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WHO WE ARE
Let's lawyer up
At Avis & Funk Law, we’re less about suits and briefcases and more about being real and accessible. We are a talented group of down to earth lawyers ready to take on your legal work. Our mission is to make legal services as simple as possible, which is why we deconstruct all your problems into plain English, free of clichés and legal jargon.
As Gold Coast locals, we know what’s important to our clients, from your legal needs to your morning coffee. That’s why we offer a wide range of legal services ranging from conveyancing, to dispute resolution, right down to witnessing and certifying documents. No job is too big or too small.
We pride ourselves on ongoing client contact and support, so you’re never left in the lurch. Our lawyers build strong rapport with each client and have a great reputation with our ever-growing client base.
Not only do we value the needs of our clients, but also the
needs of our team and our community. We are a firm thinking about the future
and recognising our role in it. That’s why we manage our environmental impact
by minimising waste and by opting to be almost entirely paperless. This also helps us save on costs, which allows us to pass on even greater savings to our clients.
Small firm, big outcomes
You know what they say: from little things, big things grow. At Avis & Funk Law, we believe that there’s nothing wrong with being small. We’ve moved away from the accessibility hurdles of big law firms to provide simple, no-stress legal solutions. After all, it’s not the size of your firm that counts, but the quality of service.
The best part? Nasty surprise bills are just not our style. Our lawyers work with lower overheads and offer transparent fixed fee costs, so you can expect budget certainty every time. We only charge you for the work you need and only charge you when the work is done.
Want to know more? Contact us online, or book an appointment to visit our Gold Coast office. Can’t come to us? We can set up a consultation by phone or Skype. We can even come to you! Just ask us how!
Benjamin Avis
LLB, GradDipLP
Legal Practitioner Director
One of the two founders of Avis & Funk Law, Benjamin brings a calm demeanour to what can otherwise be stressful situations. This includes when the office printer breaks for no apparent or logical reason, where he is inevitably called in due to being the office “IT guy”.
He heads the property and commercial law divisions at Avis & Funk Law, with particular focus on trusts, companies, business structuring and partnership disputes. He also brings a passion for technology and automation to an industry where it is often lacking. Having studied at Bond University and practised as a solicitor exclusively on the Gold Coast for just over 10 years, he is proud to call the Gold Coast home.
Larissa Funk
LLB, GradDipLP
Legal Practitioner Director, Notary Public
One of the two founders of Avis & Funk Law, Larissa’s Swiss heritage has given her an incredible eye for detail which makes her an exceptional solicitor. Her attention to detail extends to her personal life and means that anything short of perfect is simply not enough. In particular, she is always looking for alternative health and nutrition remedies to live an optimal life.
Larissa is the head of Avis & Funk Law’s migration division, with particular experience in skilled work visas, investor visas and family visas. Larissa’s passion for travel and justice give her a unique perspective to represent clients in migration matters. She has travelled most of the world, but has chosen to call the Gold Coast home. Larissa is also the proud mother of Avis & Funk Law’s Business Development Manager, Millie.
Emily Maehara
LLB(Hons). BBus GradDipLP.
Associate
Emily is a Gold Coast born and bred local. Having departed briefly to complete her bachelor of laws and business at Queensland University of Technology (where she graduated with honours), she has now settled in as a solicitor here on the Gold Coast. She maintains an air of mystery amongst the team at Avis & Funk Law by somehow managing to maintain “inbox zero”, and she won’t tell anyone her secrets.
Emily is a valued member of the team, having started as a solicitor but moved up the ranks to be an associate. She practices in property and commercial law, with particular focus on property sales, business sales and leases. She also speaks Japanese fluently. Her profile wouldn’t be complete without mentioning her cavoodle, Hero, who is the light of her life and centre of her attention.
Tayla Coffey
LLB(Hons). BCom GradDipLP.
Solicitor
Tayla holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce from Griffith University, where she demonstrated a passion for commercial law and a commitment to academic excellence. Tayla is primarily involved in our commercial law division and is eager to take on new challenges within this area of law. Her flexibility and eagerness to learn allows Tayla to contribute effectively to a wide range of legal matters and work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver optimal outcomes for clients.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Tayla is a self-proclaimed foodie and coffee enthusiast who enjoys trying new restaurants and cafés with her family and friends. Tayla is also a keen home cook who finds joy in experimenting with diverse flavours and dishes in the kitchen.
Thiago Lemos
JD. GradDipLP. LLB (Brazil).
Solicitor
Thiago is an accomplished and driven legal professional with dual qualifications in law, being from both Australia and Brazil. With a fervent enthusiasm for sports and an unwavering belief that the Gold Coast is the ultimate city to call home, Thiago brings a unique blend of international experience and a profound dedication to making a positive impact in people’s lives.
Hailing from Brazil, and therefore speaking Portuguese, Thiago’s legal journey commenced in the realms of Property Law, Criminal Law, wills, and estates. His early career in Brazil provided him with a solid foundation in various legal disciplines, cultivating a deep understanding of diverse legal systems and intricacies.
