D'Arcy Sloman Peacock Lawyers

About Us

History of the firm

Des Sloman and Vince D’Arcy were both originally employed as solicitors in 2000 at D’Arcy Sloman Peacock’s predecessor firm White & Downey, established in 1980. In 2003, they took over the firm as the principal solicitors. The firm kept its old name for around a year but as both of its namesakes had retired, the name was then changed to D’Arcy Sloman Solicitors. The firm continued under this name until 2007 when Chris Peacock, a solicitor who has practised locally in Balmain for a number of years under the banner of Chris Peacock & Co., joined the practice.

The practice was then re-named D’Arcy Sloman Peacock Lawyers shortly thereafter. Whilst Des, Vince and Chris all trade under the same name, Chris largely maintains his own core business of conveyancing and local court criminal pleas. Des and Vince maintain the more extensive areas of the practice. Of course, as a team, we all call upon our collective resources to provide an excellent, well-rounded range of legal services to the local community.

Our People

Vince D’Arcy – Principal/Partner

Vince was admitted as a solicitor in 1999 and began practising in 2000 as an employed solicitor. In 2003, in conjunction with Des, Vince took over the firm and has been here ever since.

Prior to becoming a solicitor, Vince worked in the Attorney-General’s Department as a legal clerk/manager at several local courts for nearly 15 years. During this time he held various positions including Registrar and Chamber Magistrate. As such, Vince has very extensive knowledge from both inside and outside the local court system, particularly in the criminal jurisdiction.

When Vince first came to work as an employed solicitor, he took on matters in many areas of law including family law, but since taking over the firm he has gradually been able to narrow his focus to specific areas, in particular focusing on local court criminal matters.

Vince’s main practice areas are as follows: -

Criminal Law – both Local Court and District Court matters but specialising in Local
   Court matters

Civil and Commercial Litigation – in Local, District and Supreme Courts as well as the
   Consumer, Trade & Tenancy Tribunal with an emphasis on construction law and
   possession/mortgagee litigation

Vince does not practice in the areas of Family Law or Employment Law.

 Des Sloman – Principal/Partner

Des was admitted as a solicitor in 1999. Upon being admitted, Des originally practiced in Dungog and then began working in Balmain as an employed solicitor in 2000.

Des’ practices in non-court work and since becoming a principal of the firm, has concentrated on those areas of law he most enjoys.

Des' main practice areas are as follows:-

Conveyancing Law – including Old System titles

Leases

Sale and purchase of business

Wills, Estates & Powers of Attorney – both simple and complex, including applications
   for probate

Des stepped down from his full-time position in April 2010 and continues as a consultant to the firm, allowing his wealth of knowledge in the above areas of law to remain with the practice. 

Chris Peacock – Principal/Partner

Chris Peacock commenced practicing as a solicitor in Balmain over twenty years ago.

His practice of Chris Peacock & Co. has now merged with our firm to create D’Arcy Sloman Peacock Lawyers. His areas of practice are largely in conveyancing and local court criminal matters/pleas.  

Amy Wood – Employed Solicitor

Amy is the newest legal addition to our firm. Employed with the firm since January 2007 as our office manager and paralegal, Amy completed her Law Degree with Honours at Macquarie University in June 2010. She then received her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice in August 2010 and was admitted to the Court as a solicitor in early October of the same year. Amy also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ancient History.

Although originally employed in an administrative position, throughout her time with us, Amy has worked side by side with Des, assisting with his files and gaining a solid grasp of law in practice whilst she completed her formal qualifications. Since Des’ retirement from his full-time position at the firm, Amy has taken on his practice areas. Amy now practices in conveyancing, leasing, the sale and purchase of businesses and wills and estates, and we are pleased to welcome her to D’Arcy Sloman Peacock as our colleague in the profession.

Philosophy of the firm

At D’Arcy Sloman Peacock Lawyers, we are of the view that detailed explanations of the law or articles posted in praise of the firm are not of great assistance to potential clients trying to decide whether or not to engage our firm. Instead, we find it is much better to have a chat to you about your matter directly.

In relation to court matters, whether Criminal or Civil, rather than trying to obtain information from a website, you can come to see Vince at our office or he will come to you (within the Sydney Metropolitan area) and the first conference will be completely free whether it takes 30 minutes and 2 hours. Then, after a completely informed session, you can then decide if you want to engage our firm.

For non-court matters we take the same general approach and are happy to discuss your enquiries either by telephone or by meeting you in person at our office. An off-site first conference is not available for non-court matters.