Legal services and advice for businesses and individuals in Melbourne

At Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams, we provide practical legal advice and representation for businesses, families, and individuals across Melbourne and the south eastern suburbs. With offices in Melbourne CBD and Mount Waverley, our Principal Lawyers and Directors offer over 150 years of combined experience, focusing on clear communication, realistic options, and outcomes that protect what matters most to you.

Our lawyers work with start-ups and family businesses, small to medium enterprises, professionals, retirees and growing families. Whether you need help with a one‑off issue or ongoing support, we aim to make the process straightforward and as stress‑free as possible.

We have experience across business and commercial law, employment law, commercial litigation and insolvency, family law, property and conveyancing, and wills, estates and probate. This allows you to access integrated advice as your personal and business needs change over time.

Our Legal Service

We offer a broad range of legal services and advice for businesses, families and individuals in Melbourne and the south‑eastern suburbs. Our core practice areas include:

Business and Commercial Law: Advice on business structuring, contracts, transactions, and day to day business issues for start-ups, family businesses, and established companies. We assist with company, trust, and partnership structures, shareholder and partnership agreements, commercial contracts, business sales and purchases, and governance and compliance.

Employment Law: Employment and workplace relations advice for employers and employees. For employers, we assist with employment contracts, policies, performance management, terminations, restructures and workplace investigations. For employees, we advise on new contracts, restraints, unfair dismissal, adverse action, discrimination and bullying claims. We aim to resolve workplace issues promptly while protecting your rights and obligations.

Commercial Litigation and Insolvency: Dispute resolution, debt recovery, and insolvency matters. We act in commercial and contractual disputes, partnership and shareholder disputes, property and leasing disputes, and employment or estate related litigation.

Family Law: Separation, divorce, parenting arrangements and property settlements. We help you address parenting arrangements, division of property and superannuation, spousal maintenance and child support, as well as financial agreements before or after a relationship. Our approach is to provide calm, practical guidance and to encourage negotiated, child‑focused outcomes wherever appropriate, while still protecting your entitlements.

Property & Conveyancing: Buying and selling residential and commercial property, leasing and related transactions throughout Melbourne and Victoria. We review and prepare contracts and vendor statements, advise on special conditions, liaise with lenders and other parties, and manage settlement. We also assist with commercial and retail leasing, property joint ventures, co‑ownership arrangements and other property rights, helping you understand the risks and obligations before you commit.

Wills, Estates and Succession Planning: Wills, powers of attorney, estate administration, and succession planning for individuals, families, and business owners. We prepare tailored wills and estate plans, including testamentary trusts and appointments of decision makers.

Our team includes Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialists in key areas such as Wills & Estates and Commercial Litigation, reflecting our depth of expertise and commitment to quality legal services.

High quality advice from an experienced team

Our experienced Melbourne lawyers provide clear, practical and timely advice tailored to your business, personal and family needs. With decades of local experience, we combine specialist knowledge, commercial insight and a personal, responsive approach.

Testimonials

Hi Sarah and Brittni, the recommendation to use HOCW by a friend was definitely a good one and we will happily direct work to your office in the event we are asked. Your help, in cheerful, clear and understandable English, made our task far easier.

Roger, Ashwood - Property & Conveyancing Client

An excellent family lawyer and a crucial support throughout my case. Referred to by a friend, choosing him was one of the best decisions I made. He had a remarkable ability to calm my nerves and made me feel completely unjudged. I trusted him completely due to his patience, empathy, and meticulous attention to detail from the very beginning. He listened carefully, explained complex matters clearly (often repeating them as needed due to my state of mind), and simplified everything right down for me. His consistent reassurance and guidance through each new development were invaluable during my time of anxiety. I couldn't recommend him highly enough.

At HOCW, my experience remained exceptional. I received clear, actionable advice throughout, which significantly contributed to a smooth and reassuring legal process. Madison, who also assisted with my case, was incredibly kind, approachable, and responsive to all my emails and inquiries. She handled my files with great care and clarity, which was especially important to me during a period of uncertainty and stress. I am deeply grateful for the support and assistance provided by both the family law team throughout this legal journey.

M.A. - Family Law Client

We just wanted to pass on our sincere thanks to you and all your colleagues for making the process of administering our brother's estate as straight forward as it has been.

