She is an accredited family law specialist and previously worked as an independent children’s lawyer, promoting the interests of children in parenting disputes.

Her expertise covers all aspects of complex family law, including complex property and maintenance cases.

According to the new family & relationship partner, her new practice group offers “a valuable service for clients”.

“Resolving family law disputes increasingly involves working through a combination of both family law and corporate issues,” Ms Formica said.

“The move to Lander & Rogers means I can offer expertise to clients in all areas of family law, as well as being able to offer them access to expertise from the firm’s commercial practices.”

Ms Formica’s presence at Lander & Rogers will extend the firm’s ability to service clients in complex property and children’s disputes, family law co-head Mark Parker said.

“We are increasingly involved in the international market as many of our clients live internationally and experience cross-border family disputes. Lee’s expertise in this area also adds to our offering in this space,” Mr Parker added.

“Lee’s reputation amongst the judiciary, fellow practitioners and members of the bar is without qualification, and her appointment helps underscore our team’s position as one of Australia’s pre-eminent family and relationship law practices,” he said.

Ms Formica is also recognised for her expertise in family law in the 2016 edition of Doyles’ guide to the leading Melbourne family and divorce lawyers.

The Lander & Rogers Melbourne office lost insurance partner Ailbhe Kirrane to rival firm HWL Ebsworth in April.

Lander & Rogers partner Jane Koelmeyer jumped ship last year to establish a family law practice for Barry Nilsson in Melbourne.

Earlier this year the firm’s Sydney office launched its family & relationship practice.