Meet Our Team
A diverse, compassionate team dedicated to providing exceptional family law services with cultural sensitivity and professional excellence
Our Principal Solicitor
Leading with expertise, empathy, and innovation
Pallini Rudra
Principal Solicitor
Credentials
- Dual-qualified lawyer (Australia & India)
- Master of Laws - Monash University
- Specialization in Family Law
I am a dual-qualified lawyer admitted in the Supreme Court of Victoria, Australia and India, with extensive experience in the area of Family law, Safety and Intervention matters, Criminal Matters, Civil disputes and aspects of Migration law.
My approach combines legal expertise with genuine empathy, ensuring my clients feel heard and supported. I am fluent in English and Hindi, with a deep understanding of Punjabi which helps me connect with diverse clients.
With advanced qualifications in law, including a Master of Laws from Monash University and a specialization in Maritime Law, I bring a global perspective to my practice.
I take a think-outside-the-box approach to legal matters, which often helps my clients find swift and effective solutions to their challenges. My goal is to provide strategic guidance that not only resolves disputes efficiently but also protects my clients' long-term interests.
Beyond the Law
Beyond my legal work, I am a trained classical and western dancer, a passionate home decorator, and someone who always looks forward to making new friends. Most importantly, I cherish my family, my friends—who are also family to me—and value the deep connections that make life truly meaningful.
Trained Dancer
Home Decorator
Culturally Connected
Our Solicitors
Combining legal excellence with empathy, cultural understanding, and a genuine commitment to every client
Joana Pandelidis
Solicitor
Expertise
- Psychology background
- Empathetic approach
- Family law specialist
- Trauma-informed practice
- Client-focused advocacy
Joana brings a unique perspective to family law, having recently been admitted as a solicitor with a diverse skill set that bridges both legal expertise and psychological understanding. Her approach to law goes beyond statutes and case precedents—she recognizes that behind every legal matter is a person experiencing one of life's most challenging moments.
With her background in psychology, Joana understands the emotional complexities that accompany family law matters. This dual expertise allows her to not only advocate effectively for her clients' legal rights but also to create a space where clients feel truly heard, understood, and supported throughout their legal journey.
Joana's psychological training equips her with exceptional communication skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate the sensitive interpersonal dynamics that often arise in family law. She approaches each case with both strategic legal thinking and genuine empathy.
Her clients appreciate how she takes the time to understand not just the legal aspects of their case, but also the human story behind it. This holistic approach means that clients feel comfortable, respected, and confident that their lawyer truly understands what they're going through—both legally and emotionally.
The Psychology-Law Connection
Joana's psychological training enhances her legal practice in meaningful ways:
- •Understanding the emotional impact of legal proceedings on families
- •Recognizing and addressing underlying concerns beyond the surface legal issues
- •Facilitating better communication between parties during negotiations
- •Providing trauma-informed representation for clients experiencing distress
Empathetic
Insightful
Skilled Advocate
Elahe (Ela) Ghaffary
Solicitor
Qualifications
- Admitted Lawyer in Iran
- Juris Doctor – La Trobe University
- Admitted Solicitor – Supreme Court of Victoria
- 5 years Civil & Criminal practice in Iran
Ela brings a rich and diverse legal background to Pal Legal. She obtained her law degree in Iran, passed the Iranian Bar Exam and practised as a lawyer for five years in the areas of Civil and Criminal law before relocating to Australia.
On her relicensing journey in Australia, Ela completed the required subjects within the Juris Doctor program at La Trobe University. She has now been admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria—a milestone that reflects her dedication, perseverance and commitment to practising law in her adopted home.
Ela's practical legal experience across different jurisdictions gives her a unique understanding of diverse legal systems and cultural frameworks—an invaluable perspective in a multicultural practice like Pal Legal.
She approaches her work with care, attention to detail and a genuine commitment to supporting clients through their legal journey. Her understanding of different cultural and legal structures allows her to connect meaningfully with clients from varied backgrounds.
Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Ela enjoys reading, cooking and spending time in nature. She values simple moments, good conversations and meaningful connections with family and friends.
Dual Jurisdiction
Detail-Oriented
Client-Focused
Our Dedicated Team
Supporting you with professionalism, care, and expertise
Saavy (Gopika) Ika
Legal Assistant
What Our Clients Say
Real experiences from families we've helped
Todd Farrelly
Pallini and Saavy have been fantastic to deal with, very professional and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend them to anyone needing assistance in family law.
Mohamed Ali
I’ve had a really positive experience with PAL Legal Services. From the start, Pal had a clear strategy and I always felt like I knew where things were heading. As a dad fighting for custody, having someone who was willing to fight hard for me made a huge difference. Pal has been extremely knowledgeable, determined and supportive throughout my matter, and we’ve achieved favourable outcomes along the way, including a settlement that I’m very happy with. I also want to give a special mention to Ela, who has been absolutely awesome. She’s always been helpful, responsive and supportive, and has made the whole process a lot easier. I’m really glad I chose Pal and her team. I would highly recommend PAL Legal Services to anyone needing help with a family law matter.
Kasturi Moogi
I highly recommend Pal Legal Services. Pallini Rudra handled my Binding Financial Agreement with professionalism, compassion, and care. She took the time to explain every step of the process clearly, making sure I understood my options and felt comfortable before making any decisions. Throughout the matter, communication was excellent. Pallini and her team were responsive, patient, and supportive during what was a stressful time for me. I truly appreciated their empathy, honesty, and attention to detail. I am very grateful for the guidance and support I received and would confidently recommend Pal Legal Services to anyone seeking family law assistance. Thank you, Pallini and the entire team, for your outstanding service.
Beth Whitney
Ishleen Sethi
Ready to Work With Us?
Schedule a free consultation and let us help you navigate your family law matters with compassion and expertise