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PARTNERS
SENAD DIZDAREVIC
Principal
Senad is the Principal of Ascot Solicitors and established the firm in August 2011. His vision was to establish a thriving law firm in the western suburbs and he has singlehandedly built the firm from the ground up. When the firm was in its infancy and had only 1 employee and 1 office back in 2012, Senad invested all of his time, efforts and funds into expanding the firm and creating a legacy. Over the short period that Ascot Solicitors has been open, we have grown rapidly and we now have 4 offices and a team of lawyers, admin and support staff all operating under Senad’s tutelage.
Senad’s goal was to establish a practice that is based on integrity, informed by expertise and driven successfully to provide the best results that can be achieved for a diversity of clients. His approach is considered and calculated to offer a comprehensive solution to all his clients, having spent considerable time practising in all of the major areas of law, namely: property law, building & construction, civil litigation, family law, wills and estates and estates disputes. Senad acts for countless property developers, large corporations, notable high-wealth luminaries and Australian sports stars and personalities and he has continuously strived to achieve optimal outcomes for all of his clients. Senad is energetic and upfront with all his clients. He is the quintessential advocate, and is always prepared to fight for each client, no matter how big or small.
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Laws
(University of Tasmania)
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
(Leo Cussen)
ACCREDITATION
LLB, GDLP
IMRAN KHAN
Partner
Imran is a highly regarded Partner across several of our offices in Melbourne. Having joined the firm in 2016, he carries with him a wealth of experience and knowledge from previous firms where he worked as a senior solicitor and general manager overseeing several lawyers and staff.
Imran brings first-class strategic and commercial thinking in all of his matters and has cemented a reputation for providing exceptional client service with a pragmatic and sensible approach for his clients and one that is focused on delivering positive and effective outcomes.
Imran has grounded solid experience as a general practise lawyer specialising in areas such as commercial litigation, complex estate and property disputes, corporate advisory, sales and acquisitions and all aspects of property law. Imran has acted on behalf of many high-profile property developers and regularly advises on agreements for large property developments and subdivisions as well as advising large corporate clients in relation to contracts, business ventures and acquisitions across a wide range of industries both locally and internationally.
When Imran is not ambitiously working he spends his time with his two beautiful daughters and wife, networking with clients and exploring further business opportunities and travelling. He considers his family as his greatest achievement in life and contributing to the growth and success of firm. True to his name is also a die hard cricket fan!!
ACCREDITATION
LLB, BIS, GDLP, DIPBUS
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Laws (University of Tasmania)
Bachelor of Information Systems
(University of Tasmania)
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (College of Law)
Diploma of Business
SPECIAL COUNSEL
STEVE WEILL
Special Counsel
Seasoned lawyer with a wealth of experience in commercial, property and leasing, wills and probate matters.
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Steve is committed to developing and maintaining valued relationships with his clients and is renowned for his practical and honest advice.
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Steve finds joy in mentoring younger generation team members, guiding them towards legal excellence. A true team player, Steve is always ready to lend a helping
hand wherever needed.
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When not immersed in legal intricacies, Steve enjoys spending time with family, cooking up a storm in the kitchen, swimming, playing bridge and crosswords.
Did we mention golf? No. He’s too embarrassed to admit that he plays.
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
LLB
LAWYERS
THOMAS TOH
Senior Associate
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Thomas was admitted to practice in 2011 and began his career focusing primary on large developmental projects, commercial work and complex litigation. Thomas’s policy in practice has always been focused on putting himself in his client’s shoes to ascertain the goals they wish to achieve. This allows him to understand the commercial realities that his clients are facing and to provide practical advice to his clients.
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Thomas is fluent in both English and Mandarin and this bilingual background has positioned him to be an asset to overseas clients and stakeholders, especially when these clients are only fluent in their native language.
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Thomas is well versed with the practice and procedure of all courts in Victoria and is able to advise his clients of the various potential outcomes of litigation so that clients are able to make well informed decisions in every step of the process. In addition to litigation and dispute resolution, Thomas has advised and acted for clients in commercial transactions including but not limited to franchise agreements, facility agreements, supply contracts and shareholders agreements.
In his space time, Thomas can be found in the gym, spending time with family and friends or in front of the computer watching his favourite Esports teams in action
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Law
ACCREDITATION
LLB, GDLP
PATRICIA MAGNAYE
Senior Associate
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Patricia is an astute and competent Lawyer in our Commercial Litigation department. She was admitted in the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia in 2016 and joined Ascot Solicitors in 2017 and has since become a core member of the team.
