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NSW Police arrest over 900 in a major domestic violence blitz. Facing DV or ADVO charges in the Illawarra? Speak to our criminal defence lawyers today.

Kells is pleased to confirm that Licensed Conveyancer Shanae Allen is now based in the firm’s Kiama office, where she will lead the delivery of conveyancing services for Kiama and surrounding areas. After several years working with Kells in Wollongong, Shanae’s relocation recognises her experience and capability, while supporting the firm’s continued focus on providing locally based, client centred conveyancing services across the South Coast. Alongside her ongoing conveyancing work, Shanae will take on an expanded role supporting clients throughout the region and strengthening local service delivery. With longstanding ties to the Illawarra, Shanae brings a strong understanding of the local property market and community. Her move to Kiama represents an important professional step and reflects her connection to the area she now serves. Shanae holds qualifications in Conveyancing Law and Practice from Macquarie University and joined Kells during her studies. Since that time, she has gained extensive experience across residential property matters, progressing through administrative and property support roles before becoming a licensed conveyancer. From the Kiama office , Shanae works directly with clients, providing clear, practical guidance throughout the conveyancing process. She is known for her approachable style and commitment to ensuring clients feel informed and confident at every stage of their property transaction. Kells Kiama Partner Michael Hatfield said Shanae’s move enhances the firm’s ability to meet the needs of the local community, noting her strong client relationships and depth of conveyancing experience. With Shanae Allen now leading conveyancing services from Kiama, Kells continues to invest in local expertise and personalised support for clients across Kiama and the wider South Coast region. Kells has grown to become a leading full-service law firm in Sydney and the Illawarra region, working alongside our clients and evolving our services to meet our clients’ changing needs. We have a team of passionate, energetic, and client-focused legal professionals with over 70 staff based across 6 offices in Sydney and throughout the Illawarra. For more information contact Shayne Lopeman Marketing Manager +61 2 4221 9362 slopeman@kells.com.au

Kells Lawyers is thrilled to announce the return of Colleen Issa , who has rejoined the firm as an Associate in the personal injury team at its Wollongong office. Ms Issa brings with her a strong understanding of the firm’s values, clients, and approach to compensation law. Her return further strengthens the firm’s personal injury practice and reflects Kells Lawyers’ ongoing investment in experienced and trusted practitioners. Ms Issa has substantial experience representing clients in personal injury matters and is known for her practical, clientfocused advocacy and commitment to achieving fair outcomes during often challenging circumstances. Ms Issa is an empathetic listener who cares for clients. Managing Partner Paul Magagnino welcomed Ms Issa back to the firm and highlighted the importance of continuity and expertise within the team. “We are delighted to welcome Colleen back to Kells,” Mr Magagnino said. “She is a highly capable compensation lawyer who understands both our clients and our practice. Her return as an Associate is a testament to the strength of our personal injury team and the collaborative culture we are proud to foster.” Ms Issa said she was pleased to be returning to a firm she knows well. “It’s great to be back at Kells,” Ms Issa said. “The firm has a strong reputation for client care and legal excellence, and I’m looking forward to continuing my work with the personal injury team.” Ms Issa will be based at the firm’s Wollongong premises, working closely with the broader compensation team to assist clients across all areas of personal injury matters. Kells has grown to become a leading full-service law firm in Sydney and the Illawarra region, working alongside our clients and evolving our services to meet our clients’ changing needs. We have a team of passionate, energetic, and client-focused legal professionals with over 70 staff based across 6 offices in Sydney and throughout the Illawarra. For more information contact Shayne Lopeman Marketing Manager +61 2 4221 9362 slopeman@kells.com.au

