Legal advice. Differently.

Uncomplicated, expert advice.

 

We add value.

For too long legal and business advisors have been reactive and failed to demonstrate value to clients. Our mission is to empower your business and add value in every engagement.

We are the experts in Retail, Business Law and Mergers and Acquisitions – and we’re business people, too.

About Us

The trouble with law,
is lawyers.

~ Clarence Darrow

The experts.

Nick Hitchens
Principal (02) 8123 0989

Nick Hitchens is a key advisor to a range of Australian and International businesses.

Nick Hitchens is a key advisor to a range of Australian and International businesses.

He has assisted hundreds of business owners seeking investment, divestment or acquisition with a transaction history totalling $500m+.

Nick Hitchens is an expert in advising on Shareholder and Partnership Arrangements and all other commercial contracts.

He brings a contemporary competitive approach to business and legal services. In his downtime, Nick Hitchens likes breathing the fresh air in Tassie, Crossfit and travelling the globe.

Olivia Hitchens
Principal (02) 9188 3960

Olivia Hitchens advises Australia’s largest retailers, franchised networks, property owners and high-net-worth families. Olivia is a renowned expert in Retail Law and is the exclusive legal advisor to the Australian Retailers Association and its members.

Olivia Hitchens advises Australia’s largest retailers, franchised networks, property owners and high-net-worth families. Olivia is a renowned expert in Retail Law and is the exclusive legal advisor to the Australian Retailers Association and its members.

Olivia Hitchens can assist all businesses with a broad range of commercial legal needs and is relied upon as a trusted advisor, deal maker, problem solver and strategic thinker.

In her downtime, Olivia enjoys running, travel and spending time with her two daughters.

Paul Henry
Principal (02) 8123 0983

Paul Henry has more than 10 years’ worth of corporate and commercial experience advising clients across a variety of industries and deal sizes.  Paul also has an Executive MBA and experience working in-house so he prides himself on understanding each business he works with to ensure that advice is both legally sound and commercially pragmatic.  Away from work, Paul can usually be found near a sporting field, brewing his own beer or enjoying time with the family.

Paul Henry has more than 10 years’ worth of corporate and commercial experience advising clients across a variety of industries and deal sizes.  Paul also has an Executive MBA and experience working in-house so he prides himself on understanding each business he works with to ensure that advice is both legally sound and commercially pragmatic.  Away from work, Paul can usually be found near a sporting field, brewing his own beer or enjoying time with the family.

Joel Marshall
Principal(02) 9188 3962

Joel Marshall comes from a commercial property investment background in New Zealand and has practiced the past 5 years in Australia with a focus on Property and Business Transactions and Disputes, Competition and Consumer Law and general commercial advisory.

Joel Marshall comes from a commercial property investment background in New Zealand and has practiced the past 5 years in Australia with a focus on Property and Business Transactions and Disputes, Competition and Consumer Law and general commercial advisory.

Joel Marshall has a passion for business and with his balanced commercial approach to legal services is a perfect fit to Hitch Advisory’s expert team. In his downtime Joel Marshall likes surfing, fishing and exploring the great outdoors.

Andrew Aitken
Principal (02) 8073 4624

Andrew Aitken is a Principal at Hitch Advisory.  He has over 30 years of practical experience and is a highly skilled practitioner in the areas of Estate and Succession Planning. Additionally, Andrew has experience in Renewable Energy and Commercial Law.

Andrew Aitken is a Principal at Hitch Advisory.  He has over 30 years of practical experience and is a highly skilled practitioner in the areas of Estate and Succession Planning. Additionally, Andrew has experience in Renewable Energy and Commercial Law.

Andrew has acted for multiple generations of families, guiding them safely through complex estate planning situations with a focus on not only the individual but also trying to preserve relationships among the wider family and protect assets for future generations.

Andrew is one of the early pioneers in Australia in advising numerous landowners of proposed Wind and Solar Farms.  In that regard, he is highly sought after to protect and educate landowners in this specialised area.

Outside of the office, Andrew is a keen hiker, photographer and always a keen sports follower.

