Our People

Chris Hill

Senior Lawyer and Principal

Chris has been a practising lawyer for over 29 years and a financial adviser for over 25 years. He is a specialist accredited by the Law Institute of Victoria, a Certified Financial Adviser and an Accredited Self-Managed Super Fund 

Specialist Adviser by the SMSF Association, the pinnacle body in Australia for self-managed super fund professionals. Chris is a member of the Law Institute of Victoria, the Financial Planning Association of Australia and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), a worldwide professional association for practitioners dealing with family inheritance and succession planning. He is also a former member of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM). Chris practices exclusively in the areas of estate planning, self-managed super fund structuring and advice, asset structuring, business succession planning and more recently aged care advice. His experience as both a lawyer and financial adviser provides unique insight and the ability to adopt a strategic approach in delivering legal solutions to his clients.

Chris holds regular speaking engagements, educational workshops and guest radio spots, presenting on a wide range of both legal and financial topics, both in Australia and the United States.

Chris is the managing director of Hill Legal and Life Solutions Financial Advisers which both focus on providing holistic tailored legal and financial solutions to clients at different stages of their lives. He is also the managing director of Hollenstein Hill Australia Consulting, a business that is involved in providing consulting services to Australians working in the United States.

Chris holds other non-professional associations and sits on the board of various charitable and philanthropic organisations.

He is an avid adventurer and has climbed mountain peaks in Nepal and New Zealand and enjoys offshore racing, sailing and bike riding.

Ph: (03) 5976 6500  E: chris.hill@hilladvisers.com.au

Sacha Raman

Property Lawyer

Sacha graduated from Monash University in 2003 with a double degree in Law/Arts and a Post Graduate Degree in Psychology.

She began her legal career in criminal law in a small city based firm  before branching out into conveyancing and property law, where she continues to enjoy the balance of structure and client interaction. She went on to run her own successful conveyancing practice for many years, gaining experience in all aspects of property transactions.

Sacha Raman

She’s now excited to be part of the team at Hill Legal where she brings a practical client-focused approval to every matter.

Outside of work, she’s a proud parent of five, and spends much of her time cheering from the sidelines at kids sporting events or shuttling them between activities.  She loves catching up with friends over a nice meal, long walks and heading to musicals.

Ph: (03) 5976 6500  E: sacha.raman@hilladvisers.com.au

Fotios Manolopoulos

Commercial Lawyer

Fotios completed his combined Economics and Law degrees from Monash University in 1992, with further post-graduate studies in Applied Finance.

He has spent most of the past 30 years working in various roles, including Regulatory Compliance, for some of this country’s leading financial institutions.

During this period, he has managed to travel extensively, develop a keen interest in exercise science and fitness, and even pick up a bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Medicine.

Fotios joined the Team at Hill Legal in November 2023 with a focus on the practice of Commercial Law.

Outside of work, Fotios enjoys spending time with his young family and making the most of the outdoors.

Ph: (03) 5976 6500  Efotios.manolopoulos@hilladvisers.com.au

Johnny Anastasopoulos

Commercial/SMSF Lawyer

Johnny graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from Victoria University in 2024 and completed his Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at Leo Cussen later that year. Throughout his studies, Johnny gained valuable experience through placements in both legal and psychological settings, building a well-rounded foundation for his legal career.

Johnny joined Hill Legal in 2025, where he primarily works in commercial law, with a focus on self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) and estate planning. His interdisciplinary background supports a thoughtful and client-focused approach to legal problem-solving.

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Outside of the office Johnny enjoys keeping active through regular workouts and values spending quality time with family and friends.

Ph: (03) 5976 6500  E: johnny.anastasopoulos@hilladvisers.com.au

Ann-Marie Bogaars

Probate Paralegal

Ann-Marie joined Hill Legal at the beginning of 2025, after being in her previous position for almost 30 years with another local legal firm. 

She has been a Probate Clerk for almost 25 years and appreciates being able to assist her clients during a very stressful time in their lives. She also works closely with Maxine Firbas, Hill Legal’s Wills and Estates Lawyer.

Ann-Marie

Outside the office, she enjoys walking her dogs, reading a good book, spending time with her husband and 2 sons and catching up with family and friends.