Peter Chodat has once again been recognised as one of Australia’s leading family lawyers, earning inclusion in the Best Lawyers in Australia list for Family Law. This marks the sixth consecutive year Peter Chodat has been named on the prestigious list, having been recognised annually since 2020. Best Lawyers is regarded as one of the legal profession’s most respected and credible ranking organisations. The publication’s listings are determined solely through peer review, with lawyers assessed by fellow practitioners for their professional expertise, ethics, and reputation within their area of practice. Consistent inclusion over multiple years reflects sustained excellence and standing within the legal profession. Peter Chodat’s continued recognition highlights his reputation as a trusted and highly regarded family law practitioner, particularly in complex and sensitive matters. His approach is known for combining strategic insight with measured, compassionate advocacy, qualities that have earned enduring respect from clients and peers alike. Managing Partner Paul Magagnino said the recognition was well deserved and reflective of Mr Chodat’s longstanding contribution to the firm and the profession. “Peter’s inclusion on the Best Lawyers list year after year is a strong endorsement of his legal expertise, professionalism, and commitment to his clients,” Mr Magagnino said. “This level of sustained peer recognition speaks volumes. Peter is highly respected not only within our firm, but across the broader legal community.” Commenting on the acknowledgement, Mr Chodat said the recognition was particularly meaningful because it comes from within the profession. “Being recognised by your peers is always an honour,” Mr Chodat said. “Family law is an evolving and challenging area, and this acknowledgement reflects the standard of work we strive to deliver consistently. It is also a credit to the team and the values that guide our practice.” The Best Lawyers in Australia list is published annually and recognises lawyers who have demonstrated outstanding professional performance in their respective fields. Mr Chodat’s continued presence on the list since 2020 places him among a select group of practitioners who have achieved longterm, peerrecognised excellence in family law. Kells has grown to become a leading full-service law firm in Sydney and the Illawarra region, working alongside our clients and evolving our services to meet our clients’ changing needs. We have a team of passionate, energetic, and client-focused legal professionals with over 70 staff based across 6 offices in Sydney and throughout the Illawarra. For more information contact Shayne Lopeman Marketing Manager +61 2 4221 9362 slopeman@kells.com.au

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way people access information, but when it comes to legal advice, it’s important to understand its limits. AI tools can generate fast, confident responses to legal questions, which can make them appear authoritative. However, they do not “understand” the law. Instead, they predict patterns based on existing data. This means they can produce answers which may sound correct, but they could be incomplete, outdated, or entirely wrong. Courts, such as the NSW Supreme Court , expect legal professionals and self-represented litigants to take certain precautions, and at times make certain declarations, with respect to generative AI for documents that come before the court. Both legal professionals and self-represented litigants have been negatively impacted by their use of generative AI in matters before the court. AI doesn’t apply legal reasoning Unlike a qualified lawyer, AI does interpret legislation or apply legal principles to a specific set of facts. It does not weigh competing authorities, assess credibility, or consider how courts have applied the law in practice. Legal advice requires: Understanding current legislation and case law Applying that law to your unique circumstances Exercising professional forensic judgment. AI simply cannot replicate this process. The risk of incorrect or outdated information AI-generated responses may: Misinterpret statutes or legal terminology Rely on outdated laws or cases Overlook key exceptions or nuances. The result is advice that may appear reliable, but could expose you to significant legal risk if acted upon. Privacy and confidentiality concerns When you input information into an AI tool, you may unknowingly disclose sensitive or confidential details. This can include: Personal information Financial details Sensitive communications. Consequences using of AI in legal services It is clear there are many risks of using AI for legal advice or to prepare a dispute that may go before the courts and there are many potential consequences of relying on AI for legal services. It is important that people know when and how using AI could impact their potential legal matter. The bottom line Legal matters are rarely one-size-fits-all. AI cannot properly assess your individual situation or provide advice tailored to your needs. It also carries no professional responsibility or accountability for the outcomes of its responses. There is growing recognition that while AI can assist with general information, it should not replace qualified legal advice. AI can be a helpful starting point for general knowledge, but it is not a substitute for professional legal guidance. If you’re dealing with a legal issue, particularly something as important as family law, property settlements, or contractual matters, seeking advice from an experienced lawyer remains essential. Legal issues deserve careful consideration and trusted expertise. Our experienced lawyers are here to provide clear, tailored advice to protect your interests. If you need guidance, we encourage you to reach out to our team. Get legal advice you can actually rely on. If you need clear, accurate legal guidance, speak with the team at Kells. As a full‑service law firm, we provide practical advice tailored to your circumstances, so you understand exactly where you stand and the best course of action to take. With five offices across the Illawarra and an office in the Sydney CBD, wherever life is taking you, we’re ready to help you get there with confidence.