Timothy McGrath
Principal (02) 9068 1868

Tim McGrath advises and acts on a range of dispute and litigation matters. Tim has particular expertise in insolvency and bankruptcy,

Tim McGrath advises and acts on a range of dispute and litigation matters. Tim has particular expertise in insolvency and bankruptcy, complex corporate disputes, shareholder/partnership conflicts, taxation and revenue matters. Tim also regularly advises high-net-worth individuals and families on disputed matters relating to estate and trust arrangements and trust administration.

Whilst Tim’s practice often sees him act for clients in large scale litigation, his focus is on seeking to achieve early commercial resolution of matters where possible.

Outside of work, Tim enjoys running, cycling and ocean swimming.

Lazar Krstic
Principal (02) 8123 8692

Lazar Krstic acts for individuals and organisations of all sizes, assisting with their start-up, transactional and dispute resolution requirements. Lazar oversees both contentious and non-contentious matters, with a particular interest in mergers & acquisitions, Competition and Consumer Law and general business and transactional matters. Lazar has extensive litigation experience, having appeared in various jurisdictions throughout Australia. In 2020, Lazar was listed as a finalist in the Australian Lawyers Weekly – 30 Under 30 Awards (Commercial Law). Outside of the office, he attends the gym regularly, passionately supports Chelsea Football Club and recharges his batteries by travelling the world.

Lazar Krstic acts for individuals and organisations of all sizes, assisting with their start-up, transactional and dispute resolution requirements. Lazar oversees both contentious and non-contentious matters, with a particular interest in mergers & acquisitions, Competition and Consumer Law and general business and transactional matters. Lazar has extensive litigation experience, having appeared in various jurisdictions throughout Australia.

In 2020, Lazar was listed as a finalist in the Australian Lawyers Weekly – 30 Under 30 Awards (Commercial Law).

Outside of the office, he attends the gym regularly, passionately supports Chelsea Football Club and recharges his batteries by travelling the world.

Hayley Hewitt
Senior Associate (02) 9188 6884

Hayley Hewitt acts for a diverse client base in a range of industries, including advising Australia’s largest travel retailers, childcare operators, and property developers.

Hayley Hewitt acts for a diverse client base in a range of industries, including advising Australia’s largest travel retailers, childcare operators, and property developers.

Hayley is an expert in property related transactions including the sale and purchase of both residential and commercial properties, development projects, and commercial and retail leasing. 

Hayley also has extensive experience advising clients in a range of commercial transactions, with a particular focus on the childcare industry.  As a result of her strong understanding of the childcare industry, Hayley regularly advises on the sale and purchase of childcare centres, together with the sale, purchase and/or leasing of land which is used or intended to be used for a childcare business.

Taking a practical approach to her work, Hayley is committed to developing and maintaining strong relationships with her clients to achieve their legal needs.

Outside of work, Hayley Hewitt enjoys relaxing at the beach, socialising, and learning Portuguese.

Maryanne Pollifrone
Senior Associate (02) 9054 1211

Maryanne Pollifrone is a Senior Associate in Wills, Estates & Succession Planning Team.

Maryanne Pollifrone is a Senior Associate in Wills, Estates & Succession Planning Team. Maryanne adopts a pragmatic approach to assisting clients with their estate and succession planning needs by breaking down legal concepts into plain English and implementing an empathetic approach to providing solutions. Maryanne also has experience dealing with deceased estate matters and contested estates.

Outside of work Maryanne enjoys socialising, travel and coastal walks.

Camille Broadhurst
Senior Associate (02) 7253 2818

Camille Broadhurst is a Senior Associate in our Wills and Estates team with a core focus on providing Wills and Estate planning advice for medium to high-net-worth clients. Driven to provide holistic and tailored estate plans, Camille understands the importance of navigating the technical interplay of trust and taxation laws and fostering a warm and comfortable rapport with her clients to gain the. Best understanding of their estate planning wishes.

