Our experts in law.
Principals
David De Alwis Managing
Partner
Elyse
Byrne
Partner
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With over a decade of dedicated experience in family law, David De Alwis is the Managing Principal of Hope Earle Lawyers and Head of the firm’s Family Law practice. He leads one of Australia’s most dynamic family law teams, known for its expertise in complex, high-value and international disputes.
David regularly acts in matters involving significant asset pools, cross-border interests and international child abduction under the Hague Convention. His practice spans appeals, litigation, mediation, binding financial agreements, family violence matters, and Children’s Court proceedings.
Experience & Expertise
High-value and complex property settlements, including trusts, SMSFs and cross-border assets
Hague Convention and international child abduction matters
Appeals and high-stakes litigation before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and superior courts
Parenting disputes, relocation, recovery and airport watchlist orders
Binding financial agreements and spousal maintenance
Family violence and intervention orders
Children’s Court proceedings and child protection matters
Reported Judgments
David has been the solicitor with primary conduct in numerous reported judgments, including:
Hadfield & Hadfield and Ors [2012] FamCA 1213
Hawthorn & Hawthorn & Anor [2012] FamCA 785
Hawthorn & Hawthorn (No. 2) [2012] FamCA 1141
MacDougal & Benson and Anor (No 2) [2015] FamCA 799
Jefferson & Coulston [2014] FamCA 1083
Draper & Roiland [2017] FamCA 636
Hurley & Hurley (No 2) [2017] FamCA 19
Heaton & Heaton [2016] FCCA 1740 (5 May 2016)
Heaton & Heaton (No. 2) [2017] FCCA 557
Jia & Yong [2022] FedCFamC1F 591
SL v Department of Families, Fairness and Housing [2021] VSC 523
TSH v Department of Families, Fairness and Housing [2022] VSC 390
Yonjan & Satyal [2023] FedCFamC2F 419
Leadership & Recognition
David is widely regarded as a thought leader in family law. He has presented papers at international conferences, including as a speaker at the 9th World Congress on Family Law and Children’s Rights (Cambridge, 2025). He also contributes regularly to the global dialogue on family law reform and practice.
David maintains strong international affiliations through LAWASIA and the Asian Australian Lawyers Association, reflecting his commitment to advancing cross-border collaboration in family law.
Approach
Respected by colleagues and clients alike for his strategic acumen and approachable style, David is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients. He combines legal expertise with a practical, human-centred approach — guiding clients through some of life’s most difficult challenges with clarity and compassion.
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Elyse Byrne is a highly skilled family lawyer with extensive experience across complex parenting, property and international family law disputes. As a Principal of Hope Earle Lawyers, Elyse is recognised for her strategic approach, pragmatic advice and commitment to achieving cost-effective outcomes for her clients.
Elyse has acted in matters involving trustees in bankruptcy in family law proceedings, high-conflict parenting disputes, anti-vaccination cases, Hague Convention applications, airport watchlist matters and complex intervention order proceedings. Among her diverse caseload, she has led strategy in numerous complex financial matters with international and cross-border elements, including disputes involving global assets, offshore trusts and multi-jurisdictional enforcement issues.
Experience & Expertise
Complex parenting disputes, including relocation, vaccination and child abduction cases
Hague Convention and international child abduction matters
High-value and cross-border property settlements
Financial cases involving trustees in bankruptcy and enforcement of global assets
Family violence and intervention order proceedings
Applications for recovery, watchlist and location orders
Reported Judgments
Elyse has played a central role in a number of significant reported cases, including:
Kai & Min [2024] FedCFamC1A 6 (9 February 2024)
Stokerton & Stokerton (No 3) [2023] FedCFamC1F 821 (27 September 2023)
Stokerton & Stokerton (No 2) [2023] FedCFamC1F 695 (21 August 2023)
Stokerton & Stokerton [2023] FedCFamC1F 607 (26 July 2023)
Leadership & Recognition
Elyse is an active member of the legal profession and broader community. She is a member of the Law Institute of Victoria, and has served as Secretary of the LIV Young Lawyers Social Committee. Beyond her legal practice, Elyse contributes to the sporting community as a Tribunal Member of Football Victoria.