Kells recently took part in the Salvation Army Community Wills Day held at Helensburgh Community Centre, reinforcing the firm’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities it serves. As part of the initiative, Estate Planning lawyers Nicki McNamara and Genevieve Van Yzendoorn volunteered their time on the day, working directly with community members to assist with the preparation of Wills and contribute to an initiative focused on practical support and community connection. Community Wills Days, delivered in partnership with The Salvation Army, bring together legal professionals and local organisations to provide accessible estate planning services in a welcoming community setting. Managing Partner Paul Magagnino said initiatives like the Helensburgh Community Wills Day reflect Kells’ broader approach to community involvement. “Giving back is a core part of who we are at Kells. Community events like this allow us to use our skills in a practical way while building meaningful connections with the people and organisations that make our region strong. It was fantastic to see our team involved and to support the important work being done by The Salvation Army.” Kells continues to support communitybased initiatives across the Illawarra and surrounding regions, with a focus on access, connection, and contributing positively to local communities. For more information on Salvation Army Community Wills Days, visit . Kells has grown to become a leading full-service law firm in Sydney and the Illawarra region, working alongside our clients and evolving our services to meet our clients’ changing needs. We have a team of passionate, energetic, and client-focused legal professionals with over 70 staff based across 6 offices in Sydney and throughout the Illawarra. For more information contact Shayne Lopeman Marketing Manager +61 2 4221 9362 slopeman@kells.com.au

Long Service Leave (LSL) has long been one of the most misunderstood areas of employment compliance in New South Wales. With evolving work arrangements, varying employment types, and inconsistent interpretations over the years, many businesses have faced uncertainty, and in some cases, costly disputes, around employee entitlements. That’s now changing. The NSW Government has released updated Long Service Leave guidance in March 2026 , providing much-needed clarity on how LSL should be calculated, applied, and managed across a wide range of employment scenarios. For employers, this marks a significant shift, and an important opportunity to ensure compliance. What’s changed? The updated guidance provides clearer direction on several key areas, including: Accurate LSL calculations Improved guidance on how to calculate entitlements, particularly for employees with irregular hours, bonuses, or varying pay structures. Pro-rata entitlements More detailed explanations around when employees may be entitled to pro-rata LSL, especially in cases of resignation, redundancy, or termination. Casual and part-time employees Clarification on how continuous service is assessed for non-full-time employees, an area that has historically caused confusion. Service continuity and breaks Updated interpretation of what constitutes “continuous service,” including how gaps, stand-downs, or changes in employment status are treated. Record-keeping obligations Reinforced expectations for employers to maintain accurate, detailed records to support compliance. Why this matters for employers These updates are not just administrative, they carry real risk if misunderstood or ignored. Incorrect LSL calculations or misinterpretation of entitlements can lead to: Employee disputes and claims Back payments and penalties Reputational damage Increased scrutiny from regulators. With clearer rules now in place, there is less room for ambiguity, meaning businesses are expected to get it right. What you should do next If you employ staff in NSW, now is the time to: Review your current LSL policies and calculations Audit employee records and entitlement tracking Ensure payroll systems align with the updated guidance Seek advice where situations are complex (e.g. long-term casuals, variable hours, or employment breaks). Need help navigating the changes? If you’re unsure how the new guidance affects your business, or you want to review your LSL practices, our highly experienced employment law team can help you navigate the changes and ensure you’re fully compliant. Staying proactive now can help you avoid issues later, and give you confidence that your business is meeting its obligations under the updated LSL framework.  Contact our employment law team today for understand how we can help you navigate this new law.