About Us

Serving Melbourne’s Southeast with Integrity, Expertise
and Respect Since 1966

More Than a Law Firm – A Legal Legacy

Kelly & Chapman Lawyers has proudly served the people of Melbourne’s southeast for over 50 years.

Established
in 1966,

we have built a reputation as a trusted, professional and approachable law firm that provides clear legal advice and strong courtroom advocacy across a range of legal services.

Our firm combines decades of experience with a modern, client-focused approach. We stand for reliability, transparency and legal excellence. From first-time homebuyers to families, business owners and retirees — our clients come to us not just for legal answers, but for peace of mind.

About Kelly &
Chapman Lawyers

We speak multiple languages to support Melbourne’s multicultural communities.
We are one of Melbourne’s longest-standing suburban law firms, operating continuously since 1966
We prioritise plain English, fair fees and approachable communication in every matter.
We offer a wide range of legal services under one roof — from property law to criminal defence.
We prioritise plain English, fair fees and approachable communication in every matter.

Our Mission:

Legal Help Without the Legal Headache

Many people feel anxious about seeing a lawyer. At Kelly & Chapman, we work hard to change that. Our mission is to provide:

  • Practical legal solutions tailored to your goals
  • A calm, respectful environment where your voice is heard
  • Clarity in communication, not legal jargon
  • Realistic expectations and outcomes are always explained up front
  • Prompt service that values your time and urgency

We know that behind every legal matter is a real life. That’s why our lawyers bring not just knowledge, but empathy and strategy.

Our History:

A Name Clients Have Trusted for Generations

Founded in 1966, Kelly & Chapman was one of the first full-service suburban law firms in Melbourne’s south-east. Over the decades, we’ve helped clients navigate changing laws, industries and life stages — often representing the same families across generations.

While the legal landscape has evolved, our values haven’t. Integrity. Reliability. Community connection.

We remain proudly independent and deeply embedded in the local areas we serve, including East Brighton, Brighton, Cheltenham, Caulfield, Highett, Oakleigh, Chadstone, Clayton, Bentleigh, Carnegie, Hughesdale, and beyond.

Meet Our Team

Our strength is our people. Kelly & Chapman’s team of qualified solicitors, licensed conveyancers, and support staff is known for its professionalism, discretion, and approachability.

MISKO VUJNOVIC

LL.B. (Bosnia) LL.B. (Melb) Principal, Notary Public

Misko Vujnovic obtained his law degree in 1982 and worked as a lawyer in former Yugoslavia until the war broke out in 1992. Misko came to Australia in 1994 as a war refugee. He was then asked to finish…

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VICKI KOUTSANTONIS

LL.B (Hons.)

Vicki is an approachable and empathetic lawyer with a broad range of litigation experience specialising in Wills and Estates, Civil disputes and Alternative dispute resolution…

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LAIANY DOS SANTOS PINTO

Licensed Conveyancer

Laiany is a Licensed Conveyancer with a strong legal background and extensive experience in property transactions across Victoria. ..

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We are:

Lawyers who listen

Problem-solvers who plan ahead

Court advocates who don’t back down when your rights are on the line

Conveyancing and estate specialists who get the details right every time

Multilingual professionals fluent in Greek, Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian

You’ll always know who’s handling your case — and you’ll never feel like just another file.

Rated 4.6 Excellent on Google Reviews

How We Can Help

Powers of Attorney

Powers of attorney are legal documents that let you choose someone who can make decisions for you. Powers of attorney give you choice and control.

Civil and Commercial Litigation

Very few people want to be involved in court proceedings. They can be protracted, stressful, costly and the outcome is not always predictable.

Criminal Law

It is an unfortunate fact of life that ordinary, decent and generally law-abiding people occasionally fall foul of the law. 

VCAT

Many minor and specialised disputes are dealt with at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Wills & Probate

Wills & Probate focuses on managing a person’s estate after death, including validating wills, distributing assets, settling debts, and handling inheritance matters to ensure the deceased’s wishes are carried out legally.

