Team

Raj Srikanthan

Managing Director

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Andrew White

Special Counsel

Antony Benetatos

Consultant

Michelle Hibberson

Senior Associate

Yvette Morris

Associate

Kerrie Wise

Paralegal

Eddie Patton

Receptionist

Ainslie Zakis

Paralegal

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Jani Budaraju

Paralegal

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Patricia Palazon

Head of marketing

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Raj Srikanthan

Raj is the managing director at Benetatos White, with a focus on corporate, litigation, estate planning, and commercial law.

As an accomplished entrepreneur and business owner, Raj has launched and managed several ventures and remains involved in start-up businesses as an advisor or as outsourced general counsel and has had pivotal roles in capital raises and funding opportunities.

Raj collaborates with a diverse range of clients, including companies, businesses, not-for-profits, and individuals, offering them practical commercial and corporate advice. His expertise in commercial litigation and estate litigation is substantial, often handling disputes with complex factual and legal elements. Raj is proactive in dispute resolution, striving to settle conflicts before they escalate to court proceedings but when court action is necessary, he is well versed in court matters.

Clients find in Raj a solicitor and strategic advisor who excels across various industries. His skills extend to advising on and drafting commercial contracts tailored to individual client needs, covering a wide spectrum of industries and he handles all aspects relating to property, both leases and sales and also sale and purchase of business.

He is committed to the continuous management of his clients’ corporate health and welfare, driven by a passion to play a role in their growth. Raj’s collaborative approach is complemented by his ability to offer candid, direct advice. His extensive experience in contractual matters further ensures the protection and nurturing of vital commercial relationships that are essential to his clients.

Raj’s career includes working in a national law firm where he managed a large team of solicitors, before establishing his own law practice providing outsourced general counsel service to high growth start-up companies.

Phone: 02 4782 2199
Email: raj@benetatoswhite.com

Andrew White

Andrew White graduated from Sydney University and has been practising for over 38 years. His legal expertise encompasses a broad range of areas, including planning and property law, wills and estates, commercial and business transactions, and elder law. Andrew’s profound knowledge in these fields is further reinforced by his Master of Laws degree in Wills and Estates Law enabling him to provide nuanced and comprehensive legal advice, particularly in matters of estate planning and administration. Beyond his practice, Andrew has been a longstanding advocate for community legal services. He contributed over 35 years of service as a board member of the Elizabeth Evatt Community Legal Centre, where he played a pivotal role in shaping legal services to better cater to the needs of the community. His tenure there is marked by numerous initiatives and programs aimed at providing accessible legal support to those in need. Andrew’s commitment to his profession is matched by his dedication to mentorship and professional development. He frequently engages in knowledge-sharing sessions, workshops, and seminars, both as a speaker and a participant. Andrew is also a Notary Public and is the past President of the Blue Mountains Regional Law Society and currently serves as Vice President of the Blue Mountains Regional Law Society.

Phone: 02 4782 2199
Email: andrew@benetatoswhite.com

Antony Benetatos

Antony Benetatos is a highly respected litigation lawyer with over 35 years of experience across family law, criminal law, and civil litigation. Now retired from active practice, Antony continues to contribute his wealth of knowledge and insight as a consultant to Benetatos White. As an NSW Law Society Accredited Specialist in Family Law since 2003, and with a Master of Laws in Applied Family Law, Antony has long been recognised for his depth of expertise and thoughtful approach to complex legal matters. Throughout his career, Antony built a reputation for clear, practical advice and a strong commitment to achieving the best outcomes for clients. Today, in his consultancy role, he provides strategic support and guidance to the Benetatos White team, helping to shape the firm’s approach and uphold the values he helped establish. His legacy and ongoing involvement remain an integral part of the firm’s strength and direction.

