I met Chrissy Leontios, by fate I am sure of it. I had been going through a very difficult family law battle in regard to my 1 year old daughter. I was filled with self-doubt, anxiety and feeling completely defeated. I had lost myself in this process. As I walked up a lady’s drive way to collect an item, I had purchased off Facebook we got chatting, we had children roughly the same age and got to talking about single parenthood and how we are battling the family law system. After explaining what I was going through and how my current solicitor had me constantly on edge and feeling deflated about my life and my parenting she referred me to CLEON Legal, in particular Chrissy. I made a booking the following day and got into to see Chrissy, I left the office feeling empowered and had a sense of self, I can honestly say with every part of me that it was the best thing I have done to date.
With 14 days until my next court date where an application in a case had been made against me to try and take my parenting rights and time with my daughter who is only 1 away, Chrissy got straight to work, drafting filling and ensuring that all my documentation and even my own self was all in order, all this within a few days. Chrissy checked up on me via text message and email to see how I was travelling knowing how stressed and anxious I was leading up to this court date always keeping me fully informed. I walked out of the court room with my daughter still in my care and a completely different person to the one I walked in. Throughout this whole process I have been belittled and bullied by my ex partners law firm and my ex-partner himself, Chrissy stayed strong and reassured me that everything would be ok and did not play to their level, she was honest and calm throughout the whole process.
Chrissy has changed my whole mindset about solicitors and family law, to the point where I have started studying towards my own law degree at university and look up to Chrissy as a role model. Chrissy has empowered me as not only a woman but a mother and human being. I no longer feel stressed and anxious and have a completely different view of life. Chrissy and CLEON legal are not your average law firm, they go above and beyond always ensuring their clients are first and foremost handling everything with compassion and understanding, checking in, and always dealing with tough situations with so much sensitivity and compassion. There is no one that deserves this more the Chrissy. She has change mine and my daughter’s life.
I’d originally engaged a local Family Law Specialist to represent my Family Law matter for over 18 months with no sense of care, trust, or urgency. I was at my wits end and feeling hopeless of any resolve or positive outcomes for my case and it was causing more stress than the case itself.
After losing sleep over lengthy delays in communication between my former Solicitor and my contact, I made the leap and arranged an initial consult with Chrissy. The contrast between practices was stark, in a positive way – I even called my best friend to glow about how refreshing, approachable and empathic Chrissy was, just from our first interaction.
The customer service, rapport and respect I have received since engaging with Chrissy and her team has been game changing. I feel supported, believed, respected and trust her approach, strategies and professionalism. I truly believe that if I had engaged Chrissy from the beginning, my matter would have been settled by now. I have no hesitation in nominating Chrissy for this award, or any for that matter as she is in a league of her own. Despite Chrissy being interstate, I have never felt this negatively impacted her service delivery. I often forget she is not in the same city.
Australian Family Law needs many more Chrissy’s as her empathic approach eases the trauma of Family Law proceedings.
I don’t really know how to put into words just how grateful I am to have found Chrissy Leontios and her Law Firm Cleon Legal and Mediation. Chrissy was recommended to me by the North Queensland Domestic Violence Unit here in Townsville. They told me that she was exactly what I needed “a Lawyer with a heart”. They were exactly right, her compassion, professionalism and personal service makes me as a client, believe in myself again at a time where I no longer believe in myself or feel like I am valued or matter.
From the moment I walked into the Cleon Legal Office, I instantly felt welcome, comfortable and at ease. The office is bright, cheerful, colourful and inviting, with a homely feel. As a client this makes such a difference as you feel like you can relax even in extremely stressful situations or when discussing important and stressful life changing decisions.
Chrissy is always there empowering me to stay strong, listening to what I have to say and valuing me as a person not just another client that walked in the door. She takes into consideration my fears, feelings and concerns before advising me on what I need to do legally to help move forward all with mine and my children’s best interests at heart. This is extremely rare and now I have found it, will treasure it for the rest of my life.
I’m honoured to say that Chrissy is currently representing me in a Family Law Matter. As well as in a previous DV Matter, where I filed a DV against my ex husband a serving member of the Queensland Police Force. This was extremely emotional, stressful and daunting process as I had never before had anything to do with the Legal System and it was like a foreign language to me. Added to this, I felt like I was going up against the entire system. Chrissy personally helped me navigate my way through this and constantly provided me with support, reassurance and the encouragement that I needed to get me through this process.
Chrissy went above and beyond what an average lawyer does and her passion is clear. She quite frankly, thoroughly exceeded my expectations. I have and will continue to recommend Chrissy and her law firm to my family, friends and anyone who asks me for recommendations for “a Lawyer with a Heart”.
Chrissy and her team at CLEON Legal and Mediation Services provide a warming level of service that is evidential in her outcomes for her clients. I first made contact with Chrissy on an online forum where she was reaching out for survivors of domestic violence to explain their main frustrations and confusions within the family law system. I explained my troubles with the phrase, ‘substantial circumstances’.
A few months went past, and my 2-year-old son and I had experienced numerous lawyers with one accepting our case, to later tell us that we could not change the current orders in place. For us, this meant traveling to New Zealand from our home in Townsville for my son’s drug addicted, violent and abusive father to have contact with him; at the risk of our physical and mental health.
After receiving emailed death threats from the father of my son and still being told by conventional lawyers that I could not prove a substantial change in circumstances to render a change of orders, I approached Chrissy. I compare Chrissy’s methods to the opposite of conventional as she practices ‘outside of the box’ and goes to lengths far beyond any conventional lawyer would. Chrissy provided hope and plan of action. Chrissy was willing to try; she cared to try. Chrissy and her team did not put my son and I in the ‘too hard basket’. Chrissy suggested we gather all the evidence and receive a risk assessment to paint a picture before the judge.
