VANESSA FARMER B.Comm (ADEL) LL.B. (HONS)
MANAGING PARTNER
Vanessa Farmer is the Managing Partner of Withnalls. Admitted to practice in 1999, she became a Principal of Withnalls in 2001.
She has a strong sense of social justice and specialises in family law with extensive experience in property division and children's issues.
Vanessa regularly appears as a counsel in the Supreme, Family and Local Courts.
She is a skilled, hard working advocate who takes pride in her work and who enjoys the challenge of complex litigation and successful outcomes on behalf of her clients.
Vanessa practices primarily in the area of Family Law and De Facto Litigation, Wills and Estates.
Alvyra Dantu - Associate (admitted in South Africa only)
Alvyra Dantu is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa (2016) with a passion for helping people navigate some of life’s most challenging legal moments. Her experience spans civil litigation, evictions, and family law, including divorce, maintenance, and domestic violence matters, where she is committed to providing clear, practical, and compassionate legal guidance.
After nearly a decade of practising law in South Africa, she relocated to Australia in April 2025 and joined AFL Withnalls Lawyers in the Northern Territory. She is currently working toward admission as a Solicitor in Australia and, as such, is not yet authorised to practise law in Australia. She looks forward to continuing her career once admitted and contributing to a dynamic and evolving legal environment.
She believes that good lawyering is about more than just knowing the law; it’s about listening, understanding, and finding the best path forward for every client.
James Tighello - Solicitor
Originally from Victoria, James has represented a diverse range of clients and is passionate about supporting families through complex and challenging circumstances. He is committed to achieving high-quality, practical outcomes that serve the best interests of the clients he represents.
James has practised exclusively in family law since admission and has developed a strong understanding of the legislative framework, court processes, and the sensitivities inherent in family law matters. His meticulous attention to detail, combined with a calm and pragmatic approach, enables him to provide clear, reliable advice and effective support to both clients and colleagues.
Outside of work, James enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and the footy – as a player locally and as a supporter of the Melbourne Dees.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Laws – Deakin University
Memberships:
Australian-Italian Lawyers Association
Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association