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 family law to property and 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.

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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… Read More

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PENELOPE STEVENS

LLB & BA (Monash), LIV Accredited Family Law Specialist

Penelope has practised almost exclusively in Family Law for the past 24 years and became an Accredited Specialist in 2005... Read More… Read More

SUSAN GALE-PHILLIPS

Adv Dip Conveyancing, LL.B (Brazil)

For update... Read More

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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..… Read More

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

We assist with divorce, parenting arrangements, financial settlements, consent orders and intervention orders. We handle both amicable and contested matters with tact and legal strength.

From drafting simple wills to navigating complex estates and probate applications, we help clients secure their legacy and reduce family disputes.

Buying or selling? We provide legally sound, fixed-fee conveyancing and property law advice, with in-house licensed conveyancers and lawyers ready to manage disputes or title issues.

We prepare medical and financial powers of attorney with attention to future risk, capacity and family dynamics.

Whether in court or via mediation, we assist with civil claims, contract breaches, neighbour disputes and commercial litigation in all major Victorian courts and tribunals.

We defend clients facing charges for drink driving, assault, theft, fraud or traffic offences. We know how to manage police, courts and evidence.

We advise sole traders, startups and established businesses on leases, contracts, partnership disputes and corporate compliance.

VCAT Matters

Kelly & Chapman represents clients at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in matters involving guardianship, tenancy, planning, and consumer law.

What Sets Us Apart

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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.

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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

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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

Languages We Speak

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

Rated 4.6 Excellent on Google Reviews

Ready to Talk?

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

  • Hours: Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm

  • Free Parking Available

Serving the southeast Melbourne community since 1966 — and proud to do so.