Criminal law governs offences against the state and against other persons. In Victoria, criminal matters are heard across several courts — from the Magistrates' Court for summary offences through to the County Court and the Supreme Court of Victoria for the most serious matters.

Being charged with a criminal offence is one of the most serious situations a person can face. The consequences can include imprisonment, a criminal record, fines, and a lasting impact on your employment and reputation. Having the right legal representation is not just important — it is essential.

We advise and represent clients across the full spectrum of criminal matters. Whether you are facing a minor summary offence or a serious indictable charge, our team will provide dedicated, confidential defence at every stage of the process.

• Bail applications and bail variations
• Assault, threats and violence offences
• Drug possession, trafficking and cultivation
• Theft, burglary, fraud and dishonesty offences
• Sexual offences
• Weapons and firearm offences
• Sentencing and plea hearings
• Contested hearings and trials
• Appeals and reviews

If you have been arrested or charged, the first step is to exercise your right to silence and to seek legal advice before making any statement to police. Once charges are laid, the matter will proceed through the court system. Depending on the seriousness of the offence, this may involve a mention, a filing hearing, a contested hearing, or a trial.

We will be with you at every stage — advising you on your options, representing you in court, and working toward the best possible outcome.

Family law in Australia governs the legal rights and obligations that arise from family relationships — particularly following separation or divorce. These matters are primarily dealt with under the Family Law Act 1975 and are heard in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

Family law matters can involve property division, parenting arrangements, child support, spousal maintenance, and binding financial agreements. Each situation is unique, and it is important to get personalised legal advice early.

Separation occurs when one or both parties decide to end the relationship and live separately. In Australia, you do not need to go to court to separate — but you do need to apply to a court to obtain a formal divorce. A divorce can only be granted after 12 months of separation.

Property settlements and parenting arrangements can be agreed between the parties — ideally with the assistance of lawyers — or, if agreement cannot be reached, determined by the court.

When parents separate, arrangements must be made for the care of any children. In the best case, parents agree on these arrangements themselves. Where agreement cannot be reached, the court will make parenting orders based on the best interests of the child.

We help clients negotiate fair parenting plans, apply for parenting orders, and where necessary, seek urgent orders where a child's safety is a concern.

• Parenting plans and parenting orders
• Child custody and time arrangements
• Relocation applications
• Child support assessments
• Grandparent visitation rights
• Urgent and interim orders

Following separation, both parties are entitled to a fair division of the assets and liabilities of the relationship. This includes the family home, superannuation, investments, businesses, and debts.

The law requires a four-step process: identifying and valuing the asset pool, assessing each party's contributions, considering future needs, and determining a just and equitable outcome.

• Property settlement negotiations
• Consent orders
• Binding financial agreements
• Superannuation splitting
• De facto and same-sex relationship property

A Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) is a civil order made by the Magistrates' Court of Victoria that places conditions on a person's behaviour to protect another person from family violence. Family violence includes physical, emotional, psychological, economic and sexual abuse.

Anyone who has experienced family violence — or is at risk of experiencing it — can apply for a FVIO. Applications can also be made by police on behalf of a person.

If you are experiencing family violence or feel unsafe, it is important to seek help immediately. We can assist you in applying for an intervention order, explain the process, and represent you in court.

In urgent situations, police can apply for a safety notice, which provides immediate protection while a court hearing is arranged. We will ensure your safety and legal rights are protected throughout.

• Making an application for a FVIO
• Urgent and interim orders
• Attending court as an affected family member
• Extending or varying existing orders
• Police safety notices and family violence reports

If an intervention order has been taken out against you, or you have been served with a family violence safety notice, it is important to seek legal advice immediately. The conditions of an intervention order can significantly affect your life — including your ability to return to your home, see your children, and continue your employment.

You have the right to contest an application for an intervention order. We will carefully review your situation, explain your rights and options, and represent you in court to protect your interests.

