Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Legal Services in Mentone
Established in 1954, McDonald, Slater & Lay has served corporate clients, individuals, and families for over 65 years. Our practice specialises in family law, commercial litigation, employment law, wills, estate planning, and conveyancing. With deep roots in the Bayside community, we combine generational expertise with modern legal strategies to deliver tailored solutions. Our team includes respected practitioners like Elda Bradford, recognized as a leading family law expert in Victoria.We maintain a proactive approach to dispute resolution while prioritising client confidentiality and long-term relationships. Our services extend to probate administration, testamentary trusts, and complex property transactions, supported by early adoption of digital conveyancing systems. The firm's history of merging tradition with innovation ensures clients receive both stability and contemporary legal insights.
Services
Family Law
Commercial Litigation
Employment Law
Wills & Estate Planning
Conveyancing
Probate Administration
Testamentary Trusts
Property Disputes
Details
- Year established: 1954
Highlights and features
- We have over 65 years of continuous legal practice in the Bayside area
- Our team includes Victoria's leading family law practitioner Elda Bradford
- We combine traditional client service with modern digital conveyancing capabilities
- Proactive litigation strategies with proven success in County and Supreme Courts
- Comprehensive estate planning services including testamentary trusts and probate
Services
Family Law
Specialising in family law disputes including divorce proceedings, property settlements, child custody arrangements, and spousal maintenance. Our team provides strategic representation in both negotiation and court settings. With Victoria's leading family law practitioner Elda Bradford leading this practice area, clients benefit from decades of experience in complex family law matters.
Commercial Litigation
Representing businesses and individuals in commercial disputes with a focus on achieving cost-effective outcomes. Our approach combines early case assessment with aggressive litigation when required. The firm maintains an excellent track record in resolving disputes through both court proceedings and alternative dispute resolution methods.
Wills & Estate Planning
Comprehensive estate planning services including will preparation, testamentary trusts, and power of attorney documentation. Our lawyers provide confidential advice on asset protection, tax implications, and charitable donations. We ensure client intentions are clearly documented to minimise future disputes over asset distribution.
Conveyancing
Full property transaction services covering residential, commercial, and industrial property sales. We prepare legal documents including Section 32 statements and manage trust fund settlements. Early adoption of PEXA electronic conveyancing ensures efficient, modern property transaction management for clients.
Probate Administration
Specialised services for estate administration including court applications for probate grants, asset collection, and beneficiary distributions. Our experienced team manages both local and international estate matters with particular expertise in complex trust administration and tax considerations.
People
Ian Slater
Barrister and Solicitor
Principal of McDonald Slater & Lay since 1983, maintaining the firm's founding commitment to quality legal services while expanding its commercial capabilities. Practicing law for over 40 years.
Elda Bradford
Barrister and Solicitor
Leading family law practitioner in Victoria with expertise in complex property settlements and child custody matters. Joined the firm in 1991 and has significantly expanded its family law practice capabilities.
Peter Thompson
Barrister and Solicitor
Experienced legal practitioner handling commercial litigation and probate matters. Regularly appears in Victorian courts for estate and trust administration cases. Provides strategic litigation advice to business clients.
Jeremy Pytel
Lawyer
Legal professional with expertise in property law and conveyancing transactions. Manages residential and commercial property matters including complex title issues and electronic conveyancing through PEXA.
Karen Hannan
Lawyer
Specialises in de facto property disputes and family law matters. Provides strategic advice on complex financial arrangements and taxation implications in relationship property settlements.
Questions
What areas of law does McDonald, Slater & Lay specialise in?
We specialise in family law, commercial litigation, employment law, wills and estate planning, probate administration, and property conveyancing.
Do you offer home visits for legal services?
Yes, our lawyers can attend clients' homes when necessary, particularly for will and power of attorney preparations.
What experience does the firm have in property transactions?
We've provided conveyancing services since 1954 and were early adopters of electronic conveyancing through PEXA, handling all property transaction types.
How does the firm handle estate litigation?
We adopt a proactive approach to estate disputes, providing early advice on claim strengths and cost-effective resolution strategies.
