Carolyn Middleton is the founder and director of Middleton Gardiner & Associates, bringing over 25 years of distinguished experience in private legal practice. Her comprehensive legal expertise spans across commercial law, property law, family law, litigation, and wills and estate planning. As a public notary, Carolyn integrates notarial services into her practice, enhancing the breadth of her legal offerings. Carolyn's career commenced in the heart of the city, where she honed her skills at small to medium-sized law firms. Transitioning from general practice, she devoted several years to commercial litigation, representing clients in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the Federal Court of Australia, and the High Court of Australia. This robust experience in both transactional and litigation realms equips Carolyn with a unique perspective and depth of insight, enabling her to anticipate and navigate legal complexities effectively. At Middleton Gardiner & Associates, Carolyn delivers a wide array of legal services. Her track record includes acting in contested estate litigation, handling family law parenting and property issues, and advising landlords and tenants in commercial and retail leasing. She adeptly manages conveyancing and land transactions, provides estate planning advice, and crafts complex wills and contracts. Her proficiency extends to drafting loan agreements, mortgage documents, and specific transaction agreements tailored to client needs. Carolyn also represents clients in various judicial forums, including the Supreme Court, Federal Circuit and Family Court, Local Court, and NCAT. Moreover, she is skilled in facilitating negotiations and mediations, consistently aiming to resolve disputes and claims efficiently. Carolyn's dual expertise in both litigation and transactional law infuses her practice with a strategic advantage, ensuring that her clients receive informed, high-calibre legal guidance.
Principal
Middleton Gardiner & Associates Solicitors
Jan 2018 - Present • 8 years 10 months
Senior Associate
Houston Dearn O'Connor
May 2013 - Jan 2018 • 4 years 8 months
Principal
Carolyn Middleton Lawyer
Dec 2009 - May 2013 • 3 years 5 months
Senior Associate solicitor
Church & Grace Solicitors
Dec 2006 - Dec 2011 • 5 years
Solicitor
Heaney, Richardson and Nemes
Dec 1996 - Dec 1999 • 3 years
Court Registrar
NSW Attorney Generals Department
Dec 1983 - Dec 1995 • 12 years
Masters of Law (Research) (First Class Honours)
University of New England
2007
Legal Practice Management Course for unrestricted practising certificate
2002
Masters of Law (Research)
University of New England
2002 - 2007
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
College of Law, St Leonards
1996
Bachelor of Laws (Second Class Honours)
University of Technology Sydney
1995
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting, Finance and Systems)
University of New South Wales
1990
Last checked: 15 May 2026 • Checked with The Law Society of NSW
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