Our Team

Norbert Schweizer OAM Partner

Norbert commenced the firm in 1978. He is a public notary and an accredited business law specialist. He was admitted in 1972 and has experience in a wide variety of legal work covering corporate, business and personal law, particularly contracts, commercial agreements, property and property development and estate and succession planning. He has also been a long-time advisor to various German, Swiss, Austrian and other overseas businesses and investors in Australia. Norbert is a board member of various commercial and not-for-profit companies and other entities as well as a range of professional organisations.

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Michael Kobras Partner

Michael joined the firm in 1994 and became a partner in 1998. He was the first “Recognised Foreign Lawyer” in New South Wales being admitted in both Germany and Australia. Until 1992, Michael practised for a number of years in Munich in general civil and commercial law. In 1997, he completed a Master of Laws with distinctions in international business law, international taxation and European Union law. In October 2006, Michael was also registered as a Migration Agent. Michael has experience in a wide variety of legal work covering corporate and business law under German and Australian jurisdictions. Michael also advises in migration areas as required.

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Nele Jooste-Jacobs Partner

Nele has been with the firm since 2013 and became a partner in 2022. Nele holds German and Australian legal qualifications including a Master of Laws (LLM – Corporate and Commercial) from the University of New South Wales. With her international background, Nele advises Australian and foreign clients on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters. She also advises in relation to domestic and cross-border estate planning and estate administration as well as migration matters. Before joining the firm, Nele gained work experience with an international law firm in Germany.

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Lisa Sims Partner

Lisa joined the firm in January 2000 and became a partner in 2022. During her 30 years in the legal profession, she has successfully worked with a diverse range of clients in various fields including property development and general conveyancing, security documentation, corporate and commercial matters, and in private and estate matters.

Lisa’s client base is varied and includes small to large commercial clients, not-for-profit organisations, and individuals and families, some of whom reside interstate or overseas.

Lisa deeply values all of her working and client relationships and tailors her approach to suit each client. Her strong attention to detail is combined with her sensitive approach to emotionally charged matters such as estate disputes. Lisa ensures that her clients have an understanding and awareness of the processes and procedures involved in their matters and are well informed about their matters at all times.

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Patrick Wille Special Counsel – Swiss Law

Patrick joined the firm in 2006. He is one of the few lawyers who are admitted to practice both in Australia and Switzerland, and primarily advises clients in international matters involving Swiss law.

Patrick graduated with a Masters of Laws degree (lic. iur.) from Zurich University (Switzerland) in 1993. From 1994 to 2000 he worked as a judge’s associate at the District Court Affoltern and the Court of Cassation in Zurich. In 2000, Patrick was appointed a senior associate at a renowned Swiss law firm, specialising in corporate and commercial law. In Switzerland, Patrick advised clients from a variety of industries including banking, gaming, pharmaceuticals and IT in corporate and commercial matters. He also served as a director on a number of company boards.

Patrick has over 20 years experience in various fields of law. He has acted for major corporations in a number of mergers and acquisitions and other commercial transactions. He advises corporate clients and high net worth individuals, particularly in international estate planning and inheritance matters. He regularly provides expert opinions to Australian courts and clients on Swiss law. Patrick also advises the Swiss Consulate General in Sydney and the Swiss Embassy in Australia. In addition, Patrick teaches business law, corporate law, international commercial law, corporate governance and economics at various universities in Australia, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

In 2018 Patrick was appointed the Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Adelaide.

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Antonietta Marchitto Special Counsel – Italian Law

Antonietta joined the firm in 2017 as an Italian Law consultant. She graduated with a Master of Laws (First Class Honours) from the University of Molise in Italy in 2013 with a thesis on European Union Law. Antonietta also studied law in Spain as well as commerce and management at the University of Padua.

Before joining the firm, Antonietta practised civil and administrative law in Italy and international commercial law in Belgium. In Australia, Antonietta has represented the Italian regional government of Molise, establishing commercial relationships between Italian and Australian companies.

Antonietta has considerable experience in providing legal advice in matters such as contracts, property transactions, estate administration and numerous other aspects of Italian law.

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Claudia Genuttis Immigration Consultant

Claudia is assisting clients with all aspects of migration and citizenship matters and regularly obtains visas for overseas executives and other senior staff to provide corporate global flexibility to clients. In this context, Claudia advises foreign companies and their Australian subsidiaries about appropriate visas to transfer or recruit overseas employees to Australia for newly established or growing operations. Claudia also regularly deals with other visa categories such as partner visas as well as Australian citizenship applications and applications for the retention of German citizenship (Beibehaltungsgenehmigung).

Since 2006, Claudia has worked for professional advisors to international enterprises and supported Partners in various corporate and commercial matters. Claudia’s extensive experience includes work in relation to mergers and acquisitions, business structures, commercial contracting, workplace relations, corporate governance matters as well as subsidiary and branch establishment projects and market entry strategies.

Claudia is also responsible for legal translations and manages the Referendar (German Legal Trainee) program provided by the firm.

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Corina Schwenke Senior Paralegal - Property

Corina has been involved in various fields of law particularly in property, conveyancing and estate matters since 1995. Corina joined the firm in 2018 and is currently responsible for the sale and purchase of commercial and residential properties and subdivisions of land.

Corina is able to assist in a variety of conveyancing matters, including first homeowners, individuals and families, as well as commercial clients. She also enjoys the challenge of working with off-the-plan properties, working with property developers and builders as well as purchasers.

Corina ensures that her clients are well informed on all aspects of their matters and works hard to ensure that her matters progress smoothly and her clients are happy and stress free throughout their conveyance.

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Erin Wilson Practice Manager

Erin has been with the firm since 2001. She provides an invaluable role by working collaboratively with legal and support staff to ensure the seamless delivery of the firm’s services to our clients. Erin’s responsibilities include premises management, information technology and procurement as well as financial administration including billing, and trust account matters.

During her time with the firm, Erin has taken on many versatile roles within the office and is a true all-rounder.  Over the years Erin has also completed several training courses including Team Leader Skill Set, customer service, first-aid and basic Auslan.

Erin is familiar with all aspects of our office and enjoys assisting clients with any needs they may have. Erin enjoys the challenges that come up while working in a law firm and is passionate about providing an outstanding client experience.

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