A S & D S - Wills & Estate Client

I have appreciated your particular support in achieving the very successful sales of my late father's properties. You have always been professional, warm and available. I know both these properties have thrown some curved balls to you and you were unflappable and responsive at all times. From all my siblings... a BIG thank you Britt.

Robbi, Sandringham - Property & Conveyancing Client

My experience with Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams on two different property transactions has been very positive in both cases. I was always confident that we were in good hands and there were no surprises in the process which helped eliminate any stress which can come with large transactions. Thank you for your professionalism, responsiveness and empathy.

Michael Power - Property & Conveyancing Client

Thank you very much for the very efficient, timely and friendly way you dealt with my recent legal matter. I tried to leave a complimentary review on your web site but my limited technical experience with reviews meant that I was unable to do so. But a very big thank you anyway.

B.C - Wills & Estate Client

I am delighted with my whole Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams experience and would have no hesitation in recommending and referring your expertise. Thanks again for your collective determination in achieving a most successful financial outcome.

Geoff, Mulgrave - Family Law Client

Let me take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks as I don’t know how I would have got to where I am today, without you. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending you and your team at Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams.

Jane, Mordialloc - Family Law Client

From the moment that I met with my family lawyer I knew I was in the right hands. His professionalism and demeanor won me over immediately, which is why he came highly recommended. He always made me feel heard and comfortable with what my needs were every step of the way. He was always there when I needed him, he always responded promptly either via phone or email regardless of how busy he was, I always felt like he was working just for me, even though I know his plate was full. His professionalism was always apparent, and he knew how to keep me calm during the difficult times.

Name withheld - Family Law Client

Working with the HOCW team on my family law matter made an incredibly difficult time feel far less overwhelming. From the very beginning, I felt genuinely heard, understood and cared for and I am deeply grateful for the compassion they showed me at every step. The process was clear and well-explained from start to finish, which gave me a huge sense of reassurance during a period when I needed it most. Their kindness, patience and steady guidance helped me stay grounded throughout and I truly felt that my best interests were always at the forefront.

I am especially grateful for the way they handled my matter with diligence, attention to detail and a thoughtful, considered approach that never felt rushed. They kept me informed, involved, and confident in each decision we made together. I cannot express enough appreciation for the professionalism and expertise they brought to my case.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Evan and Demi to anyone needing family law support.

CK - Family Law Client

I wanted to thank you and your team in particular Brittni for taking care of conveyancing work for my Pascoe Vale unit. It was great pleasure to deal with Brittni. She was approachable and professional.

Gorica, Greenvale - Property & Conveyancing Client

Lachlan Vallance and Andrea Bolitho assisted me with a deceased estate case that originally did not belong to your firm, but rather to Weston Gambetta, which is now closed due to Clive Weston retiring. However they were more than happy to assist me in the matter and my brother and I are so thankful for their willingness to help us out. Fabulous service. It looks like we have now found our new family solicitors. Thank you so much.

N V - Wills & Estate Client

My wife and I approached Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams Lawyers to review our present wills, also to update our Powers of Attorneys, from the moment we walked in the door we were approached with total professionalism and understanding, they listened to our wishes and advised us as to the best course of action. We were completely happy with all aspects of our dealings and very impressed with the manner that we were treated, we would totally recommend this firm to anyone.

L.M - Wills & Estate Client

Thank you for handling the estate of my mother. My mother was associated with your company for a long time; that's the way she wanted it. After the first meeting with Nicole Russell and team, it was obvious our family wouldn't be let down. What a great job Nicole and team were able to achieve. I would like to personally congratulate Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams for a job well done! This has been a very difficult time for our family. The close down due to Covid-19 made your job all the more difficult. We are all very happy with all outcomes.

C M - Property & Conveyancing Client

I first reached out to the commercial team at HOCW with quite a large scale project involving a purchase of an existing business I was planning to convert into a franchise whilst negotiating favourable leasing terms and fit out cost. The HOCW team who were involved in every aspect of the project brought such professionalism, superior advice and immersed themselves in producing the best outcome for me. I will be forever grateful and can't promote them enough. They have a client for life and I will be proud to recommend them to anyone looking for a great team of commercial solicitors.

G.B - Commercial Law Client