Tina Santone

Tina Santone is a distinguished practitioner with over two decades of experience in the arenas of employment and family law, where she holds the title of Accredited Specialist in Family Law. Admitted as a solicitor in July 1999, Tina's educational foundation includes a Masters Degree in Labour Law and Relations from the University of Sydney and a Masters Degree in Applied Family Law from the College of Law, underscoring her profound understanding of these intricate areas of law. Tina's career commenced at the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, now the Fair Work Commission, where she provided valuable advice to commission members, legal practitioners, unions, and employer organisations. Her roles as an Associate to a Deputy President of the Commission and to a Judge of the Compensation Court of New South Wales further refined her expertise, particularly in workplace relations. Her tenure as a Senior Associate at a prominent law firm saw her leading the workplace relations division, catering to a diverse clientele comprising government bodies, corporations, small businesses, and individual employees. Tina's comprehensive approach included litigating on behalf of clients, advising on collective agreements, individual contracts, and employment termination. Notably, she managed the coordination of the state's largest workplace health and safety prosecution, demonstrating her exceptional capability in this field. Parallel to her professional practice, Tina contributed academically as a part-time lecturer in Family Law at Macquarie University whilst raising her family. Her dual roles enriched her expertise, particularly in the area of family law, as she balanced practical casework with academic insights. Since 2010, Tina has been an integral part of Santone Lawyers, continuing her dual focus on family and employment law. Her practice philosophy prioritises negotiation, yet her extensive litigation experience is a testament to her ability to successfully navigate complex legal disputes. In family law, Tina dedicates herself to issues surrounding family violence in property and parenting cases, as well as the international elements of family law, such as Hague Convention proceedings. Her proficiency draws referrals from counsellors and peers, and she remains actively involved as a Member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia. In the domain of employment law, Tina's focus includes discrimination law, post-employment restraints, and the nuances of termination related to employee injuries. Her dual representation of both employees and small businesses equips her with a well-rounded perspective, earning her referrals from fellow lawyers, accountants, and community legal centres. Beyond her legal pursuits, Tina finds balance and relaxation in activities such as tennis, yoga, and the theatre, alongside cherishing moments with her family and pets. Her diverse interests and dedication to both her professional and personal life define her as a lawyer whose practice is fundamentally client-centred and thoroughly informed by her broad spectrum of experiences.