Melbourne and Mount Waverley lawyers for businesses, families and individuals

Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams (HOCW) is a Melbourne and Mount Waverley law firm advising businesses, families and individuals across commercial, dispute resolution, property and private client matters. Our lawyers specialise in commercial law, commercial litigation and insolvency, family law, wills and estates, elder law, and property and conveyancing, with offices in the Melbourne CBD and Mount Waverley.

We combine the personal service of a local practice with the resources and over 150 years of combined leadership experience expected of a long-established firm.

At a glance

• Who we help: Corporate, small business, and private clients across Victoria.

• Where we’re based: Melbourne CBD and Mount Waverley.

• Key practice areas: Commercial, Litigation and Insolvency, Family, Wills & Estates, Property & Conveyancing.

• Experience: Established 1961; 150+ years of combined leadership experience.

Our People and Expertise

Our leadership team includes three Directors who are also Principal Lawyers, ensuring our firm's direction is guided by active legal experts. They are supported by our Director of operations and a group of highly experienced Principal Lawyers who lead teams across commercial law, commercial litigation and insolvency, family law, wills and estates, elder law, and property and conveyancing. This senior team is supported by special counsel, senior associates, associates, and lawyers who focus on delivering practical, timely, and cost-effective outcomes.

We have lawyers who are Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialists in key practice areas, reflecting deep expertise, rigorous professional standards, and a commitment to ongoing development. Our people work collaboratively across offices and practice groups, allowing clients to benefit from the full breadth of the firm’s knowledge and over 150 years of combined leadership experience.

What We Do

We provide clear, commercially focused legal advice to businesses at every stage of their lifecycle, from start‑up structuring and contracts through to complex transactions, disputes and insolvency. Our lawyers act for companies, directors and stakeholders in a wide range of commercial matters, including litigation and alternative dispute resolution.

For families and individuals, we advise on all aspects of family law, including separation, divorce, property settlements and parenting arrangements. We also assist clients with wills and estates, estate planning, probate and estate disputes, as well as elder law, powers of attorney and guardianship issues.

Our property and conveyancing team helps clients buy, sell, lease and develop residential and commercial property. We act in conveyancing transactions, commercial leasing and property disputes, working closely with our commercial, family and estates teams where matters overlap.

Who We Help

Our clients include publicly listed and private companies, small and medium enterprises, family businesses, not‑for‑profit organisations and professional practices. Many of our business clients have worked with the firm for decades and rely on us as their ongoing legal advisers.

We also work with individuals and families across Melbourne’s suburbs and regional Victoria. Clients often come to us for a specific issue – such as a family law matter, a will, a business dispute or a property transaction – and stay with us as their circumstances change over time.

Our Values and Client Experience

We aim to give clients clear, straightforward advice that helps them make decisions with confidence. Our focus is on understanding your goals, explaining your options in plain language and outlining the likely risks, costs and timeframes.

Long‑term relationships sit at the heart of our practice. Many of our clients have been with us for generations, and we now act for second‑ and third‑generation family members, as well as for newer businesses and individuals referred by existing clients and professional contacts.