We’ll help you mitigate the effects of relationship breakdowns.
Our Team
Principal, Founder
Abby Pang, LLB
Abby is a lawyer and loving mother of two children. She is an advocate for healthy families and children. She has turned her energy towards supporting families, by providing guidance and helping families navigate through the legal system, while empowering them to have a voice throughout the process.
Abby Pang’s journey began in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Subsequently, her family moved to the east side of Vancouver, before moving to Richmond, where she spent most of her childhood. Her father was a refugee who came to Canada in 1970, and from him she learned the meaning of grit.
In her youth, Abby experienced a breakdown in her family unit which resulted in divorce. She understands that marital breakdowns and divorces can be complicated, but also devastating. She also understands there are alternative options and ways to mitigate the damaging effects of the process.
Abby earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia, studying psychology and family studies. She earned a law degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, exchange program through the Hong Kong University. In 2008, she returned to British Columbia to work in a large law office while completing her National Certificate of Accreditation. She then completed her articles in a boutique law firm in Vancouver. She was called to the British Columbia bar in 2012.
Abby has appeared in Provincial Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. She deals with personal injury claims, sexual assault (civil) claims, and family law matters: Jansson v. Malone, 2021; Binning v. Kandola, 2021; Bergeron v. Malloy, 2020; Urwin v. Hanson, 2019; Lally v. He, 2016; Kandola v. Mactavish, 2016; Kweon v. Roy, 2016; Chan v. Caer, 2014; Saadati v. Moorhead, 2015; Loft v. Nat, 2015. In addition to her court experience, Abby takes a “family first” approach and is resolution-focused. She is registered through the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.
As a lawyer, Abby Pang’s community involvement included volunteer work with the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers and the Canadian Bar Association Women Lawyers’ Forum. As well, she had the opportunity to assist at Rise Women’s Legal Center and Battered Women’s Support Services through volunteering with Amici Curiae Friends of Court.
Abby is the recipient of A Woman of Worth Leader of the Year Award 2023 for her outstanding achievements in strengthening her community/organization through innovative approaches to resolving challenges and inspiring meaningful change. She has been recognized nationally as a nominee of the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards 2023, which honours extraordinary women leaders and businesses.
In her personal time, Abby enjoys snowboarding, bike riding, coaching her daughter’s baseball team, and spending time with her family.
Associate Lawyer
Amanda Johl, JD
Amanda was called to the Ontario Bar in October 2023 and British Columbia Bar in November 2023. Amanda attended law school in Toronto, ON and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from the Lincoln Alexander Faculty of Law at TMU.
During her time in law school, Amanda was involved in various leadership roles, holding executive positions on student associations including the Women’s Legal Education Association and the Criminal Law Students’ Society, among others. Amanda also founded the first Family Law Students’ Society at her law school. In her third year, Amanda had the invaluable opportunity to clerk for a judge at the Ontario Court of Justice, as part as her professional placement. She conducted legal research for judges and prepared memorandums on issues relating to family law, child protection and youth criminal matters.
Prior to law school, Amanda earned a bachelor’s degree from Simon Fraser University, studying criminology and sociology. With a passion for becoming a lawyer from early on, Amanda gained considerable legal experience before graduating law school. Amanda worked as a legal assistant on corporate and commercial law matters at a full-service law firm in Vancouver for 3+ years. She continued to work at this firm during her summers in law school as well.
Amanda’s innate desire to help others, coupled with her own family circumstances and life experiences, led her to pursue a career in family law. From experiencing her own parent’s divorce at a young age, Amanda felt the emotional, psychological, and social implications that arise from such breakdown. Amanda believes her ability to empathize and truly resonate with her clients, while being able to remain rational during emotionally charged situations, helps her achieve the best results for clients. Amanda leverages her experience and knowledge to empower clients to navigate the emotional and tedious process that results from a breakdown of a marriage.
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys travelling and exploring new restaurants or events in the city.
Associate Lawyer
Julia Hutlet, JD
Julia was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Prior to law school, Julia attended the University of Manitoba and obtained her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in 2020. Julia earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia in 2023 and was called to the Bar in British Columbia in 2024.
