CONTACT PHONECustomer Service is our Mission
We understand that poor communication and over commitment by solicitors leads to disappointed clients.
We strive at all times to ‘under-promise and over-deliver‘ to our clients.
Originating in Cheltenham VIC in lovely bayside Victoria, we have clients in all suburban regions, other states and internationally. If we are the best choice to assist you, we will utilise technology to facilitate remote meetings and overcome the ‘tyranny of distance’.
Our Docklands Law Office is now open at 1204/401 Docklands Drive, Docklands VIC.
OUR TEAM
Murphy Hawkins
Principal Solicitor
Murphy Hawkins is the founder and Principal Solicitor of Cogent Legal Pty Ltd.
He has studied in both the United States as well as in Australia; with a background in Chemistry and Engineering, then extending to an this to a MBA and MCom (Master’s degree in commerce and Master’s degree in business administration from Deakin University) as well as a Juris Doctor from RMIT.
Before becoming a solicitor in Australia, Murphy has worked in Human Resources for an ASX 200 company as well as working in banking and finance. He has owned businesses and knows, first-hand, how it feels to be a small business owner in Australia.
Murphy has worked for Balfe and Webb, Canaan Lawyers and PCL Lawyers before opening his own law firm.
Murphy is also the Mining Warden for the State of Victoria as appointed by the Governor in Council and by the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 (Vic).
Murphy enjoys continuingly learning and engaging with business owners and leaders in Victoria.
Glenn Hindmarsh
Partner
Having practiced in commercial law for over 18 years, in multiple jurisdictions within Australia, Glenn combines experience, expertise and commercial understanding to assist clients to reach commercial outcomes and achieve business goals.
Glenn acts for a wide range of clients including large corporations and family operated businesses, real estate developers, manufacturing and importing/exporting businesses.
Glenn brings a common sense and pragmatic perspective of the legal aspects of business and commercial law to advise and assist clients in relation to the acquisition, operation, growth and sale of businesses as well as commercial disputes by acting as a trusted advisor to analyse opportunities with clients and advise on potential pitfalls and opportunities.
Glenn practices across a broad range of property and commercial law matters including:
- Business acquisitions and sales;
- Franchise Law;
- Commercial property acquisitions and sales;
- Acting for landlords and tenants in commercial and retail leasing;
- Commercial dispute resolution;
- Company director and shareholder rights and obligations;
- Partnership disputes;
- Trusts;
- Business intellectual property;
- All aspects of private business and entity structuring.
.
Celia Chan
Senior Solicitor
Celia is a creative solicitor-advocate with extensive litigation experience across diverse legal domains. She has a background spanning family law, employment law, criminal law, and commercial law which allows her to give advice on matter with interrelated legal issues. Duly admitted in the High Court of Australia, Celia’s expertise extends to appearances in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, where she handles both family and financial proceedings and has great familiarity with bankruptcy matters in the Federal Court of Australia.
At the state level, Celia often appears in the Supreme Court of Victoria’s commercial list, where she is able to tackle intricate issues concerning Corporations and solvency matters. Her proficiency is equally evident in civil litigation, contractual disputes and criminal hearings for indictable and summary offences at the Magistrate’s Court.
Having previously worked at the Australian Securities and Investments Commissions (ASIC) in the office of compliance and deterrence, she primarily dealt with prosecuting Directors for their failure to adhere to their director duties and any potential illegal phoenix activity. This experience has allowed her to bring a wealth of knowledge to advise on the Corporations Act and Corporations Regulations. Celia has also previously worked contemporaneously as an Academic Associate and Tutor at Deakin Law School in sentencing law.
Celia is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, she also possesses proficiency in Japanese and French, enabling her to connect with a diverse clientele on a deeper level.
As an active member of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association, Celia leverages her expertise and passion for the law in various capacities within the Partnership, Sponsorship, and Mentoring Sub-Committees, embodying a commitment to diversity, equity, and mentorship within the legal profession.
Adam Harrison
Solicitor
Adam is a solicitor with experience in property law, migration law, criminal law and commercial litigation (including VCAT). Adam studied law at Monash University and holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in politics.
He excels in research and drafting of commercial claims and is passionate about commercial law. He holds a wealth of knowledge in property law, including property settlements.
When he is not acting as a lawyer, Adam enjoys participating in sports, including Jiu Jitsu and swimming.
Subi Polat
Solicitor
Subi is well-versed in civil litigation, commercial law, and immigration, with experience across Victoria and NSW jurisdictions.
Subi graduated with first-class honours from Victoria University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Political Science from the University of Technology Sydney. Currently pursuing a Master of Public and International Law at the University of Melbourne, Subi is fluent in Chinese (Mandarin), Uyghur, Uzbek, and Turkish. His language skills significantly enhance his ability to serve a diverse clientele.
