Founded by Anna Bodman and Amanda Fitzgibbon, Arcwell Legal brings extensive experience across relationship property, care of children, estate litigation, and high-conflict disputes — with a more composed, modern approach to family law.
Amanda is a highly experienced family lawyer with over twenty years’ experience in the law. She has particular expertise in care of children matters, family violence proceedings, and complex relationship property disputes.
She is regularly appointed by the Court as Lawyer for Child, entrusted with some of the most sensitive and complex matters before the Family Court.
Alongside her specialist work in parenting and protection matters, Amanda advises on significant financial disputes, including high-value relationship property cases involving trusts and business structures. She approaches each matter with careful preparation, strategic clarity, and steady advocacy.
Amanda is known for her calm authority in high-conflict situations. She provides clear, measured advice while remaining resolute in protecting her clients’ interests. Her work is grounded in structure, discipline, and a focus on long-term stability.
Amanda is a trained collaborative lawyer, offering clients a structured, out-of-court pathway to resolution where appropriate. As co-founder of Arcwell Legal, she helped shape a practice that balances rigorous legal strategy with thoughtful, human-centered support — ensuring clients feel steady and well-positioned as they navigate pivotal transitions.
Anna is a senior family lawyer with a particular focus on complex relationship property disputes, trusts, estate-related claims, and significant financial matters arising from separation.
She advises clients navigating high-stakes transitions where financial security, business interests, and long-term stability are central. Her work frequently involves intricate asset structures, including trusts and companies, requiring both technical precision and strategic foresight.
Anna is known for her clear judgement and ability to distil complex issues into practical, workable pathways forward. She combines rigorous legal analysis with calm, steady advice, ensuring clients feel informed, prepared, and strategically positioned.
With experience in the Family and High Courts, Anna approaches each matter with discipline and composure. She prioritises durable outcomes over unnecessary escalation, while remaining resolute where strong advocacy is required.
Anna is a trained collaborative lawyer, providing clients with a structured, respectful alternative to litigation where circumstances allow.
Penny Henderson is a highly experienced family lawyer with nearly three decades of practice, including over 25 years specialising in relationship property. As a Consultant at Arcwell Legal, she brings depth, perspective, and a steady hand to complex and often high-stakes matters.
Penny is particularly skilled in navigating intricate relationship property disputes, including those involving companies, trusts, and layered financial structures. She also advises on contracting out agreements and matters under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act, providing clear, pragmatic guidance tailored to each client’s circumstances.
Known for her calm and composed approach, Penny offers thoughtful, strategic advice and strong representation. She focuses on cutting through complexity to deliver clarity, helping clients move through significant life transitions with confidence and assurance. Penny is also a trained collaborative lawyer, bringing this structured, non-adversarial approach to matters where it can make a meaningful difference.
Ulia is a Senior Solicitor at Arcwell Legal. She works closely with the team across a broad range of matters, with experience in care of children disputes, family violence proceedings, parenting and guardianship matters.
Her work includes assisting clients through care of children matters both in the Family Court and through negotiation, with a focus on practical parenting arrangements and child-focused outcomes that place the best interests of children at the centre of decision-making. She is also experienced in urgent without-notice applications, family violence proceedings, and ongoing litigation. Ulia is a lead legal aid provider experienced in supporting clients through complex and high-needs proceedings.
With regular Family Court experience, Ulia approaches her work with clarity, compassion, and strong advocacy. She understands that family law matters often arise during challenging periods and is committed to guiding clients through the process with empathy, professionalism, and pragmatic advice.
Bex is a solicitor at Arcwell Legal practising in family law, working closely with Amanda and Anna across a range of matters. She has experience in care of children, family violence, and relationship property matters, and supports clients through what are often complex and sensitive situations.
Bex’s work includes assisting with care of children matters, both in the Family Court and through mediation, with a focus on practical and collaborative outcomes. She is also involved in family violence proceedings and relationship property matters, contributing to the preparation of advice and documentation, and supporting clients throughout the process.
With experience in the Family Court and alternative dispute resolution, Bex approaches her work with care, clarity, and a willingness to learn. She is known for her calm and compassionate manner, and is committed to supporting clients — particularly those who may be vulnerable, including young people — with empathy and professionalism.
Michelle is the Legal Assistant at Arcwell Legal and the welcoming first point of contact for our clients. She supports the practice across all aspects of its day-to-day operation, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so the team can focus on delivering the best possible outcomes for clients.
From client onboarding and managing correspondence to coordinating diaries, preparing documentation, and liaising with the Family Court, Michelle plays an essential role in the firm. Her organisation, attention to detail, and genuine care for clients make her a trusted and valued part of the team.
Michelle understands that family law matters can be a difficult and uncertain time. She brings warmth, professionalism, and discretion to every interaction, ensuring clients feel heard and supported from their very first contact with the firm.
