Melbourne’s largest law firms by headcount and revenue include Allens, Clayton Utz, Herbert Smith Freehills, King & Wood Mallesons, MinterEllison, and Corrs Chambers Westgarth. These firms maintain significant Melbourne offices with hundreds of lawyers each, covering the full range of commercial legal work.
The Major Players and What They Handle
Each of the six firms listed above operates from Melbourne’s CBD and competes for the same large corporate and government clients. MinterEllison has its origins in Melbourne and runs one of the largest offices in the country from its Collins Street base. Allens and Herbert Smith Freehills (which merged globally in 2012) both handle high-value M&A, capital markets, disputes, and infrastructure work. King & Wood Mallesons is the only firm among them with a substantial Asia-Pacific ownership structure, making it a common choice for cross-border transactions into China and Asia.
Clayton Utz has a strong reputation in disputes and government advisory work across Victoria. Corrs Chambers Westgarth is the only independently Australian-owned firm in this group, which appeals to clients who prefer a firm without international conflicts of interest. All six firms hold partnerships with hundreds of partners nationally and bill at rates consistent with their London and New York counterparts.
Size, Fees, and Who Uses Them
These firms typically employ between 150 and 400 lawyers in their Melbourne offices alone. Partner billing rates generally sit between $700 and $1,200 per hour, with senior associates ranging from $450 to $700. Clients are predominantly ASX-listed companies, major private equity funds, state and federal government agencies, large infrastructure sponsors, and financial institutions.
Matters that typically go to large Melbourne firms include public company takeovers, complex commercial litigation in the Supreme Court or Federal Court, major construction and infrastructure contracts, real estate transactions above $100 million, and regulatory work involving ASIC or the ACCC.
Choosing Between Them
The practical differences between these firms matter more than their marketing. King & Wood Mallesons is the default choice for clients with significant Asian transaction exposure. Herbert Smith Freehills has particular depth in energy and resources disputes. MinterEllison carries strong relationships with Victorian and federal government departments. Corrs is often selected by clients who want a senior partner’s personal attention without being transferred down to junior staff as a matter grows.
For most commercial matters, all six firms can do the work competently. The real selection criteria tend to be existing relationships, conflict clearance (large firms frequently conflict out), and whether the client’s matter is significant enough to attract a senior team rather than a junior one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there large Melbourne law firms outside the top six?
Yes. Firms like Gadens, Hall & Wilcox, Arnold Bloch Leibler, and Holding Redlich operate large Melbourne offices and handle substantial commercial work, though they are generally smaller by revenue and headcount than the top-tier six. Arnold Bloch Leibler in particular is well regarded for major transactions and tax advisory despite being Melbourne-based and independent.
Do large Melbourne law firms handle matters for individuals?
Rarely. These firms focus on corporate and institutional clients. Individuals occasionally engage them for high-stakes matters such as major litigation or complex estate planning, but the billing rates make it impractical for most personal legal needs.
Where are the large Melbourne law firms located?
Almost all are concentrated in the Melbourne CBD, with offices on Collins Street, Bourke Street, or nearby streets in the legal and financial district between Elizabeth Street and Spring Street.