Outside of Law, Subi actively involves in the Australian Institute of International Affairs and demonstrates his commitment to professional growth and community engagement. He also plays soccer for RMIT, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining a balanced and engaged lifestyle.
Melie Protat
Associate Solicitor
Melie graduated from RMIT and is an associate solicitor at Cogent Legal.
Melie excels in contract law, business and human rights/international law as well as criminal law.
Melie received 8 Dean Merit Awards in the first two years of her law program and was awarded the Maurice Blackburn Prize for Bachelor of Laws Academic Achievement as a second year student.
When she is not acting as a law graduate, Melie enjoys reading novels from her favourite authors Agatha Christie and Dan Brown as well as drawing, painting, and playing piano in her spare time.
Melie speaks French and English.
Bianca Scerri
Law Graduate
Bianca has recently graduated from RMIT and will continue as a solicitor at Cogent Legal as she is qualified and licensed. She currently assists the solicitors with their work.
Bianca enjoys tort law as well as family law. She is interested in helping clients achieve outcomes to create an enjoyable experience for both the client and the lawyer’s fulfilment.
Bianca is proud of her achievement in winning the 2023 Moot Competition at RMIT.
When she is not acting as a law graduate, Bianca enjoys running, training and supporting her sister who is training for the heptathlon at an international level.
Xavier Browne
Legal Assistant
Xavier currently attends law school at Australian Catholic University and is working towards a double degree in the areas Law and Psychology.
Xavier enjoys torts law and corporations law.
When he is not studying to be a lawyer, Xavier enjoys singing, writing and walking.
Vaishnavi Kiritharan
Legal Assistant
Vaish currently attends law school at Monash University and is working towards a double degree in the areas of Law and Criminology.
Vaish enjoys employment law, family law and property law. Vaish brings to Cogent Legal her experience from the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre where she worked as a paralegal and caseworker in the area of immigration law.
When she is not studying to be a lawyer, Vaish enjoys playing tennis and binging media.
Vaish speaks Tamil and English.
Sam Wilson
Legal Assistant
Sam attends law school at Monash University and is working towards a double degree in Law and Commerce with a specialisation in Finance.
Sam is interested in commercial law including restructuring, M&A and corporate disputes. He supports our corporate law area while he studies.
In his life as a student, Sam is an IB scholar and a Senior Events Coordinator for the Business Commerce Students Society.
When he is not studying to be a lawyer, Sam enjoys supporting the Western Bulldogs and Manchester United, playing soccer, and keeping fit.
Ola Radzikowski
Legal Assistant
Ola currently attends law school at Monash University and is working towards a double degree in Law and Politics, Philosophy & Economics (PPE).
Ola is interested in legal research and policy development.
When she is not studying to be a lawyer, Ola enjoys reading and is an avid writer.
Jacqui Raether
Legal Assistant
Jacqui attends law school at Deakin University and is working towards a double degree in Law and Commerce.
Jacqui enjoys corporate law and property law.
In her life as a student, Jacqui has been the Pipe Major of the Junior Pipes & Drums Band and the Pipe Sergeant of the Senior Pipes & Drums Band. She was awarded the Duke of Edinburgh and achieved school awards in the areas of Music, including Pipes & Drums, Academics and Leadership. At university, Jacqui was a semi-finalist in the Law Society’s ‘Client Interviews’ Competition.
When she is not studying to be a lawyer, Jacqui enjoys reading, practicing the cello and playing hockey.
Cynthia Hawkins
Practice Manager
Cynthia manages all aspects of the law office administration and is currently studying in the Juris Doctor program.
Cynthia is a Member of CPA Australia, the Institute of Public Accountants and the Institute of Financial Accountants. She is a Fellow of the National Tax and Accountants’ Association and is a Registered Tax Agent. She holds a Bachelor of Accounting and Bachelor of Psychology.
Cynthia has experience in the area of corporate executive leadership, which includes advising on finance strategies, mitigating risk profiles and creating efficiencies in financial management. She is also experienced with negotiating complex significant debts in the areas of taxation.
When she is not working, Cynthia enjoys singing with the local community choir.
Timea Kocsis
Trust Officer
Timea acts as an accounting team member for Cogent Legal. She holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Physical Education and a Cert IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping.
In her spare time, Timea enjoys playing handball through Handball Victoria and volunteering in the local community.
Timea speaks English and Hungarian.
Mary Mironova
Accounts and Bookkeeping
Mary acts as an accounting and bookkeeping team member for Cogent Legal. Mary is currently studying Accounting at Monash University.
When she is not working, Mary enjoys spending time with her family, taking long walks and looking after her dog and cats.
Mary speaks English and Russian.