About Liacopoulos Lawyers
About Us
No one wants to see a lawyer. Legal issues are stressful and complicated, and lawyers are out of touch. We get that. That’s why at Liacopoulos Lawyers, we offer our professional service a little differently to everyone else.
We understand that people may just need a point in the right direction. So we offer free initial consultations. We understand that people don’t have time to deal with legal issues during work hours, so we offer meetings after-hours and on weekends at our office, your home or workplace. We understand that people want to know the costs involved, so we offer fixed prices.
But more importantly, at Liacopoulos Lawyers we get to know you as a person, not just your legal issues. We don’t offer low cost, automated plug and play legal documents (they don’t work by the way). We tailor our advice to your circumstances in a practical and easy to understand way. We involve you and get your input every step of the way, and we respond to your questions quickly, so you aren’t left wondering in the dark. We try to take the stress out of your matter, so you can focus on what matters to you.
At Liacopoulos Lawyers, being Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialists in Wills and Estate since 2022, naturally we are passionate about everything related to Wills and Estates, including –
- Estate Planning including preparation of Wills incorporating testamentary trusts, protective trusts and other structures.
- Enduring Powers of Attorney (Financial and Personal) & Appointments of Medical Treatment Decision Maker Deeds.
- Applying for Probate, Letters of Administration, Reseals of Probate.
- Making claims on deceased estates, seeking further provision for eligible beneficiaries.
- Defending against claims on deceased estates.
- Disputes regarding Powers of Attorney in VCAT.
- Guardianship and Administration applications and disputes in VCAT.
We don’t pretend we can do it all. We offer a select area of legal services that we are passionate about, and leave the rest for others. If you need a recommendation in an area we don’t practice in, we’ll happily refer you to like minded law practices.
We opened our law practice in our home town of Altona in 2019. Along the way we’ve been lucky to partner with other firms in the west. In November 2020, Williamstown Lawyers (established by Tim Walsh) joined our practice. In March 2021, we acquired the deeds of Rigoli Lawyers (established by Maria Rigoli).
We act honestly, compassionately and above all with integrity. You’ll always be welcome anytime.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Our People
John Liacopoulos
Principal, Accredited Specialist - Wills & Estates
In 2022, John became a Law Insititute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates. Though passionate about estate planning and testamentary trusts, he has been involved in many litigious estate matters also, varying from estate litigation, disputes regarding powers of attorney, and guardianship & administration matters. His experiences as a litigator has made be astutely aware of the problems that can be faced by families and how proper planning could prevent many issues from arising.
John speaks fluent Greek. Outside of work, John enjoys time with his family, listening to jazz and blues music, and gardening.
Tracy Collins
Special Counsel, Accredited Specialist - Wills & Estates
With over 10 years of legal experience, Tracy practises primarily in Wills & Estates having successfully completed the Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialisation course for Wills & Estates in 2022.
Tracy is passionate about all aspects of Wills & Estates. She provides professional and thorough estate planning advice, regularly acting in advising families either formulate their estate and business succession, or administering deceased estates, which span across multiple international jurisdictions. In addition to estate planning, Tracy is an astute and practical litigator often acting in both defending estates against claims, and bringing claims against deceased estates.
Tracy speaks, reads and writes Hindi. Her language and communication skills, developed from her travels abroad, living in various countries in her youth and dealing with international clients, enables her to interact with clients from all walks of life effectively and with high satisfaction.
What is a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist?
An Accredited Specialist is a lawyer who has successfully undertaken a rigorous assessment process in a particular area of law. This involves passing comprehensive tests of technical knowledge, writing and practical interview or advocacy skills. These tests are developed and assessed by other senior Accredited Specialists, academics and members of the Victorian Bar. Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialists:
- have at least five years’ full-time equivalent experience since qualifying as a practising lawyer
- have at least three years’ experience in their area of legal specialisation
- have passed a comprehensive assessment program that tests their knowledge and practical skills in that area of law
- maintain their knowledge and skills through re-accreditation every three years.
