About us

Understanding that a commercial problem requires a commercial solution makes sense. What makes even more sense is relying on the advice and counsel of a lawyer with 20 years of experience specific to the commercial environment. Experienced in and across a broad spectrum of contractual, negligence and trade practices disputes, Alan has represented and appeared as counsel for clients before both State and Federal Courts. Even while heading up the litigation function in a multi-disciplinary firm prior to becoming a Director at Hale Legal, a client-focused approach has always been at the top of Alan’s agenda. Preferring a sensible and conciliatory approach where practical, Alan’s success at Hale Legal is driven by his focus on solving commercial problems efficiently. There are occasions when it is in the client's best interests to proceed down the path of litigation and matters may go to trial. Under these circumstances, Alan leans on his experience to vigorously pursue a favourable outcome for his clients. Alan is a member of the Law Society of Western Australia.

Matthew’s chief aim is to achieve fair and reasonable outcomes for his clients. He relies on a measured, strategic approach to matters based on over 20 years’ experience and extensive knowledge of commercial and property law and estate planning. Matthew’s clients benefit from his experience preparing documentation across commercial, property and estate planning matters including joint venture agreements, shareholder agreements, buy/sell agreements, trusts, share and asset sale agreements, leases and land development documentation, wills (both simple and complex wills involving testamentary trusts) and other estate planning documentation (including powers of attorney, powers of guardianship and advance health directives). Matthew has spent years growing and establishing a client base. His willingness to commit time to understanding each client's circumstances underscores his commitment to building long-term relationships. This approach allows Matthew to move quickly and efficiently with sensible actions, contracts and/or documentation when required. Matthew is a member of both the Urban Development Institute of Western Australia and the Law Society of Western Australia.

Lorraine is a special counsel at Hale Legal. Prior to joining Hale Legal, Lorraine practiced at top tier law firms in both London, Sydney, and Western Australia. Lorraine has experience in commercial and contract litigation, insurance disputes, property disputes, director’s disputes and estate litigation, with a focus on early resolution wherever possible. In addition to her commercial litigation experience, Lorraine has a busy practice drafting wills and other estate planning documentation, and advising on various other property matters and commercial documents, including trusts, share sale agreements, buy sell agreements, and partnership agreements. Lorraine also provides advice in relation to both the Australian Privacy legislation, and on all aspects of cyber security issues. Lorraine is a member of the Law Society of Western Australia.

As primarily a disputes lawyer with a career spanning more than 20 years, Riaan has held various senior roles in national and global firms where he developed a technical skillset in effective and strategic decision-making and managing large scale disputes. Known for his pragmatic communication and interpersonal skills, Riaan’s clients benefit from his sound judgment and ability to simplify complex matters, which ideally positions him to implement measures prospectively, to ultimately negotiate a positive outcome in challenging circumstances (often with dynamic and interesting personalities) and with an ability to appropriately manage stakeholder expectations whilst a myriad of commercial interests are at play. Riaan spent the first part of his career abroad as a litigation partner focusing on commercial litigation and regulatory investigations, which expanded to insurance, construction and claims under corporations legislation since arriving in Australia. Riaan’s practice comprises all forms of dispute resolution, including arbitrations and mediations, in state-based and federal courts where he also attends to building and construction claims, insolvency, property, corporate governance advisory, directors’ and officers’ liability, managing JV partner conflict, recovery of business interruption losses and regulatory investigations and prosecutions (ASIC and ACCC) for clients in the mineral and resources, manufacturing, transport, logistics and textile industries. More recently, before joining Hale Legal in 2022 Riaan served as inhouse counsel at a major oil and gas operator, where he was integral to coordinating prosecuting one of the largest international arbitrations and insurance claims globally. To diversify his non-litigious skillset, he was also seconded to a major US financial institution where he attended to syndications, corporate banking and finance, and treasury and trade finance solutions for the APAC region. Riaan has been recognised by Doyle’s Guide to Leading Lawyers as preeminent in the category of professional indemnity lawyers, and as leading in the areas of public liability, third party, medical malpractice and negligence claims, as well as recommended for asbestos and dust diseases. Riaan is a member of the Law Society of Western Australia.