She is also recognised internationally, having presented at global forums on family law reform and international practice, reflecting her growing profile as a thought leader in complex and cross-border family law.
Approach
Elyse is respected for her pragmatic and client-focused approach. She balances technical expertise with compassion, helping clients navigate difficult and emotionally charged disputes with clarity and confidence. Her ability to combine legal precision with strategic insight has made her a trusted adviser in both domestic and international family law matters.
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Director
Jegan Nagalingam
Director
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Jegan Nagalingam is an experienced family lawyer and Director at Hope Earle Lawyers. He acts in a wide range of complex family law matters, including high-value property disputes, multi-entity financial structures, and sensitive parenting proceedings.
Since his admission, Jegan has developed a reputation for delivering cost-effective, strategic and pragmatic advice to clients, with a strong emphasis on building relationships of trust. He has extensive advocacy experience, regularly appearing at every stage of proceedings before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Experience & Expertise
Jegan advises clients across all areas of family law, with particular expertise in:
Complex parenting disputes, including recovery and relocation matters
High-value property settlements involving businesses, trusts and multi-entity structures
Financial agreements and spousal maintenance claims
Sensitive and high-conflict parenting cases, including allegations of risk
Courtroom advocacy and litigation strategy at all stages of proceedings
Reported Judgments
Jegan has been involved in a number of significant reported cases, including:
Broadley & Larch [2022] FedCFamC2F 631 (18 May 2022)
Jia & Yong [2022] FedCFamC1F 591 (18 August 2022)
Leadership & Recognition
Jegan is recognised internationally for his expertise and contribution to family law. He was invited to speak at the LAWASIA Conference in Bangalore, India (2023), reflecting his growing profile as a thought leader in cross-border and complex family law.
He acts for a diverse range of clients in matters spanning from smaller property pools through to multi-million dollar asset divisions and highly contested parenting cases. His ability to manage complex detail while remaining focused on practical outcomes is widely valued by clients and colleagues alike.
Approach
Jegan combines strong courtroom advocacy with a calm and pragmatic style. He is committed to supporting clients through what is often one of the most emotional periods of their lives, providing clear advice and tailored solutions to suit each client’s unique circumstances.
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General Manager
Claudia Davey
General Manager
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Claudia Davey is the General Manager at Hope Earle Lawyers, bringing extensive executive experience in leadership, strategy and organisational operations.
With more than a decade spent delivering complex programs across the sport and education sectors, Claudia is highly skilled in building high-performing teams, driving operational excellence and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
An MBA-qualified executive, Claudia has a proven track record in business management, project delivery, governance and strategic development.
At Hope Earle, she oversees the firm’s operational and strategic functions, working closely with the Partners and leadership team to enhance firm performance, support sustainable growth and ensure a consistently excellent client experience.
Claudia is passionate about developing collaborative, high-performing workplaces.
She is committed to implementing systems and strategies that support both organisational success and the wellbeing of staff, creating a culture where people can thrive and deliver exceptional service to clients.
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Special Counsel
Shyam Lowery
Special Counsel
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Shyam Lowrey is a Special Counsel in the Family Law team at Hope Earle Lawyers. With more than three decades of legal experience, Shyam is known for her clear communication style, strategic insight and practical, solutions-focused approach to resolving family law matters. She guides clients through separation, divorce, parenting arrangements, family violence matters, property settlements and financial agreements with calm, confidence and care.
Shyam understands that family law is fundamentally about people, stability and the future. She takes time to listen and provides advice in plain, accessible language, ensuring clients understand their rights, responsibilities and options. She prioritises early resolution wherever possible, negotiating pragmatic outcomes that minimise conflict, cost and uncertainty. When litigation is necessary, Shyam is a measured and highly effective advocate who prepares meticulously and represents her clients with determination and respect.
