Our Purpose

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Our Purpose

We are all about sharing knowledge, stories, experiences and ambitions so that together we can build something bigger than ourselves and better than what came before.

We want to build knowledge with you.

Whether property and construction is your primary enterprise or one of its many components, we consider your interests in the context of your whole business, your strategic plan and tactical advantages.

Our work centres on property, development, construction and business. Our advice is focused and straightforward. Our business is flexible and strong. We know what you want from a lawyer because we have sat on the client side of the table.

We love what we do and we’re doing things a little differently. Most of all, we want you to succeed. Let us help you get where you’re trying to go.

Always Was, Always Will Be

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land upon which we work, live, and play, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people.

We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, for they hold the stories, the culture, the traditions, and the continuing heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the country.

We acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded and that it always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Big Projects, Cool Little Capital

We have a strong background in large and complex projects. As lawyers and development managers, we have been involved in:

  • medium and high density residential projects
  • shopping centre and retail assets
  • multi-tenant commercial assets including their development, acquisition, refurbishment and redevelopment
  • mixed-use precinct developments
  • development of quality, safety and compliance systems for developers and builders

The key to success in major projects and large businesses is understanding your reason for doing it. We keep communications open so that we understand where you’re headed, why you’re going and how we can help you get there.

Your drive for excellence is demonstrated in high quality, safe and happy projects. To help you achieve this in your business and on every project, we plan ahead, develop systems and processes that will actually work with your business, manage your documentation, assess possible risks and delay, and provide timely advice.

We bring this thinking even to small projects and boutique businesses because we believe in doing property this way. We want you to have the tools to deliver profitable projects and enjoy doing it.

Strong and Flexible, Like a Reed in the Wind

We are a living and breathing flexible workplace. We don’t keep standard business hours. Instead we are happy to be available when and where our clients need us. Please let us know how, where and when you like to work!

We treat our team like our clients. We recognise each of our team members is dedicated, specialised and love what they do. We also know that everyone’s life is different and that we can foster serious success by trusting our team to hold the space for their work in a way that fits their life. We encourage our team to work when they are at their peak, in a place and mode that best suits them.

Reports show that 72% of Australians don’t take appropriate rest breaks from their work. Rest is essential for effectiveness at work. And because our work is understanding your business and protecting it against significant risks, we know you care that we are rested, cared for and working at our peak.

When we are at our peak, we can make better assessments and decisions, think more creatively and get more done in less time. Prioritising all our clients’ interests underpins our fixed fee guarantee, our focus on fostering connections amongst our networks and achieving excellence in our work.

It’s not the way law firms usually operate. But then again, we’re not your usual law firm.

Fixed Fee Guarantee

At Morris Legal Group, our focus is outcomes for clients. Unlike other law firms, we don’t bill you for our time. We don’t even record our time, if we can help it. We proudly offer fixed fees so that you have certainty over your spend.

Our clients are industry professionals who are used to assessing a project, providing a program and a price, coming to an agreement and just getting on with doing the job. We believe that legal work can be delivered in the same way. We believe that you should receive agreed outcomes without the constant worry about whether the clock is running.

Most of our areas of work allow us to take the problem of hourly billing out of the picture all together. Our ongoing relationship with our clients and our understanding of the industry allows us to understand the requested job, identify likely risks, and agree a project plan and price for the work.

You can also be assured that your project is the one we are pricing, not something else you cannot see. You can rest assured in the knowledge that we are independently owned, with a policy of no kickbacks to referrers.

In select instances, a matter will call for hourly billing, such as estate administration or highly complex commercial dispute negotiations. If this happens, we will tell you up front and provide you with a clear estimate and our hourly rates. If the estimate changes or we can fix our fees at any stage, we will tell you straight away.

Our promise to you: you are always in control. We will never invoice you for work for which you did not know the price.

Beyond Lawyering

In addition to excellence in legal services, by engaging Morris Legal Group you can benefit from:

  • Practical exposure to property development expertise in the ACT and NSW
  • Existing networks and experience with authorities and local government procedures
  • Fixed prices where we control or understand the risks of the transaction
  • Access to a broad network of consultants, advisors and fellow industry participants suitable to your business

Meet Our TEAM

Each team member at Morris Legal Group is dedicated to their area of practice, ensuring your advisors are engaged and focussed on your business.
Louise Morris

Louise believes that sharing knowledge and experiences is fundamental to building the future of Canberra and the success of her clients.

Louise is driven to continuously learn and improve the practice of law and the way we do business.

