Melbourne lawyers for businesses, families and individuals

HOCW is a Melbourne-based law firm advising businesses, families and individuals across commercial, property, dispute resolution and private client matters. Established in 1961, we act for clients across Melbourne and Victoria from our offices in the CBD and Mount Waverley, supporting matters ranging from day-to-day legal issues to complex disputes, transactions and estate planning.

Clients choose HOCW when they want direct access to senior Melbourne lawyers who provide clear, practical advice without unnecessary complexity. We are trusted by businesses, families and individuals who need responsive legal support across both commercial and personal matters, from day-to-day advice through to complex disputes and transactions.

At a Glance

• Who we help: Businesses, company directors, investors, families and individuals across Melbourne and 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

Clients benefit from direct access to experienced lawyers who lead teams across commercial law, litigation and insolvency, family law, wills and estates, elder law, and property and conveyancing. This means faster responses, clearer guidance and consistent advice from lawyers who understand both the legal and commercial context of each matter.

Our leadership team includes three Directors who are also Principal Lawyers, supported by our Director of Operations and a group of highly experienced Principal Lawyers who guide legal teams across the firm. 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; this allows clients to benefit from the full breadth of the firm’s knowledge and more than 150 years of combined leadership experience.

What We Do

Businesses choose HOCW when they need clear, commercially focused legal advice that helps them make decisions quickly and manage risk with confidence. We work closely with company owners, directors and management teams to resolve disputes, structure transactions and support long-term business growth across all stages of the business lifecycle. Our lawyers also advise on commercial litigation, dispute resolution and complex business matters requiring strategic legal guidance.

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 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 continue working 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.