Sonya Ballinger

Sonya Ballinger is the Principal of Ballinger Legal, where she has dedicated over a decade to practising family law, a field she finds deeply rewarding. Her journey into law began when she graduated with a Bachelor of Laws, First Class Honours from Flinders University, complemented by several academic accolades. Her early career was marked by her experience at prestigious firms, starting with Allen & Overy in London, a renowned 'magic circle' firm, where she worked on multibillion-dollar disputes for global clients. Upon returning to Adelaide, Sonya's proficiency led to her rapid promotion to partner at Minter Ellison by the age of 29. Her expertise there was in insurance and commercial disputes, handling cases valued up to $30 million for a diverse range of clients across the globe. Despite the high-profile and technically challenging work, Sonya realised her passion lay in family law, a field she had enjoyed studying at university. The transition to family law came naturally after starting her own family, allowing her to align her professional pursuits with personal fulfillment. She is known for her approachable and empathetic nature, focusing on guiding clients through the emotional and complex process of relationship breakdowns. Her commitment as a trusted advisor is evident in her dedication to clients, ensuring they are well-informed and empowered to make decisions that shape their futures. Sonya’s qualifications are extensive, with a Graduate Certificate in Applied Law (Family Law) and a Company Directors Course from the Australian Institute of Company Directors among her accolades. Admissions to the Supreme Court of England and Wales further highlight her comprehensive legal grounding. Her active memberships in the Law Council of Australia's Family Law Section and the Law Society of South Australia underscore her ongoing commitment to her field.