MST Lawyers


Headquarters: Mount Waverley, Australia

4 The Best Lawyers in Australia awards

1 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Australia award

Best Law Firms Edition 1 National Badge Visit Best Law Firms profile for MST Lawyers
Navigate to map location for MST Lawyers Call MST Lawyers at 61 3 8540 0200
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MST Lawyers has a long and proud history, having grown from a small firm founded in 1959, into a dynamic mid-tier commercial and private client legal practice. Our team of principals, lawyers and support staff are the driving force behind our ongoing growth and success.

Over many years, we have developed global networks to further support and assist clients domestically and internationally.

MST Lawyers service a diverse range of clients, ranging from individuals, SMEs, national and international corporations (including publicly listed corporations), national retail groups including franchise groups, many of whom are household names throughout Australia and the world.

  • We have a wealth of knowledge and experience in a range of diverse practice areas including:
  • Corporate advisory
  • Commercial Law
  • Franchising Law
  • Dispute Resolution and Litigation
  • Insolvency
  • Intellectual Property and Trademarks
  • Privacy
  • Employment and Workplace Law
  • Family and Relationships Law
  • Wills and Estates
  • Aged Care and Retirement
  • Conveyancing
  • Property and Leasing

We strive to develop long-term relationships with our clients; collaborating to understand their businesses and needs. This attitude enables us to deliver the best service and outcomes for them. Our clients can be confident that they will always have the best lawyer looking after their legal needs. We have handpicked our highly experienced team of lawyers who are passionate about their area of discipline and their client's needs.

Recent Achievements:

  • 2015 - Who’s Who Legal named Philip Colman and Raynia Theodore as franchising legal experts.
  • 2016 - Finalist Supplier of the Year, Franchise Council of Australia.
  • 2017 - MYOB Franchising Council of Australia Excellence in Franchising Awards 2017 (Supplier of the Year).
  • 2017 - Finalist Law Firm of the Year (Medium-Sized Business), Law Institute of Victoria
  • 2017 - Herbert Fischbacher Finalist Partner of the Year (Workplace Relations), Lawyers Weekly
  • 2015, 2016 and 2017 - John Sier, Philip Colman and Raynia Theodore, listed in the renowned international publication, Who's Who Legal, as franchising legal experts
  • 2016 and 2017 - Alicia Hill recognised in The Best Lawyers (Australia) for work in Litigation
  • 2018 - Law Institute of Victoria Medium Sized Law Firm of the Year Award (Finalist 2017 and Winner 2018).
  • 2021 - Corporate INTL Magazine Global Award (Franchise Law – Law Firm of the Year Australia 2021)
  • 2025 - Recognised by Best Lawyers - Raynia Theodore and Evelyn Marcou in the field of franchise law and property law.
  • 2025 - ‘Best Law Firms 2025′ by Best Lawyers has recognised MST Lawyers as a Melbourne Tier 1 firm in Franchise Law and a Melbourne Tier 2 firm in Real Property Law.
  • Several MST lawyers are recognised as Accredited Specialists by the Law Institute of Victoria in the areas of commercial litigation (Philip Colman), family law (Carmel Morrison and Denise Foster), Wills and estates (Andrea Olsson and Paul Watkins), workplace relations (Chao Ni) and commercial law (Paul Watkins).
  • Doyle’s Guide listed Special Counsel Paul Watkins as a recommended Wills, Estates, Litigation and Succession Planning Lawyer.

Management & Demographics
Management & Personnel
Principal - Employment and Workplace Law
Principal - Family Law
Special Counsel - Family Law
Principal - Corporate Advisory and Franchising
Principal - Property Law
Senior Associate - Corporate & Franchise Law
Principal - Workplace and Employment Law
Principal - Wills and Estates
Principal - Corporate Law
Principal - Corporate and Commercial Law
Principal - Dispute Resolution and Litigation
Principal - Disputes and Litigation
Principal - Employment and Workplace Law
Clients
Clients
  • Bakers Delight
  • Carpet Call
  • Direct Chemist Outlet
  • Hodges
  • HRIA
  • Jellis Craig
  • Lollipops
  • Nike
  • Solomons Flooring
  • Yo Way
About Our Clients

Our Clients
At MST Lawyers, we are proud to work with a diverse client base across Australia and internationally. Our clients include individuals, SMEs, national and international corporations (including publicly listed companies), and well-known retail and franchise groups. Many of our clients are household names who trust us with their most important legal matters. With a history dating back to 1959, we have built strong global networks and long-standing relationships, enabling us to provide strategic, commercially focused legal advice tailored to the needs of each client.

Contacts
Contacts
Tony Kakkos
General Manager
+61385400200

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  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
    • At MST Lawyers, we provide comprehensive services in Dispute Resolution.  Our team is dedicated to facilitating effective and efficient solutions outside the courtroom. We handle disputes through various ADR methods including arbitration, mediation, and negotiation, which can save time, reduce costs, and minimize the emotional toll on all parties involved. Our approach is to closely collaborate with our clients to understand their unique needs and objectives. We then tailor our ADR strategies to ensure that the process aligns with their goals. Whether dealing with commercial conflicts, employment disputes, or other areas of contention, our commitment lies in achieving amicable and constructive resolutions. MST Lawyers is known for guiding clients through the nuances of ADR, ensuring that they are well-informed and supported throughout the process. By prioritizing clear communication and practical solutions, we aim to foster lasting relationships and positive outcomes.
  • Commercial
    • Addressing the intricacies of commercial law requires knowledgeable guidance. At MST Lawyers, we focus on providing customized legal solutions to protect your business interests and support your growth. Whether you’re drafting agreements, purchasing a business, or safeguarding your intellectual property, our experienced team is here to assist at every step.

