John Fillmore
John is the Principal of the firm. He qualified from Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Commerce and a Law degree in 1976 and was admitted to practice in the State of Victoria in 1977 and has been in practice continuously since that time. Prior to establishing the firm in 1985 he was a partner in an emerging city legal firm for four years. He has practised primarily in the areas of commercial law including mergers and acquisitions, complex restructures, property law, taxation law and estate planning.
John has a “no nonsense” approach to business and his strengths and expertise lay in his appreciation of what is required to add profitability to your business and investments. In addition to his legal expertise, John has extensive experience at board level with a number of companies who value his legal knowledge and commercial acumen. These include ASX-listed mining company Metminco Limited of which John was chairman from May 2007 until March 2011, during which time the company’s market capitalization grew from less than $5 million to over $400 million.
Email: john@jafillmore.com.au
Raf Kaplan
Rafael Kaplan is an Associate of the firm specialising in corporate and commercial law, and commercial dispute resolution. Raf was admitted to practice in the State of Victoria in 2004.
As a commercial lawyer, Raf has extensive experience with the broad gamut of matters which arise day-to-day in commercial affairs, from international distribution contracts to joint venture agreements, and from sales of business to trade practices compliance, and has advised individuals and small businesses as well as public and listed companies. Because of his litigation background, he has particular expertise in relation to identifying and reducing potential risks and disputes for his clients in commercial transactions, a skill valued highly by his clients.
Raf also has extensive experience in intellectual property matters, including the registration and protection of your copyright, trade marks, industrial designs, patents and confidential information. Raf’s knowledge in this area is supplemented by his Bachelor of Science.
As a commercial dispute resolution expert, Raf has personally run and appeared in cases in most state and federal courts and tribunals, and is an accomplished negotiator both within and without the confines of a formal meditation.
Email: raf@jafillmore.com.au
Maureen Smith
Maureen has practised as a property law clerk for almost 40 years, almost 15 of which has been with J.A Fillmore & Co. Her experience is only equalled by her expertise in the following areas:
- Domestic conveyancing
- Commercial conveyancing
- Subdivisions
- “Off the Plan” transactions
- Probate applications
Email: maureen@jafillmore.com.au