• Responding to FVIO applications
• Contesting conditions of an order
• Negotiating amended orders
• Contravention of intervention order charges
• Advice on your legal rights and obligations

Child protection proceedings involve the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) — formerly known as DHHS or Child Protection — and are heard in the Children's Court of Victoria. These proceedings arise when Child Protection has concerns about a child's safety and wellbeing.

The Children's Court can make a range of orders affecting the care and custody of a child. These matters are sensitive, complex, and time-critical. It is important to obtain legal advice as early as possible.

We represent parents, carers, and other parties in child protection proceedings. Our role is to ensure your voice is heard, your rights are protected, and that the court understands your circumstances fully.

Where it is safe to do so, we work toward family reunification — helping parents demonstrate to the court that they can provide a safe and stable environment for their children.

• Responding to Child Protection investigations
• Representing parents and carers in the Children's Court
• Contesting protection orders and care orders
• Applications to vary or revoke existing orders
• Family group conferencing and case planning
• Supporting reunification with children
• Representing extended family members, including grandparents

When Child Protection decides to take action, they may seek interim accommodation orders or undertakings from parents. If the matter proceeds to court, a case plan is developed and the matter is heard before a Children's Court Magistrate.

Proceedings can be complex and move quickly. Having a lawyer who understands this area is crucial to ensuring the best possible outcome for your family.

We assist clients across the full spectrum of Australian migration law — from first-time visa applications through to complex appeals and reviews. Our team takes the time to understand your individual circumstances and provides honest, practical advice about your options.

• Partner visas (820/801 and 309/100)
• Skilled migration visas (subclass 189, 190, 491, 482)
• Student visas and student guardian visas
• Employer-sponsored visas
• Parent, child and family visas
• Tourist and visitor visas
• Bridging visas
• Australian citizenship applications

If your visa application has been refused or your visa has been cancelled, you may have the right to seek a review of that decision. Acting quickly is critical — strict time limits apply to most review applications.

We represent clients before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and can advise on further review options in the Federal Court where appropriate.

• Responding to visa refusals
• Visa cancellation and mandatory cancellation matters
• Character assessments and section 501 decisions
• AAT reviews and merits hearings
• Federal Court judicial review

Every visa application requires careful preparation. Incorrect or incomplete applications can result in refusals and may affect future applications. We prepare your application thoroughly — ensuring all documents are in order, all requirements are met, and your case is presented in the strongest possible way.

We will keep you informed at every stage of the process and are available to answer your questions throughout.

Without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy — which may not reflect your wishes. A properly drafted will ensures that your assets go to the people you choose, in the proportions you decide, and can minimise the potential for disputes among family members.

A will should be reviewed regularly, particularly after major life events such as marriage, separation, the birth of children or grandchildren, or the acquisition of significant assets.

We provide a comprehensive range of estate planning and estate administration services. Our approach is personal — we take the time to understand your circumstances and ensure your documents reflect exactly what you want.

• Drafting and updating wills
• Enduring powers of attorney (financial and personal)
• Testamentary trusts
• Applying for probate
• Letters of administration
• Administering and distributing deceased estates
• Advising beneficiaries of their rights
• Estate disputes and contesting a will

Disputes can arise when family members feel they have been unfairly treated in a will, or when questions arise about the validity of a will. In Victoria, eligible persons — including spouses, children, and in some cases other dependants — may make a claim under the Administration and Probate Act 1958.

We provide straightforward advice on the merits of any claim and can represent you in negotiations or court proceedings to resolve the dispute.

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring the ownership of property from one person to another. In Victoria, the conveyancing process is governed by the Conveyancing Act and the Transfer of Land Act. A conveyancer or solicitor must be involved in all property transactions.

Whether you are buying or selling residential or commercial property, our team will guide you through every step of the process and ensure your legal rights are fully protected.

If you are purchasing a property, it is essential to have the contract of sale reviewed by a lawyer before you sign. The contract contains important conditions — including special conditions that may affect your rights — that must be understood before you commit.

We conduct all necessary property searches, review title documents, liaise with the vendor's solicitor, and ensure the transfer of ownership is completed correctly.