Louise is the only Canberra-based property and construction lawyer who has developed large scale mixed-use, commercial and residential property. During her seven years as Director of Development at Morris Property Group, Louise:

  • delivered 1,000 residential units in Canberra in residential and mixed-use projects
  • managed complex retail and commercial assets including through refurbishment and redevelopment
  • authored, developed and implemented a quality assurance system for Morris Property Group’s developments nationally
  • managed Morris Property Group’s internal documentation including procedures, construction contracts and risk management tools
  • provided in-house legal support to the development and construction teams

Louise is a recipient of the Australian Property Institute’s Young Achiever Award for her service to the property industry and her work at Morris Property Group.

Since returning to practice in 2016, Louise’s focus is assisting her clients to realise growth and scale quickly by bringing a commercial approach to the technical application of the law.

Louise’s work towards establishing Morris Legal Group as a top Canberra law firm has been recognised in the Doyle’s Guide list of leading Property & Real Estate Lawyers in the ACT:

  • Louise Morris – Recommended by Doyle’s Guide, Leading Property & Real Estate Lawyers – Canberra: 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024
  • Principal Director responsible for Property at firms recognised by Doyle’s Guide, Leading Property & Real Estate Firms – Canberra: 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Louise is a Canberra tragic and supports local businesses, innovators, producers , artists, including through Morris Legal Group's "Seat at the Salon" collaboration with Salon Canberra. Louise also proudly launched an annual collaboration with Lifeline Canberra in the Christmas Giving Tree, after the COVID-19 pandemic shifted suicide support services permanently to the frontline.

Outside the four walls of the firm, Louise is a registered kickboxing and Muay Thai referee and judge in multiple jurisdictions, and was an official at the Australian Muay Thai National Championships, hosted in Queensland in 2024.

Also an avid handknitter, Louise’s favourite fibres and yarns are locally grown or dyed, which when knitted up are foisted upon her unsuspecting children (to mixed reviews).



Louise Morris
Director
Holly Boyd

Holly believes that she’s got one job. To get your deal done, with a smile.

Holly has been running residential and commercial property transactions as a paralegal and admitted solicitor for so long and with such efficiency that we have dubbed her the Deal Queen. Every matter is important. Every detail deserves attention. Every deadline is met. The combination of her knowledge, proficiency and her calmness under pressure are almost frightening.

Holly’s qualifications and experience span residential conveyancing through to commercial transactions and complex property restructures across ACT and NSW. Holly has worked in a range of legal services environments, from the battlefield of hardline NewLaw through to a traditional mid-size firm. Holly says of this experience, “It doesn’t matter what kind of firm you are at, the clients are always at the centre of your work, and I love helping them at such an important time as buying or selling a property."

Holly is a self-confessed crazy cat lady (but she is holding her own in our dog-friendly office) and loves living the life of a Canberra urbanist, with her beautiful and prolific apartment garden.

Holly Boyd
Managing Associate
Raina Sinha

Raina believes in providing every client with a seamless yet memorable experience.

A skilled and accomplished practitioner, Raina has set down roots in Canberra after arriving from across the Tasman. Raina builds lasting relationships with her clients to guide them through their various interactions with legal processes over time.

With around 15 years in property law, Raina joins our team to provide expertise in our established practise areas such as conveyancing, off-the-plan and vacant land purchases, building contracts and leasing. Raina also brings knowledge and experience to Morris Legal Group which has enabled us to broaden the services we offer to clients, with the addition of Retirement Living to our repertoire.

Outside of her work, Raina enjoys travelling abroad and taking in culture, scenery, architecture, and delicious local cuisine.


Raina Sinha
Managing Associate
Gabrielle de Ramos

Gabrielle believes all clients deserve a hassle free property experience.

With three years as a general administrator for a combat gym under her belt as well as some serious hospitality experience, Gabrielle loves delivering a high standard of client care.

Gabrielle understands that coming to a solicitor for the first time (just like joining a new gym!) can be daunting, and that a friendly welcome and heaps of information is key to a comforting visit with our team. Gabrielle strives for her interactions to leave clients happy and informed.

A voracious learner with a passion for mastering new skills whilst simultaneously helping people along the way, Gabrielle provides exceptional support to her team. Gabrielle’s role encompasses administrative and legal support to the Director, communications and coordination of culture and events for the team.

Gabrielle is also a university student and competitive Muay Thai fighter. When not assisting clients and teammates at Morris Legal Group, studying at university or competing, Gabrielle can be found at the gym. Gabrielle is either training for her next match or coaching children and adults in Muay Thai, helping them become fitter, stronger and more confident.

Gabrielle de Ramos
Executive Assistant
Noah Ellis



Noah believes that passion and dedication is a must when delivering exceptional service.


Noah brings a fresh perspective and boundless enthusiasm to our Concierge team, with a background in Strata and Facilities Management, and extensive experience in customer service.