Camille Broadhurst is a Senior Associate in our Wills and Estates team with a core focus on providing Wills and Estate planning advice for medium to high-net-worth clients. Driven to provide holistic and tailored estate plans, Camille understands the importance of navigating the technical interplay of trust and taxation laws and fostering a warm and comfortable rapport with her clients to gain the best understanding of their estate planning wishes.

Outside of work, Camille is an avid reader and netball player.

Hayden Dyer
Senior Associate (02) 8526 4995

Hayden is a Senior Associate in our litigation team. While Hayden has a broad practice across commercial, corporate, property and employment disputes and litigation.

Hayden is a Senior Associate in our litigation team. While Hayden has a broad practice across commercial, corporate, property and employment disputes and litigation, he has a particular interest in Wills and Estate disputes (including Family Provision Applications).

Hayden builds strong relationships with his clients and is focused on delivering holistic, practical, and effective legal advice.

Outside of the office Hayden enjoys golf and spending time with his friends and family.

Jack Robertson
Senior Associate 02 9160 3423

Jack acts for a range of corporate and retail clients, working with them to understand and manage their ongoing legal needs.

Jack acts for a range of corporate and retail clients, working with them to understand and manage their ongoing legal needs.

With extensive experience advising on business transactions and general commercial law, Jack’s advice reflects a strong understanding of the commercial needs of his clients.

Jack is experienced acting for clients within the pharmacy industry, advising on the setup of new pharmacies, the purchase and sale of existing pharmacies, as well as general compliance and structuring matters.

Out of the office you will often find Jack scuba diving, camping, and spending time with his family.

Benjamin Tran
Senior Associate +61 2 7226 1246

Benjamin Tran acts for an extensive range of individuals and corporations across different industries. In addition to general commercial law, Benjamin is particularly skilled in facilitating complex commercial and property transactions and takes a pragmatic approach when managing client needs. In his spare time, Benjamin enjoys traversing around Australia and the rest of the world in search of excellent restaurants and bars and is particularly fond of Japan

Benjamin Tran acts for an extensive range of individuals and corporations across different industries. In addition to general commercial law, Benjamin is particularly skilled in facilitating complex commercial and property transactions and takes a pragmatic approach when managing client needs.

In his spare time, Benjamin enjoys traversing around Australia and the rest of the world in search of excellent restaurants and bars and is particularly fond of Japan

Matthew Wyndham
Associate (02) 9068 1866

Matthew Wyndham is an associate in our Wills and Estates team with a particular focus on family estate planning and estate administration.

Matthew Wyndham is an associate in our Wills and Estates team with a particular focus on family estate planning and estate administration. Matthew brings empathy and technical know-how to every matter, ensuring his clients are comfortable whilst receiving the right advice for them.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys the outdoors, triathlons, and CrossFit.

Matthew Munzenrieder
Associate +61 2 7253 2000

Matthew is a commercial litigation lawyer with a focus on corporate and personal insolvency. He regularly acts for creditors seeking recovery of a disputed debt and its enforcement, including security interests.

Matthew is a commercial litigation lawyer with a focus on corporate and personal insolvency. He regularly acts for creditors seeking recovery of a disputed debt and its enforcement, including security interests.

Matthew regularly acts for and advises trustees and liquidators in the conduct of their duties, gaining extensive experience in all Courts and Tribunals in New South Wales, Victoria and Federal jurisdictions and as a Trial advocate in the New South Wales Supreme Court.

Outside of the office Matthew is the proud father of two children, a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoys watching European football.

Joss McCay
Associate (02) 8073 4620

Joss McCay is a commercial property lawyer focused on acquisitions and disposals, leasing, and property-related disputes.

Joss McCay is a commercial property lawyer focused on acquisitions and disposals, leasing, and property-related disputes.

Whether you are a large corporate landholder or a first home buyer, Joss understands the importance of delivering clear, concise and timely advice.

Outside of the office, Joss enjoys travelling, learning new languages (Joss speaks Mandarin), and participating in ocean swims.

Aston has extensive experience in private company mergers and acquisitions, business and share sales, equity and capital raising and structuring advice.