Upon migrating to Australia, Thiago’s dedication to helping others guided him to pursue a new avenue in his legal profession. Having been admitted as a solicitor at the Supreme Court of Queensland, Thiago found his true calling in migration law. Recognising the profound impact that migration decisions can have on individuals and families, Thiago is committed to guiding and supporting his clients through the complexities of immigration, ensuring that their dreams of a better future become a reality.
Alexia Luz de Freitas
LLB (Brazil).
Legal Administrative Assistant
Introducing our newest team member, Alexia, a dynamic addition to our Gold Coast-based law firm. Hailing from Brazil, Alexia embarked on a journey to Australia with the intention of learning English, immersing herself in new experiences, and embracing opportunities. With a background as a lawyer in Brazil, she brings a wealth of legal expertise and a keen understanding of diverse legal systems. Fluent in Portuguese, Alexia is not just an excellent communicator but also deeply passionate about fostering connections.
Beyond the legal realm, Alexia finds joy in practicing yoga, exploring new travel destinations, and basking in the sun-kissed beaches of the Gold Coast. Her vibrant spirit and love for the coastal lifestyle resonate perfectly with our firm’s ethos. With her unique blend of legal acumen and zest for life, Alexia is dedicated to assisting our team to provide exceptional service to our clients while embracing the vibrant Gold Coast culture.
Ockert ("Occy") Visser
B.Iur, LLB
Solicitor
Occy studied at the University of South Africa and the University of New England (New South Wales) and obtained a double Bachelor of Laws Degree in 2001. He was first admitted In South Africa as an Attorney of the High Court in South Africa in 2003, and in Australia as a Lawyer of the NSW Supreme Court in 2008.
He relocated to Australia in 2011 to offer his family a safer future and settled in Queensland. For the past 9 years Occy has worked exclusively in Queensland as a solicitor for a national law firm headquartered in Brisbane and as a senior associate for a long-standing and reputable commercial firm on the Sunshine Coast.
Occy is accomplished at pursuing and negotiating favourable outcomes for his clients. He regularly advises his clients on complex commercial and property transactions and guides them on proven strategies and options to optimally structure their businesses, corporate structures, or individual wealth to manage risk, nurture growth and to save on tax.
Outside of work, Occy spends a fair bit of his time camping with his family, at the beach or in the ocean as part of the surf-lifesaving community or supporting his two teenage sons and favourite rugby team on the sports field.
Occy currently works remotely from the Sunshine Coast.
Avelyn Chen
LLB, GradDipLP
Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 1800051)
Avelyn is a two-time immigrant; being originally from China, she moved with her family to Singapore and later settled down in Australia. After having been admitted as a lawyer in Queensland, she worked as a solicitor/immigration lawyer in New South Wales. She has since left traditional legal practice to specialise as a registered migration agent. She speaks Mandarin fluently. She has worked closely with immigrants from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and is extremely passionate about helping her clients secure their most favourable migration outcomes.
Avelyn currently works remotely from Brisbane.
Eduardo Escano
BEcon(MU), LLB(UNE), MBA(UNE), GradDipLP (COL)
Consultant
Ed began his rather multi-faceted professional career as a member of CPA Australia and was later awarded a Licenciate Degree of Laws by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya in Spain, which lead to his admission to the Spanish legal profession in 2006. He subsequently gained a Bachelor of Laws at the University of New England and was admitted as a Lawyer of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2015.
During his legal practice Ed has served as a public defender and duty lawyer at criminal courts and police stations and has defended unrepresented illegal migrants facing criminal charges, administrative penalties or deportation. As part of his private practice he has also worked intensively in the corporate, commercial, immigration, real estate, wills and estates, torts and insolvency fields.
Ed first migrated to Australia from Spain in 1974, but has since travelled often back and forth, having alternatively lived and worked in both countries during lengthy periods of time. His main current professional interest is immigration law, although he also takes advantage of his very strong accounting, commercial and business background to carry out assignments in related legal areas.
Out of the office Ed is a keen motorcyclist, and from time to time, when work allows, participates in motorcycling tours around southern Spain, southern Portugal and Morocco.
Shanice David
BA. JD. GradDipLP.
Consultant
Originally hailing from Canada, Shanice brings a smile and grace to the Avis & Funk Law team. Always happy to have a chat, whether about the latest global news or the conditions at the beach that day, she brings people together both at the office and outside of work.
Shanice has a keen interest in migration law, human rights and travel, having visited various countries to work on projects aimed at improving access to education and women’s health initiatives.
Millie
Miniature Dachshund, Grad.Puppy School
Business Development Manager
Since joining the Avis & Funk Law team in 2020, Millie has proven herself to be an invaluable asset time and time again. Whether by helping to bring new clients in the door with her puppy dog eyes, or by alleviating the team’s stress by offering herself up for pats and cuddles, Millie is quickly becoming a model employee.
