Debra Parker, Catherine Coles and Jacquelyn Curtis

Led by three of Canberra’s most respected family law specialists, Parker Coles Curtis has redefined what it means to practise family law with compassion, courage and innovation. Founded by Debra Parker, Catherine Coles and Jacquelyn Curtis, the firm is now Canberra’s largest female-led family law practice. Their work is driven by one purpose: to guide families through difficult times with clarity, empathy and strength, empowering every client to rebuild with confidence and hope.

Tell us about your organisation, how long you have been there and your role within it.

Parker Coles Curtis is Canberra’s largest female-led family law firm. Founded by three award-winning specialist family lawyers, Debra Parker, Catherine Coles and Jacquelyn Curtis,the firm has become a trusted presence in family law within the ACT and beyond.

Parker Coles Curtis has a team of exceptional family lawyers dedicated to empowering clients experiencing family transitions and conflict. The ACT Law Firm of the Year across all disciplines in 2023, their mission is to make challenging times, such as separation and divorce, less difficult. Their team will meet you where you are at with understanding and connection, to provide support every step of the way.

Founded on values of care, compassion and a desire to support the local community, the firm proudly supports organisations such as the Women’s Legal Centre, Menslink, Hands Across Canberra, Karinya House, and Roundabout Canberra through matched giving, volunteering, and more than 120 hours of pro bono legal work annually.

Their philosophy is simple: to use legal skill and knowledge to make a tangible difference in people’s lives and the community, while leading with integrity, empathy, and heart.

Can you share your career journey so far and how it brought you to your current role?

The Directors are industry experts with distinguished accomplishments over their careers. Their expertise and shared values have shaped Parker Coles Curtis into a values-driven, community-focused practice, recognised for leading with heart, intelligence, and impact.

As winner of the 2025 Canberra Women in Business, Business Woman of the Year, Debra Parker is one of Canberra’s pioneering female family lawyers. Debra has served as a Judicial Registrar of the Family Court. She is the only lawyer in the ACT with dual accreditation as a Family Law Specialist and Dispute Resolution Specialist, and is recognised as both a Leading Family Lawyer and a Leading Mediator in the 2025 Doyle’s Guide. Debra is widely respected for her leadership and her passion for giving back to the community through education and mediation. Debra serves on the ACT Law Society Professional Ethics Committee, is the Chair of the Dispute Resolution Committee and is a fellow of the prestigious International Academy of Family Lawyers. Debra has recently been awarded several distinguished achievements, including: Excellence Award – 2025 Inside Family Law Awards; Mediator/Arbitrator of the Year – 2025 Lawyers Weekly Awards; Elite Women 2025 list – Australasian Lawyer; Winner 2025 – ACT Law Society Leadership & Excellence Award in Family Law & Dispute Resolution

Catherine Coles is included in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers™ – Canberra, Australia, for Family Law,is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and an Independent Children’s Lawyer. She has dedicated her career to amplifying the voices of children and supporting families affected by family violence. Her innovative thinking has also seen her lead the firm’s AI transformation, which made Parker Coles Curtis a finalist in the Australian AI Awards for legal innovation. Catherine’s commitment to modern, ethical, and compassionate practice has helped redefine what family law can look like and resulted in her being named a Leading Parenting, Custody & Children’s Lawyer and “Best” Family Law in 2025. She is Chair of the Family Violence and Children’s Committee and elected Councillor on the ACT Law Society.

Jacquelyn Curtis is named as Pre-eminent Parenting, Custody & Children’s Matter Lawyer (alongside only two others with this rank in the ACT) and is a Leading Family & Divorce Lawyer in the 2025 Doyle’s Guide. An Accredited Specialist in Family Law, Jacquelyn has experience in financial and parenting cases, but is particularly regarded for her work in complex parenting matters involving risk issues and family violence. Jacqui is a co-parent and is passionate about assisting families towards low-conflict and cooperative resolutions where this is safe and appropriate. She serves on several ACT Law Society Committees to contribute to the legal sector with advocacy and collegiality. Jacquelyn’s advocacy for community wellbeing will see her complete The Great Walk for Menslink, undertaking the Centenary Trail while fundraising over $10,000 for young men and their families in Canberra.

What do you consider to be your key strengths?

Simply, Parker Coles Curtis meets clients where they are at! Their team of trauma-informed, family law experts work together to get things moving and get the best results for clients. With a mix of compassion, skill and life experience, they cut through the lawyer-speak, clearly explain clients’ options, and provide the support and guidance that clients need to move on.

What advice do you have for the next generation of women in business?

Don’t be afraid to break the mould! Embracing innovation and maintaining continuous focus on the client experience has been a key driver of success for Parker Coles Curtis.

The Directors say that their positive culture internally is critical – built on collaboration, authenticity, and care for others and the community. With 12 lawyers, including the Directors, on staff, the firm invests in the next generation of Canberra’s family lawyers with the launch of their Graduate Lawyer Program, offering structured career pathways, hands-on learning with support and guidance a challenging area of the law requires for longevity.

What strategies do you use to stay motivated at work?

Family law is a dynamic and challenging space to work in. The team is trauma-informed and adopts the pillars of this approach with our clients and internally with staff. The goal of their work with you is to help you conclude a difficult chapter, so that you can move on and write the rest of the book of your life!

Parker Coles Curtis

• E: [email protected]
• T: 02 5114 2660
• W: parkercolescurtis.com.au 
• Instagram: @parker_coles_curtis
• Facebook: Parker Coles Curtis
• LinkedIn: Parker Coles Curtis