Our People

Leanne Abela
Principal Director

Leanne has practised in family law for 35 years after having graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in 1986.

Leanne started as an Articled Clerk at Pearsons and became a Partner in 1991.  Over the years she has acted for a wide variety of clients from all walks of life working closely with them to understand their need to resolve issues regarding their children, finances, child support and business and company interests.  Leanne focuses on implementing innovative and strategic solutions for clients so that they can reach their objectives within the Family Law Act framework.

In 1999 Leanne returned to study and obtained a Graduate Diploma in Family Law Mediation winning the Relationships Australia Award for Family Mediation Service.

Leanne has been recognised on the recommended Doyles List for Family Law & Parenting in 2018 and 2019.

Over the decades and now Leanne continues to volunteer her knowledge and services to various organisations such as community legal centres, Boards of management, executive committees as well as Family Court committees.

Leanne loves quotes and one of her favourites during Covid-19 is by the fashion designer Carla Zampatti who, in response to the challenges of Covid-19 on business, said “That’s the good thing about experience – you don’t panic”.  Leanne credits 35 years’ experience as a solicitor, being in a firm which was established in 1922, almost 100 years ago, and having a great partnership with Joseph Schepis as the touchstone for being able to continue to operate successfully in the practice during Covid-19 challenges.

Interests

Beyond Pearsons, Leanne enjoys time with her family, movies (her favourite is Cinema Paradiso) and listening to music.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Bachelor of Law at Melbourne University (1986)
• Bachelor of Arts at Melbourne University (1984)
• Graduate Diploma in Family Law Mediation
• ‘Most outstanding student’ award in completion of Graduate Diploma in Family Law of Mediation in the Faculty of Law and Management (2000)
• Member of the Law Institute of Victoria

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Joseph Schepis
Principal Director

Joe grew up in country Victoria and then attended Monash University completing a combined Economics (1983) and Law Degree (1985).

After completing Articles in Footscray Joe was admitted to practice in March 1987 and has since specialised and practised exclusively in Family Law with two firms in the CBD before joining Pearsons in 1993.

In 1994 Joe became a Partner of Pearsons and has continued to practice exclusively in Family Law dealing with all aspects of relationship breakdowns including financial and property matters (including complex matters involving companies and trusts), parenting matters and child support issues.

Joe prides himself on being able to communicate with clients in way that is easily understood by them.  He explains complex and difficult legal concepts, provides options and guides clients through the extremely traumatic and difficult time to achieve the best possible outcome(s).

Joe’s favourite saying to clients on separating is that they have entered the tunnel of darkness but that he will guide them through that tunnel and through its many twists and turns to the light at the other end.

Joe enjoys studying the law and in addition to his Economics and Law Degrees he has obtained a Graduate Diploma in Family Law Mediation from Latrobe University in March 2001 and a Master of Laws (Applied Law) from the College of Law in May 2015.

Since its inception almost 100 years ago in 1922, Pearsons has undergone a number of very significant and substantial changes the main one of which has been the partnership between Joe and Leanne which has seen the firm grow to a very well recognised and regarded practice of specialist Family Lawyers with multiple offices in and around the Melbourne CBD including regionally in Geelong and Barwon Heads.

Joe and Leanne lead a very experienced team of Family Law who provide expert guidance to all clients needing advice, details of options available to them and information and knowledge so that they know where they stand.

Interests

Outside of running the business of Pearsons and practising in all aspects of Family Law, Joe enjoys playing golf, visiting and holidaying in regional areas of Victoria and overseas with his favourite destinations being Bordeaux in southern France, Spain and Hawaii.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Bachelor of Economics (1984)
• Bachelor of Law (1986)
• Graduate Diploma in Family Law Mediation (2001)
• Accredited Specialist in Family Law (by the LIV since 1992)
• Member of the Law Institute of Victoria
• Member of the Law Council of Australia (Family Law Section)

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Helen Chetcuti
Managing Solicitor

Helen had a prior career in Community Services offering advocacy and counselling support to women and children experiencing family violence. This means Helen gives us the added advantage of providing our clients with links to other agencies and support services they can access to assist them through separation.

Helen practices in all areas of Family Law including children, divorce, contravention applications, relocation and recovery matters, enforcement proceedings, Crimes Family Violence and complex property matters. Her approach to practice is to ensure that clients have all information available to promote a cost-effective quality resolution of their matter. “I enjoy Pearson’s down to earth approach. The partners are approachable for problem solving and assistance or simply brainstorming, so resolving a matter can come quickly”.

