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.

Emma joined Hale Legal in November 2021 after gaining experience at mid and top tier law firms. 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.

Brendan was admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2020 and joined Hale Legal after gaining experience in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and volunteering at the Mental Health Law Centre. Brendan holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Western Australia and a Bachelor of Laws from Curtin University. Brendan has experience in commercial and contract litigation, including representing clients in professional negligence claims, breach of contract, director and shareholder disputes, and contaminated sites proceedings, together with experience in building, strata, planning, and development disputes. Brendan’s approach to litigation is guided by Hale Legal’s client-focused approach and seeking efficient commercial resolutions to obtain positive outcomes for clients. Brendan has also acted in criminal proceedings including Commonwealth and State prosecutions for financial offences. Brendan is a member of the Law Society of Western Australia.

Colin practices as an International Commercial and Investment Arbitrator, International and Domestic Commercial Mediator, Accredited Adjudicator, Expert Determiner, Dispute Board Member, Resources & Investment Legal Academic, and International Natural Resources Geo‐strategist and Negotiator. He has qualifications as a Chartered Petroleum Engineer, Chartered Mining Engineer, Chartered Scientist, Commercial Mediator and Lawyer, with over 50 years of multi-disciplinary resource industry experience, most of which has been in the developing world. Admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the High Court of Australia, Colin’s experience includes 37 years as an adjunct academic, of which 15 years were as a full-professor of Resources Law and International Trade & Investment Law at WASM: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering - Curtin University, and multiple academic directorship roles at the Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law & Policy (CEPMLP) – University of Dundee, Scotland. He now specializes in dispute resolution, mitigation of sovereign risk, advising governments and corporations in resources law and policy, raising finance for major projects, international trade & investment law and facilitation of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the resources, energy, and infrastructure sectors. At Hale Legal, Colin is supported by a team of highly skilled and successful professionals.

Shenali holds a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the University of Staffordshire and a Master of Legal Practice from The University of Western Australia. She hails from Sri Lanka where she practiced civil litigation for three years. Shenali has a passion for volunteering and has assisted many not-for-profit organisations such as Auspire - Australia Day Council of Western Australia and Save the Children International. Shenali was a Student Ambassador for the University of Western Australia. Apart from work, Shenali enjoys reading and writing poetry during her spare time. Shenali is a member of Law Society of Western Australia.

Tingjing is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Western Australia and joined Hale Legal in May 2026. Tingjing holds a Juris Doctor from The University of Western Australia and a Graduate Diploma in Migration Law from Victoria University. He is also a registered migration agent (MARN 2217764). Before joining Hale Legal, Tingjing worked under the guidance of a civil-law barrister, assisting with legal research, drafting pleadings and preparing civil litigation matters. His experience includes personal injury, negligence claims, workers’ compensation-related matters, and commercial disputes involving misleading and deceptive conduct under the Australian Consumer Law. Tingjing also has experience in migration law, advising business sponsors and skilled visa applicants on employer-sponsored and independent skilled migration pathways. Prior to entering legal practice, Tingjing worked as an accountant, giving him a practical understanding of commercial and financial issues. Tingjing approaches legal practice with a strong sense of ownership of each client’s matter. He recognises that every case turns on its own particular facts, and is committed to careful analysis, clear drafting and practical judgment in pursuing outcomes that serve the client’s legitimate interests. Tingjing is a member of the Law Society of Western Australia.

Donna joined Hale Legal in March 2024 after gaining experience at major banks and mid to top tier law firms in the areas of real estate, commercial lending, insolvency and banking and finance. Donna has worked in the finance and legal industries for more years than she cares to admit to. In her spare time, Donna enjoys Lego, entertaining and spending time with her grandchildren.

Tamika has been with Hale Legal since 2015. Tamika's position has evolved over her time with Hale and she is now the firm Practice Manager. Her roles include practice management, account management, document preparation, drafting correspondence, liaising with clients, and working with the firm directors, 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.

Jessica joined Hale Legal as our Legal Assistant in 2026, assisting Tamika and Meagan. Her role includes correspondence and document preparation, liaising with clients, assisting the solicitors with Court preparation, and attending to Court filing. In Jess’s spare time she enjoys camping, horse riding and reading.

Emily is our first point of contact for clients. Emily handles the front desk duties including greeting clients, scheduling meetings, processing mail, court filing, attending at settlements. Emily has a passion for baking and trying new restaurants. She also enjoys creating meaningful memories with her family and friends.

Paige is currently studying Juris Doctor and has a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society. Paige has joined Hale Legal to gain experience and obtain a better understanding of the practicalities of law. When she is not attending Hale or University, she enjoys travelling, running and spending time with friends and family.