Where the law lacks empathy, Chrissy holds double. At the beginning of every email, phone call or meeting, Chrissy would always ask, ‘how are you coping?’. Chrissy understands the emotional distress family law proceedings have on domestic violence survivors. Her office practices the safety routine of keeping their doors locked at all times. Chrissy understands that a majority of domestic violence victims are killed after they have escaped. However, Chrissy’s office is more than welcoming with a comforting sense which communicates her care for her clients to feel safe and comfortable.
Walking into her office is like a warm hug. Throughout the duration of my family law matter, I knew that even though my voice had been beaten down to a whisper throughout my violent relationship; Chrissy would listen. And she wanted to.
It’s beyond obvious that Chrissy genuinely cares. This is more than just work for her. As time passed, I began to lose hope and energy, I was exhausted. But Chrissy still had fight, she was constantly working with her team behind the scenes. The services Chrissy provides cannot be valued nor compacted into a paragraph. Chrissy restored my power and control over our own life.
She truly re-gave my son and I life. We no longer must travel to NZ every 3 months to visit our abuser and we no longer have to make ourselves available to abuse. Chrissy not only aimed to finalise the visitation and parental responsibility section through family court, but also to legally protect my son and me. She ensured that my son would be put on the airport watchlist so that only myself could remove him from the country. The effects of Chrissy’s care and service are more than the orders themselves. They have allowed me to confidentially return to studying and working knowing my child is safe in day care, and there is no risk he will be taken from the country. My son and I generally feel more safe and comfortable living our daily lives.Whether it was mid night or mid-day, Chrissy always seemed to be available and willing to spare time. Chrissy always provided professional service by immediately responding. I often found myself up late at night, trying to sleep but was confronted by questions. So, I’d message Chrissy, she would answer my questions immediately, and I was able to sleep. Previous lawyers would have a 2 – 3 day turn around.
I truly believe that without Chrissy’s services and care, my son and I would have been murdered at the hands of our abuser.
Thank you so much Chrissy and Hanna for working so hard for me. It’s so nice to finally have someone listen to my situation and be so amazing and compassionate. Everyone is so friendly and this is a wonderful law firm.
Bree JayThank you to CLEON Legal. You are the most amazing, caring, understanding and knowledgeable people we have met. We would not have been able to understand our lives without your unbelievable and awesome hard work. You have helped us so much. Your empathy and fairness in our concerns really touched our hearts, and will stay with us forever.
Ezy RyderThank you so much to Chrissy & Hanna for your work & support through all the troubles I have endured these past 6 months. I know the cynics out there say “you paid them to do it” but nothing pays for the support that went above and beyond anything you charge for and gives confidence where it so badly needed. I cannot thank you enough for the help you have given, the safety I now feel and the confidence I have to continue on with everyday living. You ladies are amazing and stand out in your field. Thank you.
Jacqui MorganA big thank you to Chrissy and all of her team for support and hard work. Not only a fantastic legal firm but wonderful people in general. Would recommend anyone!
Jason AndersonThank you so much everyone! Especially Chrissy, Hanna and Nicholas. Bless you all and more power.
Leciram DSAn absolutely amazing team headed by Chrissy. Thank you so much.
Marion HermansenThank you Chrissy. Sincerely, thank you. The outcome you achieved for me was nothing short of a miracle and the hard work you put into my case achieved that result. Plus you gave Tash her drive for law back and I can’t thank you enough for that. I never felt judged or felt like I had to justify myself to you, you treated me like a normal person and for that I thank you again. If I could give you more than 5 stars I definitely would. I hope to remain in contact with you and I promise not to get in trouble again!
Steven ArathimosThey don’t come better than Chrissy, a good lawyer with real morals that sets a good example to all 🙂
Tekki LouDear CLEON Legal, thank you so much for your help. Your understanding, empathy and fairness is of great importance to us. We would like to thank you immensely for your assistance and support. We couldn’t have come this far without your expertise and tenacity. Thank you for being there.
Verena MasattaA business with heart and a commitment to doing things differently.
Victoria LeontiosI just wanted to personally thank you (Shawnee) and Chrissy and Cassandra! For all the extra love and work you put in. You 3 are an amazing formidable team and I am so blessed to have you all on my side!
ElleeMy discovery session with CLEON Legal convinced me that establishing a law firm consistent with my values and ethics was achievable. There was no doubt in my mind that entering the coaching programme would be very beneficial for me and the firm. After only two months of coaching, Chrissy’s insight, feedback and keen problem solving skills have taken the firm much further than I could have taken it alone. Chrissy and her team give 100% effort and authenticity. Their approach across the board is to enable, encourage and inspire their coaching clients. I cannot recommend the programme highly enough.
Caroline ParsonsSince working with Chrissy, I have gained a deeper understanding of the direction I want to take my practice and have been supported to develop a plan that enables me to achieve that vision. Like all visions, it is a dream without an action plan. The accountability of the weekly check-ins with Chrissy has driven me to push forward with my action plan and I am seeing tangible results in the improvement in my practice, my mindset and my confidence in my vision. I am looking forward to maintaining this momentum and the faith in myself and my vision.
Amy Sanders-RobbinsChrissy has been a wonderful support and mentor throughout the business coaching process. She has taught me to have confidence in my ability and has provided invaluable insight and direction with regards to my dream of opening my own firm. Chrissy has also been able to give me practical guidance and keep me focused in a step-by-step manner so that I am constantly working towards my goals in the short, medium and long term. I would encourage anyone who is contemplating opening their own firm or currently in business to contact Chrissy. She is not only an amazing business coach but more importantly someone who I can now call a friend.
Rachel Ravell
