Overview
MST Lawyers is a Melbourne-based commercial and private client law firm with a long and established history, having evolved from its founding in 1959 into a dynamic mid-tier practice.
We act for a diverse client base across Australia and internationally, including individuals, SMEs, and national and multinational organisations. Our client base is particularly strong in the consumer and retail sector – including franchising – as well as in property, real estate and construction, where we advise well-known brands, franchise networks and leading real estate groups.
Our team provides practical and commercially focused advice across a broad range of legal areas, including corporate and commercial law, franchising, dispute resolution and litigation, employment law, property and leasing, intellectual property, family law, and wills and estates.
We work closely with our clients to understand their objectives and deliver clear, strategic advice tailored to their needs. Many of our client relationships span years, reflecting our focus on responsiveness, consistency and long-term outcomes.
Over time, we have developed strong domestic and international networks, enabling us to support clients operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Recent recognition of the firm and our practitioners includes:
- MST Lawyers recognised in Best Law Firms (Australia) 2025 as a Melbourne Tier 1 firm in Franchise Law and Tier 2 in Real Property Law
- Raynia Theodore and Evelyn Marcou recognised by Best Lawyers in Franchise Law and Real Property Law
- Winner, Medium Sized Law Firm of the Year, Law Institute of Victoria (2018)
- Franchise Law – Law Firm of the Year Australia, Corporate INTL Global Awards (2021)
- Multiple practitioners recognised as Accredited Specialists by the Law Institute of Victoria across commercial litigation, family law, wills and estates, workplace relations and commercial law
- Practitioners recognised in Doyle’s Guide and Who’s Who Legal
Rankings
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. MST Lawyers has a strong concentration of clients in franchising and property-related industries, including major franchise networks, retail groups, and leading real estate agencies. These sectors are supported by a diversified client base across construction, manufacturing, professional services and healthcare.
We provide strategic, commercially focused legal advice across key areas including Employment Law, Family Law, Commercial Law, Franchise Law, and Wills and Estates, supporting clients through both day-to-day matters and complex legal issues.
With a history dating back to 1959, we have built strong global networks and long-standing relationships. Many of our clients are household names who trust us with their most important legal matters.
Some of our clients include:
- Bakers Delight Employment
- CarpetCall
- FloorStores
- Nike
- Miele Australia Pty Ltd
- The Environmental Group Limited
- Jellis Craig Corporation
- RPM Real Estate Group Pty Ltd
- Jellis Craig
- Australian Digital Marketing Pty Lt
- Hire And Rental Industry Assoc
- IPCI Australia Pty Ltd
- Intensive Care at Home Pty Ltd
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 LawPractice Areas
MST Lawyers has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 2 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
- Commercial LawOur Commercial Law team provides strategic, practical advice to help businesses operate, grow and manage risk.
Learn more: https://www.mst.com.au/our-services/commercial-law-services/ - Conveyance
We offer efficient and reliable conveyancing services, guiding clients through property transactions with clarity and confidence.
https://www.mst.com.au/our-services/property-leasing/property-transactions-conveyancing/
- Corporate LawOur Corporate Law team advises on structuring, governance, and transactions to support businesses at every stage of their lifecycle.
Learn more: https://www.mst.com.au/our-services/corporate-law-services/ - Dispute ResolutionWe assist clients in resolving disputes efficiently through negotiation, mediation, and litigation where required.
Learn more: https://www.mst.com.au/our-services/dispute-resolution-litigation/ - EmploymentOur Employment Law team provides clear, commercially focused advice on workplace issues, compliance, and disputes.
Learn more: https://www.mst.com.au/our-services/employment-law/ - Estate PlanningWe deliver tailored estate planning solutions to protect assets and ensure our clients’ wishes are carried out.
Learn more: https://www.mst.com.au/our-services/wills-estates/estate-planning-lawyers-in-melbourne/ - Family LawOur Family Law team provides compassionate and strategic advice on separation, parenting arrangements, and property matters.
Learn more: https://www.mst.com.au/our-services/family-law/ - FranchiseWe advise franchisors and franchisees on structuring, compliance, and disputes across all stages of the franchise lifecycle.
Learn more: https://www.mst.com.au/our-services/franchise-law/ - Intellectual Property LawWe help protect and enforce intellectual property rights, including trade marks, copyright, and commercial IP arrangements.
Learn more: https://www.mst.com.au/our-services/intellectual-property-trade-marks/ - Leasing LawOur team advises on retail and commercial leasing matters, ensuring clients’ interests are protected in negotiations and disputes.
Learn more: https://www.mst.com.au/our-services/property-leasing/leasing-services/ - LitigationWe represent clients in complex litigation matters, delivering strategic advice and strong advocacy in court proceedings.
Learn more: https://www.mst.com.au/our-services/dispute-resolution-litigation/ - MediationWe assist clients in resolving disputes through mediation, focusing on practical and cost-effective outcomes.
Learn more: https://www.mst.com.au/our-services/mediation/ - Mergers and Acquisitions LawOur team advises on mergers, acquisitions, and business sales, ensuring smooth transactions and effective risk management.
Learn more: https://www.mst.com.au/our-services/corporate-law-services/mergers-and-acquisitions/ - PropertyWe provide comprehensive advice on property transactions, development, and ownership structures.
Learn more: https://www.mst.com.au/our-services/property-leasing/ - Wills
We prepare clear and effective wills to ensure our clients’ estates are managed and distributed according to their wishes.
Learn more: https://www.mst.com.au/our-services/wills-estates/will-drafting-services/
Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Australia™
MST Lawyers proudly has 5 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2027 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.
Firm News
April 16, 2026
Employment Law Changes from 2025
April 16, 2026
Franchise Disputes in Australia: Rights, Risks and Resolution.
April 16, 2026
What is Insolvency and How Does it Work in Australia?
April 16, 2026
Why choose a Wills and Estates Lawyer over a DIY Will Kit?
April 15, 2026
A 45 year legal career: Philip Colman
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.
Recognised 2025, 2026, 2027 Best Lawyers in Australia list - Evelyn Marcou (Property Law)
Recognised 2025, 2026, 2027 Best Lawyers in Australia list - Louise Wolf (Franchise Law)
Recognised 2025, 2026, 2027 Best Lawyers in Australia list - Raynia Theodore (Franchise Law)
Recognised 2026, 2027 Best Lawyers in Australia list - Philip Colman (Franchise Law)
Jennifer Sung recognised in the 2026, 2027 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Australia™ - Employment Law
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
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