  • Corporate Law
    • Our Corporate Law practice focuses on offering comprehensive legal support to businesses of all sizes. We assist clients with a wide range of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, compliance, and contract negotiation. Our team is dedicated to understanding the unique needs of each business, providing practical and tailored solutions to help them navigate the complexities of corporate regulations and achieve their strategic objectives. Whether you are a start-up, a growing company, or an established corporation, we aim to help you effectively manage your legal obligations and facilitate your growth and success.

  • Family Law
    • At our law firm, we understand that family law matters can be both sensitive and complex. Our knowledgeable team offers comprehensive legal services to address various aspects of family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and property settlements.

      We are dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized guidance to our clients, helping them navigate the legal process during challenging times. Our focus is on achieving fair and practical solutions that are in the best interest of our clients and their families.

  • Franchise Law
    • Our law firm provides comprehensive legal services in the area of Franchise Law. We assist clients with the full spectrum of franchising matters, including franchise agreements, compliance with relevant regulations, dispute resolution, and ongoing operational advice. Our approach is centered on understanding the unique needs of each franchisor and franchisee, ensuring they receive tailored and practical guidance. We are committed to helping our clients build and maintain successful franchising relationships, navigating the complexities of the legal landscape with diligence and care.

  • Insolvency and Reorganization Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
    • Our law firm provides comprehensive services in the field of Intellectual Property Law. We assist clients with the protection, management, and enforcement of intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Our attorneys work diligently to understand our clients' unique needs and offer strategic solutions to safeguard their creative and innovative assets. We also represent clients in IP disputes and litigation, offering effective advocacy before various intellectual property offices and courts.
  • Labour and Employment Law
    • Our law firm is dedicated to providing high-quality legal services in the area of Workplace and Employment Law. We work diligently to assist both employers and employees with a broad array of workplace-related issues. Our services include, but are not limited to, advising on employment contracts, managing workplace disputes, assisting with workplace policies, and providing representation in both state and federal courts. We strive to offer comprehensive advice tailored to the unique needs of each client to help them navigate the complexities of employment law effectively. With our extensive experience, we are committed to achieving positive outcomes for our clients in all matters related to labour and employment.

  • Leasing Law
    • At MST Lawyers, we provide comprehensive legal support in all aspects of Property, Leasing and Conveyancing law. We assist clients with the negotiation, drafting, and review of commercial and retail lease agreements, ensuring that all contractual obligations are clearly defined and aligned with our clients' objectives. Our team is adept at handling lease disputes and resolving them through strategic advice and effective representation. We also offer guidance on compliance with relevant legislation and regulations, helping clients mitigate risks and navigate the complexities of leasing law with confidence. Whether representing landlords or tenants, businesses or individuals, our approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client and their specific situation.

  • Litigation
    • MST Lawyers offers comprehensive litigation services, ensuring our clients' interests are thoroughly represented in a range of legal disputes. Our team provides tailored solutions encompassing commercial litigation, contract disputes, and employment-related conflicts. We use a strategic approach designed to achieve the most favorable outcomes for our clients, effectively managing each stage of the litigation process, from initial consultation to resolution. MST Lawyers is committed to delivering diligent and responsive legal representation, helping clients navigate the complexities of litigation with skill and dedication.

  • Privacy and Data Security Law
  • Retirement Villages and Senior Living Law
    • Our law firm is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services in the area of Retirement Villages and Senior Living Law. We offer guidance and support to clients navigating the complexities of retirement village regulations, resident rights, and contractual matters. Our team has a thorough understanding of the legal landscapes affecting senior living arrangements and is committed to delivering tailored advice to meet our clients' needs. Whether you are a resident, operator, or developer, we are here to assist with a wide range of issues, from compliance and dispute resolution to operational and transactional advice.

  • Trusts and Estates
    • At MST Lawyers, our Wills and Estates practice is dedicated to providing clients with comprehensive services in planning and managing their estate affairs. We understand the importance of careful planning to ensure the proper distribution of assets according to our clients' wishes. Our team assists with drafting wills, establishing trusts, and navigating the complexities of probate and estate administration. We strive to provide personalised solutions to meet the unique needs of each individual protecting family wealth. Additionally, we offer support in handling disputes and resolving conflicts that may arise within estates, working diligently to achieve amicable resolutions. Our commitment is to provide reliable and thoughtful legal assistance to guide clients through all aspects of Wills and Estates matters.

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Food for Thought: Misleading Conduct in the Franchise Space


by Alicia Hill

Some franchisors do not fully appreciate the importance of record-keeping during the negotiation stage, but as the Guirguis family discovered, this might be the most crucial step until opening day.

franchise-agreements

Can Your Option to Purchase Get Lost in a Franchise Agreement?


by Alicia Hill and Benjamin Caddaye

With the changing of a contract in a franchise agreement, certain rights you thought you were entitled to might get lost in translation.

Franchise Agreements and Purchase Options

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