Jarna Nelson – Principal Solicitor
Jarna leads Slade Waterhouse Lawyers with a rare balance of sharp legal insight and genuine compassion. With over two decades in the industry and nearly 13 years as a lawyer, she is known for cutting through complexity and helping clients find practical, grounded paths forward without unnecessary conflict or cost.
Jarna’s focus is on outcomes that make sense in the real world, protecting her clients’ interests while ensuring they do not throw good money after bad. Whether she’s handling complex property matters, domestic violence, criminal law, commercial disputes or asset protection, her approach is strategic, measured and always in her client’s best interest.
Clients value Jarna for her ability to listen and for her calm, no-nonsense guidance during what are often some of the most stressful periods of their lives. She brings clarity where there is confusion, and steady direction where emotions run high.
In the courtroom, she is confident and not afraid to stand her ground when it matters. Outside of court, she is approachable, practical and refreshingly down to earth.
Outside of law, Jarna’s passions are just as vibrant. She loves a glass of champagne, so much so that she named one of her French Bulldogs Bubbles, and the other Mezcal (she also loves tequila). She loves renovating and in particular finds satisfaction from tiling. She has a surprising knack for all things mechanical, she probably knows more about cars then the mechanic next door. Her cooking is legendary, and her colleagues have been known to drop not-so-subtle hints that they love it, sometimes even inviting themselves over for dinner. But that is the beautiful thing about Jarna, whether it is at the office or in her personal life, she brings warmth, curiosity and a good laugh.
At her core, Jarna believes good lawyering isn’t about ego, it is about people. She greatly values her team who all have the same approach in delivering high quality services whilst being approachable and down to earth.
If you ever visit, don’t be surprised if you leave with a sense of calm, a full belly, a wide smile and strained diaphram from laughing at her quick wit.
Johanna Lambert – Solicitor
By weekday, Johanna is a lawyer and a very good one. She approaches each matter like a puzzle: methodical, thoughtful, and quietly determined to make all the pieces fall exactly where they should. But what sets her apart is not just how she thinks, it’s how she cares. Johanna has an effortless way of making clients feel seen, heard, and genuinely important because to her, they are.
She brings a rare mix of sharp legal ability, compassion, and practical common sense. Clients quickly find themselves at ease in her presence, even when their circumstances are anything but. Behind that calm and considered approach is a steadfast advocate who knows when to be gentle and when to hold the line.
By weekend, Johanna swaps legal strategy for creativity, usually drawing, reading, or immersed in a video game. She’s also known to embark on what she calls a “noble quest” for the perfect energy drink, which tells you most of what you need to know about her sense of humour.
In the office, Johanna is the resident practical joker, proof that you can take your work seriously without taking yourself too seriously. That balance carries through to her clients: professionalism with warmth, clarity with kindness, and just enough humour to make difficult situations feel a little lighter.
Her approach is simple do the job well, treat people properly, and never lose sight of the human side of the law.
Neda Farshidi – Solicitor
Neda brings a global perspective to the law, shaped by over four years working in a diverse role overseas. She approaches each matter with a depth of understanding that goes beyond the surface, drawing on real-world experience to navigate complexity with clarity.
Her time abroad refined a natural ability to connect. Neda bridges gaps between people, cultures and perspectives with ease, building trust quickly and communicating with purpose. Clients from all walks of life feel comfortable in her hands and confident in her advice.
In the office, she is known for her warmth and approachability. Rarely without a coffee in hand, Neda creates an environment where clients feel at ease to speak openly, knowing they will be listened to and understood.
Neda’s philosophy is simple: the best advocacy starts with listening. She pairs compassion with clear, strategic thinking to deliver advice that is practical, effective and grounded in what truly matters.
Paige Nelson – Law Clerk
The first face you’ll see when you walk into Slade Waterhouse Lawyers is Paige Nelson, and she sets the tone immediately. Direct, composed and quietly confident, Paige brings a sense of order and control to everything she does. As our Law Clerk, she is the engine room of the firm, ensuring matters move efficiently and nothing is left to chance.
Paige’s strength lies in her precision. With a passion for languages. She ensures communication is clear, accurate and purposeful. She has little patience for fluff, and clients quickly come to appreciate that with Paige, things are handled properly the first time.
Outside the office, Paige thrives in environments that demand focus and technical skill. An accomplished skier, she is most at home navigating high-speed runs where control and decisiveness matter, much like in her professional life.
When she’s not keeping the firm running seamlessly, Paige can usually be found with a book in hand, a coffee nearby, and her (very committed) oversized water bottle never far away. At home, she unwinds with her three pet rats and a meticulously curated Spotify playlist, often played at a volume that announces her arrival before she steps through the door.
Paige brings clarity, efficiency and a no-nonsense approach to her role.
