Safe, secure & empathetic. When protecting your loved ones matters most.

Sue has enjoyed a long established career in law. For decades she was an owner of a practice in the outer suburbs with multiple partners. In 2014 Sue ceased her association with her prior firm and moved with one staff member to the footsteps of the CBD with the intention of downsizing her workload. That was the plan anyway!

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Quickly outgrowing her new premises, Sue moved her boutique practice to the hustle and bustle of Fitzroy Street St Kilda, only a few kilometres from the CBD Court district.

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‍With the move came a new focus. The change of direction led to new opportunities and perpetual organic growth. While Sue’s focus has narrowed, she continues to bring years of experience across many fields to VCAT administration and Wills and estates space.  Sue has decades of experience in a wide area of law, including Commercial Litigation, Family Law, Wills and Estates and VCAT Administration.

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Sue has instilled a client first approach to her staff that is embedded in the culture of Suzanne Lyttleton Lawyers. Sue is often charged with the responsibility of acting as a Court appointed Estate Administrator for complex estates and regularly accepts appointments to act as Financial Administrator for those with disabilities.

Pat spent his early professional years working in sports journalism and media. With law in the family blood, it was only a matter of time until he embarked on a career change.

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Pat has been with Suzanne Lyttleton Lawyers since 2014. Since joining the firm,  Pat has developed a particular focus on estate litigation, estate administration and VCAT administration. Pat loves the daily contact with clients, meeting their individual needs and tailoring solutions. Pat has embraced the unique challenges faced by our clients and enjoys meeting regularly and working with our Represented Persons to discuss how best to manage their affairs.

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Pat accepts appointments to act as a VCAT Financial Administrator and appears regularly before the Tribunal. Pat also accepts appointments to act as Trustee for discretionary trusts and has accepted appointments from the Supreme Court of Victoria to act as Trustee/administrator.

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In recent times, Pat has been at the coal face of complex estate and trust Supreme Court and County Court Estate Litigation. Pat is a member of the Law Institute of Victoria’s Elder Law Committee and enjoys presenting on topics within his expertise.

Hayley began her career in family law and soon transitioned into commercial litigation and wills and estates. She is an Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates Law, and was recognised by Doyle’s Guide as a recommended lawyer for Wills and Estates Litigation in 2023 and a leading lawyer for Wills and Estates Litigation in 2024.

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Since 2016, she has practised exclusively in wills, estates, guardianship and administration, with particular focus on complex litigation matters, both in the Supreme Court and VCAT. Hayley has worked for one of Victoria’s largest trustee companies giving her unique insight into the vulnerabilities of persons under a disability and their needs when under administration.

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Hayley is the Chair of the Law Institute of Victoria’s Elder Law Executive Committee and a director of the Board of Council On the Ageing (COTA) Victoria. She is a passionate advocate against elder abuse and represents the Law Institute at the Elder Abuse and Safeguarding Roundtable, run by the Victorian Government’s Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

Lachlan has practised exclusively in wills and estates law, and VCAT guardianship and administration since his admission as a solicitor. In both 2023 and 2024, he was recognised by Doyles Guide as a Rising Star for Wills and Estates and is an Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates Law.

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Lachlan’s expertise encompasses estate planning, VCAT administration and financial investigations, VCAT disputes in the guardianship and administration list, and estate litigation.

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In addition to his Bachelor of Laws, Lachlan holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and is a Chartered Tax Adviser with the Tax Institute of Australia. He uses his tax and accounting expertise to assist clients achieve positive commercial outcomes – whether that is by providing pragmatic tax advice in the context of estate planning, estate administration and litigation; or being able to analyse complex financial arrangements and undertake financial investigations.

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Lachlan works collaboratively with his clients to ensure they are fully informed about where they stand, with a focus on resolving disputes in a timely and cost-effective manner.

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Lachlan has a specialist interest in tax, estate litigation, trust disputes and self-managed superannuation fund disputes.

Patricia joined Suzanne Lyttleton Lawyers in 2022, having previously worked in both the public and private sector where she dealt exclusively with deceased estate administration.

Patricia is skilled in complex and unusual probate matters where she has a wealth of knowledge and experience.  She has, however, always had an interest in guardianship and administration matters which was sparked during her career at one of Victoria’s largest trustee companies.
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Patricia is focused on assisting clients with their matters with patience, compassion and understanding during which can often be a difficult period.

‍Sandra is our trusted Practice Manager who over sees the bookkeeping and general management of our day-to-day operations. Sandra has been working with Sue for over 12 years and prior to that worked as an administrator/bookkeeper in the banking sector.

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Sandra brings to Suzanne Lyttleton Lawyers a strong record in governance, legal support and financial management. On a frantic day (most days!) Sandra is the one we rely on to ensure we deliver solutions to client issues.

Denise has been an integral member of the Suzanne Lyttleton team from the early stages of growth. Denise has over ten years’ experience working as a Legal Clerk in areas ranging from Wills and Estates to Family and Criminal Law.
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Denise is our Senior Estate Administration Legal Clerk. Her meticulous attention to detail and ability to be solution focused is what we value most. Sue and Denise work closely together on all complex estate matters and applications for Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration.

Having spent significant time working in a small Launceston law firm as an office and conveyancing assistant, Clare decided to take on new challenges, cross the Strait and work in VCAT financial administration. She worked at a medium firm, practising predominantly in VCAT administration prior to joining Suzanne Lyttleton Lawyers.

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Whether it’s preparing budgets, or organising critical financial matters for our represented persons, Clare is a highly knowledgeable and valuable member of the team who enjoys numerical challenges.

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Clare is patient and empathetic with her clients and takes the time to understand their circumstances to help provide practical support and solutions

Monica began her career in a boutique suburban law firm dealing with general practice, focusing mainly in family law, criminal and deceased estates.

Monica has since had over a decade of specialised experience in family law. In 2023 she joined Suzanne Lyttleton Lawyers bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Monica is best known for her hard work, dedication and passion for the law and seeking the best possible outcome for her clients.

Monica works closely with all of our lawyers and is a second point in contact.