Team

Our People

Jacqueline Philip

PRINCIPAL  
FAMILY LAWYER | COLLABORATIVE LAWYER | ACCREDITED MEDIATOR

Jacque is the Founder and Principal Family Lawyer of Family Law Life (established in 2017), a Collaborative Lawyer and Nationally Accredited Mediator.  With over 30 years’ experience, she is well equipped to assist clients in all types of family law matters.

With extensive experience in large city law firms, where the emphasis was on litigation, Jacque discovered her true passion for a more compassionate and practical approach. She transitioned her focus and skills to embracing a collaborative method that aligns with her genuine, no-nonsense style. Jacque’s approach prioritizes practical, tailor-made solutions over court-imposed outcomes, ensuring a smoother transition into a new family life.

Jacque and her team's approach to Family Law is well known in the community. Embracing their diverse skills, life experiences and legal expertise, the Family Law Life team shares a common goal: providing clients with a better approach to separation and divorce.

Contact Jacque here

Jacquelyn Parnell
Senior Associate
Family Lawyer | Family Violence & Criminal Lawyer

Jacqui has practiced law for over 10 years and joined Family Law Life in 2021. She has worked in various roles at the Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court and suburban firms specialising in criminal and family law. With a particular interest in Family Violence, she is due to complete a Graduate Certificate in Family Violence in 2024.

Despite being an experienced court advocate, Jacqui prefers collaborative methods and mediation to avoid court complexities and avoiding unnecessary conflict. She approaches each case with compassion, providing clear explanations and realistic expectations without legal jargon.

Contact Jacqui here

Jovana Christides
Senior Associate
Family Lawyer | Wills & Estates

Jovana joined the Family Law Life team in 2023 as an experienced lawyer who has practiced family law exclusively since graduating with Honours in 2010. In addition to assisting her clients with all types of family law matters, she also offers expertise with Wills and Estates.

Driven by genuine empathy for her clients and a commitment to finding effective solutions to their legal challenges, she ensures clients make well informed decisions. Jovana provides clear advice, empowering them to navigate the complexities of family law with confidence and allowing them to move forward into the next chapter of their lives.

Contact Jovana here

Leonie Bickford-Hart
Paralegal

Leonie is a founding team member of Family Law Life and brings with her over 30 years of experience working in the legal profession. Leonie supports the team by ensuring that they have what they need to provide the best possible guidance to their clients.

Historically a litigator, Leonie prefers the FLL approach to working collaboratively through mediation and cooperation; preferring a gentler approach to the solutions for all things family law.

Contact Leonie here

Danielle Kameon
Paralegal

Danielle joined Family Law Life in 2023 and brings over 15 years of experience working closely with lawyers, much of which has focused on family law. Danielle understands the aspects of family law and diligently supports the team in the areas.

Bringing an empathic and considerate approach to FLL clients, she uses her life experiences and years of experience to work closely with clients to ensure they understand the process and are carefully guided and supported.

Contact Danielle here

Jacquelyn Parnell
Senior Associate
Family Lawyer | Family Violence & Criminal Lawyer

Jacqui has practiced law for over 10 years and joined Family Law Life in 2021. She has worked in various roles at the Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court and suburban firms specialising in criminal and family law. With a particular interest in Family Violence, she is due to complete a Graduate Certificate in Family Violence in 2024.

Despite being an experienced court advocate, Jacqui prefers collaborative methods and mediation to avoid court complexities and avoiding unnecessary conflict. She approaches each case with compassion, providing clear explanations and realistic expectations without legal jargon.

Contact Jacqui here

Jovana Christides
Senior Associate
Family Lawyer

Jovana joined the Family Law Life team in 2023 as an experienced lawyer who has practiced family law exclusively since graduating with Honours in 2010. In addition to assisting her clients with all types of family law matters, she also offers expertise with Wills.

Driven by genuine empathy for her clients and a commitment to finding effective solutions to their legal challenges, she ensures clients make well informed decisions. Jovana provides clear advice, empowering them to navigate the complexities of family law with confidence and allowing them to move forward into the next chapter of their lives.

Contact Jovana here

Leonie Bickford-Hart
Paralegal

Leonie is a founding team member of Family Law Life and brings with her over 30 years of experience working in the legal profession. Leonie supports the team by ensuring that they have what they need to provide the best possible guidance to their clients.

Historically a litigator, Leonie prefers the FLL approach to working collaboratively through mediation and cooperation; preferring a gentler approach to the solutions for all things family law.

Contact Leonie here

Danielle Kameon
Paralegal

Danielle joined Family Law Life in 2023 and brings over 15 years of experience working closely with lawyers, much of which has focused on family law. Danielle understands the aspects of family law and diligently supports the team in the areas.

Bringing and empathic and considerate approach to FLL clients, she uses her life experiences and years of experience to work closely with clients to ensure they understand the process and are carefully guided and supported.

Contact Danielle here

Our people

Our team

We pride ourselves on being friendly and approachable – you won’t find any stuffy corporate types at Family Law Life (although the corporate suit comes out when necessary!)

We’re here to make your life easier and that’s why we offer in person appointments at various Melbourne Metro , Bayside and Mornington Peninsula locations, virtual meetings via Zoom or Microsoft Teams or via telephone.

PRINCIPAL/FAMILY & COLLABORATIVE LAYWER

Jacqueline Philip

Friendly, compassionate and straight forward, Jacque prefers a great analogy over stuffy legal jargon.

Jacque is a trained Collaborative Family Lawyer and Mediator. These qualifications enable her to offer her clients alternative and creative options and pathways to resolve matters without the need for court.

With many years experience under her belt, Jacque is passionate about changing the experience of separation and divorce. She will guide and support you, focusing on tailor made outcomes rather than court imposed ones.

A proud single mum to teenage Remy, Jacque understands the pressure separation has on family life. Outside of law land, you will find her supporting Remy on the sidelines at basketball and footy and spending time with family and friends.

Contact Jacque here

Leonie Bickford-Hart
Office Manager | Paralegal

Contact Leonie here

LEONIE BICKFORD-HART
Jacquelyn Parnell
Senior Associate
Family | Crime & Family Violence | Lawyer

Contact Jacqui here

JACQUELINE PARNELL
Leonie Bickford-Hart
Office Manager | Paralegal

Contact Leonie here

LEONIE HART
Jacquelyn Parnell
Senior Associate
Family | Crime & Family Violence | Lawyer

Contact Jacqui here

JACQUELINE PARNELL
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