Matthew Hicks

Expertise

Matthew Hicks is an experienced commercial litigation and insolvency lawyer based in Melbourne and a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation. He is a Director and Principal Lawyer at Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams and acts for companies, directors, business owners and individuals in commercial disputes, debt recovery and insolvency matters.

Matthew has previously been the managing partner of boutique litigation law firms in Melbourne and joined the predecessor firm of Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams in October 2002, becoming a Principal in February 2003.

He regularly appears in Victorian and federal courts and tribunals in relation to business and contractual disputes, property and leasing disputes, insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings and domestic building and franchise disputes. Matthew attends pre‑hearing conferences, directions hearings and mediations and is a skilled negotiator. He is frequently invited to present on court procedures, commercial litigation strategy and the conduct of proceedings.

Matthew believes in using clear systems and strategy to manage litigation efficiently. He works closely with clients to understand the commercial issues in dispute, outline the steps involved and ensure the cost of litigation remains proportionate to the amount in issue.

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.