Deidre Ryder

DIRECTOR  |  PRINCIPAL SOLICITOR

Deidre Ryder is our Director of White Berman Ryder. Deidre joined the firm in 2019, after having worked as an Associate for a Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Judge. It was through this work for the Court that Deidre discovered her interest in law and made the decision to study towards a law degree. Deidre completed her Bachelor of Laws full time whilst working at the Federal Circuit Court full time. She graduated in 2016 with a GPA sufficient to be awarded Honours, and graduated with a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice in March 2018. Deidre was admitted as a legal practitioner in the Supreme Court of South Australia in April 2018 and in the High Court of Australia in May 2018.

As part of her law degree, she completed one year of psychology, giving her an insight into mental health, child development and communication. Deidre works meticulously and is organised with attention to detail. She is calm and maintains her composure and has a high level of professionalism. She has a particular interest in complex wills and estates, sitting well alongside her years of family law experience.

In January 2025, Deidre took ownership over White Berman Ryder from Simon White and Guy White. Deidre, Simon and Guy have worked together for many years and have a similar, pragmatic approach to their work. Deidre continues to be mentored by Simon and Guy who have stayed with the firm as Senior Solicitors.

Deidre is a member of the Law Society of South Australia, a past member of the Family Law Committee and a member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia.

In her down time, you will find her baking, exploring the Adelaide Hills and volunteering.

Simon White

SENIOR SOLICITOR

Simon White was one of the founding partners of the firm in 1981. In 1978, Simon received his Bachelor of Laws from the University of Adelaide. He then worked as an Articled Clerk before being admitted as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of South Australia. Simon became the Associate to a Supreme Court Judge in 1979.

Since 1981, he has been involved in all areas of the firm’s practice. He ably managed the firm for over forty years and built a strong legal family tradition that has a strong commitment to excellence in legal work.

In January 2025 Simon, along with Guy White handed over the reins of White Berman Ryder to our Director, Deidre Ryder. Simon continues with the firm as a Senior Solicitor and mentor to our Director.

Simon is experienced and knowledgeable in areas of Family Law, Estates, and Inheritance Claims.

When Simon has time away from work he enjoys travelling, gardening and exploring local wineries.

Guy White

SENIOR SOLICITOR

Guy White completed his Bachelor of Laws in 1980 and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice in 1981. Guy worked as an Associate for a Supreme Court Judge in 1981 up to the following year, 1982, when he was admitted to the Supreme Court of South Australia. He commenced practising in 1984 when he joined the White Berman firm, where he later became a partner.

Guy has a personable and efficient approach to the law. For over 40 years, he has advised clients in the areas of Family and De Facto Law, Wills, Estates, and Inheritance Claims.

Whilst Guy is no longer at the helm of the firm, having passed the firm onto our Director, Deidre Ryder, in January 2025, Guy continues to mentor our Director and acts for clients as a Senior Solicitor.

Guy enjoys spending time with family and friends and having a hit of golf.

Jacky Semler

SOLICITOR  |  PARALEGAL

Jacky joined White Berman Ryder in May 2021. She is our junior solicitor and paralegal, assisting the senior solicitors with their Wills and Estates work and Family Law matters. After graduating from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce, Jacky worked as a Deputy Associate in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia for over ten years.

During her time with the Court, Jacky worked in Adelaide, Perth and Sydney. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of Chambers and undertaking legal research, Jacky assisted the Judges by preparing and managing matters awaiting hearing. Her time at the Courts has given her a unique insight into the internal management and functions of our Court systems.

When she is not at work, Jacky likes to bake and craft and spend time with her family. Jacky has also done some property development and loves designing.

Luke Nicholson

SOLICITOR

Born and raised in Sydney, Luke moved to Adelaide and began working with White Berman Ryder in December 2024 as a law clerk.

