About Us
Serving Melbourne’s Southeast with Integrity, Expertise
and Respect Since 1966
More Than a Law Firm – A Legal Legacy
Established
in 1966,
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
Our Mission:
Legal Help Without the Legal Headache
- 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
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
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…
VICKI KOUTSANTONIS
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…
LAIANY DOS SANTOS PINTO
Laiany is a Licensed Conveyancer with a strong legal background and extensive experience in property transactions across Victoria. ..
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
Accessible to All
• 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
• 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
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Fabulous working with Susan from Kelly and Chapman. Made the whole conveyancing process a breeze. Very supportive and always there for you. A pleasure to work with, highly recommend.
Zach Dimachki
August 25, 2023We have just finished using the incomparable Susan Gale-Phillips in a conveyancing matter and could not recommend her more highly. The matter was complicated, involving a buyer's advocate and a company/trust structure, issues with which we have no experience. Susan was across absolutely all of the legal and administrative matters. Moreover, her communication, both in writing and on the phone, was clear, detailed and very timely. The matter settled today without a hitch and we are so grateful that we decided to use Kelly & Chapman, and Susan in particular. Thank you so much!!
Ben Harris
April 28, 2025After my grandmother passed away last year I needed a lawyer to help me with applying for probate and settling the small estate with family. I am currently living overseas so after googling and coming across Kelly and Chapman Lawyers, I spoke with Vicki. She is extremely knowledgeable, professional and really personable. I knew straight away she was who I wanted to work with. Vicki and her team were extremely helpful and answered every question I had. They were very accommodating regarding the distance. She was extremely patient and handled alot of the drama that popped up very professionally and tactfully. It took some time but we were finally able to get an amazing outcome. I was so happy to have Vicki on my team. I would highly recommend her to anyone. Thank you Vicki.
Isabella Sclippa
July 30, 2024 -
Susan Gale-Phillips has provided me and my family with conveyance services twice in the past one year and reviewed numerous contracts for us. She is very responsive, professional and easy to communicate with. Susan always bring up key issues for our attention and provides very helpful advices. We are very lucky to have Susan and our property purchase has been very smooth because of her.
Ellen Tao
July 3, 2024Thank you so much Laiany Pinto! Your guidance and advice was greatly appreciated during our short settlement. You are very approachable, professional and have exceptional communication. We highly recommend Kelly & Chapman Lawyers!
Shaun H
May 9, 2025The work completed on transferring an old title was first rate. Thank you Laiany Pinto.
John Trotter
October 7, 2025 -
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
May 16, 2025We found Susan Gale-Phillips to be extremely professional, knowledgeable, efficient, thorough and meticulous. She alleviated any concerns and went above and beyond, always explaining everything to us at all times. There was peace of mind, knowing we didn't have to worry about a thing as we were in great hands. Susan made the whole process clear and easy. I would not hesitate to recommend Susan Gale-Phillips from Kelly Chapman Lawyers.
Nikki
August 28, 2023Outstanding 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
June 7, 2024
Ready to Talk?
It starts with a conversation. No pressure. Just a chance to meet, listen and plan the next step together.