About Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams | Melbourne & Mount Waverley Lawyers

Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams (HOCW) is a well-established firm founded in 1961 in Mount Waverley, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Over the decades, we have grown into a respected practice serving clients across Melbourne and the outer South-East.

Our team includes experienced lawyers and Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialists in key practice areas, including commercial law, employment law, commercial litigation and insolvency, family law, property and conveyancing, and wills and estates allowing us to provide clear, practical advice for both business and personal matters. Accredited Specialist status is a formal recognition of advanced expertise, experience and ongoing professional development in a particular area of law, giving clients confidence that they are working with recognised leaders in their field. From our offices in the Melbourne CBD and Mount Waverley, we provide tailored legal advice to corporate, small business and private clients.

Why Choose Our Firm

Expertise You Can Trust

Our experienced solicitors provide specialist advice across a wide range of practice areas, backed by decades of professional experience.

Accredited Specialists

Our team includes the Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialists, ensuring high-quality legal representation.

Comprehensive Services

From commercial litigation to property law, our lawyers and experienced conveyancers handle complex legal matters with precision and care.

Local and National Reach

With offices in Melbourne CBD and Mount Waverley, we proudly serve clients across Victoria and beyond.

Our History Timeline

A Legacy of Excellence

Our firm has a rich history of growth and excellence. Below is a timeline of our major milestones:

1961: Hicks & Oakley founded by John Hicks in Mount Waverley.
1997: Chessell Williams established by Murray Chessell and David Williams.
2006: Merger of Hicks & Oakley and Chessell Williams to form Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams (HOCW).
2017: Acquired deeds from Weston Gambetta & Co.
2019: Merged with John R Sharkie, Lawyers & Solicitors; acquired deeds from Ray Kaynes Lawyer.
2020: Merged with Boothby & Boothby Lawyers.
2021: Acquired EP Johnson & Davies and Whitehead Summons.
2024: Acquired deeds from Kerr & Thomas Lawyers.
2025: Acquired all assets and client deeds previously held by Meltzer Green Broberg and the deeds held by Irlicht & Broberg.

Through strategic growth and mergers, we’ve expanded our services to cater to clients across Greater Melbourne and the Gippsland region.

Our Commitment to You

We take pride in providing high-quality, client-focused legal services.

With a legacy spanning over six decades, we continue to adapt and grow, delivering trusted advice to help our clients navigate the complexities of the legal landscape.