Overview
MST Lawyers has a long and proud history, having grown from a small firm founded in 1959, into a dynamic mid-tier commercial and private client legal practice. Our team of principals, lawyers and support staff are the driving force behind our ongoing growth and success.
Over many years, we have developed global networks to further support and assist clients domestically and internationally.
MST Lawyers service a diverse range of clients, ranging from individuals, SMEs, national and international corporations (including publicly listed corporations), national retail groups including franchise groups, many of whom are household names throughout Australia and the world.
- We have a wealth of knowledge and experience in a range of diverse practice areas including:
- Corporate advisory
- Commercial Law
- Franchising Law
- Dispute Resolution and Litigation
- Insolvency
- Intellectual Property and Trademarks
- Privacy
- Employment and Workplace Law
- Family and Relationships Law
- Wills and Estates
- Aged Care and Retirement
- Conveyancing
- Property and Leasing
We strive to develop long-term relationships with our clients; collaborating to understand their businesses and needs. This attitude enables us to deliver the best service and outcomes for them. Our clients can be confident that they will always have the best lawyer looking after their legal needs. We have handpicked our highly experienced team of lawyers who are passionate about their area of discipline and their client's needs.
Recent Achievements:
- 2015 - Who’s Who Legal named Philip Colman and Raynia Theodore as franchising legal experts.
- 2016 - Finalist Supplier of the Year, Franchise Council of Australia.
- 2017 - MYOB Franchising Council of Australia Excellence in Franchising Awards 2017 (Supplier of the Year).
- 2017 - Finalist Law Firm of the Year (Medium-Sized Business), Law Institute of Victoria
- 2017 - Herbert Fischbacher Finalist Partner of the Year (Workplace Relations), Lawyers Weekly
- 2015, 2016 and 2017 - John Sier, Philip Colman and Raynia Theodore, listed in the renowned international publication, Who's Who Legal, as franchising legal experts
- 2016 and 2017 - Alicia Hill recognised in The Best Lawyers (Australia) for work in Litigation
- 2018 - Law Institute of Victoria Medium Sized Law Firm of the Year Award (Finalist 2017 and Winner 2018).
- 2021 - Corporate INTL Magazine Global Award (Franchise Law – Law Firm of the Year Australia 2021)
- 2025 - Recognised by Best Lawyers - Raynia Theodore and Evelyn Marcou in the field of franchise law and property law.
- 2025 - ‘Best Law Firms 2025′ by Best Lawyers has recognised MST Lawyers as a Melbourne Tier 1 firm in Franchise Law and a Melbourne Tier 2 firm in Real Property Law.
- Several MST lawyers are recognised as Accredited Specialists by the Law Institute of Victoria in the areas of commercial litigation (Philip Colman), family law (Carmel Morrison and Denise Foster), Wills and estates (Andrea Olsson and Paul Watkins), workplace relations (Chao Ni) and commercial law (Paul Watkins).
- Doyle’s Guide listed Special Counsel Paul Watkins as a recommended Wills, Estates, Litigation and Succession Planning Lawyer.
Size:
22
Best Lawyers Recognized:
4Rankings
Regional
Melbourne
Tier
1
Melbourne
Franchise LawTier
3
Melbourne
Real Property LawAbout Our Clients
Our Clients
At MST Lawyers, we are proud to work with a diverse client base across Australia and internationally. Our clients include individuals, SMEs, national and international corporations (including publicly listed companies), and well-known retail and franchise groups. Many of our clients are household names who trust us with their most important legal matters. With a history dating back to 1959, we have built strong global networks and long-standing relationships, enabling us to provide strategic, commercially focused legal advice tailored to the needs of each client.
Select Clients
Bakers Delight Carpet Call Direct Chemist Outlet Hodges HRIA Jellis Craig Lollipops Nike Solomons Flooring Yo Way
Highlighted Client Comments
These featured testimonials reflect a sampling of client experiences. As every legal matter is unique—comments are personal opinions, not guarantees of future results.
Franchise Law
MST Lawyers are a firm which provide exceptional service in all matters of franchise law. The team within this area of complex law, demonstrate their expertise by a high qualified and experienced individual who ensure a service centric approach, a high level of operational understanding, ensuring as a client we are kept abreast on all strategies at all times with the options.
