Michael Benjamin & Associates is a medium sized suburban legal firm that delivers exceptional legal advice and customer care in the practice areas of family law, criminal law, aged care, Elder law and retirement living, commercial and business law, litigation and dispute resolution, migration and citizenship, property and real estate, wills, probate and administration.
With over 30 years’ experience our established team of highly experienced lawyers, led by Principal David Littlejohn, work across many areas of practice and we pride ourselves on our down to earth and approachable team culture.
Meet the Team
David Littlejohn – Principal
David commenced his legal career as an Associate to His Honour Judge Tim Wood QC in 1998, followed by Articles of Clerkship in 1999 / 2000 at Deacons Graham James (now Norton Rose Fulbright). Admitted into practice in March 2000, he practiced as a Member of the Victorian Bar until 2007. Since then, he has been employed as a solicitor at the Victorian Department of Justice, Department of Education & Training and leading Australian law firm, Russell Kennedy Lawyers until 2014. Following this, he commenced a sole practice known as Littlejohn Legal for almost five years. He purchased Michael Benjamin & Associates from its founder, Michael Benjamin in 2019.
As a former barrister, he can diligently advocate for clients in court, and bring a wealth of experience in both public and private sector, in areas such as criminal law, property law, commercial law, litigation, family law among others.
Jeeva Bala – Special Counsel
Jeeva’s legal career expands for well over 40 years varying from Australian jurisdictions to overseas jurisdictions. Jeeva is an experienced Wills and Deceased Estates Lawyer. Jeeva has dedicated her practice to Wills and Estates matter as well as litigation matters relating to estates which enables her to provide tailored advice for her clients. Jeeva has gathered vast knowledge in dealing with a diverse range of matters, including:
- Wills and Estate Planning: drafting of complex Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Medical Treatment Powers of Attorney
- Administration of Deceased Estates: Overseeing the probate and letters of administration process with meticulous attention to detail.
- Testamentary trusts: Trust property transfers and variation of Trust Deeds
- Superannuation property transfers to the beneficiaries.
- Testator family maintenance claims
- Estate Litigation: Competently addressing legal challenges and disputes within the realm of Wills.
- VCAT Applications: Attending to the intricacies of applications for the appointment of administrators/guardians.
She is well experienced in handling retirement village and aged care agreements and Retail Leases and Sale and Purchase of Business. Prior to joining Michael Benjamin and associates, Jeeva has worked for several legal firms as well as a sole practitioner.
Jeeva welcomes her clients with empathetic and understanding nature, as they undergo uncertain and traumatic period of time. She is always committed to obtain the best results for her clients in a sensitive, cost effective and practical manner. Other than English Jeeva is fluent in Tamil.
Anne Heenatimulla – Special Counsel
Anne joined Michael Benjamin & Associates in 2024 and practices mainly in Commercial Law and Property Law. Anne was admitted to practice in 2005 and holds a Master of Law (Commercial Law) post graduate degree awarded by Monash University.
Prior to joining Michael Benjamin & Associates, Anne worked for several legal firms practicing in areas such as property, commercial law, and litigation. In addition, Anne has been in practice as the Principal Solicitor since 2008 in her own practice handling a diverse range of matters, spanning from commercial & property law to litigation, bringing excellent outcomes for her clients. She has expertise in leases, loan agreements, sales and purchase of businesses, acquisitions of residential, industrial and commercial properties, retirement village and aged care agreements, stratum title property transfers, contract and lease agreement disputes and general litigation. Further, Anne is a proud mentor of LIV Mentoring Program since 2023 and holds memberships with Law Institute of Victoria and Eastern Solicitors Law Association.
Anne’s kind and calm approach to practicing allows her to create authentic and valuable relationships with her clients and their legal endeavors. She prides herself on her ability to warmly assist any client with any legal issue, big or small.
Outside of the office, Anne enjoys volunteering as a member of the Child Safety Committee at her local church and engaging in overseas charity activities for disadvantaged kids. Her other interests include travelling, hiking, and spending time with her family. Other than English Anne is fluent in Sinhala.
Jonathan Andrews – Senior Associate
Jonathan has over five years’ professional experience as a solicitor in different legal fields, including family, commercial, property and criminal law.
He excels in legal-factual analysis, litigation and court advocacy and take pride in offering his clients the best possible legal advice. He is predominantly experienced in family law and takes an ‘early settlement approach – without compromise’ to adversarial family law matters. To this end, he possesses excellent negotiation and mediation skills to maximise any advisable settlement opportunity and avoid unnecessary litigation, without compromising the best interests of my clients. He provides great interpersonal skills to law, enabling me to effectively operate between diverse parties and stakeholders in any given matter.