Luke completed a Bachelor of Medical Science in 2015 and a Masters of Orthoptics in 2017, working as an eye care specialist in Bondi Junction, New South Wales for many years. A change of career was on the cards for Luke when he developed a keen interest in law and decided to pursue a career in the legal profession. Luke graduated from his Juris Doctor degree in 2023. Luke was admitted as a legal practitioner in New South Wales in February 2025 and the Supreme Court of South Australia in May 2025.

After 6 months as a law clerk and being guided by our senior solicitors, Luke steps up as our most recent solicitor. Luke is now available to book an appointment to prepare Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney and to assist with Estate and Probate matters. When not at work, he enjoys Adelaide’s beautiful beaches and playing ice hockey.

Ebony Lee

SOLICITOR

Originally from regional Victoria, Ebony relocated to Adelaide and began working at White Berman Ryder in 2025. Ebony completed her Bachelor of Laws and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice in Melbourne. During her studies, Ebony worked as a Law Clerk assisting in Family Law, Wills, Estates and Probate matters. This provided her with valuable practical experience and a strong foundation for legal practice.

Predominately practicing as a Family Law solicitor, Ebony assists clients in a range of matters, including property settlements, children’s matters and divorce applications. She is committed to providing a clear, compassionate, and pragmatic approach with her clients and enjoys working closely with our senior solicitors and Director.  

In her spare time, Ebony enjoys spending time at Adelaide’s beautiful beaches and playing netball with her friends.

Joanne Rees

REGISTERED CONVEYANCER  |  LEGAL SECRETARY

Joanne, or Jo as she likes to be called is our resident Registered Conveyancer and Legal Secretary. Joanne joined White Berman Ryder in 2022, having worked in the legal profession for over 40 years.  Joanne became a Registered Conveyancer in 2014 and continues her professional development to maintain her Certified Practicing Conveyancing status by attending regular training seminars and workshops at the Australian Institute of Conveyancers (SA Division).

Jo’s main areas are residential conveyancing relating to sales and purchases, deceased estate transfers and family law transfers following the breakdown of a relationship. She also undertakes paralegal work related to estate administration and family law matters, assisting our Director, Deidre Ryder and Guy White, one of our Senior Solicitors at our Modbury Office. She is highly regarded by her colleagues and clients and is committed to providing clients with an efficient and friendly service.

When she is not a work, Jo loves visiting our beautiful wineries and countryside in South Australia. She is an animal and music lover and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Kathy Gray

FINANCE & OFFICE MANAGER

Kathy is our Finance and Office Manager at White Berman Ryder. She joined the firm in 2009 having previously worked in the finance departments of various Adelaide businesses. She also provided client bookkeeping for a small accounting firm.

Kathy is responsible for the day-to-day operations of White Berman Ryder. She looks after the firm’s finances and client’s Trust Accounts with precision. Kathy is known for her love of numbers and her ability to convert almost any situation into a good spreadsheet. Kathy also assists the Director with staff management and Human Resources.

Kathy is resilient, highly organised and has excellent attention to detail. Having been with White Berman Ryder for over 16 years’ Kathy has a wealth of knowledge. The phrase “ask Kathy” is used in the office most days.

In her spare time, Kathy loves cooking and baking bread. On weekends, she enjoys relaxing breakfasts with her husband and fur-kid at dog-friendly cafés.

Emily Laslett

LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Emily is our Legal Administrative Assistant to our Director and other solicitors. Emily has recently completed her Certificate IV in Business Administration (Legal Services) which has given her knowledge in the Australian legal system, court processes, and legal research. It has also provided her with the skills to fulfil her role.

Emily’s TAFE studies have also inspired her to enrol into a Bachelor of Laws at Charles Darwin University which she studies on a full-time basis alongside her role.

Emily is personable with our clients and has an organised and enthusiastic approach to her work. Emily assists with client communications, reception and administrative tasks and is a friendly personality in our office.

When Emily is not at work or studying, she enjoys spending time with family, reading (murder mysteries are a favourite) and baking cinnamon buns.