Aston has extensive experience in private company mergers and acquisitions, business and share sales, equity and capital raising and structuring advice.  In addition to transactions, Aston has a broad knowledge of general commercial and contract law and works closely with her clients to assist with day-to-day advice and compliance.

Aston is down-to-earth, practical, and commercially minded. In her down time, Aston is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu enthusiast and is currently ranked as a fourth degree purple belt.

Chloe Head
Associate (02) 7254 4883

Chloe is a lawyer in our litigation and disputes resolution team.

Chloe is a lawyer in our litigation and disputes resolution team.

Chloe regularly acts and advises clients in relation to commercial disputes including shareholder and director disputes. However, she has particular interest and experience in trusts and estate litigation (including family provision proceedings) having acted in and advised on litigation involving trust and/or estates worth in excess of $50 million.

Whilst Chloe’s practice involves litigation, she is often called on to advise clients on the options available to prevent litigation and assists clients in reaching commercial outcomes where possible.

Outside of the office, Chloe enjoys travelling, hiking, snowboarding and tennis.

Nikola Radovic
Lawyer 02 7229 2240

Nikola is a lawyer in the General Commercial team and assists in the provision of advice on mergers & acquisitions, commercial disputes and general contractual matters.

Nikola is a lawyer in the General Commercial team and assists in the provision of advice on mergers & acquisitions, commercial disputes and general contractual matters.

Having previously worked in-house advising leading Australian and international corporations, Nik has a strong understanding of how business works and implements a practical approach to everyday advice.

Outside of the office, Nik enjoys weightlifting, boxing, and playing guitar.

Cindy Zalghout
Conveyancing Paralegal (02) 7229 7348

Cindy has 10 years of experience working in the property industry and is dedicated to providing superior service to our clients.

Cindy has 10 years of experience working in the property industry and is dedicated to providing superior service to our clients. Cindy takes a practical approach to conveyancing and handles commercial, residential and development matters in various jurisdictions. Cindy’s dedication, friendliness, and professionalism ensures your transaction will run smoothly.

Outside of work Cindy enjoys salsa dancing, hiking and going to the gym.

Cecilia Vega
Executive Assistant (02) 7229 7348

Cecilia Vega has extensive legal administration experience, having worked in the industry for over 20 years and she now primarily assists our estate planning team.

Cecilia Vega has extensive legal administration experience, having worked in the industry for over 20 years and she now primarily assists our estate planning team.

In her spare time, Cecilia enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.

Fallon Clements
Executive Assistant 02 7253 2812

Fallon Clements supports the firm’s principals and has experience with property law documentation.

Fallon Clements supports the firm’s principals and has experience with property law documentation.

Outside of work, Fallon enjoys spending time with her son, going to the gym, relaxing at the beach and spending time with family and friends.

Annelyse Chaboisseau
Paralegal (02) 9068 1864

Annelyse Chaboisseau is a Probate Paralegal with a wealth of experience working with both simple and complex estates.

Annelyse Chaboisseau is a Probate Paralegal with a wealth of experience working with both simple and complex estates.

Outside of work, Annelyse enjoys cooking, spending time with family and friends, doing jigsaw puzzles and reading.

Tayla Poyser
Legal Assistant (02) 9068 1866

Tayla has extensive administration experience and primarily supports our litigation team. Tayla is currently undertaking a Diploma of Paralegal Studies.

Tayla has extensive administration experience and primarily supports our litigation team. Tayla is currently undertaking a Diploma of Paralegal Studies.

Outside of work, Tayla enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends.

We work with industry leaders.

Our clients agree.

Olivia Hitchens is commercial, approachable and an absolute expert in retail and franchising law. I would highly recommend Olivia Hitchens to anyone in business

Jordan SmithChief Operating Officer Anytime Fitness

Olivia Hitchens' legal advice makes a refreshing change from the norm. An excellent communicator and trusted advisor. Highly regarded.

