Education
University of Sydney
Bachelor, 1974
Bar Admission
Supreme Court of NSW
High Court of Australia
1974
John Chapman
Principal
John obtained a Bachelor of Law from Sydney University in 1973 together with a sporting Blue.
He was admitted as a Barrister of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, and the High Court siting in the Australian Capital Territory, in 1974. He practised at the Bar in Selborne Chambers for about three years.
John then ceased practising at the Bar on or about 1977 and commenced a business rejoicing in the name “Old Man Emu” (four wheel drive suspension). There he had considerable experience in commercial matters generally and contracts, trademarks and litigation.
From about 1982 until 1990 he also worked with Mr Justice Ray Reynolds (retired), now deceased, who acted as leader of a legal team which included Mr Alan Cameron (later Chairman of ASIC) from Blake Dawson Waldron in a complex family matter involving 6 families.
In addition in 1989/1990 he was the founder and Managing Director of a public company producing a Reg Livermore theatrical production, “Big Sister”, with Mr Alan Cameron (then a solicitor with Blake Dawson Waldron), as a co director. The Mayor of Parramatta at the time was also a director. As Executive Producer of this production he was solely responsible for the Theatre Rental Contract, all actors performance Contracts and Contracts as to the provision of sets.
In May 1992 he recommenced practice at the Bar at Selborne Chambers and completed the reading program under the supervision of Mr Peter G Sheldon of Counsel. He then took Chambers at Lachlan Macquarie Chambers in Parramatta.
At this time in 1992/1993 he also worked with the late Mr Paul Burne, Barrister (as he then was) now deceased, in numerous jury trials.
In 1997 he switched roles to that of Solicitor and worked as an employed solicitor by the partnership of Fisher Grogan, Solicitors, then at Cnr Campbell and Riley Streets, Sydney.
He worked at the Branch office of that firm that he established at 198 The Mall Leura. That firm was significantly involved in buying and selling of Real Estate and Commercial property leases and Retail Leases Act leasers. He continued to be involved in Family Law Property Settlements and valuations accordingly. In late 2001 he moved the practice to Blackheath.
From 2002 until February 2007 he was the sole practitioner and proprietor of Fisher Chapman Solicitors at the Suite 1, 52 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath.
In February 2007 he merged by way of sale of his practice at Blackheath with a Katoomba firm, Benetatos White and its principal partners Andrew White and Antony Benetatos.
In 2010 he left Benetatos White and joined Mr Paul Johnson, solicitor, then the proprietor of Ferns Aubrey Mitchell, later Ferns Aubrey Johnson, the oldest continuous solicitors practice in the Upper Blue Mountains.
In late 2010 he obtained his Real Estate License but continued to practice as a solicitor, sole practitioner, working from office facilities at 180 Katoomba Street and a Home Office.
Rachel Barton
Paralegal
Rachel Barton joined John A Chapman Solicitor in January 2024, bringing with her eight years of legal assistant experience. Before joining this esteemed firm, she spent seven years with a local office of a large law group, where she honed her skills across various legal areas, including Conveyancing, Wealth Protection, Estates, Family Law, and Family Provision Law.
A lifelong resident of Leura, Rachel has deep roots in the local community, fostering strong connections that enhance her work. She chose to work at John A Chapman Solicitor for its high standards and the opportunity to collaborate with a dedicated team of like-minded professionals who are committed to excellence.
Outside of her professional life, Rachel values time spent with her family, which includes her beloved dog, Kevin, and her cat, Lenny. Her passion for both her career and personal life reflects her balanced approach to life in the beautiful Blue Mountains.
Meghan Wilson
Paralegal
As a third-year law student at the University of Wollongong, Meghan Wilson combines her academic pursuits with deep roots in the Blue Mountains, infusing her work with both local insight and a strong dedication to her field. Growing up with parents who have both owned and still operate local businesses, she recognises the significance of community connections and strives to foster those relationships in her professional endeavours.
Since 2022, Meghan has worked under the mentorship of John Chapman, whose extensive experience has been instrumental in shaping her commitment to excellence. Meghan is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families. She approaches each case with empathy and professionalism, guiding clients through complex legal challenges and advocating for their best interests.