The People Behind
James Papas Solicitors

James Papafotiou is the Principal Solicitor and founder of James Papas Solicitors, having established the firm in Parramatta in 1977. With nearly five decades of legal experience, he has earned a reputation as one of Sydney's most trusted and respected solicitors, providing practical, insightful, and personalised legal advice to individuals, families, and businesses.

After graduating from the University of Sydney in 1972, James commenced legal practice in Sydney before establishing his own firm three years later. He practises across Conveyancing, Wills and Estate Planning, Probate, Family Law, Commercial Leases, Sale and Purchase of Businesses, and Local Court matters.

He has overseen the legal work for numerous apartment developments, including a significant 200-unit residential project, managing the matter from initial plan approval through to the settlement of every individual lot. The Law Society of NSW has recognised him for 50 years of legal practice.

Throughout almost five decades, James has represented generations of families and today has the privilege of acting not only for many of his original clients, but also for their children and grandchildren.

Shanthi Anandarajah is the Owner, Director and Solicitor of James Papas Solicitors. She is dedicated to upholding the firm's longstanding reputation for providing practical, trusted, and personalised legal services while continuing to deliver the high standard of client care on which the practice was built.

Shanthi began her academic journey by completing an undergraduate degree in Economics before completing her Juris Doctor at RMIT University in Melbourne. She later became an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and an accredited mediator, before completing a Master of Philosophy (MPhil).

She practises in Family Law, Immigration Law, Estate Planning and Probate, Small Business matters, Commercial Leases, and Local Court matters. Known for her compassionate and approachable manner, Shanthi takes the time to understand each client's objectives and works closely with them to achieve practical, cost-effective outcomes.

April Harbottle has been a valued member of James Papas Solicitors since joining the firm in 1978. With nearly five decades of dedicated service, she has become an integral part of the practice, bringing extensive experience in conveyancing, probate, legal administration, and office management.

Over the course of her career, April has assisted thousands of clients with residential and commercial conveyancing matters, managing transactions from exchange through to settlement with exceptional efficiency and attention to detail. She played a key role in a major 200-unit residential development, assisting from plan approval through to the settlement of each individual lot.

Known for her warm, approachable nature and unwavering professionalism, April has earned the trust of generations of clients, many of whom have returned to the firm over the years.