Presently, he is pursuing a part-time Master of Digital Law at Monash University, to deepen his understanding of the emerging world of blockchain technology along with the challenges and opportunities it presents. Johnathan is bilingual in English and German and enjoy playing rhythm guitar to accompany a good singalong.
Simon Cawthorn – Lawyer
Simon graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce in 2019 and was admitted to practise in March 2021. Simon joined Michael Benjamin & Associates in May 2024. His areas of law practise are primarily Wills, Estate Planning and Family Law.
In his free time plays hockey and walks dogs. He is also work casually on weekends as a disability support worker specialising in teenagers with autism and Simon is a regular blood plasma donor.
Alex Petrakos – Consultant
Alex has been a practising migration agent for over 10 years, specialising in all manner of Australian visa and citizenship applications and Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) hearings. He was admitted to practice in November 2018 and have been exposed to other areas of law including family law, commercial leases, and contracts.
Debbie Cutajar – Legal Practice Manager
Debbie is a long serving staff member at Michael Benjamin & Associates commencing her role as a trust bookkeeper/receptionist in 2013 and now holds the position of Practice Manager. Debbie is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that our clients receive high quality service and equally sensitive to the well-being of our staff members.
Debbie has excellent customer service experience gained from her past experiences working for banks. She takes pride in her work and proficient in the management of estate files from obtaining Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration to handling all aspects of estate administration, liaising with asset holders, verification and redemption of assets including shares and attending to simple as well as complex estate distributions.
Debbie has a warm and down-to-earth approach which perfectly fits our suburban practice and especially when handling matters for families going through bereavement. Outside of work Debbie enjoys spending time with her family and her doggies.
Rasangi Kalpana – Paralegal
Rasangi is a dedicated paralegal at Michael and Benjamin Associates, having joined the team in August 2024. Before relocating, she was an attorney at law in Sri Lanka, where she gained valuable experience and honed her legal skills.
Rasangi holds an LLB (Honours) from the University of Colombo, which has provided her with a solid foundation in legal principles. She is passionate about delivering exceptional support to clients and navigating their legal needs with care and expertise.
With a wealth of experience in conveyancing and a strong background in real estate transactions, Rasangi plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and efficient processes for our clients. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to our team. Whether you’re buying or selling property, Rasangi is here to guide you every step of the way.
Outside of work, Rasangi loves to travel and explore new destinations, spend quality time with her family, and unwind with a good Netflix series.
Paula Wilson – Trust Account Administrator
Paula is a long-serving staff member who has been with Michael Benjamin & Associates for over 12 years. She began her role as a Receptionist and Trust Assistant and now holds the position of Trust Administrator.
Paula is a dedicated and loyal member of the team, enjoying her work for the Dingley Community and beyond.
Outside of work, Paula enjoys spending quality time with her grandchildren and family, going to the movies, and taking walks along the beach.
Norisha Sethi – Receptionist
Norisha currently pursuing a Bachelor of Law/Arts degree at Deakin University and feels incredibly grateful to have started her legal career with Michael Benjamin & Associates in November 2023. She is passionate about helping our clients and ensuring they receive the best possible service. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active at the gym and cheering on her favourite footy team, the Western Bulldogs.
Leah Nathan – Receptionist
Leah has joined Michael Benjamin & Associates as a receptionist in 2024. Leah is a great addition to our firm as she is part of the local community for years.
She has fantastic customer service skills gathered from her previous work experiences and loves the opportunity be at the front desk and welcome our client of all walks of life.
Outside of work, Leah loves spending time with her family, and she has a passion for photography, which allows her to capture meaningful moments in both her personal and professional life.
Frankie – Relationship Manager and Chief Morale Officer
Frankie, our adorable office dog joined us in October 2019 and is affectionately known as ” Frankie Pants.”
He welcomes everyone with a friendly paw and only requires pats as payment!
His playful spirit and love for daily Schmackos creates a warm, inviting atmosphere for staff and clients alike. Frankie brings joy and a little extra sunshine to our workdays.
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Our Fantastic Team
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Blanche Fields
Google, CEO -
Martin Ross
Developer -
Frankie Kao
Art Director
Our Fantastic Team
-
Blanche Fields
Google, CEO -
Martin Ross
Developer -
Frankie Kao
Art Director