Her practice spans the full breadth of family law, from amicable resolutions to complex, high-conflict disputes. Shyam regularly acts in matters involving third parties, corporations, trusts, financial institutions and government agencies — including disputes involving the Australian Taxation Office — as well as parenting matters involving allegations of risk such as family violence, neglect and substance misuse. She collaborates closely with psychologists, accountants, social workers and other experts to ensure a holistic, fact-driven approach to each case.
Experience & Expertise
Complex property settlements involving companies, trusts and third parties
High-conflict parenting matters, including allegations of risk and family violence
Financial agreements and spousal maintenance
Family violence intervention orders
Negotiation, mediation and early-resolution strategies
Litigation in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Education & Admissions
LLB (Hons), University of London (1985)
Admitted to practice: 1987
Memberships
Law Society of New South Wales
Law Council of Australia — Family Law Section
Approach
Clients value Shyam’s warm, grounded manner and her ability to remain steady when emotions run high. She is direct, honest and deeply committed to achieving the best outcomes for her clients — offering clarity, reassurance and a clear path forward during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Interests
Outside of practice, Shyam enjoys role-playing games and attending theatre, dance and musical performances, where she embraces her long-standing love of the performing arts.
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Senior Associates
Raffaella Oliva
Senior Associate
Elaine Yau
Senior Associate
Registered Migration Agent
Arthur Liew
Registered Migration Agent | MARN 1577271
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Arthur Liew is a Registered Migration Agent with more than 10 years of professional experience helping individuals, families and businesses navigate Australia’s migration system. Having migrated to Australia himself at a young age and lived and studied in Sydney, Arthur combines personal insight with deep professional expertise to guide clients through one of the most important decisions of their lives.
Arthur has achieved an exceptionally high success rate across a wide range of visa applications, including some of the most complex migration matters. He advises on all visa categories — from skilled migration, family and partner visas, and employer sponsorships through to student visas, permanent residency and citizenship applications. His clients value his clear communication, strategic advice and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes.
Experience & Expertise
Arthur has extensive experience across all areas of migration law, including:
Skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas
Partner, parent and family reunion visas
Student and graduate visas
Business and investor migration
Permanent residency and Australian citizenship
Appeals and complex applications, including refusals and cancellations
Education & Qualifications
Bachelor of Economics, University of Sydney
Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law, Australian National University
Successfully completed all three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program
Arthur is a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1577271) and is governed by the OMARA Code of Conduct.
Approach
Arthur understands that migration is not just about paperwork — it’s about people, opportunity and building a future. He works closely with clients to simplify complex requirements, anticipate issues early, and provide tailored solutions that reflect their goals. His approachable style and attention to detail ensure that every client feels supported and confident throughout the process.
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James Hope brings a unique combination of commercial acumen and legal expertise to his role as a Principal at Hope Earle Lawyers. Having founded and operated successful businesses in both Australia and the United States, James offers clients a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach that reflects first-hand knowledge of the commercial landscape.
With over a decade of legal practice across top-tier firms, in-house roles and private practice, James has advised publicly listed companies, government departments, major private enterprises and SMEs. His work spans the full spectrum of commercial and corporate law, from high-value transactions through to intellectual property, property, and aviation law.
Experience & Expertise
James has advised clients across a wide range of industries and practice areas, including:
Corporate & Transactions – Sale and purchase of businesses, legal due diligence, shareholder agreements and corporate structuring
Intellectual Property – Trade mark registration and enforcement, design law, confidential information, defamation, advertising and licensing of intangible assets
Employment & Workplace – Drafting and negotiating employment and contractor agreements, workplace policies and compliance
Competition & Consumer Law – Advising on misleading and deceptive conduct, passing off, restrictive trade practices and the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)
Property & Leasing – Industrial, commercial and retail leasing (including end-of-term obligations), planning and environment issues, construction and conveyancing
Finance & Securities – Banking, loan and mortgage agreements, security interests and the Personal Property Securities Act (PPSA)
Commercial Contracts – Distribution agreements (exclusive and non-exclusive), supply and licensing agreements, website terms and privacy policies
Specialist Areas – Aviation law disputes and regulatory advice
Thought Leadership & Teaching
James is committed to knowledge sharing and professional development. He has presented seminars on the Personal Property Securities Act, taught Finance Law at Swinburne University, and authored numerous articles on privacy, adverse possession, trademarks, debt recovery, asset protection and business structuring.
