A boutique firm built on the belief that legal advice should be technically strong and deeply human. Built on Trust. Backed by Expertise.
Spectrum Lawyers was founded in 2019 by Donna Abu-Elias, a lawyer with deep roots in the residential building industry. Having held senior in-house legal roles at some of Australia's largest building companies, Donna understood first-hand the pressures builders, homeowners and property professionals face. She founded Spectrum to provide the kind of legal advice she knew they needed: practical, commercially grounded and delivered with genuine care.
That industry experience shapes everything about how the Spectrum Lawyers team works. Clients get advice grounded in commercial reality, not just legal theory. Practical guidance that helps them make confident decisions, protect what matters and move forward.
Donna is supported by a talented team of lawyers, associates and support staff who share her commitment to practical, personalised legal service, bringing expertise across construction law, family law, conveyancing, wills and estates, mediation and commercial matters.
The name "Spectrum" holds special meaning, reflecting both the breadth of our legal services and Donna's personal commitment to autism awareness, as her child is on the autism spectrum.
What sets Spectrum Lawyers apart is deep expertise combined with a highly personalised, relationship-led approach. Advice you can trust, delivered with clarity, care and precision.
To be Victoria's most trusted legal partner, specialising in residential and commercial construction law, and family law.
We deliver expert, tailored legal advice to the building and property community, homeowners, and families, offering practical solutions.
We equip our clients with clear, practical legal counsel so they feel confident in every step.
We act honestly, transparently and ethically. Our word is our bond and our actions align with what we promise.
We are flexible in our approach, responsive to our clients' unique needs and evolving with the law and market.
We embrace diversity, value every voice and create an accessible, respectful service for all.
We are driven to constantly evolve as a business, to listen, to be accountable and to grow to meet our client needs.
Practical advice, clear next steps and transparent costs, so you always know where you stand.
We negotiate first where possible and treat litigation as a last resort, keeping costs and stress down.
We invest in understanding your business and family, anticipate issues early and are ready when you need us.
A dedicated team of lawyers and professionals committed to delivering practical outcomes
Director, Principal Lawyer
Senior Associate
Associate
Associate
Associate
Associate
Lawyer
Receptionist & Executive Assistant
Receptionist & Paralegal
Receptionist & Executive Assistant
Director, Principal Lawyer
Admitted to practice in 2004, Donna has built a distinguished career spanning both private practice and in-house roles within the building industry. She held senior legal positions with the Burbank Group, Carlisle Homes, and Simonds Group, gaining deep operational insight into how the construction sector works from the inside out.
Donna is a Nationally Accredited AMDRAS Mediator (NMAS), is a member of the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and serves as Deputy Chair of the HIA Industrial Relations & Legal Committee. She founded Spectrum Lawyers to deliver practical, commercially focused legal services informed by real industry experience. Her areas of expertise include building and construction law, commercial disputes, mediation, and general counsel services.
The name "Spectrum" carries personal significance for Donna. It reflects both the breadth of legal services offered and her commitment to autism awareness and inclusion, as her child is on the autism spectrum. Outside the office, Donna enjoys travelling and spending time with her family. She is also a Board Member of KultureCity Australia and acts as Legal Counsel on the board of Friend In Me, both causes championing inclusion for neurodiverse children.
Credentials
Senior Associate
Hannah joined Spectrum Lawyers in November 2021, and has developed a broad and versatile practice. Graduating with Honours from Deakin University and admitted to practice in 2014, she advises clients across family law, property, building and construction, commercial law, wills, probate and conveyancing, bringing a thoughtful and thorough approach to each matter.
Beyond her legal practice, Hannah is dedicated to legal education. She has served as a sessional academic at Australian National University (ANU) and Deakin University, and is currently a teacher and tutor at RMIT University in both Commercial and Family Law for the next generation of lawyers. Her ability to explain complex legal concepts in clear, accessible terms makes her a valued adviser to clients and students alike.
Hannah leads the firm's family law practice and is known for her compassionate approach to sensitive matters. She is committed to achieving fair and practical outcomes, always exploring the most efficient path to resolution.
Credentials
Associate
Maria's legal career spans multiple practice areas, beginning in personal injury law where she worked across public liability claims, medical negligence claims and abuse claims. Her background gave her a strong understanding of litigation processes and dispute resolution strategies. She joined Spectrum Lawyers in 2021.
Maria now focuses primarily on construction law matters, assisting builders, developers and homeowners with contract disputes, defect claims and regulatory compliance. She is passionate about delivering practical, results-oriented advice to clients navigating complex building disputes.
Maria is passionate about contributing to the legal profession and the broader community. She brings energy and dedication to everything she does at the firm. In her spare time she enjoys travelling and spending time with family and friends.
