Hailes Lawyers is a commercial and property law firm located in Southbank, Melbourne. We have been providing premium legal services across a range of practice areas to individuals, businesses and corporations throughout Australia since 2011.

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WHO WE ARE

Hailes Lawyers is a commercial and property law firm located in Southbank, Melbourne.

Our team have extensive experience in retail and commercial leasing, conveyancing and property transactions, and commercial law.

We act for a diverse range of clients including:

  • Local and international companies and individuals
  • Property investors and developers
  • Commercial building and retail shopping centre landlords

in relation to their commercial and property requirements.

WHAT WE DO

We are a premium legal service covering a comprehensive range of practice areas.

Retail and Commercial Leasing

We specialise in commercial, industrial and retail leasing and have acted for both landlords and tenants. We can provide advice and representation for every element of a lease, including compliance with all applicable legislation. Our clients include shopping centre landlords, multi-storey building commercial landlords, commercial and industrial landlords and tenants of major shopping centres. [...]

We can assist in all aspects of leasing, including:

  • Reviewing and negotiating the terms of a lease;
  • Drafting leases;
  • Arranging for registration of lease (where applicable); and
  • Providing advice in respect of disputes and representing landlords and tenants in dispute resolution processes.

Property Development

We provide focused advice on all property and real estate matters. We advise and assist on matters associated with green-field/vacant land subdivisions, apartment and office buildings and shopping centre developments. Our clients include multi-national corporations, listed and unlisted property trusts, and private developers and investors. [...]

Our recent experience in property development includes acting for the developers in low and high density apartments and vacant land in metropolitan and regional Victoria.

Conveyancing and Property Transactions

We have extensive experience acting in all types of transactions involved in the conveyancing process for the sale and/or purchase of residential and commercial properties, and are up to date on all local, state and federal requirements. [...]

We can advise in all aspects of real estate, including:

  • Property acquisitions and disposals, including residential and commercial conveyancing;
  • Removal of easements and covenants;
  • Transfers of land between related persons or entities;
  • Stamp duty and GST;
  • Adverse possession; and
  • Compulsory acquisition.

For assistance in the purchase or sale of a property, or to obtain an estimate of the legal costs and expenses associated with your transaction, please contact us.

Commercial Advice

We provide advice on all aspects of commercial and corporate law and regulation across numerous industries. [...]

We can advise and assist clients in all facets of business law, including:

  • Advising, drafting and reviewing commercial contracts;
  • Corporations law advice;
  • Joint ventures;
  • Commercial developments;
  • Shareholders agreements;
  • Tax advice; and
  • Dispute resolution

Meet our team

Craig Hailes

Director

Craig established Hailes Lawyers in 2011. He is an experienced property and commercial lawyer who has practiced in these areas for over 20 years. Prior to establishing Hailes Lawyers, Craig was a partner in prominent law firms in Melbourne. Craig’s commitment and dedication to his clients are key reasons why many of his clients have remained with him for many years.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Acquisitions and dispositions of land;
  • Commercial and retail leasing of shopping centres, stand-alone buildings, industrial estates and office buildings;
  • Property development, including green-field/vacant land subdivisions, apartment buildings and shopping centre developments;
  • ‘Off the plan’ commercial and residential subdivisions;
  • Construction contracts;
  • General commercial law advice;
  • Due diligence review;
  • Compulsory acquisitions; and
  • Dispute resolution.

Ross Koutsantony

Senior Associate

Ross joined Hailes Lawyers in April 2019 and is committed to building strong, ongoing relationships with clients by providing the highest level of service possible. Ross has experience in commercial and property matters, including purchase and sale of business transactions, “off-the-plan” developments and leasing. Ross was admitted to practice in Victoria in 2016.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Purchases and sales of residential and commercial properties;
  • Subdivisions of land;
  • Preparation, negotiation and settlement of commercial leases; and
  • Sale and purchase of businesses.

Janet Kuang

Lawyer

Janet has developed her expertise in property and commercial matters since being admitted to practice in Victoria in 2019. Janet is keen to assist clients in all aspects of property and commercial law matters, considering each client’s needs and circumstances to always provide a high quality and professional service. She is fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Purchase and sale of residential and commercial property;
  • Preparation, negotiation and settlement of commercial and retail leases and ancillary agreements;
  • Sale and purchase of businesses;
  • Off-the-plan transactions; and
  • General property law advice.

Linda Priest

Senior Leasing Paralegal

Linda joined Hailes Lawyers in 2011 and has over 20 years’ experience in all aspects of commercial and property leasing. Linda provides ongoing advice and support to landlords regarding commercial leasing arrangements, including the negotiation and drafting of lease agreements.

Keelyn Lim

Lawyer

Keelyn was admitted to practice in Victoria in 2020 and has extensive experience in property matters, with a particular focus on residential and commercial conveyancing as well as “off-the-plan” developments.

Keelyn joined Hailes Lawyers in April 2024 and is focused on understanding clients needs in order to provide tailored high-quality service while ensuring that every transaction is completed in the most efficient and professional manner.

Areas of Expertise:
• Purchases and sales of residential and commercial properties;
• General property law advice.
• Subdivisions of land; and
• Preparation, negotiation and settlement of commercial leases.

Jennifer El-Asmar

Lawyer

Joining Hailes Lawyers in July 2025, Jennifer has experience in property matters with a particular focus on residential and commercial conveyancing and “off the plan” developments. Her experience in property law is complemented by her 2 years of paralegal experience prior to graduating.

Jennifer is focused on providing clients with high quality service at all times and is committed to ensuring that every transaction is completed in an efficient and professional manner. She is fluent in Lebanese.

Areas of Expertise:
• Purchases and sales of residential and commercial properties;
• Subdivisions of land; and
• General property law advice.

Rose Le Guier

Law Clerk

With many years of experience in the legal industry, Rose provides dedicated administrative support to Craig, ensuring the efficient management of his workload, while also assisting the leasing team at Hailes Lawyers. She is committed to delivering high-quality service to clients and ensuring every transaction is completed efficiently and professionally.

Kathryn Buzza

Legal Assistant

With many years of experience in the legal industry, Kathryn plays a key role in supporting the conveyancing team at Hailes Lawyers. Known for her attention to detail, she is dedicated to delivering high-quality service and ensuring every transaction is handled efficiently and professionally.

Lesley Hooke

Legal Assistant

As a highly experienced Legal Assistant, Lesley provides comprehensive administrative support to the leasing and conveyancing teams at Hailes Lawyers. With her friendly and approachable nature, Lesley is one of the first points of contact for clients.

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EMAIL

General Enquiries:

rose.leguier@hailes.com.au

For Off-the-Plan developments:

settlements@hailes.com.au

 

PHONE

03 8672 6200

 

The Melburnian, Suite 1, 250 St Kilda Road
Southbank VIC 3006