Director
Bev Clark
Bev was admitted as a practitioner in 1987 and joined Charlie Belperio in 1992 when Belperio Clark was formed.
Bev is committed to achieving the best outcomes for her clients. She understands the importance of exploring opportunities to resolve matters and works hard to ensure that her clients are supported and properly represented through the legal process.
In the early years of legal practice, Bev worked across a range of areas. Her experience in general practice enabled her to adopt a well-rounded approach to the area of family law which has been her focus for some time.
Bev is a nationally accredited mediator and has a strong commitment to dispute resolution for her clients. She believes that Court should only be a last resort.
Bev was one of the first two lawyers in SA trained in Collaborative Law and is a founding and active member of the Adelaide Collaborative Practice Group, and the Australian Association of Collaborative Professionals. She regularly presents on Collaborative Law and attends the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals’ conference in America each year. Bev has been involved in over 100 Collaborative cases including the first cases in SA. She now trains other Collaborative Professionals.
Bev has been a professional dog trainer in her spare time for almost 40 years. Bev also enjoys baking, travelling and spending time with her family.
Director
Erica Panagakos
Erica was admitted to practice in 2011, having graduated from the University of Adelaide with honours in 2010.
Erica began her career in general practice at a respected Adelaide firm, where she gained valuable experience across a range of legal matters. Since 2014, she has specialised exclusively in family law.
A passionate advocate, Erica provides practical, cost-effective legal advice and works diligently to promote sensible dispute resolution. She is trained in Collaborative Practice and is a nationally accredited mediator.
In 2023, The Advertiser named Erica one of Adelaide’s top 13 family and divorce lawyers, and in 2024, she was recognised as one of 24 South Australians to watch.
Voted by her peers, Erica was recognised in the Doyle’s Guide as a leading lawyer in ‘Parenting, Custody & Children’s Matters’ in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and as a leading ‘Family & Divorce’ lawyer in 2024.
Erica is fluent in Italian and credits her strong work ethic and ‘can-do’ attitude to the values instilled in her by her immigrant grandparents. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, sport, reading, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Senior Associate
Alysia Panagakos
Alysia graduated from the University of Adelaide in December 2016 with a double degree in Law (with Honours) and Arts, majoring in Italian with a minor in French. She was admitted to legal practice in July 2017 and has been with Clark Panagakos since the firm’s inception.
Throughout her career, Alysia has supported clients across a range of complex family law matters, collaborating closely with solicitors and barristers, and gaining extensive experience.
Alysia embodies our firm’s values with her warmth, approachability, efficiency, and diligence, taking pride in delivering high-quality work for her clients. She speaks Italian and French, and is passionate about foreign cultures having studied languages throughout her primary, secondary and tertiary education.
In 2023, Alysia was recognised by the Doyle’s Guide and The Advertiser as a rising star in the area of family law within the South Australian legal market.
In her spare time, Alysia captains the Adelaide University Soccer Club in the Women’s National Premier League. Alysia enjoys cooking, keeping fit, watching foreign films, and spending time with family and friends.
SENIOR Associate
Claire Lesiuk
Claire graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of International Studies in 2016 and a Bachelor of Laws in 2017. She was admitted to legal practice in 2018 and began her career at a well-established Adelaide firm, where she gained broad experience in general practice. Claire later specialised in family law at a boutique firm, further developing her expertise in this
area.
Before joining Clark Panagakos Family Law, Claire served as a Legal Associate to the Honourable Justice Kari in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 1). This role provided her with invaluable national-level experience in family law, including interstate travel to court registries. Her exposure to litigation and court processes has significantly enhanced her legal insight, benefiting both her and her clients.
In 2024, Claire was recognised as a “Rising Star” in family law in South
Australia by Doyle’s Guide and completed her training in Collaborative Law. She is a member of the Australian Association of Collaborative Professionals. The previous year, she was named one of South Australia’s rising stars in civil law by The Advertiser
Claire is known for her approachable nature, enthusiasm, and commitment to delivering high-quality legal services with efficiency.
Outside of work, Claire is passionate about racing yachts along Adelaide’s coastline as a member of the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron, where she holds a Day Skipper qualification. She enjoys camping and exploring Australia’s diverse outback and coastal regions.
Solicitor
Max Dilena
Max graduated from the University of Adelaide in May 2022, completing a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce with a major in management. He was recently admitted to legal practice in August 2023.
During his time as a student, Max gained valuable practical experience by working as a family law paralegal. In this role, he assisted solicitors, drafted legal documents, and familiarized himself with the intricacies of family law. This hands-on experience has equipped Max with a solid foundation upon which he can continue to build his career in the field.
Described as a diligent and client-focused practitioner, Max is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the challenges of family law.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Max is an avid sports enthusiast. During weeknights, he actively participates in casual basketball, indoor soccer, and netball teams. On weekends, you can find him playing tennis for Stirling Tennis Club or cheering for his favourite AFL team, the Hawthorn Hawks.
Max’s diverse interests and experiences, both in the legal field and in his personal life, contribute to his well-rounded and dynamic character.
