HALE LEGAL - Key Persons
Alan Skinner and Matthew Gent offer a practical approach to legal advice, representation and dispute resolution. Having worked together for over a decade at a multi-disciplinary law firm, their collective knowledge offers clients the benefit of extensive experience across a range of areas. Alan and Matthew call on their breadth of experience to advise and represent clients based on their needs and with their best interests in mind.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Job Titles:
- Associate / Conveyancing Manager - LLB, BBus ( Fin Mgt )
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.