Property Law

Property Law deals with the ownership, use, transfer, and protection of real estate and property rights, including buying, selling, leasing, and resolving property disputes.

Notary Public

If you’re sending legal documents overseas, many foreign governments, courts, and institutions will only accept them if they’ve been notarised by an appointed Notary Public. 

What Sets Us Apart

A Holistic Legal Service

We’re not just skilfull in one narrow area. Life doesn’t happen in silos — neither should your legal advice. From marriage to mortgage, from dispute to retirement, we’re there.

Accessible to All

Everyone should feel comfortable seeing a lawyer. That’s why we offer:
• Plain-English advice
• Fixed-fee options where possible
• Free onsite parking
• Multilingual service
• Appointments by phone, video or in person

Local Knowledge with Broad Capability

We’re embedded in the Bentleigh community but offer complete coverage across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. We understand:
• Local courts and tribunal preferences
• Real estate zoning in Glen Eira and Monash
• Small business regulations in Southeast corridors
• Cross-cultural family expectations and sensitivities

To better support Melbourne’s multicultural population, our team speaks:

  • GREEK
  • CROATIAN
  • BOSNIAN
  • SERBIAN

We help ensure that you understand your legal situation fully, in a language that feels comfortable and understandable.

Languages We Speak

What Our Clients Say

 

  • The service was quick, professional and the reception experience was excellent. Strongly endorse.

    NIru Gosavi (Urban Monk) Avatar NIru Gosavi (Urban Monk)
    February 3, 2026

    Outstanding experience dealing with professionals such as Misko and Susan. As a local real estate agent I am careful who I recommend to my clients but each time the team at Kelly & Chapman deliver excellent service. Keep up the great work!

    Anthony Fordham Avatar Anthony Fordham
    June 7, 2024

    Today the cycle of buying and selling was completed. We were recommended to Kelly and Chapman by a friend who said that Susan and Laiany are the most competent team to handle the conveyancing for a purchase and sale. Throughout the process of buying and selling we were always kept updated and fully informed. When selling potential purchasers were requesting special conditions along with various requests. The recommendations in answer to these from both Susan and Laiany were always sound and relevant in safeguarding our interests. Laiany and Susan are the hardest working conveyancing team we have come across in the many property transactions we have been involved in over the years. We can highly recommend them if you require a conveyancer. Thank you Susan and Laiany

    Michael Lewit Avatar Michael Lewit
    May 16, 2025
  • Super quick, easy and available. No fuss

    Nathan Stuart Avatar Nathan Stuart
    March 31, 2026

    Please don't use their service.

    Jess Hartanu Avatar Jess Hartanu
    January 8, 2024

    Working with Susan has been an exceptional experience. She stands out as the most proactive and organised conveyancer I've encountered till date, whose efficiency has notably simplified the process. Additionally, I'm deeply grateful for her constant eagerness and positive approach, which have significantly enhanced our interactions.

    Nishant Bathani Avatar Nishant Bathani
    November 14, 2023
  • Dealt with Misko found him to be very professional and trustworthy. Saved me a lot of money. I highly recommend him.

    Andy H Avatar Andy H
    June 14, 2023

    Laiany and the whole team did a great job for us when we sold our property in Ormond. We were very happy indeed with the work they did and recommend them highly. Tony

    Reviewer 999 Avatar Reviewer 999
    January 21, 2026

    We highly recommend Kelly and Chapman Lawyers for legal and conveyancing services provided to us for our recent sale. Susan Gale-Phillips assisted us during our complicated sale process and was very professional, calm, understanding and excellent communicator. Susan is very detailed and advised us through every step of the sale until the day of settlement. The team at Kelly and Chapman was very patient and guided us throughout the process of our sale and legal matter. We are using the services of Susan and K&C team for our next purchase so a big thank you from our end. Highly recommend the services of Susan and rest of the team at Kelly and Chapman.

    Vin Tan Avatar Vin Tan
    April 1, 2023

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It starts with a conversation. No pressure. Just a chance to meet, listen and plan the next step together.