Patricia practises exclusively in commercial litigation dealing with a range of matters such as contractual disputes and resolution, building & construction, debt recovery, corporate and personal insolvency, employment law issues, general insurance-litigation matters, providing advice to businesses and property law related matters. Patricia has a special interest in large-scale property & contractual disputes, alternative dispute resolution, advocacy and mentoring junior lawyers.
Patricia enjoys dealing with challenging and complex legal issues and thrives on achieving the best tailored results for her clients. She understands the stress which emanates from her client’s legal situation and is both compassionate and empathetic about their circumstances, whilst understanding that every legal matter is different and unique and must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
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Patricia is a down to earth, family-oriented person and a dog-lover. When she is not vigorously working, she loves to spend time with her Golden Retriever “Marley” at the dog park. She also enjoys retail therapy, fine dining, running, cycling and hanging out with family and friends.
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Law (Victoria University)
Bachelor of Business (Victoria University)
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (Leo Cussens)
ACCREDITATION
LLB, BBUS
ELIZABETH MATTHEWS
Senior Associate
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Lizzie grew up in Hay, country NSW, gained a Bachelor of Arts Degree and then travelled the world before deciding to embark on her law studies. Lizzie joined the firm in 2013 after moving to Kyneton from Melbourne.
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Practicing predominantly in the areas of administration of deceased estates, challenges to wills and inheritance disputes, Lizzie takes an effective and common-sense approach to estate law to ensure the administration of an estate is carried out compassionately, but within the boundaries of the law. This often involves advising clients on the various practical options to resolve disputes that may occur with a focus on avoiding unnecessary court costs and using methods of alternative dispute resolution.
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Outside the office Lizzie enjoys bush walking, skiing, gardening, cooking, walking the family dog Marvel, spending time with friends and family and she loves travelling anywhere!
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Experience includes:
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Taking instructions from executors or family members regarding deceased estate matters where there is or is not a will.
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Preparing complex probate and letters of administration applications and effectively obtaining grants including overcoming issues relating to testamentary capacity and informal Wills and Codicils
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Completing administration of deceased estate matters
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Defending estates against Part IV claims
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Acting for claimants in challenges against estates for further provision
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Acting for beneficiaries in respect of estate and trust disputes
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Successfully challenging and defending will validity claims
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Advising on asset protection strategies including superannuation death benefit nominations and property ownership
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
BA, GDLP, DipLaw
DRAGANA PAVLOVIC
Associate
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Dragana was admitted into practice in 2017 and joined McClure Law in 2021. Before joining McClure Law, she practised in a CBD boutique law firm working on a variety of matters including Family Law, commercial law, bankruptcy and insolvency, wills and estates and property law.
Dragana predominantly practices in Family Law and advises on all aspects of Family Law; divorce, de-facto relationships, property and financial matters, parenting, financial agreements and family violence. She is empathetic to the challenges her clients face and is focused on helping her clients navigate their matter and achieve their desired outcomes at the earliest opportunity. She is passionate, hardworking, and dedicated to helping clients understand how the law will apply to them and delivers quality advice empowering her clients to make informed decisions. She prides herself on providing a tailored and personalised service to all her clients.
Her exceptional communication, negotiation and advocacy skills mean her clients are always supported throughout all stages of their matter. Her valuable knowledge and experience in various areas of law, such as Family Law, commercial law, bankruptcy and insolvency, and wills and estates, affords her an advantage over her colleagues when negotiating strategic and commercial results for clients.
Dragana also practices in other areas of law such as: wills and estate, commercial law, and criminal law (intervention orders).
In her spare time Dragana enjoys travelling and spending quality time with family and friends. She also speaks fluently in several different languages
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Laws (Victoria University)
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (College of Law)
ACCREDITATION
LLB, GDLP
MICHEAL MARIPA
Associate
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Successfully represented clients in the Magistrate’s Court, Federal Circuit Court, Family Court and VCAT.
It takes a strong, passionate, and empathetic person to be a supporter of St Kilda Football Club as we all know it comes with its fair share of heartache. These same qualities are what makes me a great Family Lawyer.
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My passion of Family Law makes me strive for the best possible outcome for my client in every matter. Family law is undoubtably a highly emotionally charged area of the law and it is important to have a lawyer that understands your situation.