Education
Juris Doctor, University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Economics, La Trobe University
Academic Scholarship, Economics study at Oklahoma, USA
Approach
Clients value James for his commercial insight, clear communication and ability to balance risk with opportunity. His dual background as both a lawyer and entrepreneur enables him to deliver practical, outcome-driven advice that supports growth and minimises risk.
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Stephen brings decades of experience in corporate and commercial law, advising a diverse range of clients — from listed public companies and government bodies to family-owned enterprises — on complex transactions and disputes. He has appeared in major courts and tribunals across Australia and is valued for his strategic insight and ability to navigate high-stakes commercial issues.
At Hope Earle Lawyers, Stephen focuses on major projects, commercial transactions and risk management for government departments, agencies and educational institutions. His work spans probity, procurement, tender and contract negotiation and management, compliance frameworks, and intellectual property advisory.
Stephen’s clients appreciate his blend of commercial acumen and practical legal advice, particularly when navigating large-scale public sector projects or sensitive governance matters.
Qualifications & Professional InvolvementBachelor of Economics – Monash University
Bachelor of Laws – Monash University
Master of Laws – Monash University
Committee Member: Corporations Committee and Insolvency & Reconstruction Committee, Business Law Section, Law Council of Australia
Career Highlights
Before joining Hope Earle Lawyers, Stephen was a partner at several leading Australian firms and served as the inaugural General Counsel of BDO Chartered Accountants — one of the world’s major accounting and advisory networks. -
Kiara Lowery
Legal Assistant
Leila Calafati
Legal Assistant
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Elaine Yau is a Lawyer in the Family Law team at Hope Earle Lawyers, advising clients across a broad range of family law matters, including parenting and property disputes. She also represents clients in family violence intervention order proceedings, providing practical guidance and strong advocacy during what are often highly challenging and emotional times.
Admitted to practice in 2019, Elaine has over six years of legal experience. Before focusing exclusively on family law, she gained valuable experience in family, criminal, and migration law, giving her a well-rounded perspective when assisting clients with complex legal issues.
Elaine has extensive experience advising clients in parenting disputes, including recovery applications, high-conflict parenting matters, and cases involving allegations of risk, family violence, and substance abuse. She also has significant experience in complex property matters, including disputes involving trusts, inheritances, enforcement applications and vexatious litigant applications. In addition, Elaine advises clients on Binding Financial Agreements and parenting plans, providing practical and strategic guidance tailored to their individual circumstances.
Known for her pragmatic and client-focused approach, Elaine is committed to achieving practical and cost-effective outcomes for her clients. She understands that family law matters are often emotionally challenging and works closely with clients to provide clear advice, strategic guidance, and dedicated representation. Fluent in both Cantonese and Mandarin, Elaine is able to assist a diverse range of clients in their preferred language, helping them navigate the legal process with confidence and clarity.
Reported Judgments
Elaine has been involved in several reported cases, including:
Xinya & Ping [2022] FedCFamC2F 972
Hogai & Galit (No 3) [2025] FedCFamC1A 170 (18 September 2025)
Education
Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science, Monash University (2019)
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Leo Cussen Institute of Law (2019)
Graduate Diploma of Divinity, Ridley College (current)
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Raffaella is a Senior Associate at Hope Earle Lawyers, working predominantly within the Family Law team. Since joining the firm in 2018, she has developed a broad practice across parenting, property and child protection matters, while also contributing to the firm’s employment and commercial law practices.
