Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams Lawyers - Mount Waverley & Melbourne CBD

Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams Lawyers (HOCW) is an established Melbourne law firm with offices in the CBD and Mount Waverley, acting for corporate clients, SMEs, professionals and private clients across Victoria. Founded in 1961, the firm combines the depth and stability of a long standing practice with a practical, contemporary approach to legal problem solving. Clients choose HOCW for clear, commercially focused advice, responsive service and direct access to senior lawyers.

HOCW offers a broad range of legal services across commercial law, commercial litigation and insolvency, property, family law, elder law and wills and estates. On the commercial side, the firm assists businesses with structuring, contracts, business sales and purchases, shareholder and partnership arrangements, intellectual property, commercial leasing and regulatory compliance. The commercial litigation and insolvency team advises and acts in disputes involving contracts, corporations law, property and leasing, domestic building, franchises and professional negligence, as well as statutory demands, voluntary administration, liquidation and bankruptcy matters. The focus is on early risk assessment, practical strategies and cost effective resolution, whether through negotiation, mediation or where necessary, court proceedings.

For private clients, HOCW provides comprehensive estate planning, wills and estates, elder law and family law services. The wills and estates team advises on wills, testamentary trusts, powers of attorney, estate administration, estate and trust disputes and VCAT guardianship and administration issues. Elder law work includes helping older clients and their families manage decision making arrangements, respond to or prevent elder abuse, and protect vulnerable adults. The family law team assists with parenting arrangements, property settlements, financial agreements, separation and divorce, family violence and related issues, with a strong emphasis on constructive solutions that minimise conflict and long term impact.

One of the firm’s key points of difference is the number of Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialists across core practice areas, including commercial litigation, family law and wills and estates. This specialist accreditation reflects substantial experience, advanced knowledge and ongoing professional development. For clients, it offers confidence that their matter will be handled by lawyers with recognised expertise, supported by a broader team that can address related issues across commercial, property and personal legal needs.

HOCW acts for a diverse client base, including listed and private companies, family businesses, start ups, professional practices, not for profits, the self employed, families and individuals. Many clients value the firm’s ability to look after both their business and personal legal affairs over time, building long term relationships and a detailed understanding of their needs. Matters are partner led, with an emphasis on accessibility, clear communication and regular updates, so clients know where they stand and what to expect at each stage.

With offices in Melbourne’s CBD and Mount Waverley, HOCW is well placed to assist clients in the city, the eastern suburbs and across Victoria. The firm’s approach is straightforward: listen carefully, identify the key issues early, provide practical options in plain language and work efficiently toward a realistic, commercial outcome. Whether dealing with a complex commercial dispute, an insolvency issue, a significant property transaction or sensitive family and elder law matters, HOCW aims to deliver legal solutions that are accessible, pragmatic and aligned with each client’s goals.

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• Commercial & Business Law
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• Melbourne Victoria
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