About Us

Elisa is a trusted family lawyer known for her straightforward advice, quick wit and generous sense of humour, qualities that help clients feel supported while navigating complex and often emotional family law matters.

Practising exclusively in family law since 2016, Elisa also brings a strong mediation background, having worked as a family dispute resolution practitioner since 2012. This experience underpins her pragmatic, solutions focused approach and her ability to tailor advice to the unique needs of each family. She is particularly attuned to matters involving vulnerability, including mental health challenges, substance use, family violence and high conflict parenting arrangements.

Elisa has extensive experience assisting clients affected by family violence and regularly acts in complex parenting and property disputes. She has a strong track record of resolving property without court intervention, while remaining a determined litigator when required. In recent years, she has also successfully supported clients seeking to relocate with their children interstate.

A member of the LIV and Law Council of Australia, Elisa also volunteers with WIRE and contributes to family violence and legal support panels. Her lived experience as a parent in contested proceedings brings added empathy, insight and practical understanding to her work.

With over 13 years of experience in family law across Melbourne and London, Daria brings a wealth of legal knowledge, exceptional organisational skill, and a calm, reassuring presence to her role. She is the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring their experience is seamless, supportive and as stress-free as possible during challenging times.

Daria’s extensive background in family law gives her a deep understanding of the pressures and complexities clients face during periods of personal change. She is passionate about helping people navigate the family law process with clarity and confidence, making sure they feel heard, supported and informed at every stage.

In addition to guiding clients, Daria oversees the smooth and efficient operation of the firm, creating a structured environment that allows Hazel to provide high-quality, timely and cost-effective service. Her dedication to client experience ensures that every interaction reflects the firm’s core values of clarity, compassion and resolution.

Outside of work, Daria is an avid reader and enthusiastic foodie, often exploring Melbourne’s vibrant dining scene and discovering new favourites across the local food landscape.

Gia brings a calm and compassionate presence to her role as Paralegal and Client Experience Team Member at Hazel. With a background in health and medical administration as well as paralegal support, Gia understands the importance of empathy, organisation and clear communication during times of stress and change.

She is dedicated to ensuring that every client feels heard, informed and supported from their very first contact with our firm. Whether coordinating appointments, assisting with documentation or guiding clients through next steps, Gia takes pride in helping make each interaction with Hazel a positive and reassuring experience.

Alongside her work at Hazel, Gia is studying Health Sciences and Counselling, with a focus on youth work. This study deepens her understanding of wellbeing, communication and trauma-informed care, skills that complement her role in supporting clients through sensitive family matters.

Outside of work, Gia enjoys gaming and collecting, bringing creativity and curiosity to everything she does. Known for her empathy and calm approach, she embodies Hazel’s values of clarity, compassion and resolution, helping clients navigate their matters with confidence and care.

Hazel is a small but spirited chihuahua who has lived a big life. A rescue dog with a history of trauma, she arrived in our world fragile, anxious and missing more than a few teeth but with undeniable determination and an instinct for survival.

Despite her size, Hazel embodies strength, courage and resilience. She may be tiny, but she has a big presence, a strong sense of justice and a surprising bite when pushed. She is gentle and cautious, yet fiercely tenacious when it matters most.

Hazel is not the namesake of our firm but she inspires the ethos behind it. Her story reflects the values we hold: Quiet strength Compassion rooted in lived experience Protectiveness without aggression Standing firm when needed Recovering, rebuilding and moving forward
 Hazel reminds us every day that even those who feel small, overwhelmed or uncertain deserve steadfast support and a clear path forward.

You won’t see Hazel in client meetings - she spends most of her time napping, supervising from a warm blanket or offering emotional support to the team - but her spirit is woven into the culture of our practice.

At Hazel Family Law & Mediation, we strive to reflect what she teaches us:
 Be gentle. Be steady. And when the moment calls for it - be brave.