Interests

Helen enjoys spending time with her children, reading and socializing with friends. Helen also speaks Greek fluently.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Bachelor of Arts (Hons)
• Bachelor of Law
• Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria
• Admitted to practice in the High Court of Australia
• Member of the Law Institute of Victoria
• Member of Victorian Women’s Lawyers
• Member of the Law Council of Australia

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Benita Crocker
Managing Solicitor

Benita Crocker has worked exclusively in the area of family law for over twenty two years, having graduated with a double degree of Bachelor of Arts/Law in 1998.  Benita became an Accredited Family Law Specialist in 2015.  In 2018 she was selected to become an Independent Children’s Lawyer appointed by Victoria Legal Aid and will represent children in difficult parenting matters.

She has been recognised as a Leading Lawyer for Parenting and Children’s matters in Doyles Guide for Victoria.

Benita possesses extensive experience in all aspects of family law including complex children and complex property matters (international matters included), spousal maintenance, binding financial agreements, child support agreements and intervention orders.

She has previously volunteered at the Fitzroy Legal Service and Women’s Legal Service, and has also worked with the Australian Government Solicitor.

When litigation is required, she is a strong advocate and often appears at interim hearings in Court on behalf of her clients.

She is focused on resolving matters in a pragmatic, cost effective and timely manner.

Interests

Benita is kept busy with two children, and otherwise enjoys having good meals with friends, running socially and reading.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Bachelor of Law
• Bachelor of Arts
• Accredited Family law specialist
• Admitted to practice in Supreme Court of Victoria
• Admitted to practice in High Court
• Member of Law Institute of Victoria

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Bani Mishra
Managing Solicitor

Bani inspires her team to deliver a friendly personalised service with a practical approach to resolving family law disputes. This is a strong fit with the firm’s non-pretentious, responsive and professional culture.

Bani is equipped with many years of Family Law experience in all aspects of family law including countless appearances before Family and Federal Circuit Court judges. She prides herself on her passion, patience and thorough approach to resolving family law disputes on behalf of her clients.

Interests

Her interests are in travel, international politics, community development and charity fundraising. She speaks Oriya and Conversational Hindi.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Bachelor of Law
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
• Admitted to practice in the High Court of Australia
• Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria
• Member of the Law Institute of Victoria
• Member of Victorian Women’s Lawyers
• Member of the Western Suburbs Legal Service
• Member of the Women’s Legal Service

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Jacqui Spry
Senior Associate Solicitor

Jacqui has spent her career specialising in Family Law and is passionate about bringing her expertise to her clients individual circumstances.

Her experience of more than 20 years, spans Federal, Magistrates Court and Family Court appearances;

• Litigating and negotiating children’s matters
• Litigating and negotiating property disputes
• Applications for Commonwealth Information Location Orders
• Applications for Recovery Orders
• Contravention proceedings
• Enforcement proceedings
• Divorce (both Applications and Defended)

Bringing strong and clear advice to her clients.

Interests

Family and travel are Jacqui’s two great passions. Along with exercise and her three dogs Jacqui is a strong advocate for finding balance in life.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Law
• Member of the Law institute of Victoria
• Member of the Law Council of Australia

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Suzan Gurpinar
Senior Associate Solicitor

Suzan’s personal approach to working with her clients is to provide advice in plain English and deliver outcomes in a cost-effective and efficient manner. This fits with Pearsons long-term approach to let clients ‘Know where they stand’ upfront. This extends to breaking down the process of negotiations and court proceedings in order for clients to understand and be fully involved in the process.

Suzan graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in 2008. She subsequently completed her Practical Legal Training at the Leo Cussen Institute and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia in 2009. Suzan practices exclusively in Family Law, including in all property matters, spousal maintenance, children’s matters, relocation and recovery orders, divorce and intervention orders.

Interests

Outside of work, Suzan enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the gym and reading.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Bachelor of Laws
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
• Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria
• Admitted to practice in the High Court of Australia
• Member of the Law Institute of Victoria

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Anne Ariyaratnam
Senior Associate Solicitor

‘Diligently, yet quickly’ is Anne’s mantra. Very empathetic, she likes clients to feel they have direct access to the best Pearsons can offer across the entire team to get a swifter and better outcome.

Anne graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in 2008 from Murdoch University. She was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2010. Anne joins the Pearsons team after having practised exclusively in family law since the completion of her tertiary studies. Anne has appeared regularly in both the Magistrates’ and Family Law Courts in Victoria. She practises in all areas of family law including property matters, parenting matters (including relocation and recovery order matters), divorce and intervention order matters.

