RICHARD TONKIN

Richard joined the firm in 1976. Richard is the principal of the firm and he has worked primarily in Family Law for the past 25 years. He was one of the first family lawyers to become an Accredited Specialist under the Law Institute’s Specialisation Scheme.

Richard has wide experience in divorce, children’s and property matters, domestic violence cases and de-facto property law. He has been closely associated with mediation, as an alternative way of settling disputes, since it’s inception in Victoria and he firmly believes that negotiated settlements are far more preferable to having to take cases to Court.

Richard offers the first hour free, without obligation, to new Family Law clients.

Richard has lived in the area for over 30 years with his wife and children and he has been active in a number of local social welfare organisations. Richard founded the Greensborough Legal Referral Service at the then Citizens Advice Bureau (now Community Information Diamond Valley (“CIDV”)) in Greensborough over 20 years ago, which service is still operating. He has been a committee member of CIDV, the Eltham Community Health Centre and of Community and Volunteers of Eltham (“CAVE”).

GEOFFREY ELFMAN

Geoff graduated from Melbourne University Law School in 1971 with a Bachelor of Laws. Since then, he has been a senior partner in two legal practices and has been in practice in the Diamond Valley area for over 20 years.

Geoff joined the firm as a consultant lawyer in October, 2004. Geoff is a commercial/property lawyer, who acts for a number of large residential and commercial property developers and also for vendors and purchasers of real estate. Geoff’s areas of expertise include contracts of sale for residential, commercial and land transactions, commercial and residential subdivisions, commercial, retail and non-retail leases, “off the plan” sales and purchases, auctions, property law issues generally, Wills and Probate.

Apart from his family, Geoff’s interests include reading, walking his dog and golf.

ST. JOHN HEATH

St. John joined the firm in 2005, after spending the previous 9 years in practice in Eltham, primarily working in Family Law. As a family lawyer, St. John provides “user friendly” and considered legal advice.

St. John is actively involved in the Family Law jurisdiction and he currently sits on the Children and Youth Committee and the Court’s (Family Court) Practice Committee of the Family Law Section of the Law Institute of Victoria. St. John was also the Vice President of the Northern Suburbs Law Association.

St. John offers the first hour free, no obligation, consultation to new Family Law clients.

St. John has for over 10 years, done volunteer legal work with the legal service operated by the Eltham Community Health Service.

St. John lives in the local area with his wife and two daughters. He plays local cricket, he supports the local Montmorency Football Club and he is a person of infinite patience, as a supporter of the Richmond Tigers AFL club.

ANTHONY PANETTA

Anthony joined the firm in 1985 as a Legal Executive and is now a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives . This year, he celebrates 21 years with the firm.

Anthony’s main areas of expertise lay in conveyancing, assisting clients in procuring funds for their purchases, leases of real estate, buying and selling businesses and general commercial law.

Anthony is able to assist clients with subdivisional work including the preparation of contracts for “off the plan” sales.

Anthony also deals with neighbourhood disputes including fencing matters and building disputes.

Anthony spends part of each weekend on his farm in South Gippsland where he grazes cattle.

Anthony is known for his ability to communicate well with clients and to effectively solve their problems.

GILLIAN CHAMBEAU

Gill joined the firm in 1979, as a Law Clerk. She has some 36 years legal experience, mainly in Conveyancing, Probate and Wills. She now focuses on Probate and Wills. Gill is a member of the Institute of Legal Executives ( Victoria ), she is a Fellow of that Institute and a member of its Council.

Gill lives locally, she is married to Max, and she enjoys assisting the elderly, walking her beloved dog, Amie, and being with her grandson. Gill holds a number of offices in her church and she loves to sing.

Gill has a caring and compassionate approach to her work, which is greatly appreciated by her many clients.