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Finally, being strong is an important quality for all lawyers, however it is my opinion that it is an essential quality for a great family lawyer. As a family lawyer, you are the client’s point of reference throughout this stressful period of their life, and you need to be strong enough to support and advise your client when the process gets difficult and complicated.
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Law
Bachelor of biological science
ACCREDITATION
LLB, BIS, GDLP, DIPBUS
CAITLIN MITCHELL
Lawyer
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Caitlin joined MacLegal in 2023 as a Law Clerk while completing her degree in Bachelor of Laws. Caitlin assists the solicitors of the firm with legal and administrative tasks.
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Working out of our Essendon office, she is passionate about providing professional and high quality service to the clients who call or visit the office. Caitlin has a keen interest in commercial law matters, specifically commercial litigation.
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Outside of work, Caitlin enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing netball, gym and baking.
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
LLB, GDLP, BCrim
GURPREET CHUGHA
Associate
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Gurpreet was admitted in 2019 and joint McClure Law in 2022. Gurpreet practices in Wills and Estate and Family Law. Gurpreet passion to help people enables her to strive the best for her clients and be compassionate and empathetic towards her clients. Gurpreet enjoys communicating with her clients enabling her to understand her clients wants and needs.
In her spare time Gurpreet enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Law
University Of Notre Dame Australia
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (College Of Law)
LAW CLERKS
LUCY ZHAI
Reception/ Law Clerk
Lucy joined Ascot Solicitors in 2019 and is currently working paralegal, primarily supporting the litigation department while also providing comprehensive support in various practice areas.
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Lucy supports solicitors with legal and administrative tasks including preparing documents, filing documents with the various Court and Tribunal electronic filing systems, maintaining data bases, legal research and managing solicitors’ calendars.
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Lucy thrives in a fast-paced environment where she can contribute to the success of the team and prides herself on the quality of work she produces as well as maintaining a high level of service to clients.
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Outside of work, Lucy enjoys travelling around the world, attending music festivals, reading and Harry Potter marathons.
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Legal Disputes and Studies
JENNIFER JONES
Paralegal
Jennifer started with McClure Law in 2018. She is our client's first point of call, ready to greet you when you walk through our door or take your phone call. Jennifer offers all clients a friendly, welcoming and comfortable environment to listen to your personal situation and she offers guidance and support to direct clients to our professional team members who will further assist you. Jennifer is the comforting link to a client arriving with a problem and leaving with a solution.
Jennifer assists the team in many areas of the law including Conveyancing, Leases, Wills, Civil and Criminal matters but predominantly works beside Senad and Imran with Deceased Estates and Estate disputes. Jennifer will work closely with our clients offering emotional support whilst achieving our clients desired results.
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Jennifer has successfully undertaken many legal courses with Leo Cussens Institute and has over 8 years’ experience in the legal industry and a further 5 years as medical/mental health reception.
Jennifer has found her passion working in these areas of law and does so with much pride, discretion and professionalism whilst building a great rapport and trust with clients.
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Outside the office, Jennifer enjoys summer days, bushwalking, going to a market, social gatherings with family and friends and cheering on the West Coast Eagles and Erebus V8 Supercars.
ANNE CAUCHI
Law Clerk
Anne joined McClure Law in 2018 and has over 24 years working in the legal industry as a support person in Family Law, Wills and Probate, Criminal Law and Victims of Crime. Anne works directly with Senad, Imran and the Family Law team, Anne assists in the preparation of files, conducts research, and ensures that our clients receive the high level of personal attention and service and is only a short phone call away. A strong background in family law makes Anne a knowledgeable and supportive resource for our clients. Her empathetic ways have brought an oasis of calm to many struggling under the weight of difficult circumstances.
Since working in the legal industry Anne found her strongest link with Family Law. She is passionate, considerate and has a personal understanding of what our family law clients are going through. Anne strives to ensure that each client is treated with a high level of care and attention, and our clients are never left feeling alone or confused by this difficult process.
I enjoy meeting new people, shopping, spending time with family and friends and supporting my football team in the AFL, Go Bombers -please don’t hold it against me.
LAURA CERKINI
Receptionist/Law Clerk
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Laura is currently working as a receptionist/law clerk, primarily supporting in the family law and litigation department in South Yarra.
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Laura has successfully undertaken a Bachelors in Law combined with other courses in London, England where she lived for 5 years.
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Outside of the office, Laura enjoys training and spending time with her Cavoodle Baby Yoda.
