Melbourne city skyline from office

Established 1987 — Melbourne

Counsel that
builds empires.

For nearly four decades, we've guided Australia's most ambitious businesses through complexity — mergers, disputes, regulation, and growth.

37Years of practice
$4.2BDeals completed
96%Client retention

Areas of Expertise

Deep specialisation across commercial, corporate, and regulatory law. We act for ASX-listed companies, family-owned enterprises, and high-growth startups.

Mergers & Acquisitions

End-to-end transaction support from due diligence through to post-completion integration. Over $4 billion in completed transactions.

Commercial Litigation

Complex disputes across the Supreme Court of Victoria, Federal Court, and international arbitration tribunals. Strategic and resolute.

Employment Law

Advising employers on workplace relations, enterprise agreements, restraints of trade, and unfair dismissal defence.

Property & Construction

Major development projects, planning permits, construction disputes, and commercial leasing across Victoria.

Corporate Advisory

Capital raisings, shareholder agreements, board governance, and regulatory compliance for growing businesses.

Tax & Revenue

ATO disputes, tax structuring, and revenue law advisory. Working closely with your accountants to protect your position.

Professional meeting
"Crawford & Associates have been our trusted advisors through two acquisitions and a major restructure. Their commercial acumen is unmatched."
— CEO, ASX-200 Company

Our Partners

Led by experienced practitioners who combine legal excellence with deep commercial understanding.

James Crawford

James Crawford SC

Managing Partner

M&A, Corporate Advisory. 30+ years. Former King & Wood Mallesons partner.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Partner

Commercial Litigation. Admitted 1995. Accredited specialist — Law Institute of Victoria.

David Okonkwo

David Okonkwo

Partner

Employment & Workplace. Represents major employers across healthcare, retail, and construction.

Helen Zhang

Helen Zhang

Partner

Property & Construction. Specialist in major development projects and planning disputes.

Our Approach

We don't bill for advice you don't need. Every engagement starts with a clear scope, a fixed timeline, and a partner — not a graduate — leading your matter.

Crawford & Associates was founded on a simple principle: that businesses deserve lawyers who understand business. We've built our practice by being commercially minded, directly accessible, and relentless in protecting our clients' interests.

Our team of 24 lawyers operate from a single Melbourne office. This isn't a limitation — it's a choice. It means every matter gets the full weight of our firm's collective experience.

Partner-Led

Every client is a partner's client. You'll never be passed down to someone you haven't met.

Fixed-Fee Options

We offer fixed fees for most transactional work. No surprises at the end of the month.

24-Hour Response

Partner-level response to all urgent matters within 24 hours — guaranteed.

Let's discuss your matter.

We offer a complimentary 30-minute initial consultation for new clients. Whether you're facing a dispute, planning a transaction, or need ongoing counsel — we're here to help.

Phone 03 9654 1200
Address Level 32, 120 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours Mon–Fri: 8:30am – 6:00pm