Mark Gibbs
Mark practices in the areas of family law (property and parenting), family violence and criminal law. He understands that people experiencing difficult family relationships are looking for practical and workable solutions to their problems, not ongoing legal disputes or expensive law firms.
When you first speak to Mark, he will always present you with a pathway to resolving your matter and a clear expectation of your cost.
Areas of expertise
Mark decided to make the move to become a lawyer after 20 years in the public service as a senior adviser on economics and climate change, where he briefed the Prime Minister and senior ministers of Cabinet. He also represented the Australian Government internationally as a lead delegate to the UN on climate change and agriculture.
He brings significant experience to negotiating and mediating outcomes across complex topics and prides himself on finding simple solutions. He enjoys building a strong rapport with his clients and understands the significant trust that exists between him and his clients to protect their interests through a stressful period.
Mark works across large and complex property disputes and has a detailed understanding of company business structures and trusts due to his academic credentials in economics, corporate law and superannuation reform. He has also worked on matters involving property located in other countries and across various jurisdictions.
Mark regularly acts for clients in children’s matters where there are significant allegations of abuse; when parents want to relocate with the children to other countries or interstate; and recovery orders when the children should be returned.
He takes a practical approach to working with child protection agencies, the police and Legal Aid. He has worked extensively with local and interstate experts in relation to examining the best interests of the children and providing counselling services in difficult and sensitive circumstances.
Mark frequently appears in the ACT Magistrates Court and NSW Magistrates Courts, primarily Queanbeyan Magistrates Court, in relation to allegations of family violence and criminal matters, particularly between parties who were previously in a relationship.
Mark has a strong connection to the local community, and while he may admit to being born in Canberra, he went to school in Queanbeyan, met his wife in Queanbeyan and has raised his family in Queanbeyan. Mark is also a frequent visitor ro the Broulee ans Batemans Bay area and is happy to travel to meet with clients on the NSW South Coast.
If you want to find him on the weekend during Winter, he’ll be watching his favourite football team – the Queanbeyan Tigers (no surprise), or he’ll be skiing at Perisher.
He graduated from both Universities in Canberra. Firstly, from the Australian National University in graduate and post-graduate qualifications in Economics. He also completed a Master of Juris Doctor in Law at the University of Canberra, where he received academic recognition and awards from the Dean of Law along the way.
“Mark, thank you for your patience, time and understanding to get the fantastic result yesterday for mum. We can all breathe a sigh of relief.”
— Family law client