessment process enabling legal practitioners to be recognised for their expertise. To be accredited, specialists must pass a series of meticulous assessments on both legal knowledge and its application in practice. To retain their accreditation specialists must undertake significant additional professional development in their area of expertise each year. Specialist Accreditation is held by less than 6% of the legal profession in New South Wales.

In her spare time Mary-Jean enjoys fishing, walking on the beach and returning to her home town of Orange, NSW to visit her family and friends.

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Education

COLLEGE OF LAW
Mediator Training - National Mediation Accreditation System (NMAS)

COLLEGE OF LAW
Notarial Practice Training Course - Notary Public

THE LAW SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES
Specialist Accreditation in Personal Injury Law

UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND
Bachelor of Laws

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice

Activities & Affiliations

Member of the Law Society of NSW
Member of the Society of Notaries of NSW Inc
Member of the Shoalhaven Business Chamber
Member of the Shoalhaven Professional Business Association
Lexis Nexis Australia - Legal Writer in Practical Guidance - Personal Injury NSW
Co-founder of the Basin Business Forum
Co-founder of the Women’s Connection of Milton Ulladulla

Admissions

Supreme Court of New South Wales
High Court of Australia

 

Joanne King

Legal Assistant, Justice of the Peace

Joanne has been living locally for the past 20 years and has been active in the local community during that time.

 Joanne is a mum to two daughters, Bridget and Hayley.

 Joanne is a Justice of the Peace.

 In her spare time Joanne enjoys walking on the beach, watching movies and spending time with her husband and family.

Education 

EUROBODALLA ADULT EDUCATION
Certificate IV in Frontline Management

EUROBODALLA ADULT EDUCATION
Certificate III in Tourism

SYDNEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Certificate IV in Office Skills – Information Processing

Activities & Affiliations

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Kim Aziz

Lawyer

Kim is passionate about simplifying the legal journey for her clients. With a combined background in Business and Law, she excels at breaking down complex matters into understandable steps.

Kim holds degrees in Business Commerce and Law and is a member of the Law Society of NSW. With over a decade of experience in banking, she has handled diverse areas including loans, property, estates and banking services.

Her goal is to alleviate the stress of legal issues. As a mother of three, she empathises and is dedicated to Family Law, offering assistance to individuals facing concerns such as Property and Parenting matters.

With Kim, clients are more than just cases – they're individuals seeking guidance. She prioritises active listening, breaking down legal jargon, and helping clients make informed decisions.

Beyond her work, Kim enjoys running along the captivating NSW South Coast.

Education

WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Commerce

UNIVERISTY OF NEW ENGLAND
Bachelor of Laws

COLLEGE OF LAW
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice

Admissions

Supreme Court of New South Wales
High Court of Australia

Activities & Affiliations

Member of the Law Society of NSW

Member of the Ulladulla RATS Running Club

Member of a local ‘Mums n Bubs’ Mothers Group

Member of a local Mother’s Book Club