Our experts in law.
Principals
David De Alwis | Managing 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 |
Partner
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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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Philip Earle |
Executive Counsel
James Hope |
Executive Counsel
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Philip Earle is a highly experienced commercial lawyer and Notary Public, with decades of experience advising businesses across a wide variety of industry sectors, including manufacturing, wholesale and retail, personnel, agency, agriculture, food production, construction, securities, transport and logistics, commercial property, and technology.
Philip acts as trusted general counsel for many of Hope Earle Lawyers’ clients, guiding them through complex legal and commercial issues with a focus on strategy, risk management and practical outcomes. His broad expertise covers all stages of the business lifecycle — from structuring and contracts to transactions, property and compliance.
Experience & Expertise
Philip advises clients across a comprehensive range of business law matters, including:
Corporate & Commercial – Business acquisitions, sales and restructures; joint ventures; shareholder and partnership agreements; licensing; distribution and export arrangements; confidentiality deeds; commercial trading terms and conditions
Contracts & Transactions – Strategy, negotiation and drafting of complex commercial contracts, including construction, finance and agency arrangements
Due Diligence – Supervising and coordinating detailed due diligence reviews for business acquisitions and sales
Property & Leasing – Commercial leasing; acquisition and sale of property; subdivisions and real property securities
Finance & Securities – Documentation under the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth); banking, finance and insurance agreements
Employment Law – Employment and contractor agreements; dismissals and redundancies; equal opportunity, OH&S and restraints of trade
Intellectual Property & Consumer Law – Advice on IP rights, brand protection and compliance with the Australian Consumer Law
Notarial Services
Appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1990, Philip is an experienced Notary Public. He regularly assists clients with:
Verification and authentication of documents and identity for international use
Certificates of Good Standing
Legalisation of documents and obtaining Apostilles from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Support for cross-border commercial and legal transactions
Approach
Philip combines technical excellence with a practical, solutions-focused mindset. His clients value his ability to simplify complex issues, negotiate effectively, and deliver advice that is grounded in commercial realities. As both a senior lawyer and Notary Public, Philip offers a rare depth of expertise for clients operating in domestic and international markets.
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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 Newman |
Executive Counsel
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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 Involvement
Bachelor 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. -
Directors
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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Special Counsel
Aliza George |
Special Counsel
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Corporate, Commercial & Cross-Border Advisory
Aliza is a senior lawyer with extensive experience across corporate, commercial, litigation and cross-border matters. Her legal career began in Malaysia, where she supported high-profile litigation before moving into corporate and commercial advisory work, including governance, compliance and due diligence for venture capital and seed fund investors. An early career highlight was contributing to the due diligence of Air Asia at its conceptual stage.
Since then, Aliza has built a diverse and international practice, holding admissions in Australia (Queensland), New Zealand and Malaysia. She has worked in boutique specialist practices, mid-tier firms, and as in-house counsel with Australia’s largest financial services provider, where she oversaw cross-border negotiations and transactions for multinational clients.
Aliza’s practice spans corporate and commercial transactions, governance, regulatory compliance, not-for-profit advisory, family law and Syariah (Islamic) jurisprudence. She is also experienced in mediation and dispute resolution, assisting clients to resolve issues in a pragmatic, collaborative and solutions-focused way.
Experience & Expertise
Corporate and commercial transactions, cross-border advisory and due diligence
Governance and compliance frameworks for corporates and not-for-profits
Commercial contracts, structuring and negotiations
Cross-jurisdictional family law and Syariah matters
Mediation and dispute resolution
High-profile litigation support in Malaysia and Australia
Education & Admissions
LLB and Bachelor of Commerce, University of Otago
Admitted as a Solicitor in Queensland, Australia
Admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor in New Zealand
Admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor in Malaysia
Languages
Fluent: English, Malay, Indonesian
Conversant: several Asian languages
Approach
Aliza is committed to providing pragmatic, solutions-focused advice and views it as a privilege to support clients from all walks of life. She brings a multi-cultural perspective and multilingual skills to her practice, enhancing her ability to work with clients across diverse communities and industries. She is also actively engaged in her local community, contributing to positive social impact initiatives.