• Reviewing contracts of sale
• Property and title searches
• Advice on section 32 vendor statements
• First home buyer grants and stamp duty concessions
• Off-the-plan purchases
• Coordinating with your bank or lender
• Settlement and transfer of ownership

If you are selling a property, we prepare the contract of sale and the section 32 vendor statement — a legal document that discloses important information about the property to potential buyers. We handle all aspects of the sale from preparation through to settlement.

We also assist with commercial property transactions, title transfers between family members, and subdivisions.

• Preparing contracts and vendor statements
• Negotiations with buyers and their solicitors
• Commercial property transactions
• Title transfers and family arrangements
• Discharge of mortgage at settlement

We advise businesses and individuals on a wide range of commercial and civil law matters. Whether you are dealing with a contractual dispute, a debt recovery matter, or a business disagreement, we will provide you with clear, strategic advice on your options and the most effective path to resolution.

• Commercial contract drafting and review
• Breach of contract claims and defences
• Debt recovery and enforcement
• Business disputes and partnership disagreements
• Consumer law and Australian Consumer Law claims
• VCAT applications and hearings
• Civil litigation in the Magistrates' Court and County Court
• Commercial negotiations and dispute resolution

A well-drafted contract is the foundation of any successful business relationship. We advise on the preparation and review of commercial contracts — including service agreements, supply contracts, leases, and business purchase agreements — to ensure your interests are properly protected.

If a contract has been breached or a dispute has arisen, we will assess your position honestly and pursue the most practical and cost-effective resolution.

We assist businesses and individuals in recovering money owed to them — from issuing formal demand letters and negotiating payment arrangements through to pursuing court action and enforcing judgments.

Acting quickly in debt recovery matters is important. We will advise you on the most effective strategy for your specific situation.

If you have been dismissed from your employment and believe the dismissal was harsh, unjust, or unreasonable, you may have a claim for unfair dismissal before the Fair Work Commission. Strict time limits apply — you must file an application within 21 days of the dismissal taking effect.

We will assess whether you are eligible to make an unfair dismissal claim, advise you on the merits of your case, and represent you in conciliation and hearing proceedings before the Fair Work Commission.

Our employment law team assists clients across a broad range of workplace matters — representing both employees and employers.

• Unfair dismissal applications and responses
• General protections (adverse action) claims
• Redundancy — genuine redundancy and entitlements
• Underpayment of wages and entitlements
• Workplace discrimination and harassment
• Bullying and unsafe working conditions
• Employment contracts and enterprise agreements
• Restraint of trade and post-employment obligations
• Fair Work Commission conciliation and hearings

We also assist employers in managing their workforce lawfully and effectively — from drafting employment contracts and workplace policies to responding to Fair Work Commission applications, managing disciplinary processes, and navigating enterprise bargaining.

Getting employment law right from the beginning is far less costly than dealing with disputes after the fact. We provide straightforward, practical advice to help you manage your obligations with confidence.

Even minor traffic offences can carry significant consequences — particularly if you are close to losing your licence through demerit points, or if a conviction would affect your employment. Having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference to the outcome of your matter.

We will assess your case, advise you honestly on your options, and represent you in court to achieve the best possible result.

We represent clients across the full range of traffic and licensing matters in the Magistrates' Court of Victoria and in the Magistrates' Court licence appeal jurisdiction.

• Drink driving (DUI) — all categories
• Drug driving offences
• Exceeding the speed limit — including high range offences
• Negligent and dangerous driving
• Careless driving causing injury or death
• Licence suspension and cancellation appeals
• Immediate licence suspension appeals
• Driving while suspended or disqualified
• Demerit point accumulation and licence loss
• Obtaining a work-related licence exemption

Drink driving offences are among the most common traffic matters we handle. The consequences depend on the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) recorded and whether there are any prior offences. Even a first-time low-range offence can result in a licence suspension, a fine, and — in some circumstances — a criminal record.

We will review the circumstances of your matter — including the accuracy of the breath testing equipment and the procedure followed — and advise you on the available options. In appropriate cases, we can seek a reduced penalty or an alternative outcome.