Bandeli (Lee) Hagipantelis

Area of Expertise: I practise in all areas of law, overseeing all Divisions within Brydens Lawyers. I have a particular interest in personal injury claims and have been Accredited by the NSW Law Society as a Specialist in Personal Injury Law.

Qualifications and Awards: Bachelor of Laws, Syd. Uni. Accredited Personal Injury Specialist. Appointed Arbitrator of the NSW District Court. Member of the NSW Injury Compensation Committee.

Why did you choose to work at Brydens Lawyers? I commenced with Brydens Lawyers following my graduation from Sydney University and the College of Law. I was 23 years of age. In 1994, at the age of 29, I was made a Partner. In 2012 I assumed ownership of Brydens Lawyers. I have only ever had the one job. After 35 years of practise, I enjoy what I do today as much as I did when I first started. It is still professionally and personally rewarding to help people in their time of need, to seek justice on behalf of those who have been mistreated and to right wrongs. I look forward to continuing in my role for as long as I am able to do so.

Career Highlights: Becoming a partner in 1994 was a highlight for me. Also, my Accreditation as a Specialist in Personal Injury Law in 1995 as it represented an acknowledgement by the NSW Law Society that I had achieved a particular level of proficiency in my chosen area of practice. Assuming ownership of Brydens Lawyers in 2012 was also a highlight. It has put me in the fortunate position of being able to provide an opportunity to many young solicitors, law clerks and paralegals to fulfil their own dreams of practising law, as I have done so now for many years. The partnering by the firm with various charitable and community organisations has also been something of which I am very proud. It is a manifestation of our corporate responsibility to give back to the community in which we have successfully operated for over 50 years.  I would also not be forgiven for not declaring a highlight the fact that my 3 daughters, Kyara, Andriana and Gabriella work with me at Brydens Lawyers. Kyara and Andriana as Lawyers, Gabriella as one in the making.

During the course of his career Lee has been appointed an Arbitrator of the District Court of New South Wales and also represented the legal profession on the Injuries Advisory Committee of the Law Society for a number of years. Lee is recognised within the legal profession by his peers as a leading expert in the area of personal injury litigation.

Outside of work I… I am very engaged in the NRL. I am a lifelong supporter of Balmain Tigers and then the Wests Tigers as from 2000. I also have a passion for golf, although limited as to the amount of time that I can commit to same. Travel has always been a favoured pursuit, particularly when the children were young.