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Senior Associates
Brendan O’Keefe |
Senior Associate
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Brendan O’Keefe is a Senior Associate at Hope Earle Lawyers with extensive experience across wills and estates, estate administration and commercial litigation. He acts for both private individuals and corporate clients, providing pragmatic and outcome-focused advice tailored to each client’s needs.
Brendan is particularly experienced in estate planning and estate disputes, advising on wills, powers of attorney, deeds of family arrangement and the administration of deceased estates. He regularly assists executors and beneficiaries in navigating complex estate issues with clarity and compassion.
In addition to his estates practice, Brendan acts in a wide range of commercial matters and disputes, including contract and trust law, leasing, lending and securities, and property transactions. He has represented clients in commercial litigation and alternative dispute resolution processes, ensuring disputes are managed strategically and cost-effectively.
Experience & Expertise
Wills, powers of attorney and estate planning
Estate administration, probate applications and succession disputes
Deeds of family arrangement and release
Commercial litigation and alternative dispute resolution
Business sales and acquisitions
Commercial and retail leasing
Property transactions, land transfers and stamp duty issues
Lending, securities and commercial contracts
Education
Bachelor of Laws, Monash University
Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria (2009)
Approach
Brendan is valued for his pragmatic and client-focused approach. He is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes in an efficient and effective manner, whether advising families on estate planning or representing businesses and individuals in commercial disputes
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Raffaella Oliva |
Senior Associate
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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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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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Associates
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Karena Ogloff is an Associate in the Family Law team at Hope Earle Lawyers. Since her admission in 2021, she has practised exclusively in family law, gaining experience across a wide range of matters including parenting disputes, complex property settlements (often with international elements), and family violence intervention order proceedings.
Karena is committed to achieving just and equitable outcomes for her clients. She empowers clients by providing clear, tailored advice that addresses both their legal and practical needs. Her background in psychology enhances her ability to engage with clients with empathy and cultural sensitivity, particularly in matters involving family violence and complex parenting arrangements.
Before joining Hope Earle in February 2023, Karena worked at a specialist family law firm and gained early practical experience as a paralegal in boutique family law practices while completing her studies.
Experience & Expertise
Parenting disputes, including relocation and high-conflict matters
Family violence intervention orders and related proceedings
Complex property settlements, including matters with cross-border or international elements
Binding financial agreements and child support agreements
Advocacy in interim and final hearings before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Reported Judgments
Karena has been involved in several reported cases, including:
Thiess & Laidley [2024] FedCFamC2F 672 (30 May 2024)
Min & Kai [2023] FedCFamC2F 1014
Education
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), La Trobe University
Bachelor of Psychological Science, La Trobe University
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, The College of Law
During her Honours studies, Karena researched family violence and the role of psychological experts in family law matters. She also worked as a research assistant on a forensic psychology study into risk factors in intimate partner violence, further strengthening her insight into complex family dynamics.
Memberships & Affiliations
Junior Family Lawyers Working Group, Law Institute of Victoria
Victorian Women Lawyers
Golden Key International Honour Society
Approach
Karena is known for her thoughtful, client-focused approach. She brings together strong legal skills with an understanding of the psychological and cultural aspects of family law, enabling her to guide clients through sensitive disputes with clarity, compassion and determination.
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Charlotte Pong is an Associate at Hope Earle Lawyers practising across property, commercial and corporate law. She regularly advises clients on a wide range of commercial transactions, property dealings and intellectual property matters, including trademark law.
Charlotte has acted in property transactions and conveyancing, drafting and negotiating sale and purchase agreements, joint venture agreements, and commercial leases. She also conducts due diligence for business and company acquisitions and provides advice on structuring and risk management.
Prior to joining Hope Earle, Charlotte gained experience in cross-border and multinational mergers and acquisitions, giving her valuable insight into complex international transactions.
