Helping you navigate life’s changes, with ease and transparency.
About Fairbank Lawyers.
Accredited Family Law Specialists. Hard-working. Honest.
Fairbank Lawyers is a specialist boutique family law firm based in Melbourne, Australia.
We specialise in providing family law assistance to clients from a diverse range of backgrounds in Melbourne and greater Victoria, interstate and overseas.
We deliver practical and cost effective advice with a focus on providing our clients with every opportunity to commence the next chapter of their lives with confidence and dignity.
Meet the Fairbank Team.
Shalini Mendis
Principal
BA LLB AccS(Fam)
Accredited Family Law Specialist
Shalini is the founder of Fairbank Lawyers and its Principal Lawyer. She is accredited by the Law Institute of Victoria as a Family Law Specialist.
Shalini founded Fairbank Lawyers with a vision to create an accessible, no-nonsense, specialist family law firm centred on helping people. It's as simple as that.
Shalini's vision is based upon over a decade of experience at boutique family law firms across Melbourne.
Genuine care, honesty and a diligent work ethic are the driving forces behind Shalini's practise.
Membership & Recognition:
Bachelor of Laws (Monash University)
Bachelor of Arts (Monash University)
Member of the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV)
Member of the LIV's Family Law Courts Practice Committee
Current Mentor of the LIV's Junior Mentoring Program
Member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia
Cellist in the Melbourne Lawyer's Orchestra
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Grace Attard
Law Graduate
LLB
Grace is a Law Graduate at Fairbank Lawyers.
Grace completed her Bachelor of Laws at Australian Catholic University in November 2024 and will be admitted to practise as a Lawyer in June 2025.
Grace gained valuable experience in the areas of family law and criminal law while working as a Legal Assistant at a generalist law firm in country Victoria. She has also volunteered as a paralegal at Refugee Legal.
Grace is a keen advocate for client empowerment.
When not in the office, Grace likes to stay active, trying new wine bars with friends and family, going to musicals, and travelling.
Membership & Recognition:
Young Lawyers Member of the Law Institute of Victoria
Warragul Theatre Company
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Sophia Thompson
Paralegal
Sophia is currently undertaking a law degree at Monash University and is a Paralegal at Fairbank Lawyers.
She assists Shalini and Grace with administrative and paralegal tasks. She also enjoys researching case law developments in family law.
Interesting fact: Sophia can speak conversational Mandarin (having lived in Hong Kong for several years).
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Our Expertise.
Shalini provides advice with respect to a wide range of family law issues, including:
Property matters and financial settlements
(marriage and de facto couples) and the intervention of third parties
De facto relationship threshold issues
Financial Agreements
(including queries relating to the proper execution of Agreements)
Farming cases
involving complex intergenerational issues
Enforcement and contravention proceedings
Urgent parenting matters involving discrete interstate and international issues
Child Support and departure applications
Spousal maintenance
Contested Divorce proceedings
Intervention Order proceedings
The Fairbank Way.
Always there, always direct.
As a boutique firm, we are able to communicate directly with our clients. We cut out the hazy maze of red-tape sometimes associated with standard law practice. You will always be able to reach your lawyer directly, in whatever way works best for you.
We see you and your unique story.
Every single client we work with has a unique, complex and valid story. We understand that sharing these stories can be hard, or scary at times. We focus on the nuts and bolts of every matter, no judgement, and with total client confidentiality - so you, your story, and those involved in your circumstances can feel safe and supported to move forward in a way that feels comfortable.
Transparency on every level.
We know how stressful navigating the legal system can be - let alone without a law degree! We deliver no-fuss options and specialist advice to our clients in a tailored way - we appreciate that not all occasions warrant long letters of advice. Being informed and across the variables of your matter, including likely fees for service, is our top priority for you. We are here to add value and not charge you for anything else.
Wherever you are, we would love to hear from you.
Shalini services her client’s family law needs both in Melbourne, Victoria and in surrounding states. Her clients also include Australians or foreign nationals living abroad who may have ties to Australia, such as financial interests or parenting disputes.
We will endeavour to get back to you within 24 hours.
Our Locations.
Melbourne, Australia
Level 11, 456 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
03 9070 9802
info@fairbanklawyers.com.au
London, United Kingdom
222 Regent Street
London W1B 5TR
info@fairbanklawyers.com.au