Shyama Jayaswal

As Managing Director of Kain Lawyers, Michael is responsible for shaping and advancing the firm’s strategic priorities. Prior to his role as Managing Director, Michael held roles as Head of Growth and Head of Corporate. Michael is an experienced corporate lawyer who has advised some of Australia’s largest corporations and investment funds on their most complex and strategically critical transactions. His practice includes advising on mergers and acquisitions, capital raises, alter...

Julian Hammond is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation. Julian, 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 Julian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Emma-Jane Stevens is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation. Emma-Jane, 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 Emma-Jane is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jason Walker is a Partner at Forte Family Lawyers and is an accreditation specialist in Family Law (2005). Jason has over 25years of experience helping clients through family and relationship breakdown. He has particular expertise in complex parenting matters and complex financial litigation, acting for high net worth individuals in matters involving trusts, companies and businesses. Jason’s practice includes international family law, often involving jurisdictional and forum disputes. H...

Philip Duffy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Labour and Employment Law. Philip, who practices law in Melbourne, Australia, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Philip is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Paul has profound experience in the area of sports and employment law. He has been involved in the drafting, reviewing and advising on constitutions, policies and by-laws for incorporated associations and LLCs. This includes the drafting of a new constitution for Commonwealth Games Australia to facilitate their transfer from an incorporated association to a limited liability corporation after 37 years, as well as drafting the policies and by-laws to accompany that constitution. Paul has exten...

Peter is a highly experienced commercial and finance lawyer with over 25 years’ experience. Peter was a Partner at Herbert Geer from 1998 to 2014 and was Chair of Partners from 2012 to 2014. Peter practises in the areas of corporate advisory, finance, and mergers and acquisitions. Peter has a diverse client base that includes major public companies such as Village Roadshow Limited and Westpac Banking Corporation. Peter also acts for a number of high net worth individuals and family offi...

Iona Goodwin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Labour and Employment Law. Iona, 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 Iona is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

One of Australia’s leading estate planning lawyers, Bernie has over 40 years’ experience advising individuals, family groups and businesses on all aspects of estate and business succession. Often acting as advisor to prominent families, Bernie’s knowledge of family trusts, superannuation and estate and elder law enables him to provide clear, practical solutions for clients with complex family and asset structures. He is often asked to provide a second opinion on existing suc...