Our Team
Your Trusted Lawyers in Preston, Victoria
Haven Legal Co.
The Story Behind Our Name
Everyone deserves a sense of security.
We know that sharing your story—especially with a lawyer—can feel daunting. That’s why we chose the name Haven Legal Co.. It’s not just a title; it’s a reflection of our commitment to creating a safe, supportive environment where you can feel truly at ease and empowered by our legal advice.
Our name embodies our mission: to be a place of refuge during life’s most challenging moments. Whether you’re planning how your estate will be managed, navigating the emotional end of a long-term relationship, or coping with the profound loss of a loved one, you deserve more than just legal guidance. You deserve a space where your concerns are met with compassion, care, and respect.
At Haven Legal, we’re more than lawyers. We listen. We are your allies, and advocates, dedicated to ensuring that you feel secure and supported every step of the way. Your safety and peace of mind are not just our priorities—they’re our promise.
Meet Our Team
Founders
Adelle is a mother, a wife, a survivor of birth trauma and sepsis, and an advocate for all things ostomy related. She is the founder and Principal of Haven Legal Co. and specialises in Conveyancing and Estate law.
Adelle’s personal journey has profoundly shaped not only her life, but her approach to practicing law. Having had to rely on care providers whilst in a vulnerable state, and losing trust in them during critical moments, Adelle was inspired to create a legal practice built upon safety, empathy, and reliability. She is proud to establish Haven Legal Co. as a firm where clients feel heard and supported, because she understands firsthand how life-changing that feeling can be.
Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, Adelle ran her own law firm, Jones Lawyers & Associates, from 2013 to 2017 in Cobram, Victoria. After selling the practice and relocating to Melbourne, she focused exclusively on Wills and Estates law in Northcote, which subsequently led to the founding of Haven Legal Co.
Adelle is deeply committed to helping clients navigate life’s challenges with confidence, knowing they’re supported by someone who truly understands and cares.
Eleanor was admitted to practice in Victoria in 2012 and works across the firm’s Wills, Estate and Business Succession Planning, and Litigation areas. Her experience spans wills, enduring powers of attorney, estate and business succession planning, VCAT guardianship and administration disputes, probate and estate administration, and estate litigation. She also acts on lease disputes, property law, and business sales and disputes. A keen writer and presenter, Eleanor has delivered papers particularly in the area of Will drafting.
Eleanor enjoys getting to know her clients and their legal needs. Her priority is a timely and practical service that is in her clients’ best interests and meets, if not exceeds, their needs.
Outside the office, Eleanor loves the theatre, a nod to her days on stage, and enjoys travelling, hiking, and spending time with her partner and children.
Estate Planning & Deceased Estates Team
Linda is currently on maternity leave.
Linda has a keen passion for succession law and particularly enjoys helping clients meet their estate planning needs. She currently works in the firm’s wills, estate planning, probate and estate administration, and estate litigation areas. She prioritises high-quality service for all clients, while ensuring they feel reassured and supported throughout the process.
Before law, Linda worked as a practising psychologist with children, adolescents and young adults experiencing a range of mental health concerns.
In her spare time, Linda enjoys walking, cooking, watching a good movie, and spending time with her family.
Chantelle brings a caring and empathetic approach to her work in the Wills and Estates team at Davis + Haven Legal, and is known to go out of her way to assist her clients and colleagues alike. She supports clients carefully through all aspects of initial Estate planning, and is also accomplished at managing deceased Estates, guiding executors and families through what is often a deeply emotional time.
Chantelle’s approachable manner and dedication to ensuring her clients feel supported at every stage make her a vital addition to Davis + Haven Legal. She has the attention to detail and sensitivity to provide legal advice tailored to each client’s unique needs and circumstances, seeing the person behind the case file.
Outside of work, Chantelle enjoys spending time with family and friends, taking her dogs, Matilda and Harriet, for walks, and keeping active with dance and barre classes.
Qualifications
• Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) (2011)
• Diploma in Modern Languages (2011)
• Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) (2019)
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (2022)
• Admitted, Supreme Court of Victoria (2022)
David is knowledgeable in many aspects of law, but his specialities and interests lie in Wills and Estates. He is dedicated to making times of distress easier for clients to navigate, and understands how to manoeuvre through the difficult processes and stipulations of the legal system. With his friendly manner and articulate communication skills, he is also a frequent point of contact for clients, and he keeps apprised of all
developments on matters around the firm to ensure he is in the best position to assist them.
David grew up in the town of Cobram on the Murray River. He has obtained a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from La Trobe University and is currently working towards being admitted as a solicitor. Outside the office, he enjoys reading, quality television, and not so-quality television. He is also a keen Dungeons & Dragons aficionado, bringing the same strategic thinking and creativity to both his legal work and his game campaigns. David is committed to navigating complexities with clarity and care – no need to roll for initiative here!