Prue CliffordHead Of Retail At Waterford, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton Australia

I can always rely upon Olivia Hitchens to give clear, concise and practical legal advice without delay. Olivia Hitchens' knowledge base and skill makes her advice invaluable

Rachel Duffy-PackerHead Of Concession Brands, David Jones

Nick Hitchens has given us approachable and concise advice about the general legal health of our business, we now have a vision of what the practical next steps are for us. He understands the needs of start-ups, which enables us to strike the right balance between risk-mitigation and growth. He is fully transparent about his fees, meaning we can engage his services as cash-flow permits.

Griffin Blumer Director Poor Tom’s Gin

Nick Hitchens brings a refreshing approach to legal advice, partnering with us on our journey as a company and taking a keen interest in our business as a whole. At Shootsta we view Nick Hitchens as more of an in house member of our team rather than an external entity.

Mike Pritchett CEO Shootsta

U Brand Cosmetics has experienced the highest level of professional support and dedication towards our business, with outcomes that have been to our greatest advantage.

Leanne GaleaDirector UBrand Cosmetics

I found dealing with Nick Hitchens refreshing and straightforward. A unique blend of legal expertise with commercial acumen.

Victor GuggerDirector Valleyarm

In my dealings with Nick Hitchens I have found him to be professional outcome focused and straight forward to deal with. One of the better things I enjoyed about working with him is his ability to look down the line and forecast where he can assist our company's growth into the future.

Ryan SpaccaventoDirector Coffee on Cue

Nick Hitchens is one of those rare finds in business. I've been at this game for a long time and its not that often that you come across someone with the depth of knowledge and experience that he has in the areas of Corporate and Commercial Law especially in the small business space that I operate in. Its a pleasure working alongside a client focused Lawyer that gets this space so well. Nick Hitchens is able to make the complex simple and the simple compelling.

Si Harris Business Adviser

Nick Hitchens alleviated all our concerns for working in a partnership and helped us develop a strong framework for us to feel confident and secure about our venture. Dealing with Nick Hitchens was seamless and easy which is the opposite of any other firm I’ve ever worked with before.

Lena Barridge Henrie Stride Management

I could not be more complimentary of Nick and Olivia Hitchens and the team at Hitch Advisory. It is an absolute pleasure to get legal advice in a calm and non intimidating manner. Nothing is a problem and there is always a practical solution. Phone calls and questions are answered quickly and the team is always happy to help with skills across a broad range of areas. Thank you Nick and Olivia Hitchens and Team. Your advise has been a huge benefit to our business- efficient in all ways. With Hitch I no longer get the feeling that I am getting charged for advice that I did not ask for.

Andrew GoldsmithManaging Director, Boathouse Group

Quite simply the best boutique law firm in Sydney. Pleasure to work with, responsive in nature and no exercise too big or small. Nick and Olivia Hitchens and their team show a true appreciation for a clients needs, and are not at all about making sure the 'clock keeps running' - results oriented and commercial, exactly what you we and our clients need on an ongoing basis from their counsel.

Sameer KassamPartner - Charternet

We have been using Hitch Advisory for a number of years now and are really happy with the advice and support we have received. The broad scope of knowledge within the team means we have been able to use Hitch Advisory for all of our legal requirements and the many questions we have. Would definitely recommend!

Zane McIntyreCEO, Commission Factory

Nick Hitchens was recommended to us by a client of ours. We were looking to reorganise the basic structure of our business from shareholders agreements that form the basic commercial structure of our business to employment contracts that have helped facilitate some of our keys hires recently. Nick Hitchens present very professionally and communicated very clearly and effectively on all matters. We are more than happy with the corporate advice and services Nick Hitchens has provided us to date and would have no hesitation in recommending Nick Hitchens and his group to anyone seeking corporate legal services and advice.

Patrick CodyDirector, Prism

Nick and Olivia Hitchens and the team at Hitch Advisory have been an absolute pleasure to deal with. Their ongoing support to our organisation has far exceeded our expectations. From setting up hire contracts to trademarking our company and everything in between. It is great peace of mind knowing that they are only a phone call away to support our organisation.

Daniel ByersmaCEO, Damoli