A different kind of lawyer

Without the sensationalism of television or film, what would your perception of law firms and lawyers be?

Would it be one of a fierce industry driven by returns? Would it be one of shiny suits and flash cars? Or would it be one that puts people over profits?

If your life leads you down the path of Daniella Paidi, property lawyer and principal of local law firm Highlands Lawyers, you will find an unwavering commitment to the latter.

Her sense of duty to her clients and wider community hails to a simple ethos: always leave things better than you found them … especially people.

After sowing roots throughout Melbourne and central Victoria, specialising in buying, selling, transferring, and developing property, Ms Paidi is now forming a base in East Melbourne, and is bringing with her more than a decade of industry-leading experience.

“I’ve been a tenant, I’ve been a first-home buyer, a landlord, and an investor. So, for me, when I’m acting for my clients, they know I have been in their shoes, and they know I will be there with them on their journey, every step of the way,” Ms Paidi said.

“When I first decided to open my own business, I was young. The banks considered me an unacceptable risk, so I had to save, and save, and save.”

Having gone through that process, I know what it’s like, whether you are saving for your first home or an investment property, it isn’t easy. It’s my aim to be able to help clients, particularly women, set themselves up for later in life.

While her enduring commitment and loyalty to her clients is inspiring, it’s Ms Paidi’s volunteer work where her true passion lies.

Ms Paidi is the Vice President of Avenel Active, a Goulburn Valley-based action group committed to advancing the social and public welfare of the township of Avenel.

Ms Paidi also sits on the boards for Renewable Avenel Energy, a not-for-profit organisation working to make Avenel one of the first towns in the region completely reliant on 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030, and Go Nagambie, a voice for the local business community, working to protect, support and encourage business growth and opportunities in the Nagambie Lakes region.

Ms Paidi also plans to visit Vietnam in August with Change the One, a Melbourne-based charity that raises funds to build classrooms, teachers quarters purchase educational materials and support locals affected by Agent Orange.

“Giving back has always been something that is incredibly important to me. I am proud of my Portuguese-Indonesian heritage and come from humble beginnings, my family migrated to Australia for a better life here and I’ll never forget that” Ms Paidi told Inner City News.

“Giving back to the community, whether it is in Melbourne or the Goulburn Valley, is something I love doing, and it is something I will always do.”

With her life exchanging between metropolitan and regional Victoria, Ms Paidi, is finding as many communities and things where she can continue her ethos. But for now, Ms Paidi is hoping for some good weather so she can plant her olive trees, just like her grandmother did on her farm back in Portugal. •

For more information: highlandslawyers.com.au