Michelle Hibberson

Michelle is a senior associate at Benetatos White and has been admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales as a Solicitor and her expertise is particularly focused on the complexities of family law, where she skillfully manages cases involving matters of divorce, child custody, property settlements, and other related issues. Michelle’s legal practice primarily revolves around work in the Federal Circuit Court and Family Court and attends Parramatta, Newcastle, Wollongong and surrounding areas of Sydney. Her client base is broad and varied, including but not limited to individuals from Bathurst, Lithgow, Blackheath, Katoomba, Penrith, Newcastle, and Wollongong. This geographical diversity reflects her ability to understand and cater to a wide range of client needs, taking into account the unique aspects of each locality and how they impact legal proceedings. Michelle has continued to demonstrate her commitment to providing compassionate, thorough, and effective legal representation. Her approach is characterized by a deep empathy and understanding for her clients, combined with a relentless pursuit of their best interests. Beyond her work in the courtroom, Michelle is committed to continuous professional development, regularly attending seminars and workshops to stay abreast of the latest developments in family law. She also actively contributes to the legal community by mentoring junior lawyers, sharing her insights and experiences to nurture the next generation of family law specialists. Outside of her professional life, Michelle is passionate about community involvement and often engages in local events and initiatives. Her interests extend to outdoor activities, reflecting her belief in a well-balanced lifestyle that integrates professional dedication with personal well-being and community engagement. Michelle’s career is a testament to her exceptional skills as a family law solicitor, her dedication to her clients, and her commitment to the broader community. Her presence at Benetatos White not only enhances the firm’s family law practice but also serves as an inspiration to her colleagues and clients alike.

Phone: 02 4782 2199
Email: michelle@benetatoswhite.com

Kerrie Wise

Kerrie’s journey in the legal profession began in 1978 when she joined a legal office in Sydney. Since then, she has dedicated over four decades to the legal industry, with an impressive 45-year tenure marked by a variety of roles and experiences. Throughout her extensive career, Kerrie has cultivated a diverse skill set by working in various capacities within legal firms. Her current role is assisting in real estate transactions and Kerrie’s expertise is not limited to conveyancing. She has a rich background in multiple areas of law, including personal injury, workers’ compensation, and family law, as well as commercial and general litigation. This breadth of experience has equipped her with a versatile and comprehensive understanding of the legal system. Kerrie has considerable experience in attending call-overs in both District and Workers Compensation Courts. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kerrie serves the community in her capacity as a Justice of the Peace. Outside of her legal career, Kerrie has personal interests that demonstrate her creative side. She finds joy in cake decorating, a skill that requires precision, creativity, and an eye for detail. Her love for gardening reflects her appreciation for nature and the outdoors.

Phone: 02 4782 2199
Email: kerrie@benetatoswhite.com

Eddie Patton

Eddie is out chief experience coordinator and is the first point of contact when you enter the office or the first voice you are likely to hear when you call our office. Eddie makes sure when you are at our office to make you feel at home and is the best source of information about the best local coffee spot or where to get a last minute birthday cake. When not being the office superhero, Eddie is an avid self-taught musician and can play multiple instruments but has a knack for the keyboards.

Phone: 02 4782 2199
Email: reception@benetatoswhite.com

Ainslie Zakis

Ainslie is currently in her final year of studying a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) / Bachelor of Laws degree at Western Sydney University. Ainslie won the Blue Mountains Law Society Award in 2019 and achieved a High Achievers award from the Law Faculty and was accepted into two academic societies in 2020. Ainslie currently works in our estates team and assists with all of our Estate Administration matters.

Phone: 02 4782 2199
Email: ainslie@benetatoswhite.com

Jani Budaraju

Jani is currently in her fourth year of studying a Bachelor of Cyber Security/ Bachelor of Laws degree at Macquarie University. She currently works in our estate team and assists with all of our Estate Administration matters.

Phone: 02 4782 2199
Email: jani@benetatoswhite.com

Patricia Palazon

Patricia is our Head of Marketing, with a strong foundation in graphic design and a growing focus on digital marketing. Driven by a passion for creativity and strategy, Patricia blends visual storytelling with data-driven marketing to build brands and drive growth. Her career has evolved to embrace the full digital landscape while staying true to her roots in design, delivering campaigns that are both visually impactful and results-focused.

Phone: 02 4782 2199
Email: patricia@benetatoswhite.com