Maria Barbayannis (1956 - 2019)

Our Founder, Maria Barbayannis, was admitted into practice in 1980.  She graduated from Monash University with a Master of Laws in 1986, a Bachelor of Laws in 1979 and a Bachelor of Arts in 1979.  She was a tutor of law at Monash University and a lecturer of law at the University of Melbourne, prior to devoting herself to full time private legal practice.  She became an Accredited Family Law Specialist in 1990.

Maria was considered a pioneer in the family law jurisdiction.  She was one of the most recognised and respected lawyers to have practised in the area.  She had unparalleled work ethic and she is fondly remembered as a competent, courteous and kind-hearted person who was highly regarded in the legal and wider community.

Maria passed away tragically and suddenly in November 2019.  She is survived by her husband Michael, two children and five grandchildren.

Maria’s expertise and reputation lives on through the seven lawyers she leaves behind in her successful boutique practice, most of whom she mentored.

Her legacy is upheld by her daughter Georgia, and daughter-in-law Marta, who lead a team of staff dedicated to honouring Maria's memory and her unwavering commitment to her clients and the law.