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
LLB & Business Management Degree
(BPP University in London Waterloo)
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TISA TRUONG
Receptionist/Law Clerk
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Tisa joined McClure Law in 2023 and is currently working as a receptionist and law clerk. She is the first face to greet you when you walk through the door or give our office a call. As a receptionist, Tisa manages telephone calls and schedules meetings, in addition to managing solicitors’ calendars to ensure their day runs smoothly.
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In her role as a law clerk, Tisa primarily supports the team in Conveyancing, Wills and Civil and Criminal matters in the Sunbury office and by directing clients to the appropriate professional team member to ensure they receive the proper advice and assistance that aligns with their needs.
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When she is not in the office, Tisa enjoys shopping, spending time with family and friends and trying out new dessert hot spots to satisfy her sweet tooth.
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Arts (University of Melbourne)
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NIAMH RYAN
Law Clerk
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Niamh joined our team in 2024 working as a receptionist/law clerk at our Kyneton office. She answers the phones, greets clients when they come in and helps out with the general administration around the office. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Law at La Trobe University and is really enjoying the experience of working in the industry.
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Niamh really values being friendly and kind to others, which she brings into her job when dealing with clients. Outside of work and uni, she is captain of her soccer team at Preston Lions and enjoys watching and playing all kinds of sports. She also enjoys spending time with her younger siblings.
PHILIPPA MALPAS
Law Clerk
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Philippa joined Palmer Stevens & Rennick in 2021 as the “front of house” for the firm and has transitioned to the role of law clerk. Philippa has gained nearly 30 years’ worth of experience within the legal industry. Her roles have ranged from providing secretarial support in mid-large size law firms in Sydney and Melbourne to providing paralegal support to a Company Secretary who was responsible for 80 plus private companies.
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Philippa prides herself on getting to know our local clients and their specific legal needs. In her role as a law clerk, Philippa primarily supports the Kyneton team in the areas of Wills and Estates, Commercial and Property Law and Criminal matters.
Outside the office, Philippa is a keen quilter and in her spare time you will find her either sewing, crocheting, drawing or anything else that will inspire her creative side.
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) Southern Cross University
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NEVIN VELI
Conveyancer
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Nevin Veli is a Conveyancer at Ascot Solicitors and holds a Diploma of Conveyancing. She joined Ascot Solicitors in 2014 when we successfully opened our second office in Caroline Springs. Nevin is passionate about providing a professional and friendly service to her clients.
She has specialised experience working with purchase files and sale files. She has worked closely with off-the-plan developments, and has acted for purchasers and developers in this field.
Nevin’s determination to assist every client to the best of her abilities is guaranteed as she thrives in providing the highest level of customer service possible with the reassurance of a stress-free process.
Outside of work, Nevin enjoys outdoor activities, spending time with friends and family and shopping (that is counted as a hobby!).
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Diploma of Conveyancing (TMG College Australia)
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ACCREDITATION
Conveyancer
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PETA KENDALL
Conveyancer
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Peta joined McClure Law in 2015 and brings a wealth of experience to her role within the team. Peta works predominantly in our conveyancing department and prides herself on delivering an efficient, friendly and stress-free service to our clients.
Whether buying or selling, Peta is dedicated to ensuring that all of our clients’ needs are met and that communication is of the highest standard. Peta also assists the team with files within a range of different areas of law. Outside of the office you will generally find Peta on the netball court.
ACCOUNTS
NATASHA POLOROTOFF
Accounts
Natasha joined Ascot Solicitors Pty Ltd in 2017, her key responsibility is the management of the Legal Trust and General Accounting for the firm.
With over 25 years experience in the legal profession, Natasha has maintained a high level of accuracy, diligence, and attention to detail in her position and has an excellent understanding of the unique accounting prerequisites required to ensure the firm is trust compliant.
Outside of work Natasha enjoys spending time outdoors, exercising and travelling.
ALEM WOLDIE
Accounts
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Alem works in accounts role at Ascot Solicitors, and she holds a Bachelors degree in Commerce. With over 20 years of experience in the field, she began her career at a mid-size accounting firm in Edmonton Canada, before embarking on a new chapter in Australia.
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With a passion for numbers and an eye for detail, Alem has previously worked as the head of Accounts for a small legal firm, and has extensive experience in different accounting roles, managing trust accounts, client investments and payroll.
Outside of the office, Alem enjoys travelling, indulge in diverse cuisines and volunteer for sports and cultural events in her local community.