About

Mercedes Castrikum

Principal Solicitor | Director

Mercedes is the Principal Solicitor and Director of Castrikum Adams Legal and has more than 14 years’ experience practising law. She advises and represents clients across a broad range of matters, with particular experience in building and construction disputes, complex property matters, commercial and business transactions, litigation, Elder Law, estate planning, probate and estate administration.

Mercedes also represents clients in Courts and Tribunals and has extensive experience assisting clients through complex disputes where the legal issues are only one part of the problem.

Her approach to law is practical, straightforward and personal. Mercedes believes clients should understand what is happening in their matter, why it matters and what their realistic options are. She takes the time to understand what is important to each client and explains often complex legal issues in plain English, with a focus on finding a practical way forward.

Practical experience beyond the law

Mercedes brings something to legal practice that cannot be learned from a textbook: more than 20 years of hands-on business and management experience before becoming a solicitor.

Prior to practising law, Mercedes worked extensively in the accommodation and management rights industry on the Gold Coast, including obtaining her Resident Letting Agent’s Licence. She was awarded Receptionist of the Year – South East Queensland in 2003. After returning to the Northern Rivers with her young family to study law at Southern Cross University, she also worked with Toyota for six years.

That background has shaped the way Mercedes practises today. She understands that legal advice needs to work in the real world. Whether she is advising on a business transaction, a building dispute, a difficult property matter or an estate plan, she considers not only the legal position but also the practical, commercial and personal consequences for her client.

Northern Rivers roots and a commitment to community

Mercedes is proudly Northern Rivers raised. She credits her small-town upbringing with giving her a strong appreciation for the importance of relationships, community and treating people with respect.

After being selected as the graduate speaker for her graduating class in 2012, Mercedes undertook an internship with FaCS and volunteered for a number of years with her local Community Legal Centre, providing evening legal advice to people who may otherwise have struggled to access legal assistance.

Her pro bono work also included being part of the legal defence team assisting people charged as a result of the Glenugie and Doubtful Creek coal seam gas protests.

Those early experiences have remained an important part of Mercedes’ approach to law. She values long-term relationships with clients and their families and particularly enjoys being able to assist people through different stages of their lives, from property and business matters through to succession planning, estate planning, later-life decision-making and the administration of estates.

More than a lawyer

Mercedes is married to Craig and has three children and two grandchildren. Outside the office, she enjoys live music, dancing, basketball, Pilates and long walks along the beach.

She is also an active member of the NSW SES Ballina Unit and is trained in flood rescue, road crash rescue, land search and storm damage response.

Having lived and worked across the Northern Rivers for much of her life, Mercedes has strong ties to the communities of Lismore, Bangalow, Ballina and Byron Bay. And despite running a busy legal practice, she can rarely make it very far down the main street without stopping to have a chat with someone she knows.

For Mercedes, that connection with people and community is an important part of both who she is and the way she practises law.

Craig Adams

Non-Solicitor | Director

Building & Construction | Complex Property Matters

Craig’s experience is in the residential development and commercial building industry, spanning 39 years. Involvement in the commercial building sector provided extensive insight into the legal obligations imposed upon the industry and the challenges that all parties in a building or development matter were faced with when compliance is of utmost importance.

Originating from Sydney, where the experience in commercial construction provided the cornerstone for industry knowledge, he moved to the Northern Rivers in 2012, immersing himself into the commercial and residential building industry.

Craig provides detailed insights for development and construction contract formulation, provision of advice for builders and owners, contractor procurement and management, due diligence for land acquisition and possible land use, and detailed knowledge of land purchase documents.

Craig’s intimate knowledge in all building matters complements Mercedes legal advice and provides our clients with a solid skill set that wont be found elsewhere.

Craig is married to Mercedes, with 2 children of his own, has a passion for surfing and cricket, as well as enjoying live music.

Lauren Parker

Practice Manager | Senior Paralegal | Justice of the Peace

Lauren is the Practice Manager at Castrikum Adams Legal and brings more than 15 years’ experience in management, business operations and client service roles. She plays a central role in the day-to-day running of the practice, overseeing operations, client communications and administrative systems while helping ensure every client receives a high standard of service and support from their first contact with the firm.

