The firm works in all matters involving clients’ dealings with government at a local, state and federal level.  Drafting submissions, undertaking freedom of information requests, seeking a review of governmental decisions by the various administrative tribunals, and the courts all form a significant part of our practice.

Resolution of disputes between builders and home or commercial premises owners, enforcing contracts for building or renovating works involves an understanding of the law & a capacity for lateral and practical thinking to achieve results.  Drafting or checking contracts for errors at an early stage can lead to a better result for clients.

We assist with Children’s Court matters and disputes with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (formerly Department of Health and Human Services). We have extensive experience is assisting Children, Parents and Grandparents in these types of matters.

Whether acting for large national or international corporations, small businesses, or consumers, the firm understands the need for a holistic approach to problem solving. Commercial matters rarely involve one simple area of substantive law, and the firm is well placed to consider all aspects of commercial matters.

Agreements for the provision of goods or services are the lifeblood of the modern economy. Contracts need to be concise and precise both in terms of what each party must do, and the consequences of failure. Alternative dispute resolution measures to solve disputes are often more cost-efficient than simply going to court.

Understanding the law of property and its many pitfalls has been the firm’s task for thousands of clients over the years. We understand property from strata car parks in Melbourne to broadacre farms in regional Victoria. Commercial property – buying, selling, mortgaging and leasing all bring their own legal challenges.

We have a wide criminal law practice, acting in all types of criminal matters and in all jurisdictions. Lawyers in the firm act as either prosecutor or defence counsel, and generally appear in court on the client’s behalf. The early identification of legal issues, proper consideration of the evidence, and an understanding of how to obtain the best results for a client come from years of experience.

Powers of Attorney documents, and other means are often employed to ensure that a person’s affairs are properly handled during certain times in their life. We have significant experience in planning for those times, including retirement, to ensure a client’s affairs are in an optimum state for tax and social security purposes.

We specialise in Family Law, including marriage breakdowns, de facto breakdowns, children’s issues, property and separation of assets, maintenance and superannuation splitting. We understand that family breakdowns bring trauma and distress, and our philosophy is to look for expeditious resolution of disputes, whilst ensuring that our clients’ rights are vigorously safeguarded during these difficult times.

The law provides many protections against discrimination on the grounds of, for example, race, creed, sexual orientation or conjugal status, or religion. The firm has expertise in pursuing and defending claims in the appropriate court or tribunal. A strong commitment to the rule of law has seen the firm undertake many actions resulting in a reversal of discrimination, or compensation where reversal is not possible.

Many clients are intimidated by insurance companies who refuse to honour policies and commitments made to provide relief after accidents or other events which should trigger a payout of benefits. The firm has a record of fighting for clients’ rights while seeking cost-effective solutions.

Contests in court are vigorously undertaken on our clients’ behalf to ensure their rights are protected. The firm understands the value of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation, conciliation and arbitration; and seeks to employ them wherever possible and consistent with ensuring our clients’ best interests are served. We conduct litigation in all courts in most jurisdictions.

We can assist you with an application to the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal. If you have been the victim of a crime and you suffer an injury as a result of that crime, you might be eligible for a benefit from the Tribunal. The injury can be physical or psychological. Benefits may include special financial assistance, payment of counselling and other medical like expenses, assistance with loss of earnings, assistance for loss or damage to clothing and safety related expenses.

We regularly assist with applying for or defending against the making of a Family Violence Intervention Order or Personal Safety Intervention Order.

The Intervention Order process, whether you are an applicant or respondent, can be daunting; particularly as it is often the first time clients are involved in any sort of legal dispute.

We are here to provide advice to you about the process, your prospect of success, and to be your voice in Court if needed.

A client’s wishes for the orderly passing of their property is one of the most important tasks a lawyers can be called upon to undertake. Likewise, seeing that those wishes are carried out is an exacting area of the law. The firm has drafted many thousands of wills and other documents, and prosecuted or defended many actions challenging those documents in court.