Jason Lopes has been practicing exclusively as a family lawyer since 2000, and in boutique family law firms in Melbourne since 2003.

He is experienced in all areas of family law including complex property and children’s matters.

Jason has a particular interest in property matters that also raise broader commercial, company, estate and tax considerations.

He has written and presented on family law topics to accountants, educators, industry (including large accounting firms and accountants in the superannuation industry) and other lawyers.

He is a former member of the Law Institute of Victoria, Family Law Executive and the Family Law Section Property and Maintenance Sub Committee.

He has good working relationships with his fellow family law practitioners and other professionals in the field.

Shanie Dowling has been working exclusively in family law since she entered the legal profession in 2023, working previously in the family law team of a generalist law firm where she worked closely alongside an experienced Family Lawyer.  She joined Lopes Family Law in March 2024 and is a highly valued member of our team.  She works alongside our Principal and assists in most aspects of our clients’ matters.  She is considered and measured in her approach, whilst also being focused on efficiently and effectively progressing her clients’ matters to a timely and reasonable resolution, where that is practicable.

Shanie is dedicated to assisting her clients to achieve the best possible outcome. She is committed to helping her clients feel well-informed and is focused on assisting them in moving forward with their lives by guiding them through the path to resolving their family law matters in as straightforward a manner as possible.

Shanie is a member of the Law Institute of Victoria

Fardina joined Lopes Family Law in March 2023 and is our Legal Assistant/Paralegal. She works closely with our Principal Solicitor, Jason Lopes and Solicitor, Shanie Dowling, contributing her expertise in a legal administrative capacity to support them at the firm.

She also assists as a Paralegal with first drafts of letters and some court documents and with arranging and managing the progression of our clients’ matters through to resolution and then through the implementation of their property settlement (if needed).

Fardina is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Law and Arts degree while working part-time here with us. She enjoys being able to apply her knowledge from her degree to her work and vice versa. Fardina maintains her ability to skilfully explore the complexities of legal support while ensuring that she provides qualitative and smooth operations within the team. She also focuses on positively building relationships with clients to assist them through the process.

Apart from her professional endeavours, Fardina volunteers at animal shelters, ensuring the animals’ welfare and preparing for their adoption. She has a keen interest in human rights and the environment, and is actively involved in advocacy and related activities in those areas.  She is also an active team member of her university’s law association.