Lucy Thomas

Lucy Thomas is a co-director at Paterson & Dowding, where she focuses her practice on parenting matters. With extensive experience in both negotiated settlements and Family Court litigation, Lucy advises on child-related and financial disputes arising from relationship breakdowns. She is committed to minimising the emotional and financial impact on families by encouraging decisions and behaviours that prioritise the best interests of children. Lucy regularly appears in the Family Court and the Children’s Court. Her deep knowledge and significant experience in family law have earned her recognition as a pre-eminent lawyer in Parenting, Custody and Children’s Matters, as well as a Leading Family & Divorce Lawyer by DOYLES. Since joining Paterson & Dowding in 1990, she has developed a strong ability to guide clients through the complexities of the Family Court process and related mediations, assisting them to engage meaningfully and effectively. As an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner registered with the Attorney-General's Department, Lucy has chaired numerous mediation conferences addressing both parenting and financial concerns, often leading to successful settlements. In this role, she works collaboratively with family members to help them reach child-focused resolutions within a confidential environment. Beyond her private client work, Lucy has extensive experience as an Independent Children’s Lawyer. She supports the Family Court in complex parenting cases involving serious allegations, including family violence and various forms of abuse, drawing on her substantial trial experience. Lucy also acts as Child Representative in Care and Protection proceedings before the Children’s Court. Her expertise in these areas is frequently shared through presentations at Legalwise Seminars. Outside of her legal practice, Lucy enjoys early morning group training sessions, which provide balance and energy, allowing her to appreciate good food and maintain strong personal connections with friends and colleagues. She is recognised for her professionalism and fosters a close-knit community at Paterson & Dowding through her engaging personality and quick wit.