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
Meet Our Solicitor
Combining legal excellence with psychological insight
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
Meet Our Paralegal
Bridging legal systems with cultural understanding and dedication
Elahe (Ela) Ghaffary
Paralegal
Qualifications
- Admitted Lawyer in Iran
- Juris Doctor – La Trobe University
- PLT – Leo Cussen (completing)
- 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 and is currently completing her Practical Legal Training (PLT) at Leo Cussen. She is in her final stages of becoming admitted as a Solicitor in Victoria, a testament to her dedication and perseverance.
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
Ready to Work With Us?
Schedule a free consultation and let us help you navigate your family law matters with compassion and expertise