Interests

Outside of work, Anne enjoys spending time with her family and friends, enjoying Melbourne’s restaurant culture and keeping up to date on the latest Hollywood blockbusters.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Bachelor of Laws
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
• Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Western Australia
• Member of the Law Institute of Victoria

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Sara Taylor
Senior Associate Solicitor

Sara approaches each matter with a high degree of empathy and understanding of the many challenges her clients may be facing. She listens carefully to fully ascertain the different concerns and priorities that each client brings with them.

Sara graduated from LaTrobe University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting and Bachelor of Laws. She was admitted to practice in Victoria in 2010 after completing a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Leo Cussen Institute in the same year.

Sara practices exclusively in the area of Family Law, including parenting matters such as recovery orders, relocation applications and residence applications, property matters, spousal maintenance matters and divorce applications.

Interests

Outside of work Sara enjoys dabbling in photography, travelling and spending time with her family.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Accounting)
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
• Law Institute of Victoria
• North West Lawyers’ Association

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Felicity Francis
Senior Associate Solicitor

Felicity’s passion for Family Law started at university and has grown as her career has developed. Her active involvement in community and social justice issues brings strength and resolve to her clients.

Holding a Master of Laws Felicity is well versed in all aspects of Family Law. Her experience across a wide variety of clients includes a variety of complicated and multifaceted Family and Relationship Law matters such as children, property, divorce, child support, intervention orders, financial agreements, relocation and same sex relationships.

In addition to her work and studies, Felicity has been a volunteer at The Women’s Legal Service Victoria.

Interests

Outside of work Felicity enjoys reading, and exercise – particularly running and spending time with family.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
• Master of Laws (Family Law)

Professional Memberships

• Law Institute of Victoria
• Victorian Women Lawyers
• Family Law Section of Law Council of Australia
• Law Institute of Victoria Community Issues Committee

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Natalie Potenza
Associate Solicitor

Natalie has a calm and committed approach to getting the job done. Her focus is on developing a clear understanding of the client’s individual needs to guide them to their legal solutions. Always pushing forwards, she believes working closely with partners and senior lawyers with diverse approaches delivers better outcomes for clients.

Natalie graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Behavioural Science. She has efficiently managed a wide range of Family Law matters in her time at Pearsons.

During her studies, Natalie was a regular volunteer at the Whittlesea Community Legal Service and undertook a placement with the Family Law section at Victoria Legal Aid. She also gained experience working as a legal assistant prior to joining Pearsons.

Interests

Outside of work Natalie enjoys spending time with family, socialising with friends and keeping active.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Psychological Science

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Amanda Vella
Solicitor

Amanda is passionate about Family Law and practices predominantly in this area. She strives to ensure that clients are informed about their matter at each step. She is determined to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients and understands that when client commences family law proceedings they may be doing so with a great deal of anxiety and angst.

She completed a Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Commerce double degree at Monash University in 2016, and was admitted to practice in January 2017 after completing her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice through the College of Law.

In addition to her work and studies, Amanda has also had extensive volunteer experience at various community legal centres.

Amanda practices exclusively in family law and intervention order matters, including property and children’s matters, binding financial agreements, and divorce.

Interests

Outside of work Amanda enjoys exercise, watching the Western Bulldogs and playing football for the VU Western Spurs.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Commerce
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice

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Julia Lang
Solicitor

Julia is passionate about Family Law and is committed to providing clear and pragmatic legal advice to her clients.

Julia graduated from Monash University with a Juris Doctor and was admitted to practice after completing her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice through the College of Law.

Once admitted, Julia completed an Associateship at the Federal Circuit Court of Australia where she gained experience in Family Law litigation, Court procedure and decision making. Julia now enjoys applying this experience to benefit her clients. Julia jointed Pearsons in 2018 and practices exclusively in Family Law.

Interests

Outside of Pearsons Julia enjoys surfing with friends, spending time with family and travelling.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Bachelor of Arts (Hons.)
• Juris Doctor
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice

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Debbie Nader
Solicitor

Debbie graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Media Studies from Latrobe University. She spent a winter at the University of Hawaii’s School of Law and completed other subjects with Victoria University and Open Universities Australia. She then went on to complete a Graduate Diploma in  Secondary Education with Latrobe University becoming qualified to teach in the methods of Media Studies and Humanities. In anticipation of admission to the Supreme Court of Victoria, Debbie spent three months with The College of Law completing her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.

Debbie gained relevant work experience in the field of Family Law through a three month law internship in 2014 and volunteer work as an Information  Referral Kiosk Attendant with the Victorian Family Law Pathways Network in the Melbourne & Dandenong Family courts.