Credentials
Associate
Admitted to practice in October 2021, Rebecca joined Spectrum Lawyers in March 2023, bringing a detail-oriented and methodical approach to her work. She advises across owners corporation law, debt recovery, property law and construction law.
Committed to client-centric advocacy, Rebecca prioritises open communication and personalised service, ensuring tailored guidance for each client's unique needs. She takes the time to understand each client's circumstances and works diligently to achieve the best possible outcome, whether through negotiation, mediation or tribunal proceedings.
For Rebecca, every new opportunity is a chance to make a meaningful impact. Each case is a fresh puzzle to solve and an opportunity to exceed client expectations.
Outside the legal realm, Rebecca finds joy in travelling, snowboarding and running. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, and can often be found at the MCG cheering on the Blues.
Credentials
Associate
Grace joined Spectrum Lawyers bringing a strong foundation across general civil litigation, with experience in debt recovery, insolvency and bankruptcy, and contract disputes. She has represented clients in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), the Magistrates' Court and the County Court of Victoria. She was admitted to practice in May 2020.
In September 2024, Grace turned her focus to building and construction disputes, an area she had developed a keen interest in. She now acts for building owners, builders and other industry professionals across VCAT, the County Court of Victoria and the Supreme Court of Victoria, in matters involving building defects, water ingress, soil settlement, defective building design, unpaid progress payments and security of payment claims.
Grace's calm demeanour allows her to thrive under pressure, delivering measured and strategic advice to her clients. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling and spending time with her young family.
Credentials
Associate
Sang joined Spectrum Lawyers in 2026 after being admitted to law in 2020, bringing deep expertise in building and construction law, contract matters and related dispute resolution. He brings a sharp analytical mind and a commitment to achieving strong outcomes for clients across the property and construction sectors.
Clients working with Sang benefit from his commitment to delivering thoughtful, commercially minded legal guidance. His focus on building and construction matters means he is well-placed to handle complex projects, negotiate contracts, manage risk and help clients navigate disputes. Sang is dedicated to achieving favourable outcomes while ensuring clients understand their legal position at every stage.
Outside of work, Sang enjoys developing his own projects and travelling the world.
Credentials
Lawyer
Alyssa joined Spectrum Lawyers in 2024, initially as a personal legal and administrative assistant before being admitted to practice in September 2024 and transitioning into her current role as a lawyer within the team.
Prior to joining Spectrum, Alyssa gained experience in family law and wills and estates, developing skills in drafting binding financial agreements, affidavits and court documents including divorce applications. She brings a compassionate and reassuring approach to her work, helping clients feel supported through difficult times.
Alyssa now works across construction law, property matters and commercial advisory work, bringing a thorough and considered approach to every matter.
Outside of the office, Alyssa enjoys Pilates, cooking, travelling and spending time with her family, friends and beloved dog. Alyssa's vibrant personality and wide-ranging interests enrich both her professional role and our team culture.
Credentials
Receptionist & Executive Assistant
Rosemary joined Spectrum Lawyers in November 2022 as a part-time Executive Assistant and is often the first familiar face clients encounter. She brings a warm and professional manner to everything she does, ensuring every person who walks through the door feels welcomed and at ease.
Beyond the front desk, Rosemary is the backbone of the firm's operations. From coordinating meetings to ensuring lawyers and clients have everything they need for court and tribunal attendances, her organisational skills and dedication keep the office running smoothly.
As a mother of four and proud dog owner, Rosemary brings a unique warmth and energy to the Spectrum team. Her commitment to excellence and to the smooth running of the firm is something the whole team relies on and deeply values.
Receptionist & Paralegal
Alisha joined Spectrum Lawyers in November 2024, taking on a part-time role supporting the firm's operations through administrative coordination, client communications and paralegal assistance. She greets clients with a friendly and professional approach, setting the tone for a positive experience from the very first interaction.
Alisha assists with scheduling, document management and a range of client-facing tasks. She is reliable, organised and always willing to lend a hand wherever it is needed, contributing to the smooth and efficient running of the firm.
On her days off, Alisha is studying a Bachelor of Laws. Outside of work she enjoys travelling, spending time with friends and watching the football.
Receptionist & Executive Assistant
Lyndal joined Spectrum Lawyers in April 2026 as a full-time Executive Assistant, bringing with her an extensive background in research administration, philanthropic grant management and team leadership developed across various roles at the University of Melbourne.
Lyndal works closely with Rosemary and Alisha to support both the legal team and clients, playing an integral part in the day-to-day operations of the firm. She brings a personable and vibrant energy to her work, ensuring lawyers have what they need and clients receive attentive and efficient support at every interaction.
Outside of work, Lyndal is an avid traveller who has explored multiple continents and lived in both Canada and the United Kingdom. She has also achieved a lifelong goal, seeing her beloved Western Bulldogs win a premiership.
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