Holly prides herself on her ability to understand both the legal and emotional complexities for clients, which allows her to provide considered, practical advice with warmth and care.
Originally practising in family law, Holly is excited to join our estates team, where she is passionate about helping clients navigate significant life considerations with confidence and sensitivity.
Within the legal field and beyond, Holly has always been drawn to pursuits that reward critical thinking and attention to detail. She approaches her work with the same quiet determination, believing that every client deserves thoughtful guidance and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.
Outside the office, Holly can often be found in her pottery studio, where creativity offers the perfect balance to her professional life.
Qualifications
• Bachelor of Psychological Science (2020)
• Bachelor of Laws (2020)
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (2021)
• Admitted, Supreme Court of Victoria (2022)
Deceased Estates Litigation Team
For over 35 years, David has guided clients through estate and business succession planning, estate administration and estate litigation, tax and superannuation, and companies and trusts, including variations and restructuring. His experience extends to matters before the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal, the VCAT Guardianship List, and the Victorian County and Supreme Courts. David has also contributed to policy at State and Federal levels on Powers of Attorney and Advance Care Directives, and presents regularly at State and National conferences.
David is a current member of the Law Institute of Victoria, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (International), and The Taxation Institute of Australia, where he is a Chartered Tax Adviser. He is a past Chair of the Law Institute of Victoria’s Elder Law Committee, and a past member of both the Elder Abuse Prevention Association and the La Trobe University Human Ethics Committee.
Outside the office, David is happiest spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He’s a movie buff with a soft spot for anything pre-1980s, enjoys the gym, and has been known to binge-watch the TV hit Suits. For a little variety, he plays guitar and is a black belt in karate, which, he’ll tell you, explains the full hip replacement.
Andrew is a solicitor with over 30 years’ experience in VCAT Guardianship and Administration, estate planning, estate litigation and succession issues. He works collaboratively with clients to provide clear advice and achieve effective legal solutions.
After qualifying, Andrew spent two years in a country legal practice before returning to Melbourne to work with Equity Trustees for over 16 years. He became an Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates with the Law Institute of Victoria in 1998. From 2001 to 2011, he lived and worked in Bermuda, managing the Wills and Estates section of the private client department of a large law firm. There he acted for a broad range of clients, from international ultra-high-net-worth individuals to local clients with more modest needs. Following his return to Victoria in 2012, Andrew regained his Specialist Accreditation in Wills and Estates. Before joining the firm, he practised in mid-tier law firms and a trustee company in central Melbourne.
Andrew is a member of the Law Institute of Victoria and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and serves as a committee member of STEP’s Victorian branch. Through STEP and the international contacts he made in Bermuda, he has links to experienced practitioners around the world when international advice and assistance is required.
Outside the office, Andrew enjoys walking and cycling, mainly to local coffee shops along the Capital City Trail. He loves spending time with family and friends throughout the world and is an avid traveller who enjoys cruising and rail travel.
Qualifications, Admissions and Recognition
• Bachelor of Laws, University of Melbourne (1982)
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
• Admitted, Supreme Court of Victoria (1982)
• Admitted, High Court of Australia (1983)
• Associate, Executor and Trustee Institute (1992)
• Accredited Specialist, Wills and Estates (first accreditation) (1998)
• Admitted, Supreme Court of Bermuda (2002)
• Accredited Specialist, Wills and Estates, Victoria (on return to Victoria) (2012)
• T.E.P., Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (2012)
Awards
• Doyle’s Guide, Wills and Estates, Victoria
• 2020: Recommended Lawyer, Estates and Succession Planning
• 2019: Recommended Law Firm, Estates and Succession Planning (team member with previous firm)
• 2019: Recommended Law Firm, Wills and Estates Litigation (team member with previous firm)
• 2018: Recommended Law Firm, Estates and Succession Planning (team member with previous firm)
• 2018: Recommended Law Firm, Wills and Estates Litigation (team member with Rigby Cooke)
• 2017: Recommended Lawyer, Wills and Estates Litigation
Rosa was admitted to practice in 2012 after a 20-year career in secondary school teaching. Fluent in Italian, she assists her Italian-speaking clients with their estate planning needs. Rosa has experience across a wide range of matters, including applications for Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration and estate administration. She also acts in VCAT matters in the Guardianship List, and for Plaintiffs and Defendants in Family Provision claims.
Outside the office, Rosa enjoys experimenting in the kitchen with vegetables and herbs from her own garden. She values quality time with family and friends, loves walking along the Mornington Peninsula beaches, and enjoys watching foreign films.
