About Hotchkin Hanly
About the Firm
Perth's leading independent litigation and commercial law firm
01 — Our History
Three decades of independent excellence.
Hotchkin Hanly was founded in 1993 by Michael Hotchkin and John Hanly, two experienced commercial litigators who had built their careers at Australia's most prestigious national firms. They shared a conviction that Perth's business community deserved access to top-tier legal expertise without the overhead and inefficiency of a national firm structure.
From a small office in St Georges Terrace, they set about building a firm that combined the intellectual rigour and strategic depth of their former firms with the responsiveness, transparency, and proportionate cost of an independent practice.
Over three decades, that founding vision has proven prescient. Hotchkin Hanly has grown into one of Western Australia's most respected commercial law firms, with 26 legal professionals practising across 16 areas of law. Our partners have been consistently recognised by Best Lawyers in Australia and Doyle's Guide, and we continue to attract experienced practitioners from leading national and international firms.
Today, we remain fiercely independent. We are owned and operated by our partners, who practise alongside our clients every day. That independence is not just a business model — it is the foundation of the trust our clients place in us.
1993
Founded
Michael Hotchkin and John Hanly leave national firms to establish an independent commercial law practice in Perth.
2005
Practice Expansion
Growth into 12 practice areas with the addition of specialist partners in employment, energy & resources, and insolvency.
2019
First Best Lawyers Recognition
Multiple partners recognised in Best Lawyers in Australia across commercial litigation, property, and insolvency.
2026
Current Team of 26
16 practice areas, 10+ Best Lawyers recognised partners, and a team of 26 legal professionals serving Western Australia.
02 — What Sets Us Apart
Big-firm pedigree, boutique economics
Our partners trained and practised at Australia's most prestigious national firms — King & Wood Mallesons, Clayton Utz, Ashurst, and Blake Dawson Waldron. They chose to leave those firms not because they lacked the capability, but because they believed clients deserved the same quality of advice without the overhead of a national structure. At Hotchkin Hanly, you receive the intellectual rigour and strategic thinking of a top-tier firm, at a cost that reflects the actual complexity of your matter.
03 — What Sets Us Apart
30-year Perth focus
For over three decades, we have practised exclusively in Western Australia. That singular focus has given us deep relationships across Perth's commercial, judicial, and regulatory landscape. We understand the dynamics of WA's key industries — resources, construction, property, and financial services — and we bring that contextual knowledge to every matter. When you engage Hotchkin Hanly, you engage a firm that knows your market as well as it knows the law.
04 — What Sets Us Apart
Proportionate resourcing
We assemble the right team for each matter — no more, no less. Unlike larger firms that default to large teams and layered hierarchies, we resource matters proportionately. You deal directly with experienced partners who know your file intimately. Our billing reflects the work required, not the firm's cost structure. This approach delivers better outcomes at a lower total cost, and our clients consistently tell us it is the reason they stay.
05 — Our Values
Four principles. Every matter.
01
Knowledge
Deep expertise across 16 practice areas, built over three decades of complex commercial matters in Western Australia. Our lawyers maintain specialist knowledge through continuous professional development, published commentary, and active participation in legal reform. When we advise you, we draw on a breadth and depth of knowledge that few independent firms can match.
02
Relationship
We invest in understanding your business, your industry, and your objectives — so our advice is always contextual and commercially relevant. Our client relationships are measured in decades, not matters. We become trusted advisers who understand not just your legal position, but your commercial strategy, your risk appetite, and your long-term goals.
03
Outcome
Every strategy is designed around your desired result. We measure our success by yours — in resolution, not in billable hours. Before we commence any engagement, we work with you to define what success looks like. Then we pursue it relentlessly, whether that means aggressive litigation, early negotiation, or creative commercial solutions.
04
Value
Big-firm capability without big-firm overhead. Our independent structure means you receive premium advice at proportionate cost. We provide transparent fee estimates, regular cost updates, and a commitment to efficiency that ensures every dollar you spend contributes directly to your matter. Value is not about being the cheapest — it is about delivering the best return on your legal investment.
Commercial matters require a measured response.
We respond to all enquiries within one business hour.
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