About DS Family Law
Family lawyers with a difference
DS Family Law offers you advice and assistance with all aspects of Family and De Facto Relationship Law in Western Australia.
When our partners Ross Dunlop and Milos Supljeglav created the firm, they understood that people needed family lawyers who were supportive practical and dedicated to their clients.
Our regional offices also provide the wider community with direct access with this complex legal area.
You will experience knowledge, professionalism and a friendly, caring manner throughout our firm.
The DS Family Law Team
Ross Dunlop, Partner, Barrister & Solicitor
Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, with an Honours Degree in Law and a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. Ross has operated exclusively in the field of Family Law since moving to Western Australia.
Milos Supljeglav, Partner, Barrister & Solicitor
Qualified Mediator and Arbitrator, with degrees in Arts and Law and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. Milos has extensive practical experience as In-House Counsel and in conducting matters in the Family Court.
Helen Mills, Senior Barrister & Solicitor
Helen completed degrees in Arts and Law at the University of Western Australia in 2002 and was admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor in February 2004.
Helen first worked in the areas of civil litigation, wills and probate and criminal law, but decided to practice almost exclusively in family law three years ago.
Outside of work Helen enjoys keeping fit and spending time with family, friends and her two extremely active German short-haired pointer dogs.
Maree Valentine, Junior Barrister & Solicitor
Maree began her career with DS as a Vacation Clerk in 2006. She commenced full time employment with the firm in January 2007 as an Articled Clerk. Maree was admitted to practice in February 2008.
As a junior solicitor/barrister, Maree works on client files in liaison with Ross and Milos. She has a passion for Family Law and hopes to practice exclusively in this area for many years to come.
Previously, Maree worked as a primary school teacher. Away from the office, she enjoys playing netball, visiting the Swan Valley and spending time with her friends and family.
Jenny Lister, Junior Barrister & Solicitor
Jenny studied law in the UK prior to moving to Western Australia in 2006.
Jenny began her career with the firm as an Articled Clerk in July 2007 and was admitted to Practice in March 2008. She works on client files in conjunction with Ross and Milos.
Previously Jenny studied Pharmacology and worked in the Pharmaceutical Industry in the UK, however, after returning to study Law, Jenny developed a strong interest in Family Law and now wishes to practice exclusively in this area.
Outside of work Jenny enjoys travelling, photography and spending time with her family and friends.
Vanessa Trilling, Articled Clerk
Vanessa began her career at DS as a vacation clerk in 2007. She continued part-time employment with the firm and successfully applied as an Articled Clerk in September 2007.
As an Articled Clerk Vanessa works under the supervision of the partners, liaising with clients and completing various legal tasks. Vanessa’s interests include travelling, keeping fit and socialising with friends and family.
Elaine Carroll, Personal Assistant/Paralegal/HR Manager
Elaine hails originally from the UK and came to Australia in 1975.
Elaine brings with her over 20 years experience in Family Law, having previously worked in similar PA, Paralegal and Human Resource capacities at Clayton Utz and O’Sullivan Davies. She has always had an interest in the law. Indeed, it seems to run in her family as both of her daughters are lawyers.
Away from the office, Elaine’s interests include travelling, cooking, having dinner parties and generally spending time with family and friends.
Suzanne Murty, Paralegal
Suzanne has been in Family Law since 1993. She combines the skills of formal legal training with the broader perspective of an earlier career in the business world.
Suzanne is currently completing a Bachelor of Laws at Murdoch University.
Tania Kimball, Personal Assistant
Tania was born in New Zealand and moved to Perth in 1988 where she worked in the legal industry for the next 12 years. Tania has worked as a family law secretary in Canberra for 4 years and returned to Perth in early 2008 to continue her career in family law.
Being a mother of 2 young children, Tania can appreciate the highs and lows of family life, and enjoys assisting clients in reaching a positive outcome and providing support when needed. Outside the office Tania is kept busy with her young family and enjoys being back in Perth.
Vienna Youngs, Personal Assistant
Perth-born Vienna began her career with the firm as an Office Junior in December 2005.
Vienna has since completed a Legal Assistants Course – Certificate 3 and is now a Personal Assistant to Helen and Maree.
Vienna can assist in relation to all non-legal or procedural queries, from providing the necessary information to potential clients through to implementing settlements.
Her hobbies include all outdoor activities, travelling and spending time with her friends and family.
Lesley Astbury, Accounts Manager
Lesley was born in England and emigrated to Perth in 1989. She has had a varied professional background including working in the banking and legal accounts sector. Her hobbies include walking, gardening and reading.
Lesley works on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and is the client’s first port of call in dealing with account enquiries.
Michelle Boyle, Receptionist
As one of the newest members of the DS Family Law team, Michelle has brought with her over 8 years experience in the legal environment, more than four of which are in Family Law.
Michelle prides herself on being both professional and understanding when dealing with clients and hopes to continue her education to one day become a paralegal/law clerk.
Michelle is always more than happy to assist with any general/ non legal enquiries.
Simone Boening, Administrative Support/Typist
Simone has worked exclusively in Family Law since 1992, with previous commercial law experience. She provides back-up secretarial support off-site.
Outside of work, Simone is kept busy with her 4 children, and she is a fervent supporter of her beloved football team, Essendon.
Rod Worth, Law Clerk
Rod is currently deferring a combined degree of Law and Arts at the University of Notre Dame Australia to undertake the Certificate II in Music Theatre at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
As the Certificate at WAAPA is a part-time course, Rod has been able to dedicate himself to full-time work at DS Family Law. Rod hopes that his experience with the Firm will stand him in good stead for his future study of the Law.