Prior to joining Illuma Law Corporation, Julia worked at a boutique family law firm in Downtown Vancouver for three years as a law student and subsequently, an articled student. She quickly learned to balance complex legal issues with compassionate client care, ensuring that her clients’ interests were well-represented while promoting constructive solutions.
Julia has worked with a diverse range of clients in both contentious and complex cases, and she strives to resolve disputes in a way that minimizes conflict and promotes the long-term well-being of families. Her dedication to family law is grounded in her belief that family issues require not just legal expertise, but also a deep understanding of the emotional and practical challenges her clients face. Julia has pursued a practice that is focused on divorce, property division, parenting matters, and support.
In her time at law school, Julia received several awards, including the McMillan LLP Award in Law for Indigenous Students (2022) and the Law Society of British Columbia Indigenous Scholarship (2021) for her academic and community achievements. Julia demonstrated leadership in Indigenous legal advocacy, having served as Vice President (Métis) of the National Indigenous Law Students’ Association and speaking at the House of Commons about the underrepresentation of Indigenous women in law and politics. She continues to advocate for both Indigenous rights and gender equality, including the inclusion of Indigenous women in the legal sphere.
Julia has appeared before the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the British Columbia Court of Appeal. She is a member in good standing of the Law Society of British Columbia and the Canadian Bar Association.
In her free time, Julia enjoys watching NHL hockey, improving her golf skills, and taking walks along Vancouver's Seawall with a good cup of coffee in hand.
Articling Student
Lesleigh Mackenzie, JD
Lesleigh is an articling student who has, from a young age, had the goal of becoming a family lawyer. She is passionate about helping others and creating a positive atmosphere during an otherwise difficult time in clients’ lives. Lesleigh was adopted at the age of 8, and through this experience, understands how her role as a family lawyer can provide professional support for families in difficult situations.
Lesleigh was raised in Lethbridge, AB. Before law school, she earned a Bachelor of Arts (with Great Distinction) from the University of Lethbridge, studying Psychology and Philosophy. While this degree was only a stepping stone to law school, Lesleigh enjoyed learning about human psychology and neuroscience, as well as the development of the brain and how individual experiences shape ones’ life. She believes this knowledge is beneficial in helping clients navigate the legal system with empathy and compassion.
Lesleigh graduated with her JD degree from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia in May 2024. During her time at Allard, she volunteered for Pro Bono Students Canada where she created and led multiple info sessions on family violence in the legal system to staff and parents at West Coast Family Centre. In her second year of law school, Lesleigh also served as a Student Clinician at Rise Women’s Legal Centre where she provided pro-bono legal services to women and gender diverse people in their family law matters. This experience furthered her mission to promoting access to justice as it provided her with front-line exposure to the many obstacles barring people from the justice system.
In her own time, Lesleigh enjoys reading, plant shopping, paddleboarding, listening to a true crime podcast, or finding a good show to wind down with.
Articling Student
Gurneet Gill, JD
Gurneet Gill is an articling student driven by a passion for family law and women's rights. From her early career as an administrative assistant and legal assistant to her current role, she has remained dedicated to her goal of becoming a lawyer. Gurneet is committed to helping individuals navigate complex legal matters with empathy and professionalism.
Her educational journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies from Simon Fraser University, where she deepened her understanding of social justice and gender equity. Building on this foundation, she pursued a Juris Doctorate at Bond University in Queensland, Australia, where she sharpened her legal skills and developed her passion for advocating on behalf of marginalized communities.
During her legal studies, Gurneet gained hands-on experience at the Gold Coast Community Legal Centre, working alongside legal practitioners to support clients facing difficult legal challenges. Back home in Vancouver, she contributed to community initiatives, where she supported Indigenous reconciliation efforts. Her commitment to social justice is further reflected in her volunteer work with Access Pro Bono, where she assisted clients in need of legal services. These experiences have helped her develop a strong understanding of legal processes and client care, further fueling her dedication to helping individuals through challenging times.
Gurneet’s journey from administrative assistant to articling student illustrates her dedication to personal and professional growth, as well as her passion for the law. She is committed to continuing this trajectory, with the goal of one day becoming a lawyer and making a positive impact on her community.
Outside of work, Gurneet enjoys playing with her golden retriever Koopa, visiting farmers markets on Sundays, and exploring new restaurants.
Interested in joining our team? Email your resume to Illuma Family Law!