Lauren is passionate about creating positive client experiences and ensuring matters progress as efficiently as possible behind the scenes. With a strong background in management and administration, she works closely with the legal team to coordinate workflows, maintain systems and support the delivery of practical, client-focused legal services.

Her practical approach, strong organisational skills and genuine commitment to client care make her an integral part of the Bangalow Conveyancing team.

Outside the office, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, reading, learning guitar and studying French. She has a lifelong love of animals and is known for occasionally bringing home a stray animal in need of care, much to her husband’s horror.

For Lauren, the most rewarding part of her role is helping people feel supported during times that can often be overwhelming. She takes great pride in contributing to a practice where clients know they will be listened to, cared for and guided every step of the way.

Somma Snitch

Conveyancing Paralegal | Senior Paralegal

Conveyancing | Property | Building & Construction

Having lived in a rural community for more than a decade, Somma understands the importance of strong local connections, community values, and practical, client-focused service. As a mother of six, she brings exceptional organisational skills, dedication, and a genuine understanding of the significant life decisions that often accompany property transactions.

Somma is passionate about helping clients navigate one of life’s most important milestones, buying and selling property. With experience in conveyancing and property transactions, she works closely with buyers, sellers, and industry professionals to ensure every stage of the process is managed efficiently. Somma understands that property matters can sometimes feel overwhelming, so she is focused on providing clear communication, practical advice, and responsive support every step of the way. Her goal is to make each transaction as smooth and stress-free as possible while ensuring clients feel informed and confident throughout the journey.

Somma is committed to lifelong learning and professional excellence, she has completed a Bachelor of Justice, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Law, and most recently a Juris Doctor. These qualifications, combined with her extensive practical experience, provide her with a well-rounded understanding of property law and the broader legal landscape.

Known for her approachable nature, attention to detail, and commitment to exceptional client service, Somma takes pride in building trusted relationships and helping clients feel informed and confident throughout their transaction. She is dedicated to delivering clear communication, practical solutions, and a seamless conveyancing experience from start to finish.

Manny Singh

Senior Paralegal | Justice of the Peace

Manny joins the team in 2022 as a student at Southern Cross University, studying towards her Bachelor of Laws. Through learning from the team, Manny hopes to further her understanding of the operations of a legal firm and grow towards becoming a young lawyer.

Manny has grown up in the Northern Rivers, attending Trinity Catholic College and working in management positions in hospitality and retail settings. Manny is friendly and approachable with an industrious attitude towards her work.

When she’s not studying, Manny enjoys walking the beach with her dog Rufus. As well as checking out new restaurants and hosting her friends for dinner.

Ivy Wilsem

Administrative Assistant

Ivy joined the Castrikum Adams Legal team in mid‑October 2023, driven by a strong passion for learning and a desire to complement her academic studies, including Legal Studies. She initially undertook her role alongside her education at Trinity Catholic Collage, providing valuable administrative assistance to the firm during afternoons after school.

Following her graduation, Ivy has remained committed to Castrikum Adams Legal and professional development as she continues to build her skills and knowledge as she progresses within the firm. She has been accepted into Macquarie University, where she will undertake a Bachelor of Political Science, further reflecting her strong interest in law, governance, and public affairs.

Known for her friendly and approachable nature, Ivy is a welcoming presence within the team and consistently demonstrates a willingness to take on new tasks and responsibilities. Outside of work, Ivy enjoys spending time at the beach, binging new Netflix series (especially Bridgerton), and, most importantly sharing quality time with her family.

Acknowledgement of Country

Bangalow Conveyancing acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land, the Arakwal people, the Minjungbal people and the Widjabul people of the Bundjalung Nation, and pay our respects to elders past and present.

Disclaimer

Bangalow Conveyancing is a subsidiary of Castrikum Adams Legal Pty Ltd.

The content of this website does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should seek legal advice or other professional advice in relation to any specific matters you or your organisation may have. Liability limited by a scheme under Professional Standards Legislation.