Paul Burgess

Paul brings a wealth of experience to his legal practice, having initially built his career in the New South Wales Public Sector. Beginning with a Public Administration Certificate from Sydney Technical College in 1976, he embarked on external law studies at Macquarie University while holding various management and administrative roles within NSW government departments. His admission as a barrister in 1983 coincided with his role at the State Electoral Office. During his time in the public sector, Paul served as a solicitor within the NSW Police Service, where he was involved in instructing barristers for significant inquiries such as the Blackburn and Wood Royal Commissions. He also represented police officers in Section 19 enquiries carried out by the NSW Ombudsman, travelling across the state to provide legal support during these investigations. Furthering his qualifications, Paul earned a Graduate Diploma in Public Sector Management in 1988, the same year he was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW. In 2009, he gained admission to the High Court of Australia. In 1997, Paul established his own practice in Panania, originally known as Paul Burgess Legal Services, concurrently teaching part-time at TAFE colleges across Sydney in areas including Real Estate, Conveyancing, and Commercial Law. The firm, which has served the Panania, Picnic Point, and East Hills communities continuously since its inception, was renamed Burgess Legal Pty Ltd in 2013. Under Paul’s leadership, the practice has grown substantially and received local recognition, winning the Business of the Year at the 2013 Bankstown Business Awards, where Paul was also honoured as Businessperson of the Year—acknowledging the team's dedication and the high standard of client care provided. Paul’s broad legal expertise spans family law, criminal law, traffic and drink driving offences, court litigation and disputes, loans and mortgages, as well as probate and estate matters. He is well-versed in wills, powers of attorney, and appointments of enduring guardianship. His conveyancing experience encompasses contract reviews for retirement village agreements, residential and commercial property transactions, leasing, and settlement processes. Known for his clear and thorough communication, Paul prioritises ensuring his clients fully understand the legal procedures and options available to them, fostering confidence in the decisions they make. He remains committed to professional development, regularly participating in legal education programs organised by the Blue Mountains and Inner West Law Societies to stay current with legislative and procedural changes. Paul’s reputation in the local community is particularly strong in conveyancing, where real estate agents and clients alike commend his meticulous approach and genuine concern for client outcomes. He is also recognised for his flexibility, often arranging after-hours or weekend appointments to accommodate his clients’ needs and support their matters to the best possible result.