Raffaella has acted in a diverse range of parenting matters, including urgent recovery orders, schooling disputes and complex care arrangements. She is also experienced in property matters, particularly those involving significant inheritances, intergenerational wealth, and binding financial and child support agreements. Given the overlap between family law and family violence, Raffaella has acted in numerous intervention order matters, assisting clients in navigating sensitive and urgent issues.
She also has a strong interest in child protection, regularly representing parents and carers in the Children’s Court in cases involving protective concerns such as drug and alcohol misuse, safety risks and allegations of non-accidental injury. In 2022, she played a key role in one of Hope Earle’s longest Children’s Court trials, extending over 10 days.
Beyond family law, Raffaella has contributed to the firm’s employment law practice by advising on remuneration compliance, termination practices and OH&S obligations. She has also assisted in commercial matters, including trademark applications, consumer contract reviews and compliance within the financial services sector.
Reported Judgments
Raffaella has been involved in several significant reported judgments, including:
Walcott & Pane [2023] FedCFamC2F 761 (13 June 2023)
Hollis & Anwar [2024] FedCFamC1F 248 (17 April 2024)
SL v Department of Families, Fairness and Housing [2021] VSC 523
Education & Innovation
Raffaella holds a Bachelor of Arts (Criminology and Law & Justice in Society) and a Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne, as well as a Diploma of Legal Practice from Leo Cussen Centre for Law. She has a strong interest in legal innovation and previously developed a mobile app designed to assist victims of economic abuse in regaining financial independence.
Career Progression
Raffaella joined Hope Earle Lawyers in 2018 as a notary paralegal and intern, later becoming the firm’s first graduate lawyer. She was admitted to practice in Victoria in 2020 and has since advanced to the role of Senior Associate. A longstanding member of the team, she is committed to fostering long-term client relationships and mentoring junior staff.
Approach
Raffaella is valued for her pragmatic, compassionate and solutions-focused approach. She is passionate about supporting clients through some of the most difficult periods of their lives, while ensuring advice is delivered clearly, efficiently and cost-effectively.
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Associates
Jamila Buchanan
Associate
Sarah Sard
Associate
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Jamila Buchanan
Lawyer | Family Law
Jamila Buchanan is a Lawyer in the Family Law team at Hope Earle Lawyers. She advises on a wide range of family law matters, bringing particular insight into property disputes thanks to her earlier experience in property law. Jamila is passionate about advocating for her clients and provides clear, accurate advice to help them resolve their family law issues during what is often a challenging and emotional time.
Jamila’s experience extends to complex parenting matters, family violence intervention order proceedings, and property settlements involving businesses, trusts and intergenerational wealth. Her grounding in property law allows her to approach family law disputes with a comprehensive understanding of both financial and personal dynamics.
Experience & Expertise
Parenting disputes, including relocation and recovery applications
Property settlements, including matters involving trusts, businesses and inheritances
Family violence intervention order matters
Binding financial agreements and child support agreements
Insight into family law/property cross-overs, including conveyancing and securities
Education & Admission
Bachelor of Laws, Deakin University (2023)
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Leo Cussen Institute of Law
Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia (October 2023)
Jamila intends to further her studies by undertaking a Master of Laws and a Specialist Accreditation in Family Law in the future.
Memberships & Community Involvement
Member, Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) Young Lawyers Law Reform Committee (since 2023), contributing to submissions to the Victorian Law Reform Commission, including on Family Violence Intervention Orders for children and young adults
Mentor, Deakin University Solicitor Shadowing Program, supporting the development of law students
Approach
Jamila is valued for her empathetic and client-focused approach. She combines legal precision with a strong sense of advocacy, ensuring clients feel supported and empowered throughout their matter.
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Sarah Sard
Lawyer | Family Law
Sarah is an Associate Lawyer in Hope Earle’s Family Law team and has practised exclusively in family law since her admission in 2023. She advises clients across a broad range of family law matters, including complex property settlements, parenting disputes and Family Violence Intervention Order proceedings.
Sarah has particular experience in property matters involving companies, trusts and business interests, as well as high-risk and complex parenting disputes. She brings a meticulous and considered approach to each matter, providing clear, practical and strategic advice tailored to her clients’ individual circumstances.
