Caitlin Smith

Nik has a broad practice including assisting clients with both potential and actual patent disputes, the drafting and prosecution of patents in the information technology, software and business method fields, and advising on freedom-to-operate, patent infringement and validity in the telecommunications, medical device and software industries. Nik’s background is in both the hardware and software aspects of computer systems, as well as networking and telecommunications. This enables Nik ...

Ed’s practice covers private mergers & acquisitions (both local and international), with particular specialism in mid-market deals in Australia, distressed M&A and inbound international transactions. Ed has significant experience running large projects including company establishment, corporate restructures and succession for large family groups. Ed has advised on over 200 M&A transactions including acting for buyers and sellers across a range of sectors in share sales, busi...

Justin Wheelahan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Intellectual Property Law. Justin, who practices law in Melbourne, Australia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Justin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Aaron Yates is a lawyer in the Law Group at Davies Collison Cave’s Melbourne office and practises in intellectual property litigation. Aaron has completed a Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) and Bachelor of Science (focussing on genetics and molecular biology), and has a particular interest in patent litigation and advice. Aaron has been involved in a number of patent, design and trade mark proceedings in the Federal Court and also has experience providing advice to a local and internatio...

John O’Kane is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction / Infrastructure Law. John, who practices law in Melbourne, Australia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sarah Tan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Sarah, who practices law in Melbourne, Australia, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sarah is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Chris’ major area of practice is intellectual property litigation. He has more than 30 years experience in patent, trade mark, design, copyright, trade practices and confidential information litigation on behalf of both applicants and respondents. He has also acted in patent and trade mark oppositions before IP Australia. Chris joined the firm in 1989, becoming a partner in 2001. Chris has successfully acted in a number of significant matters before State Courts and the Federal and High...

Bonnie Phillips is an Accredited Family Law Specialist with the Law Institute of Victoria and has been recognised in Best Lawyers and as a Preeminent Family & Divorce Lawyer in Regional Victoria in the 2025 Doyle’s Guide. Bonnie is a Director and Principal of Coulter Legal and acts for clients in all aspects of Family Law, ranging from divorce and intricate parenting matters, through to complex and multifaceted financial matters, including multi-party international disputes. Bonnie ...

Rick joined Carina Ford Lawyers in 2005 having previously worked as a commercial litigation lawyer at Middletons Lawyers, Melbourne (now K&L Gates). He is a practicing lawyer, and also an LIV Accredited Immigration Law Specialist. Rick has extensive experience with all areas of migration law, including skilled migration, business migration (in particular TSS, ENS and RSMS applications), complex appeals and family migration.He is a regular presenter of migration law Continuing Professional...

Jonathan Cutler is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law, Personal Injury Litigation and Product Liability Litigation. Jonathan, who practices law in Melbourne, Australia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jonathan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.