Interests

Outside of Pearsons, Debbie is a Zumba  instructor and spends her spare time keeping fit, reading, watching films and catching up with friends and family.

Qualifications & Memberships

Bachelor of Law

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Breana Cilia
Solicitor

After completing a Bachelor of Laws degree at Deakin University in her final year of studies Breana spent a year living in London, studying at London Metropolitan University.

Breana has gained experience working as a Paralegal in a range of legal fields, including Community Legal Centres, Migration Law specialists and within generalist law firms. Throughout her studies and work experience she maintained a passion and keen interest in Family Law.  She is determined to reach the best possible outcomes for her clients.

Interests

Outside of Pearsons Breana enjoys exercise, cooking meals with friends and catching up with family.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Bachelor of Laws
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice

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Andrew MacDonald
Solicitor

Andrew graduated with a Juris Doctor from Melbourne University and has practiced primarily in Family Law since that time. He is passionate about family law and working to find a fair and equitable outcome for you.

Andrew has a broad experience in business and private practice meaning that he is easily able to understand the variety and complexity of financial arrangements. Andrew has worked in a number of legal disciplines, including commercial and civil law, intervention orders and migration law, but has always maintained a passion and focus on family law. He gained relevant experience during a 2 year placement with Victoria Legal Aid in their parenting disputes team while completing his studies. Andrew completed his Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice through the College of Law.

Interests

Outside of work Andrew is an experienced snowboarder and enjoys hiking and any activity that involves the beach. He loves to travel and spend time with friends and family.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Juris Doctor
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
• Member of the Law Institute of Victoria
• Member of the Family Law Section of Law Council of Australia
• Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria
• Admitted to practice in the High Court of Australia

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Cassandra Vannitamby
Solicitor

Cassandra is a diligent and compassionate Solicitor. She understands the value of sound and frank advice, practical solutions and a supportive environment during an often difficult period in a client’s life.

Cassandra holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University, completing her Finance major in the Netherlands. She has volunteered in social justice projects across regional Victoria, South Africa and the Netherlands.

Cassandra’s experience involves working with Victoria Legal Aid, within generalist law firms and as a legal researcher for native title claims.  With exposure to a variety of laws, Cassandra quickly learned that her passion resides in family law.  Cassandra takes the time to understand her client’s situation and aims to provide a tailored approach to her client’s needs. Cassandra is a recent mentee with Victorian Women’s Lawyers and in 2018, she participated in a Judicial mentoring program at the Family Court of Australia.

Interests

Cassandra adores travel, competitive sports and baking desserts.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce (major in Finance)
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
• Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria
• Admitted to practice in the High Court of Australia
• Member of the Law Institute of Victoria

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Christina Papadopoulos
Solicitor

Christina practices exclusively in Family Law with a compassionate, personable and tailored approach to legal services.

Christina takes a view of resolving family law matters in an informed, transparent, efficient and cost-effective manor whether that be in:

• Separation and Divorce
• Negotiations and Mediation
• Parenting and Property matters
• Contravention and Enforcement proceedings
• Family violence and Intervention Orders

Prior to her admission as a Solicitor and admission to appear in Federal Courts, Christina completed a Bachelor of Laws at Victoria University and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at Leo Cussen Institute. During her studies Christina gained experience in Family Law as a Law Clerk within private firms, and attained internationally certified training in Mediation at Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany.

Interests

Outside of the profession Christina enjoys reading, watching documentaries, socialising and travelling.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Admitted to practice in the High Court of Australia
• Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
• Bachelor of Laws
• Certificate of Advanced Study and Training in Mediation

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Louis Horsley
Solicitor

Louis completed a Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Global Studies double degree in 2018.

He received an Executive Dean’s Commendation for outstanding academic achievement during the 2018 year. Louis was admitted to practice in September 2019 after completing his Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice through Leo Cussen Centre for Law.

Louis has gained experience working as a Judge’s associate in the Family and Federal Circuit Court[s] of Australia, and through this role has been exposed to various areas of law including but not limited to family, migration, industrial and trusts law.

Louis is passionate about family law, and practices exclusively in that area. He has a keen interest in parenting disputes including complex ones involving relocation, recovery and international child abduction. He also has experience in Property matters. He is determined to reach the best possible outcome for his clients, and ensure they are informed about their matter each step of the way.

Interests

Outside of Pearsons, Louis enjoys tennis, cinema, interior design, going out for dinner and catching up with friends and family.

Qualifications & Memberships

• Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Global Studies
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice

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