HOCW Lawyers Receive Industry Recognition in 2026
HOCW’s lawyers have received national and Victorian recognition in 2026, acknowledging their legal expertise and contribution to the profession. These honours include Australian and Victorian Doyle’s Guide rankings and the Law Institute of Victoria’s Distinguished Service Award.
Australian recognition for Lachlan Vallance
Director and Principal Lawyer Lachlan Vallance, an Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates, has been recognised in two categories in the Doyle’s Guide 2026 Australian rankings:
Preeminent - Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyer
Recommended - Leading Wills, Estates & Succession Planning Lawyer
These results build on Lachlan’s longstanding recognition in Victoria and his inclusion among Australia’s Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyers for the past three years.
Lachlan’s leadership and mentoring also support the work of our Wills & Estates team, helping colleagues develop their expertise while maintaining a shared focus on thoughtful, practical advice for clients.
LIV Distinguished Service Award for Matthew Hicks
Director and Principal Lawyer Matthew Hicks has received the Law Institute of Victoria’s Distinguished Service Award, recognising his longstanding contribution to the legal profession.
An Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation, Matthew has contributed his time and expertise through LIV executive and specialist committees, supporting law reform, professional education and the development of the legal practice.
His work has included contributions to court rules and practice, alongside support for specialist accreditation and continuing education of fellow practitioners.
The award acknowledges Matthew’s commitment to strengthening the profession alongside his wok advising clients in commercial litigation and insolvency matters.
Victorian recognition for our Wills & Estates lawyers and team
Lachlan Vallance, Deborah Kliger and Kylie Sharp have also been recognised in the Doyle’s Guide 2026 Victorian rankings, alongside HOCW’s Wills & Estates team.
Lachlan Vallance
Lachlan has again been recognised in two Victorian categories:
Preeminent - Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyer
Leading - Wills, Estates & Succession Planning Lawyer
Deborah Kliger
Deborah, Principal Lawyer and Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates, has again been recognised in both areas:
Recommended - Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyer
Recommended - Leading Wills, Estates & Succession Planning Lawyer
Kylie Sharp
Kylie, Principal Lawyer, has been recognised as:
Recommended - Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyer
Recognition for the firm
HOCW has also been recognised in the Victorian rankings for:
Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Law Firm
Leading Wills, Estates & Succession Planning Law Firm
This peer recognition acknowledges the expertise and professional standing of our lawyers in assisting clients with estate disputes, estate planning and succession matters.
Recognising the people behind the achievements
These individual achievements also provide an opportunity to acknowledge the colleagues who work alongside our recognised lawyers.
Our Wills & estates team supports clients across estate planning, estate litigation and estate administration. Together, they share a commitment to understanding client’s circumstances, explaining their options and providing guidance through matters that can be complex and deeply personal.
We congratulate Lachlan, Matthew, Deborah, Kylie and our Wills & Estates team on their recognition and thank them for their contribution to our clients, colleagues and the wider profession.
Speak with our team
HOCW advised individuals, families and businesses on wills and estates, commercial litigation, insolvency and other legal matters.
Most of our lawyers work across our Melbourne CBD and Mount Waverley offices and can meet clients at either location. Please let us know your preferred location when arranging an appointment.