The Lavan Legal name

The 'Lavan' name recognises a distinguished Western Australian legal family and Lavan Legal's founding path which dates back to 1898.

Michael Gibson Lavan, KC, was born in County Galway, Ireland in 1875 and practised as a barrister at the Irish Bar until 1897.  In 1898 Michael migrated to Western Australia and was admitted to the Western Australian Bar.  He opened a practice that same year in Barrack Street, Perth.

In 1934 Michael Lavan's son, John Lavan, joined the family firm.  John was president of the Law Society of Western Australia during the 1960s and worked at Lavan & Walsh for 35 years before leaving to become a Supreme Court judge, eventually becoming Chief Justice of Western Australia. John Lavan was knighted in 1981.

History

Lavan Legal was formed on 3 April 2006 when the majority of Perth partners of the national firm Phillips Fox recognised a niche in the marketplace for an independent legal practice.  Lavan Legal meets the needs of the Western Australian business community by offering the personalised attention and local knowledge of a boutique practice combined with the structure, resources and experience of a major firm.

Bringing further, invaluable litigation capacity and building on Lavan Legal’s exceptional work in the corporate, mining, resources and energy sectors, Maxim Litigation Consultants joined the firm on 2 April 2012.

Preceding the launch of the firm as Lavan Legal, Phillips Fox Perth was formed in 1985.  In the 10 years prior to becoming Lavan Legal, the firm attained significant growth in Western Australia - an achievement of particular note in the difficult economic conditions of the 1990s when many other major law firms experienced static or even negative growth.

Prior to becoming Phillips Fox, the firm was known as Lavan Solomon.  Areas of expertise included commercial litigation, taxation, family law, liquidation, corporate law and liquor licensing.  Lavan Solomon was formed in 1983, when the firm of Lavan & Walsh amalgamated with Morris Crawcour & Solomon.

Lavan & Walsh, which rose to great prominence in Western Australian legal circles, had a long and proud history dating back to 1898.  Originally known as MG Lavan, this firm practised in Barrack Street, Perth.  From 1966 to 1972, the practice was at 12 Howard Street, which was demolished to make way for the Griffin Centre.  From 1972 to 1983 Lavan & Walsh was located at 524 Hay Street, Perth.

Explore our interactive timeline for more information on Lavan Legal's history.