James Hutton

John Spender is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. John, 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 John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jeremy is a commercial property expert with extensive experience in private practice and in-house roles, specialising in property transactions. His real estate transactional experience includes work with law firms and as an in-house counsel. Jeremy’s experience includes: Purchase of 50% interest in the commercial and retail component of 447 Collins Street, Melbourne (circa $600 million); Fund through the purchase of 50% interest in 405 Bourke Street (NAB Headquarters, circa $800 million...

Josh acts for major infrastructure developers, energy companies, EPC contractors, BOP contractors and government-facing entities. His clients include global technology and energy companies, pipeline operators, project developers and state-initiated project finance vehicles. He is based in Melbourne and advises on projects across Victoria and nationally. Josh advises on risk mitigation for project delivery, front-end drafting and negotiation of construction and infrastructure contracts, and en...

Andrew George is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defence. Andrew, 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 Andrew is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jane acts for businesses and government bodies across a range of high-risk industries including major projects, construction, infrastructure, agribusiness, health, transport and logistics. She advises boards and leadership teams on WHS risk, compliance and licence to operate. Jane takes a forward-looking approach, advising government and commercial clients on the legal risks facing both organisations and their directors. This guidance extends across the full spectrum of business activity, fro...

Edward is a Principal in the business law area at Sladen Legal, with a particular focus on equity, trusts and succession. The focus of his dispute practice is on protecting vulnerable beneficiaries and others negatively affected by the decisions of the incumbent controllers of estates and trusts. He represents plaintiffs and defendants in the County Court and Supreme Court in matters relating to: The removal and replacement of executors and trustees of estates and trusts; Applications for jud...

Chantal Kirkwood is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leasing Law. Chantal, who practices law in Richmond, Australia, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Chantal is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John-Paul acts for Australia’s major media organisations, including News Corp Australia, Channel Nine, Channel Seven, Nine Newspapers, AFL Media, Racing.com, the ABC, SBS Australia, Southern Cross Austereo and Radio 3AW. John-Paul provides daily pre-publication advice seven days a week and 24/7 on urgent matters to editors and newsrooms across the country. John-Paul specialises in defamation, contempt of court, suppression orders, privilege, breach of confidence, freedom of information,...

Lauren acts for employers across a wide range of industries. Her clients include Federal, State and Local Government agencies, major private sector organisations (including those in health and aged care, biotechnology, engineering, manufacturing and retail), and not-for-profit organisations. Based in Melbourne, she advises clients nationally and internationally. Lauren advises on the full spectrum of employment and industrial relations matters, including contracts for employees, executives an...

Adam’s practice encompasses all aspects of trade mark law including search analysis and advice, prosecution of domestic and international trade marks, dispute resolution and advice in relation to breaches of the consumer protection provisions of the Trade Practices Act and passing off. Adam’s practice primarily involves advising in relation to Australian trade mark law, but he also has expertise in advising directly on all aspects of New Zealand trade mark law. Adam also has exten...