Our Team
Ben Wilding
Principal Lawyer & Director - Bachelor of Laws, Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Exercise Science
Ben Wilding is the Principal Lawyer at Wilding & Co Lawyers, bringing a practical and well-rounded approach to legal practice informed by a diverse professional background. Before entering the legal profession, Ben spent 12 years as a high school teacher, teaching PDHPE and Mathematics. He completed his legal studies full-time while continuing to teach full-time, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a long-standing commitment to professional development.
Ben maintains strong connections to the education sector and currently serves on the advisory council of his former school, Christian Brothers’ High School Lewisham. His firsthand experience in schools provides valuable insight into the operational, regulatory, and governance challenges faced by education providers.
Ben is also deeply engaged in the local community. He previously served as President of his local rugby league club for three years and currently sponsors the Five Dock RSL Rugby League Football Club, reflecting his ongoing support for grassroots sport and the Inner West community.
Ben’s practice focuses on Education Law, Conveyancing, and Wills & Estates Law, with additional experience in Family Law matters. He is known for providing clear, pragmatic, and commercially sensible advice, particularly in matters requiring careful planning, risk management, and long-term thinking. As a father of two, Ben brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective to matters involving families and future planning. This combination of legal expertise, real-world experience, and community involvement has earned Ben the trust of schools, families, and individuals across the Inner West and beyond.
Emily Gathercole
Lawyer
Emily Gathercole is a solicitor at Wilding Legal, having completed her Bachelor of Laws at The University of Notre Dame and been admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
Emily commenced her legal career over two years ago and has dedicated the majority of her practice to Wills, Estates and Probate matters. She works closely with clients during some of life's most difficult periods, assisting with estate planning, probate applications, estate administration and related succession law matters. More recently, Emily has also begun assisting clients with conveyancing matters.
Known for her calm, compassionate and methodical approach, Emily is highly detail-oriented and committed to ensuring every matter is handled efficiently, sensitively and in accordance with legal requirements. She takes the time to guide clients through each stage of the legal process, providing practical advice, clear communication and personalised support.
Emily is passionate about delivering practical, client-focused legal services and is continuing to develop her expertise in both succession law and conveyancing. She is committed to helping clients navigate important life decisions with confidence, professionalism and care.
Madelen Sollie
Office Manager | HR & Marketing
Madelen Sollie is the Office Manager and Human Resources lead at Wilding & Co Lawyers, with responsibility for the firm’s operations, human resources, payroll, and marketing coordination. She plays a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the practice while supporting the firm’s growth and client engagement initiatives.
Madelen oversees office management, HR administration, staff onboarding, and internal processes, working closely with the Principal Lawyer and legal team to maintain compliance and operational efficiency. In addition, she manages the execution of marketing and PR activities, including digital marketing support, brand consistency, campaign coordination, and client communications.
Known for her strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and solutions-focused approach, Madelen brings structure and consistency to a busy legal practice. She is highly approachable and supports both staff wellbeing and a positive workplace culture, while ensuring systems and processes operate effectively behind the scenes.
Madelen’s combined expertise in operations, human resources, and marketing makes her an integral part of the Wilding & Co Lawyers team, contributing to both the firm’s internal stability and its external professional presence.
Nadia forson
Paralegal
Nadia Forson is a Paralegal at Wilding Legal, currently completing a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Business.
Nadia assist’s the firm’s solicitors across a range of legal matters, providing support with legal research, document preparation, client communication and the day-to-day management of matters. She is committed to delivering a high standard of service and ensuring clients receive timely, professional and compassionate assistance throughout the legal process.
Prior to joining the firm, Nadia gained over five years of customer service experience across a variety of industries, developing strong communication, organisational and problem-soliving skills. Her attention to details, positive attitude and eagerness to learn have allowed her to quickly adapt to the fast-paced nature of the legal profession.
Nadia has a particular interest in Family Law and is passionate about building a long-term career in the legal profession. She is dedicated to continuing her professional development while supporting clients and the firm’s solicitors with care, professionalism and efficiency.
Ava durie
Paralegal | Administrative Assistant
Ava is a valued member of the team at Wilding & Co Lawyers, working as a Paralegal and Administrative Assistant. She provides support across legal matters, reception and the day-to-day administration of the firm, assisting with client enquiries, correspondence, file management and general office operations.
Prior to joining the firm, Ava gained customer service and administrative experience through roles in retail, hospitality and real estate, where she developed strong communication, organisation and time management skills. Most recently, she worked in a full-time administrative and reception role within the real estate industry, managing phone enquiries, emails, data entry and front desk responsibilities.
Ava is outgoing, approachable and welcoming, and helps create a friendly and professional experience for clients from their first contact with the firm. Her positive attitude, reliability and willingness to learn have enabled her to quickly adapt to the demands of a legal environment. She is a valuable member of the Wilding & Co Lawyers team and takes pride in supporting both clients and colleagues with professionalism, care and efficiency.
Ayra kamal
Paralegal
Ayra is a Paralegal at Wilding & Co Lawyers, assisting the team across a broad range of legal matters. She provides support with legal research, drafting correspondence and documents, file management and general matter preparation, while also assisting with the day-to-day administration of the firm. Ayra is currently completing a Bachelor of Laws and Arts at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), where she has been awarded a scholarship in recognition of her academic excellence.
Prior to joining the firm, Ayra gained valuable legal experience through a number of internships and legal programs, where she assisted lawyers with legal research, drafting briefs and court documents, reviewing case materials and supporting litigation matters. She has also developed a strong understanding of legal practice through opportunities including the Supreme Court Observer Program and the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Early Careers Program.
Ayra is a dedicated and detail-oriented member of the team who is recognised for her strong work ethic, analytical thinking and commitment to delivering high-quality work. Her approachable nature, professionalism and enthusiasm for the law enable her to provide valuable support to both clients and colleagues. Ayra is committed to continuing her professional development and looks forward to building her career in the legal profession.