A little about us
Mercedes Castrikum
Principal Solicitor | Director
Building Disputes | Complex Property Matters | Consumer & Corporate | Contract | Dispute Resolution | Estate Litigation | Wills & Estates | Elder Law | Leasing | Conveyancing
Mercedes has over 12 years’ experience and has been involved in a wide range of matters including building and construction disputes, corporate and business transactions, commercial litigation, Elder Law (aged care matters) estate planning, probate and administration, conveyancing, and appears in the Courts and Tribunals.
Originating from Lismore NSW, a small(ish) country town west of Byron Bay, Mercedes vows that her small-town origins have given her a solid foundation in understanding the importance of building and maintaining good relationships.
From graduate speaker of the class of 2012, Mercedes went on to intern with FaCS, and volunteered for a number of years at her local Community Legal Centre by providing evening advice to people in need. Further pro bono work included working as part of the defence team for the Glenugie and Doubtful Creek coal seam gas protestors.
With extensive experience in building disputes, complex property matters, business transactions, complex wills and estates planning matters, and Elder Law, Mercedes applies a practical plain English approach when helping clients to understand legal issues and options available.
Prior to practicing law, Mercedes worked in the accommodation industry on the Gold Coast, specifically management rights, for 20 plus years. During that time, she was awarded Receptionist of the Year – South East Queensland in 2003 and gained her Resident Letting Agents Licence.
Moving back to Lismore with her young family to study at Southern Cross university, Mercedes also worked at Toyota for 6 years.
Mercedes is married to Craig, with 3 children of her own and 2 grandchildren. Mercedes is an active member of the NSW State Emergency Services (SES). She loves live music and dancing, basketball, 8 ball, Pilates, beach walks and stopping for chat in the main streets of Lismore, Bangalow and Byron Bay.
Craig Adams
Non-Solicitor | Director
Building & Construction | Complex Property Matters
Craig’s experience is in the residential development and commercial building industry, spanning 35 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.
Sita Hayne
Associate Solicitor
Consumer & Corporate | Contract | Leasing | Wills & Estates | Elder Law
Sita has been with Castrikum Adams Legal since the beginning, starting off as a legal assistant and working her way up to her current position as Associate Solicitor.
Before coming to Castrikum Adams Legal, Sita spent time volunteering whilst studying towards her Bachelor of Laws from Southern Cross University, with Community Legal Centre’s in the Northern Rivers and on the Gold Coast.
Her calm and collaborate approach, assists clients to reach their legal goals in the areas of Commercial and Property Law, and Wills and Estates in a sensible and cost-effective manner.
When not in the office, you’ll find Sita at a café enjoying the great food and coffee the Northern Rivers has to offer, at the beach or on a bush walk. And yes, after all the years of study, she still enjoys reading a book or two with a cup of tea in hand.
Fleur Roberts
Licenced Conveyancer | Senior Paralegal | Justice of the Peace
Conveyancing | Property | Building & Construction
Fleur holds qualifications in Conveyancing Law & Practice through Macquarie University and a degree in Fine Arts from NSW University College of Fine Arts.
Friendly and helpful with lots of life and career experience to draw upon, Fleur balances the needs of her clients, providing clear communication to keep matters running smoothly from initial instructions through to exchange and settlement.
Fleur has a love of all thing’s property with a genuine interest to keep learning, developing her skills & experience to be ready for even the most challenging of property matters.
When not in the office, Fleur can be found down at the beach with her dog Pippin, taking a hike in one of the fantastic northern rivers National Parks or starting a new stage of the never-ending renovation of her home in Mullumbimby!
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 is a senior student at Trinity Catholic College. She joined the Castrikum Adams Legal team in October 2023 providing administrative assistance in the afternoons after school.
Ivy is a passionate learner and took on the role as an opportunity to complement her education, which includes Legal Studies. Ivy is a friendly and welcoming presence and is up for any task that is put to her. When she isn’t working or at school, she can be found at the beach enjoying the Vitamin D, reading, or most importantly, with her family.