Our Team

Our Legal Team

Results Focused Family Legal Services

Wise Family Lawyers offers the best lawyers in Perth, dealing exclusively with family and de facto law matters. We pride ourselves on maintaining a small-firm feel by treating each case with care and consideration. We have hand-picked a high-quality team of family law professionals qualified to successfully resolve your family law issues. No issue is too big or too small. If you have a family law problem, our experts can help you find a solution.

Carla Fernandes Lewis

Director – Senior Lawyer

Carla Fernandes LewisCarla has been working in the legal profession since 1997. Carla has worked exclusively in family law throughout her legal career. Carla completed her Bachelor of Laws at Monash University in 2008, has a Masters of Applied Family Law and is admitted to practice in both Western Australia and Victoria. Carla has also been admitted to the High Court of Australia.


Drawing upon her extensive experience in family law, Carla presents rich legal knowledge and experience in a wide variety of family law cases, including complex property disputes, maintenance, financial agreements, and child support. Carla is known for her skill in dealing with sensitive parenting cases, including those involving relocations, abduction, allegations of family violence, substance abuse, child abuse and mental health issues. Carla represents clients with legal issues relating to marriages, de facto relationships, and third-party interests.

Carla's approach to Practice is enhanced by the voluntary work she undertook in Melbourne, for the Family Law Assistance Program, assisting people with Family Law litigation who could not financially afford legal representation; and for the joint legal clinic Springvale Monash Legal Services/South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault, assisting victims of sexual assault with applications for financial assistance, with the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal.



Carla is committed in supporting her client in a sensitive and considerate manner while providing pragmatic and clear legal advice. She has also become well known for her fearless and rigorous determination to achieve results. When a client is taken on, Carla will conduct the matter with passion and a level of commitment that is unsurpassed.


Carla is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian.

In her spare time, Carla enjoys time with her family and time on the sand playing beach volleyball.

Asja Mustapha

Lawyer

Asja graduated with a Bachelor of Laws Degree from Edith Cowen University, in 2019 and in 2011 completed a Diploma in Law Enforcement with high distinctions in forensic science, police procedure, traffic and property offences; and in 2012 she assisted in one of Australia’s high-profile criminal matters.


Asja was admitted to practice in October 2020 and joined Wise Family Lawyers in 2024.



Asja started her career as a lawyer in 2021 and since that time has practised and developed invaluable experience in the areas of Family Law, Wills and Estates and Restraining Orders. Asja practised in complex parenting matters assisting an Independent Children’s Lawyer.

Asja has a passion for Family Law, and with a young family, she understands that life can take unexpected turns. Asja has built a reputation as being an efficient, hardworking, outcomes-focused solicitor who is always willing to go that step further to achieve the very best results for her client. Asja lives by the motto 'with hardship comes ease'. Asja is prepared to provide her clients with the support and advice they need to bring comfort and satisfaction in any situation.


Asja is fluent in Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian languages.

When not at work, Asja enjoys spending time with her family, training and competing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Ellie Pearson

Lawyer

Ellie graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree and a Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand in 2022.


Ellie was admitted to practice in New Zealand and upon her relocation to Western Australia in November 2023, was admitted to Practice in February 2024. Ellie joined Wise Family Lawyers in August 2024.

Ellie started her professional career working in human resources and changed her career to law with her move to Perth. Ellie has developed a passion for assisting people in resolving parenting matters and restraining orders. Ellie prides herself on her empathetic nature, which is reflected in her work in family law.


When not at work, Ellie enjoys spending time with her family, playing and coaching netball, exploring Western Australia, taking long walks on the beach, and going to live shows.

Nikita Van Waaijenburg

Legal Assistant | Receptionist

Nikita joined Wise Family Lawyers’ team in February 2021 as a part-time junior office assistant. During her high school years and aspiring to become a lawyer, Nikita participated in the Law Society’s Mock Trial competitions, competing and winning against many highly ranked private schools. Nikita was also a finalist in 2023 for the ZONTA Young Women in Public Affairs award.


Nikita commenced a Bachelor of Laws Degree and a Bachelor of Arts Degree at Curtin University in 2024. She has efficiently managed a busy schedule between part-time work and university commitments; she is excited about her future in the legal profession and with Wise Family Lawyers.

With a strong academic foundation and diverse experiences, Nikita has cultivated a unique skill set that enables her to confidently tackle any challenge.



Nikita speaks fluent Dutch.

When not working or studying, Nikita enjoys being in the company of her friends, cooking, and playing soccer.

Mariska Van Nus

Legal Assistant

Mariska joined Wise Family Lawyers’ team in June 2024 as a legal assistant. Since joining Wise Family Lawyers, Mariska has provided and continues to provide valuable support and assistance to our Family Law team.



Mariska speaks Dutch.

When not working, Mariska enjoys quality time with her family, going to theatres and playing soccer.

Deb Taylor

Office Administrator | Receptionist

Deb joined Wise Family Lawyers in August 2022 after being a client of the firm. Deb brings first-hand knowledge of what it feels like from a client's perspective. Deb is originally from England and lived in South Africa for 5 years before relocating to Australia in 1982. Deb has a history of working in customer service at fine hairdressing saloons in the UK and as a promotor for a record company in Perth, and this has equipped her well to deal with clients on both professional and personal levels.

Deb is the friendly voice who answers your calls. She greatly enjoys the practical nuances of family law and is passionate about helping clients in one of the more difficult times in their lives. Deb is happy to make you a tea or coffee and have a warm chat prior to your consultation making you feel welcome at an appointment.



Outside of her working days, you will find her supporting the Wild Cats. Deb’s most treasured times are spent catching up with her family and friends, going out for a drink, watching live shows and travelling. Deb’s children, grandchildren and German Shepherd bring her immense joy.

Tahlia Ferguson

Legal Clerk

Coming Soon!

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