Meet The Team

Khoder Dandachli
Principal Solicitor
Khoder is the Principal Solicitor of KDA Legal.
Khoder’s legal journey began in 2009. In 2014, he graduated from the University of Technology, Sydney, with a Bachelor of Laws, LLB. After finishing university, Khoder practiced at a mid-sized Sydney law firm, where he began as a graduate lawyer practicing in Civil Litigation and Commercial Disputes. Khoder became a Partner of that firm in 2018.
In 2019, Khoder used his partnership experience to open his own law firm, which was when KDA Legal was born.
Khoder’s ultimate goal when beginning KDA Legal was to create a law firm which was based on three principles, honesty, loyalty and commitment.
“During my professional experience I developed a goal to create a firm which aligned with my own personal core values, these values includes honesty – to all those I come across, loyalty - to my profession, clients, friends and family; and commitment - to achieving the best results possible for all my clients”.
Since opening KDA Legal, Khoder has specialised in a broad range of civil and commercial disputes ranging from simple debt recovery matters in the Local Court to complex corporate and commercial law disputes in the Supreme and Federal Courts.
Khoder prides himself on giving clients legal advice that you would expect from a top tier law firm whilst maintaining the personal service of a small firm.
Catherine Teo
Lawyer
Catherine is a graduate solicitor with KDA Legal.
Catherine works in an array of areas including civil and commercial litigation, wills and probates, business law and insolvency.
Catherine joined KDA Legal in 2021 as a paralegal. She has since completed a Bachelor of Commerce with a Bachelor of Laws with Honours at Macquarie University, been admitted as a solicitor in the Supreme Court of NSW and continued her journey with the firm as a solicitor.
Catherine draws upon her previous professional experience in customer service, administrative and accounting work, as well as advocacy work within a criminal justice not-for-profit organisation to provide practical support to our team whilst maintaining client satisfaction.
She strongly believes that taking the time to allow clients to tell their personal stories is paramount to achieving the best possible result.
Daria Barraza
Practice Manager
Daria joined KDA Legal in 2018 as the firm’s inaugural Practice Manager.
Daria is instrumental in the overall coordination of a broad range of services/resources that allow the organisation to operate efficiently.
Daria’s educational background consists of a major in Psychology from the University of Sydney, her previous professional experience includes working as an Early Childhood Early Intervention Coordinator. Her role involved liaising with families and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Daria’s previous professional experience and educational background allow for her to coordinate and be responsible for financial management, technology, and system implementation, human resources, and recruitment, premises management, as well as maintaining internal procedural standards.
Omar Youssef
Special Counsel
Omar is our firm’s trusted family lawyer, known for helping clients feel supported and confident through every stage of their legal journey.
With over 10 years of experience in family law, he guides clients through challenging situations—whether they're dealing with contested disputes or seeking amicable pre-litigation settlements. Omar’s grounded, compassionate approach reassures clients and gives them a sense of stability when they need it most.
In criminal law matters, Omar brings the same dedication and calm professionalism, appearing regularly in all New South Wales courts. He ensures clients feel well-prepared and fully informed, reducing stress and uncertainty in what can often be overwhelming situations.
Omar is also an accomplished transactional lawyer with expertise in residential and commercial conveyancing. He manages each detail carefully, making the process as seamless as possible so clients can focus on the next steps in their lives without the burden of legal complexities.
Clients describe Omar as approachable and reliable, valuing his ability to combine legal expertise with a warm, reassuring presence that puts them at ease. Throughout every interaction, Omar makes it his priority to create an environment where clients feel comfortable, confident, and empowered to move forward.
Ricky Raad
Special Counsel
Ricky is a trusted and highly experienced commercial lawyer, specialising in commercial and retail leases.
Clients value Ricky for his ability to simplify complex leasing issues, providing clear, supportive guidance on negotiations, renewals, and dispute resolution. His approachable style and thorough attention to detail make clients feel secure and well-informed, knowing their interests are carefully protected.
Ricky also offers comprehensive commercial advice to our business clients, covering shareholder agreements, business sales, and general commercial contracts. His steady, practical guidance empowers clients to navigate key business decisions with confidence and peace of mind.
Clients often praise Ricky for his unwavering reliability, commitment, and genuine empathy during the transactions in which he is briefed.
Patrick Haklany
Special Counsel
Patrick is a focused and highly skilled building and construction lawyer with a strong commitment to delivering results.
Clients rely on his expertise and straightforward approach to navigate the challenges of construction law with confidence, be it in providing advice on contracts, assisting with negotiation, payment claims and security of payment, defects, regulatory compliance and any other issues relevant to our clients in the construction sector.
Known for his practical insights and strategic mindset, Patrick provides clear guidance and tailored advice, helping clients feel secure and supported from start to finish.
He’s dedicated to protecting client’s interests and achieving positive resolutions, making him a trusted ally for anyone facing the complexities of the construction industry.
Patrick appears in all jurisdictions in NSW, including the Local Court, District Court, Supreme Court, and the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). He also has extensive experience representing clients in adjudication matters, ensuring comprehensive support across all areas of construction law.