Charlotte is admitted to practise in multiple jurisdictions — as a solicitor in Victoria and Hong Kong, and as an Attorney of New York. This, together with her ability to work fluently in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, enables her to assist a diverse range of local and international clients with precision and cultural understanding.
Experience & Expertise
Sale and purchase of businesses and property transactions
Commercial and retail leasing
Joint venture agreements and corporate structuring
Due diligence for business and company acquisitions
Intellectual property and trademark advice
Cross-border transactions and international M&A
Languages
English
Cantonese
Mandarin
Approach
Charlotte combines technical skill with a pragmatic, client-focused approach. Her international qualifications and cultural fluency allow her to deliver clear, tailored advice to clients navigating both local and cross-border transactions.
中文简介
庞尔乐
律师 | 公司法、房地产法及商业法
庞尔乐律师是 Hope Earle 的公司法、房地产法及商业法团队成员，拥有广泛的商业法、房地产及知识产权（包括商标法）经验。
她经常为客户处理房地产交易及过户事宜，并负责起草及谈判买卖协议、合资协议及商业租赁等法律文件。同时，她也曾参与跨境并购项目，包括尽职调查、企业收购及公司架构安排。
庞律师在多个司法辖区具有执业资格，包括澳大利亚维多利亚州、香港特别行政区及美国纽约州。她能以英语、粤语及普通话为客户提供专业的法律服务，能够有效地处理本地及跨境的复杂事务。
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Zahir Shah |
Associate
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Zahir Shah is an Associate at Hope Earle Lawyers with a practice spanning commercial law, wills and estates, and litigation. He brings a unique blend of corporate experience and creative industry insight, enabling him to deliver practical, tailored solutions to a diverse client base.
Zahir’s commercial practice includes advising on contracts, business sales and acquisitions, retail shop and commercial property leasing, and dispute resolution. He also acts in commercial litigation matters, ensuring disputes are managed strategically and cost-effectively. In addition, Zahir has a growing wills and estates practice, assisting clients with estate planning, probate applications and estate administration.
Before joining Hope Earle, Zahir worked in-house at Cisco Systems Australia and Deloitte Australia, giving him a first-hand understanding of complex corporate environments and commercial risk management. Earlier in his career, he worked as an IT engineer, a background which underpins his analytical approach and problem-solving skills.
Experience & Expertise
Business sales and acquisitions
Commercial contracts and structuring advice
Retail and commercial leasing
Commercial litigation and dispute resolution
Wills, powers of attorney and estate planning
Probate and estate administration
Advising clients in the creative industries, including artists, performers and venues
Unique Industry Insight
Zahir brings particular expertise to clients in the arts and entertainment sector, helping them navigate the commercial and contractual frameworks that underpin their work. His dual background as both a lawyer and a nationally recognised DJ — including being awarded 2021 DMC Vice Champion of Australia and performing at major events such as Blues on Broadbeach 2024 — allows him to connect with creative professionals in a way few lawyers can.
Approach
Known for his empathetic and collaborative style, Zahir prioritises understanding each client’s unique needs and goals. He combines technical legal expertise with creativity and pragmatism, ensuring advice is clear, practical and aligned with his clients’ commercial and personal objectives.
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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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Administration & Operations
Executive Counsel
Karena Ogloff |
Associate
Charlotte Pong | Associate
Jamila Buchanan |
Associate
Law Graduates
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Isobel Chifley is a Law Graduate in the Family Law team at Hope Earle Lawyers. She assists across a wide range of parenting and property matters, supporting clients with empathy and a practical, client-focused approach.
Before joining Hope Earle in February 2025, Isobel gained experience in smaller firms working across family, criminal and property law, giving her a strong foundation in client service and litigation support.
Isobel holds a Bachelor of Laws from the Australian Catholic University and is completing her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice with the Leo Cussen Institute of Law. She is passionate about developing her expertise in family law and is committed to helping clients navigate some of the most challenging times in their lives with clarity and care.
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