Matthew Hicks

Expertise

With over 30 years of legal experience, Matthew Hicks is a leading Melbourne commercial litigation and insolvency lawyer based in Melbourne and a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist. As a Director and Principal Lawyer at Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams, Matthew provides high-level strategic counsel to companies, directors, business owners across Victoria in complex disputes and insolvency matters.

Matthew’s deep expertise is built on a career that includes serving as the managing partner of boutique litigation firms before joining the predecessor firm of HOCW in 2002 and becoming a Principal in 2003.

He regularly appears in Victorian and Federal courts and tribunals, representing clients in business, contractual, property and leasing disputes, as well as bankruptcy and domestic building matters. A skilled negotiator, Matthew frequently appears at mediations and pre-hearing conferences and is often invited to present on commercial litigation strategy and court procedures.

Matthew is committed to using clear systems and strategic planning to manage litigation efficiently. He works closely with clients to navigate the commercial issues in dispute, ensuring that litigation remains proportionate and focused on achieving a successful commercial resolution.

About Matthew

Matthew’s interests outside the law include spending time with family, performing in a band (keyboard), rowing on the Yarra, and watching football and cricket.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws - University of Melbourne

• Master of Laws - University of Melbourne

• Bachelor of Commerce - University of Melbourne

• Accredited Specialist - Commercial Litigation - Law Institute of Victoria

Admissions

• Supreme Court of Victoria

• High Court of Australia

• Federal Court of Australia

• Admitted in Western Australia and Queensland

Memberships and Committees

• Chair of Accredited Specialists’ Commercial Litigation Study Group

• Member of Courts Practice Committee of the Litigation Lawyers Section - Law Institute of Victoria

• Representative on the County Court Rules Committee - Law Institute Victoria 

• Member of Litigation Lawyers Executive Committee - Law Institute of Victoria

Resources

Matthew and Dejan have prepared a series of practical FAQs on commercial litigation and insolvency, which are available on our Commercial Litigation & Insolvency page. These FAQs explain common issues that arise in disputes and insolvency matters and outline the key steps involved in resolving them.