Qualifications
• Bachelor of Arts (1987)
• Diploma of Education (1988)
• Diploma of Law and Legal Studies (2006)
• Bachelor of Laws (2011)
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (2012)
• Admitted, Supreme Court of Victoria (2012)
Property Law Team
Kyle earned a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Management) from Deakin University in March 2017 and subsequently completed his Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice with the Law Institute of Victoria and was admitted as a lawyer in December 2017. Since his admission, he has worked in several law firms and practices in Southwest and Central Victoria, close to his hometown of Warrnambool, developing expertise across a range of legal practice areas.
In 2025, Kyle moved to Melbourne’s metropolitan area and joined Davis + Haven Legal, where he practises mainly in Property Law and Conveyancing and assists in the area of Wills and Estates.
Outside of work, Kyle enjoys catching up with friends, enjoying a good workout, or heading to Marvel Stadium to support the mighty Bombers!
Qualifications
• Bachelor of Commerce (major in Management) (2017)
• Bachelor of Laws (2017)
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (2017)
• Admitted, Supreme Court of Victoria (2017)
Star Support Team
Jacquelyn is our approachable, superstar office administrator. She strives to make the legal process feel less overwhelming for clients and is always happy to help out with seamless communication and prompt attention. Exceptionally organised and proactive, Jacquelyn has the skill and confidence to support all departments at the firm. She brings warmth, brightness and efficiency to her work, perfectly embodying the values Davis + Haven Legal upholds.
Currently completing her Practical Legal Training, Jacquelyn is committed to gaining both theoretical and practical experience across a wide range of focus areas. Outside the office, you’ll often find her curled up on the couch with a good book, a cup of tea, and her cats, Milo and Violet, close by.
Kisha is a Paralegal in our firm who primarily supports Litigation and Estate Planning team, assisting with a broad array of national and international estates.
She applies a pragmatic and compassionate approach with clients, recognising that these matters can often be complex legally and emotionally.
Outside of the office she enjoys spending time with her Blue Heeler, Ronnie, and silversmithing. After all, who wouldn’t want a legal team who handles your matter with the same care and attention as a finely crafted diamond.
Angelica is a friendly and approachable member of the Davis + Haven Legal team who is passionate about providing clients with a welcoming and positive experience. She is organised, reliable, and enjoys supporting both clients and colleagues with professionalism, care, and attention to detail. Angelica is committed to continually developing her knowledge and skills as she builds her career in the legal profession.
Set to graduate with her Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University at the end of 2026, Angelica is excited to continue expanding her experience and contributing to the firm. Outside the office, you’ll often find her watching movies, cuddling her cats Milo and Kiwi, or spending quality time with family and friends.
As a Receptionist, Alicia is committed to creating a welcoming and professional experience for every client from their first interaction with the firm. She prides herself on being approachable, organised, and attentive to detail, ensuring clients feel supported. She strives to provide exceptional customer service through clear communication, efficiency, and a genuine willingness to help.
Alicia is currently completing a Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University and plans to graduate at the end of 2027. Her studies are enhancing her understanding of the legal profession and allowing her to develop valuable practical skills that she applies to her role each day. Outside of work and study, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, staying active and making the most of her free time. She values maintaining a balanced lifestyle and is excited to continue growing her career in the legal profession.
Abdul brings with him a plethora of knowledge and wealth of dynamic experience as a Lawyer primarily working within the firm’s Wills & Estate Planning team. Abdul previously worked in Real Estate as well as the Banking and Finance sector prior to coming to the Law. He went on to obtain his legal qualifications by completing a Bachelor of Laws at Southern Cross University in a mere two and a half years whilst simultaneously working as a full time Paralegal! A true testament to the vivacious nature and drive he possesses.
Abdul has a multifaceted fluency across a vast rage of practice areas. Prior to joining the Haven Legal Co. team, Abdul regularly appeared in Courts across a number of jurisdictions amassing an abundance of experience as a tenacious Litigator and advocate for his clients in both Criminal and Civil law matters.
Having been born in his Native country of Lebanon and migrating to Australia with his family at 14 months old, Abdul is passionate about assisting his clients from all walks of life and being able to relate to his diverse clientele by ensuring they have access to their legal rights and entitlements as well as having a sound understanding of the cultural sensitivities and familial expectations which may often be at play with his client’s legal affairs. This is accompanied by Abdul’s multi-lingual skillset whereby he is also able to assist you with your legal needs in your native language.
We are here to help
Book a Conference
Use our confidential tool that allows you to get started online, in your own time and space. It will ask you a series of questions, and provide valuable feedback. We will then be in touch with draft documents before we meet with you
OR
Call Us to Book
Meet with one of our Lawyers – ‘In Person’ or via ‘Microsoft Teams’ to discuss your legal matter.