Experience & Expertise
Property settlements
Parenting disputes
Family Violence Intervention Order proceedings
Strategic advice and representation in family law matters
Education & Admission
Bachelor of Laws, University of South Australia (2023)
Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of South Australia and High Court of Australia (2023)
Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria (2024)
Sarah is committed to continuing her professional development and intends to undertake postgraduate study, with plans to complete a Master of Family Law and pursue Specialist Accreditation in Family Law.
Memberships
Law Institute of Victoria (LIV)
Approach
Sarah is known for her calm, thorough and considered approach, particularly when assisting clients through complex or high-stakes family law matters. She combines strong technical knowledge and attention to detail with an understanding of the personal and emotional circumstances that often sit behind a family law dispute.
She takes the time to understand each client’s priorities, explain their options clearly and provide practical guidance at every stage of the matter.
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Consultants
Stephen Newman
Executive
Counsel
James Hope
Executive Counsel
Dhanushka Dodangollegama
Property Lawyer
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Dhanushka Dodangollegama
Lawyer | Property
Dhanushka Dodangollegama is an experienced property lawyer with a strong background in both residential and commercial property matters. She was admitted to the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory in 2015 and relocated to Melbourne in 2018, where she continues to practise in Victoria.
Dhanushka holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Canberra, a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) from the Australian National University, and an Executive MBA (EMBA) from the University of London.
Her practice encompasses all aspects of property law, including residential and commercial conveyancing, contract reviews, vendor statements, off-the-plan purchases, property developments, subdivisions, easement variations and removals, caveats, transfers of land, related party transactions, and SMSF property transactions, including guarantor arrangements. She also provides strategic advice on title issues, property settlements, and a broad range of property-related legal matters.
Dhanushka is dedicated to delivering practical, efficient, and client-focused legal services. She takes pride in guiding clients through each stage of their property transactions with clarity, confidence, and attention to detail.
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Lawyers
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Carleigh Blobel
Lawyer
Carleigh Blobel is a Lawyer working across the teams at Hope Earle.
Carleigh completed a Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University in February 2026 and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at The College of Law in June 2026.
She began her career as a Legal Assistant in the Family Law team at Hope Earle Lawyers in March 2024 and has since progressed after completing her university studies. Through her time as a legal assistant, Carleigh has developed a strong working knowledge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and gained valuable experience in client communications and file management. She enjoys working alongside Hope Earle’s other lawyers and is committed to continuing to grow her knowledge and develop her skills within the legal profession.
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Rebecca Strauss
Lawyer | Family Law
Rebecca is a Lawyer in Hope Earle’s Family Law team. She has experience across a range of family law matters, with a particular interest in parenting disputes involving high levels of conflict and allegations of family violence.
Rebecca began her legal career gaining experience in Community Legal Centres and a boutique family law firm before joining Hope Earle. She is committed to providing compassionate, thorough and practical legal advice, with a focus on helping clients navigate the often complex and emotionally challenging circumstances that accompany family law matters.
Experience & Expertise
Parenting disputes involving high levels of parental conflict
Parenting matters involving allegations of family violence
Family law advice and representation
Client-focused support throughout family law proceedings
Education & Admission
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Monash University (2025)
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, College of Law
Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria (June 2026)
Approach
Rebecca takes an empathetic and client-focused approach to family law. She understands the significant emotional impact that family law proceedings can have on individuals and families and takes the time to ensure her clients feel informed, supported and empowered throughout their matter.
She is committed to continuing to develop her knowledge and skills within the legal profession while providing thoughtful and thorough advice tailored to each client's circumstances.
Rebecca Strauss
Lawyer
Carleigh Blobel
Lawyer
Administration & Operations
Stephanie Bartolo
Executive Assistant
Amna Haris
Financial Controller
Mia Ciciulla
Legal Assistant
Jenna Huang
Legal Assistant
Angelica Starakis
Legal Assistant
Victoria Janson
Legal Assistant
