Sonja van der Steen

Sonja van der Steen is a seasoned commercial lawyer with a diverse background in corporate advisory, estate planning, compliance, franchising, and leasing. Her extensive experience, garnered from roles in boutique and national law firms, in-house positions, and the not-for-profit sector, equips her with the ability to tackle legal matters with a strategic focus on commercial objectives and practical outcomes. She earned her Juris Doctor with First Class Honours from the Australian National University and was admitted to the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory. Prior to her law degree, Sonja completed a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Conflict Resolution, and Development Studies at the University of New England. Currently a lawyer with Industry Legal Group in Brisbane, Sonja has handled a variety of commercial tasks, such as preparing and reviewing business sale contracts, lease reviews, and shareholder agreements. Her work extends to drafting contracts and assisting with estate planning and litigation matters. Previously, at Rouse Lawyers, Sonja focused on general commercial law, assisting with contracts, deeds, and asset recovery. Her tenure at Mills Oakley Lawyers further honed her skills across contracts, company secretarial duties, mergers, and acquisitions, with secondments to Telstra and Price Attack. In these roles, she provided critical legal support, conducted risk reviews, and ensured compliance with advertising regulations. Sonja's foundational legal career included internships and paralegal work, enhancing her understanding of property law, estate planning, and the facilitation of business transactions. Her international experience as a flight attendant for Qantas underscores her adaptable communication skills and global perspective.