Sonia Edwards - Practice Director
Sonia attained a double major in Industrial Advocacy and Human Resource Management at Curtin University before obtaining a post-graduate law degree from the University of Western Australia.
Sonia was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 1998. She was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Australia in 1999 and a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2003.
Sonia Edwards has worked in the field of construction litigation for over 20 years, during which time she has produced excellent, commercial solutions for her clients across a range of construction disputes.
Sonia has an enviable reputation in the legal industry as a solicitor who acts with integrity and honesty in the pursuit of commercial outcomes for her clients.
Sonia Edwards Legal was created with the goal of establishing a client focused law firm that created commercial solutions for real legal problems, for real people.
Its founder and legal practice director, Sonia Edwards, is an experienced solicitor and advocate across all areas of general commercial litigation, with a particular focus on construction law and employment law. Sonia prides herself on forging genuine relationships with her clients who entrust her to solve their legal problems
Over the span of her 26 year career in law, Sonia has gained extensive experience in:
Drafting, reviewing, negotiating and revising a wide range of commercial contracts for her clients including:
Building and construction contracts;
Employment contracts;
Lease agreements;
Financing and loan documents;
Deeds of guarantee and indemnity;
Deeds of settlement and release;
Joint venture agreements;
Procurement and supply agreements;
Shareholder agreements
advising her clients of their rights and obligations under their contract and their major legal and commercial risks.
providing representation and advocacy in complex disputes for plaintiffs and defendants, including alternative dispute resolution mechanisms (such as mediations and arbitrations), adjudications and litigation proceedings.
Sonia can provide you with strategic advice concerning your dispute and will explain to you your rights and responsibilities and options in relation to your dispute so that you can make your own fully informed decision about your matter and how it should proceed.
The cost effectiveness and likelihood of success of different dispute resolution measures will always be a primary consideration in Sonia’s advice to you when you are deciding whether to defend or proceed with a claim.
Our services.
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Construction
With over 20 years’ construction law experience, Sonia is well versed in resolving construction law disputes, including by means of arbitration or mediation. Sonia is able to provide advice regarding defect rectification, as well as drafting and reviewing of construction contracts to ensure you are legally protected in your construction transactions.
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Employment
Sonia offers representation for employers and employees in all matters regarding the employment relationship. Sonia can also review your employment contract to ensure it is legally sound. If you’re a business, Sonia can assist you in developing policies to help govern your relationship with your employees and protect you from adverse action.
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Insolvency and bankruptcy
Sonia can assist companies navigating insolvency, including providing advice on restructuring agreements, Deed of Company Arrangements, receivership and winding up. For individuals facing financial hardship, Sonia can provide advice regarding whether bankruptcy is a viable option in all your financial circumstances.
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Leasing and Mortgages
Sonia is experienced in reviewing leases (both commercial and residential) and mortgages. Sonia is also able to provide independent legal advice to guarantors to ensure they understand the implications of providing a guarantee and ensuring that the legal relationship is protected against claims of undue influence or unconscionability.
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General Commercial Disputes
Sonia has represented clients in the Federal Court, Supreme Court and District Court of Western Australia, as well as other bodies such as the Fair Work Commission and the Human Rights Commission. Sonia is available to provide advice to both claimants and respondents on the prospects of success of litigation and the risks, as well as offering advice on alternative ways to resolve the dispute.
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Contract Review
Sonia has a wealth of experience in reviewing contracts of all types and can provide general review advice and recommendations as well as providing you with options on how to enforce provisions of a contract.
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Debt Collection and Negotiation
Sonia can assist companies and individuals in recovering debts owed, including drafting letters of demand and conducting means enquiries to ensure payment of the debt.
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Shareholder Agreements
Many companies approach Sonia for assistance in drafting and interpreting shareholder agreements. Sonia can help companies and shareholders ensure their respective rights are protected and preserved by the agreement.
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Property Disputes
Sonia can assist landlords, tenants and land owners with an array of issues, including boundary disputes, landlord-tenant conflicts or property title issues. Sonia will protect your property issues and offer expert advice and guidance to achieve a favourable outcome.