Meet our Team

Deborah Akers

L.L.B., M Counselling

Principal Lawyer

My legal experience and interests are in Family Law, Intervention/Restraining Orders and Crime. I practice in both Victorian and Western Australia Jurisdictions. I come to the law with a sold background in the health and education industries.

With a background in the health industry and child development, I consider the context of a client’s family and their life circumstances when trying to resolve their legal issues. I realise that perhaps more than in any other area of law, a Family Law matter is stressful and potentially damaging to everyone in the family, particularly when there are children involved. For this reason, I try to settle matters through negotiation, rather than heading straight to a court.

I have a particular interest in working with families experiencing Family Violence. This includes assisting them to manage the impact of violence on their legal issues. The sorts of decisions needed to be made in a Family Law matter can be especially difficult for clients where violence exists within the family.

When it comes to Criminal Law, it’s important to understand the context and circumstances of the individual client and the charges they face. I have represented clients facing charges in Magistrates' Courts across Victoria and in the Pilbara.

When I'm not practising law, I can be found watching my beloved Essendon Bombers, spending time with my family and walking my two dogs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Health Sciences
• Masters in Counselling and Human Services
• Gr Dip in Child & Family Health

Current Affiliations

• Member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia
• Member of the Law Institute of Victoria
• Member of ANZAPPL
• Admitted to practice in the High Court of Australia
• Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria