Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Southbank
Pearce Webster Dugdales is one of Melbourne's oldest law firms, established in 1907. Our practice is built on strong family values and a commitment to fostering long-term partnerships with clients. We provide tailored legal solutions across family law, estate planning, commercial law, and litigation, prioritising timely, cost-effective outcomes. Our team includes Law Institute of Victoria accredited specialists with decades of collective experience. In 2017, we merged with Tolhurst Druce & Emmerson, further strengthening our expertise.We communicate in plain English to ensure clarity and accessibility. Our heritage of excellence spans 115 years, serving both individual clients and legal firms. We combine deep local knowledge with modern practices, including digital conveyancing innovation. Our client-centric approach focuses on understanding unique needs while maintaining the highest professional standards. This legacy of trust and expertise continues to guide our practice today.
Services
Family Law
Estate Planning
Commercial Law
Litigation
Property Law
Details
- Year established: 1907
Highlights and features
- We have Law Institute of Victoria accredited specialists with decades of experience
- Our team provides friendly service sensitive to client needs
- We prioritise timely and cost-effective legal solutions
- We communicate complex legal matters in plain English
- We offer complimentary 30-minute family law consultations
Associations and certifications
- Law Institute of Victoria
Services
Family Law
Our family law specialists handle parenting orders, property settlements, and spousal maintenance. We provide compassionate representation for de facto couples and same-sex relationships. Our lawyers are recognised by the Law Institute of Victoria for their expertise in complex family law matters.
Estate Planning
We offer comprehensive estate planning including wills, powers of attorney, and superannuation nominations. Our accredited specialists assist with testamentary capacity assessments and contested wills. We provide clear guidance during difficult times of estate administration.
Commercial Law
Our commercial law team advises on business structures, acquisitions, and employment law. We draft commercial agreements and lease documents. Our specialists have decades of experience in corporate transactions and business dispute resolution.
Litigation
We represent clients in debt collection, bankruptcy, and VCAT matters. Our litigation specialists handle alternative dispute resolution and court proceedings. We combine legal expertise with practical solutions for commercial and personal disputes.
Property Law
Our property lawyers specialise in digital conveyancing through PEXA. We handle compulsory acquisitions and adverse possession claims. We've been at the forefront of Victoria's digital conveyancing revolution since its introduction.
People
Glenn Harvey
Principal
Accredited Family Law specialist with extensive experience in complex parenting and property matters. Recognised by the Law Institute of Victoria for exceptional proficiency in family law practice.
Bradley Cunningham
Senior Lawyer
Commercial Litigation specialist with expertise in debt recovery and corporate insolvency. Holds Law Institute of Victoria accreditation for his outstanding legal practice in commercial dispute resolution.
Marion McDougall
Senior Lawyer
Experienced legal practitioner with focus on estate administration and contested wills. Provides expert guidance on testamentary capacity and executor responsibilities to clients across Melbourne.
Catherine Gashi
Senior Lawyer
Family law expert handling complex property settlements and spousal maintenance cases. Known for her client-focused approach and successful outcomes in contested family law matters.
Aitan Schmideg
Consultant Lawyer
Senior legal consultant with specialist knowledge in commercial agreements and business structures. Provides strategic advice to businesses and individuals on corporate transactions and legal compliance.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in family law, estate planning, commercial law, litigation, and property law. Our team includes Law Institute of Victoria accredited specialists in these practice areas.
How long have you been in practice?
We've been serving Melbourne since 1907, making us one of the city's oldest law firms with over 115 years of legal experience.
Do you offer consultations?
Yes, we offer complimentary 30-minute family law consultations. Appointments are available in Geelong on request for family law matters.
Are you experienced in digital conveyancing?
Yes, we were among the first Victorian firms to adopt digital conveyancing. Our team is fully trained in e-conveyancing platforms including PEXA.
Do you handle complex legal cases?
Yes, our accredited specialists handle complex matters including contested wills, commercial disputes, and high-conflict family law cases with proven expertise.
How do you communicate with clients?
We use plain English to ensure clear understanding, avoiding legal jargon. Our lawyers prioritise direct communication while maintaining professional excellence.