Ph: (03) 5976 6500  E:ann-marie.bogaars@hilladvisers.com.au

Jess Van Der Linden

Conveyancing Team Leader

Jess started working for By the Bay Legal & Conveyancing in 2018 and moved to Hill Legal in 2021 when both companies merged.  To further her skills and knowledge she completed her Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing in 2021. Jess was promoted to Conveyancing Team Leader in late 2023 due to her expertise and natural leadership qualities.

Jess has experience in a range of conveyancing matters including residential sales & purchases, commercial sales & purchases, subdivisions, and related party transfers.

Out of the office, Jess enjoys netball, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Ph: (03) 5976 6500  E: jess@hilladvisers.com.au 

Katrina Smith

Conveyancer

Katrina commenced working in the legal sector in 2015 as a receptionist, since then she has progressed her career through various administrative roles, including her time as the Personal Assistant to Chris Hill.

While at Hill Legal, she had gained an interest in property law and organised to complete her Advanced Diploma in Conveyancing at RMIT, graduating in 2021, to progress her into her current position.

Katrina will be happy to welcome and assist you with any enquires or questions you may have during your conveyancing transaction.

Ph: (03) 5976 6500 E: katrina@hilladvisers.com.au

Heather Faragher

Conveyancer

Heather commenced working in a law firm as a junior progressing to handling conveyancing and mortgage files for 20 years before becoming a police officer  for 19 years. 

She has now returned to conveyancing at Hill Legal and looks forward to providing you with the best possible service for your conveyancing requirements.

Heather

Outside of work, Heather enjoys playing the euphonium in a local brass band and travelling with family and friends.

Ph: (03) 5976 6500 E: heather.faragher@hilladvisers.com.au

Sue Muszkieta

Conveyancer

After many years working in the conveyancing industry and I have now joined the team at Hill Legal. 

I manage conveyancing files including residential sale and purchases and all property transfers. I work to ensure all clients experience has the best results possible.

In my spare time I enjoy time with family and friends. I enjoy relaxing holidays in warmer weather and reading. 

Always ready to assist during your conveyancing transaction.

Ph: (03) 5976 6500 E: susan.muszkieta@hilladvisers.com.au

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Rebecca Hilbert

Practice Manager

Rebecca “Bec” Hilbert joined the firm as Practice Manager in May 2023 and comes from a background in Real Estate, Hospitality and Corporate Businesses, bringing over 30 years of administration management experience to our team of professionals.

As a mum of 3 children, Bec maintains a work life balance by keeping fit and enjoying a healthy lifestyle and loves nothing more than chilling by the pool in her downtime or holidaying in the warmer climates when possible.

Ph: (03) 5976 6500 E: rebecca.hilbert@hilladvisers.com.au 

Nikki Bowler

Wills & Estates Paralegal

Nikki Bowler commenced working in a small New Zealand legal practice in 2008, completing her Diploma in Paralegal Studies in 2012 and shortly after, moved to Australia where she continued her career with an in-house legal department specialising in franchising, litigation, and business law.

Nikki

Nikki was the Personal Assistant to Chris Hill and now assists Maxine with Wills and Estate matters.

In her spare time, Nikki enjoys spending time with her family, exploring all the outdoor wonders.

Ph: (03) 5976 6500 E: nikki.bowler@hilladvisers.com.au

Kristen Gooden

Personal Assistant to Chris Hill and Commercial Team

Kristen began her legal career in 2006 as a legal secretary/PA to a QC and SC at Sir Owen Dixon Chambers. Since then, she has gained extensive experience in the legal and business sectors, including roles as a paralegal in debt and mortgage recovery, and running a successful Australia-wide family event hire business for five years. Most recently, Kristen worked in debt management in Queensland before joining Hill Legal in May 2025 as a Personal Assistant to Chris Hill and the Commercial Team.

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Known for her organisation, efficiency and friendly approach, Kristen is committed to providing exceptional support and ensuring clients receive the highest standard of service.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her young family and friends, watching AFL, visiting wineries, playing tennis, and going to the beach.

Ph: (03) 5976 6500 E: kristen.gooden@hilladvisers.com.au

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