Corina Vucic
GymbarooFranchise Law
The team at MST have been working with my company for almost 10 years. It's a successful relationship with the right advice from their legal team. I have learnt a lot about franchise law from Raynia and the team and value our relationship.
Jack McClane
Floor Stores Franchising Pty LtdFranchise Law
Great to work with and extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of franchise law.
Real Property Law
I have used MST lawyers many times. Namely Evelyn over and over again. I would not even bother looking anywhere else. She’s professional, prompt, thorough and just gets it done. She takes her time to explain everything in detail and gives her clients all the time and respect to really show our value to her. She makes the whole process painless and smooth.
Rebecca Aziz
Brimbank, Point Cook, Featherbrook & RiverdaleFranchise Law
The MST Lawyers firm greatly understands Franchising; more importantly, they know the challenges associated with franchisees' general day-to-day relationship management. They are proactive in providing guidance and support to the rising challenges and complexities of Franchising.
Franchise Law
When looking for a legal firm who delivers swift, precise, and well-informed counsel, I would highly recommend Raynia Theodore and the Franchise Team at MST Lawyers. As a franchisor, top-tier quality support, advice, and documentation are essential, all of which MST Lawyers excels in their delivery.
Lisa Campbell
Jellis CraigFranchise Law
The MST Lawyers team of legal professionals are an exceptional service to our firm. The expertise delivered is beyond the legal discipline; it is continuously operational and commercial.
Corina Vucic
GymbarooFranchise Law
MST Lawyers have been a great firm to deal with over the past 8 years. Raynia Theodore, as my main point of contact, is easily accessible, and we have built a great rapport over the years. MST Lawyers are very knowledgeable about franchising; we'd be lost without them.
Jack McClane
Floor Stores Franchising Pty LtdFranchise Law
My star ratings say it all, MST Lawyers consistently provide professional and superior service to me and my team. Raynia, Phil, Carmen, and the wider MST team are always available when needed and I feel a strong level of comfort when working with them on a particular situation, or asking for simple advice and guidance.
Shane Stafford
Workforce ExtensionsRankings
Regional
Melbourne
Tier
1
Melbourne
Franchise LawTier
3
Melbourne
Real Property LawIndividuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Australia™
MST Lawyers proudly has 4 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
Client Comments
A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
Awards
MST Lawyers is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, MST Lawyers has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how MST Lawyers continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
Several MST Lawyers practitioners were recognised in the 2026 Best Lawyers in Australia list.
Jennifer Sung recognised in the 2026 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Australia™ - Employment Law
Raynia Theodore has been named 2026 Lawyer of the Year for Franchise Law in Melbourne.
James sanders - Nominated by Lawyers Weekly for Employment Law Partner of the Year
Herbert Fischbacher - Nominated by Lawyers Weekly for Senior Partner of the Year - 15 years or more
Several MST lawyers are recognised as Accredited Specialists by the Law Institute of Victoria for their proficiency in various areas of law.
2025 - ‘Best Law Firms 2025′ by Best Lawyers has recognised MST Lawyers as a Melbourne Tier 1 firm in Franchise Law and a Melbourne Tier 2 firm in Real Property Law.
2025 - Recognised by Best Lawyers - Raynia Theodore and Evelyn Marcou in the field of franchise law and property law.
2021 - Corporate INTL Magazine Global Award (Franchise Law – Law Firm of the Year Australia 2021)
2018 - Law Institute of Victoria Medium Sized Law Firm of the Year Award (Finalist 2017 and Winner 2018).
2017 - MYOB Franchising Council of Australia Excellence in Franchising Awards 2017 (Supplier of the Year).
2016 - Finalist Supplier of the Year, Franchise Council of Australia
2017 - Finalist Law Firm of the Year (Medium-Sized Business), Law Institute of Victoria
2017 - Herbert Fischbacher Finalist Partner of the Year (Workplace Relations), Lawyers Weekly
2015, 2016 and 2017 - John Sier, Philip Colman and Raynia Theodore, listed in the renowned international publication, Who's Who Legal, as franchising legal experts
2016 and 2017 - Alicia Hill recognised in The Best Lawyers (Australia) for work in Litigation
2015 - Who’s Who Legal named Philip Colman and Raynia Theodore as franchising legal experts
Offices & Contacts
Mount Waverley, AU
Level 3, 545 Blackburn Road
Mount Waverley VIC 3149
Australia