Principal Director
Leanne Abela
Leanne has practised at Pearsons for her entire career, became a Partner in 1991 and brings almost four decades of family law experience.
- 1991
- Partner at Pearsons since
- Thousands
- of family law cases conducted
- 37+ years
- in family law
- 2026
- LIV Distinguished Service Award
About Leanne
Leanne has spent her entire career at Pearsons. She graduated from the University of Melbourne with Law and Arts degrees in 1986, became a Partner in 1991 and now leads the firm as Principal Director.
Over almost four decades she has conducted thousands of family law cases, from property and financial settlements and child support to parenting matters and every other part of family law. In family law there is no substitute for that kind of experience. Leanne has seen almost every situation, so very little comes as a surprise, and she knows what to look out for on her clients' behalf.
She is known as a tough, no-nonsense lawyer who gets results in difficult circumstances. She is also a careful listener. Leanne takes the time to understand what a client is going through, then gives them clarity and the confidence to work through their separation.
In times of crisis, it is the years of experience that count.
Leading the firm
As well as running her own matters, Leanne mentors the firm's solicitors and helps shape the strategy on a wide range of their cases. She has built a culture of excellence, diversity and giving back, and has grown Pearsons into one of the largest boutique family law firms in Victoria.
Recognition
- Distinguished Service Award, Law Institute of Victoria, October 2026In October 2026, Leanne was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Law Institute of Victoria. This is one of the Law Institute of Victoria's most prestigious awards. The Law Institute recognises individuals who have rendered significant and distinguished service of a high degree to the legal profession over an extended period of time by granting this award. Read the announcement
- La Trobe University Relationships Australia (Vic) Family Mediation Prize, 2000Leanne completed a Graduate Diploma in Family Law Mediation at La Trobe University over a two-year period in 1999. In 2000, she was awarded the La Trobe University Relationships Australia (Vic) Family Mediation Prize as the most outstanding student who completed the Graduate Diploma in Family Law Mediation.
Service to the profession and community
In 1991 Leanne set up the first Intervention Order Court Support Service through the Community Legal Centres. She organised a roster of volunteer solicitors to help people applying for intervention orders without a lawyer, and the service ran for almost a decade.
She has also served on many boards and committees, including:
- The initial protocols committee that set up intervention orders in the Magistrates' Court
- A committee that set policies and procedures for intervention order practice
- The Family Court's family violence protocols committee
- Women's Legal Service Board, helping establish its family law practice
- Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre, Committee of Management
- Various committees of the Federation of Community Legal Centres
- North West Hospital Board
- Board of Directors and Sustainability Committee, Her Place Australian Women's Museum
- Board Member, Academy of Mary Immaculate
- Maltese Community Council Executive
- CPA Eastern Suburbs Tax Discussion Group Conference Committee
- Various kindergarten and school boards
- Tutor in family law at La Trobe University and in contract law at Victoria University
- Volunteer at community legal centres over many years
Outside work
Outside work, Leanne enjoys time with her husband and three children, reading, going to the movies and very long walks on the weekend.
Know where you stand
Talk to Leanne about your matter
Your first 30-minute appointment is free. We'll listen, explain your options and tell you what happens next.