Charles practices predominantly in the areas of property and commercial law. He advises on all phases of real estate and business transactions. Charles has particular experience in the areas of high value and complex acquisitions and disposals of land and business, land and property developments, leasing, financing of projects and securities, structuring and due diligence. Complementing his strength in property and business services is Charles’ experience in advising on general corporate and contractual matters such as shareholder agreements, employment and consultancy agreements, licence agreements, services agreements, share sale and asset sale agreements. Charles enjoys finding innovative solutions to produce a successful outcome for his clients, while ensuring proper legal protections and sound commercial results are achieved. Admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the High Court of Australia, Charles is also fluent in Chinese (Mandarin), Cantonese, Malay and other Southeast Asian dialects. Charles is a member of the Law Society of Western Australia.

Emma joined Hale Legal in November 2021 after gaining experience at mid and top tier law firms and then as the principal lawyer of Westkey Conveyancing. Emma holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business (Financial Management) from the University of New England and was admitted to legal practice in 2018. Emma has worked in legal services for over 20 years and has 10 years experience in residential and commercial property related matters and mortgagee services. Emma’s post-admission practice has centred around conveyancing, mid and major commercial transactions, asset disposals for banks, urban renewal projects, property development, retirement village compliance and commercial leasing. Emma is a member of the Law Society of Western Australia.

As a commercial and dispute resolution lawyer, Annabelle has worked in leading multi-discipline law firms, both on a national scale and within Western Australia. Annabelle is experienced across a range of practise areas, including corporate and commercial, building, and construction, including residential building disputes and property. Annabelle strives to build friendly and ongoing client relationships where clients are comfortable in picking up the phone to discuss their matter. She possesses a results-oriented mindset and employs creative thinking to secure effective and pragmatic solutions for her clients. In addition to her work in the commercial and disputes team, Annabelle has experience in Employment Law, Mining and Resources and Native Title and has a comprehensive understanding of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 and its application. Prior to career in law, Annabelle worked in the construction industry in both civil and residential sectors in procurement, contracts administration, dispute resolution and management of labour hire for major projects. She holds a Bachelor of Business and has undertaken NMAS mediation certification. Annabelle was admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2018 and is a member of the Law Society of Western Australia.

Brendan was admitted to practice in 2020 and joined Hale Legal in 2022 after gaining experience in Commonwealth public service. Prior to graduating with a Bachelor of Laws Brendan completed a Bachelor of Economics. Brendan is a member of the Law Society of Western Australia.

As a litigation lawyer with Hale Legal, Sean assists in litigation and dispute resolution across a range of practise areas, including commercial and corporate, trusts and defamation. In addition to his work in litigation, Sean has experience in all matters related to wills and deceased estates, including drafting complex wills with testamentary trusts, estate management and Family Provision Act claims. Prior to his career in law, Sean worked under a senior Commonwealth Government Minister, responsible for strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and election management. Sean graduated from Murdoch University with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Global Politics and Policy. Sean is a member of the Law Society of Western Australia.

Tamika has been with Hale Legal since 2015. In 2017 Tamika’s position evolved from Senior Secretary to Executive Assistant. Tamika’s primary role involves assisting the directors of Hale Legal, Alan Skinner and Matt Gent. Her roles include practice management, account management, document preparation, drafting correspondence, liaising with clients, and putting up with Alan and Matt. In her spare time, Tamika enjoys cooking, good wine and travelling.

Meagan commenced working at Hale Legal in 2018 as our receptionist. Meagan is now the firm’s Legal Assistant. Her role includes document preparation, drafting correspondence, assisting with Court preparation and administration management. Meagan enjoys spending her spare time travelling, shopping and spending time with friends and family.

Delta joined Hale Legal in 2023 as a receptionist. Delta is the first point of contact at Hale. She handles the front desk duties including greeting clients, scheduling meetings, processing mail, court filing, attending at settlements and assisting Tamika and Meagan. Delta spends her spare time trying new things, and spending time with her loved ones.