Noah is diligently working towards completing his law degree at university and is keen to apply his knowledge from his studies to his work at the firm. Noah's passion lies in unravelling the legal intricacies of the property landscape. Born and bred in Canberra, he is driven by a thirst for knowledge and a genuine love for his hometown's bustling property scene. Noah is determined to infuse his passion for property, law, and top-notch customer service into every client interaction.

Noah’s interests outside of work encompass a love for Australian sports. Outside of work he enjoys spending sunny days on the golf course with his mates, indulging his love for cricket, and cheering on his favourite footy team, the Rabbitohs.


Noah Ellis
Paralegal
Matthew Millwood

Matthew believes that precision is the hallmark of quality.

As a Chartered Accountant with 13 years’ experience in business advisory, insolvency and internal audit, Matthew is a natural problem solver with a keen understanding of business fundamentals. As its Business Manager, Matthew’s mission is to help build Morris Legal Group stronger and more flexible into the future.

Spearheading strategic direction, systems, compliance and operations, Matthew ensures that the team has everything they need to focus on giving our clients their best property journey ever.

In his downtime, Matthew is a keen musician and hobby woodworker – two loves which he has combined to start making his very own guitars.


Matthew Millwood
Business Manager
Alex Petrov

Alex believes that collaborative solutions are the key to providing clients with a seamless property experience.





Alex’s background in bookkeeping and small business administration has finely tuned his skills for his position in our team. Alex thrives on collaborative problem-solving, finding joy in engaging with team members to address and resolve issues. For him, the workplace comes alive through frank discussions and smart solutions that benefit everyone.




Driven by a desire to learn from seasoned professionals, Alex is dedicated to soaking up knowledge and refining his craft. As a Junior Accounts Officer, he aims to provide clients with exceptional service, ensuring clarity, efficiency, and personalised support every step of the way.



Outside of the office, Alex’s passion for Muay Thai reflects his resilience and discipline, as he pursues his dream of becoming a professional fighter. Fluent in four languages, his multicultural upbringing has enriched his perspective and allowed him to connect with diverse communities.

Alex Petrov
Junior Accounts Officer
Sandra Phan

Sandra believes in the importance of a positive outlook.

With years of customer service experience under her belt, Sandra finds satisfaction in assisting clients in their property journey with her friendly and confident approach.

As an admitted solicitor to the Supreme Court of the ACT, Sandra brings her knowledge of the law and love of customer service to create a seamless experience for our clients. Sandra understands the needs of clients can vary greatly and takes pride in understanding their situation to ensure those needs are met.

Sandra takes this passion for engaging with others to new heights with her multilingual abilities. Fluent in English and Vietnamese, proficient in conversational Japanese and slowly building her skills in Korean and Mandarin, Sandra has phrased her ambition as being ‘to speak as many languages as I have fingers on one hand… for now!’

Sandra Phan
Associate
Cooper Shaw

Cooper believes that personalising every journey is key to a supported and straightforward client experience.

An entrepreneur at heart, Cooper has experience in managing a small design group and is also working towards his Law degree at university. Cooper has held a number of roles within the Morris Legal Group team and is now holding the position of Paralegal in anticipation of the completion of his studies.

Cooper works collaboratively with clients and the rest of our team to ensure goals and deadlines are met, and expectations exceeded. Cooper is excited to apply learnings from his studies to real world legal scenarios, and deliver results for our clients no matter the shape or stage of their property journey.

Cooper is an avid snowboarder and enjoys going up to the slopes whenever he gets a chance. Cooper has been lucky enough to live in Switzerland and has experienced the awe-inspiring Swiss Alps firsthand. Now he's back in Australia, Cooper loves hitting the slopes at Perisher, which (whilst they aren’t the same) still manage to deliver!

Cooper Shaw
Paralegal
Erin Taylor

Erin believes in the value of long term relationships.

Erin brings to Morris Legal Group a wealth of experience in all conveyancing matters, from buying and selling residential homes to large scale developments. Erin enjoys the challenges of a varied practice, taking as much pleasure in updating a developer on their project as she does handing keys to a first-time buyer when they settle on their new home.

You will delight in Erin’s focus and attention to your matter; she not only enjoys meeting client expectations, she strives to exceed them.

In her spare time, Erin enjoys baking and has mastered a mean meringue. Erin has also been involved in the Canberra Burlesque community for 5 years, and loves entertaining on stage.

Erin Taylor
Conveyancer
Mel Wallwork

Mel believes that organisation and teamwork are key to closing a successful deal.

Mel works tirelessly in the background of your conveyancing matter to coordinate your bank or broker, the agent and the other party to bring your property purchase or sale to a fuss-free settlement.

Mel’s career in the legal profession has been focussed on the precise and gruelling science of ACT property settlements, both in residential and project conveyancing.

Mel is excited about the possibilities for legal tech, with experience in leading software implementation and a keen eye on changes in e-Conveyancing in Canberra.

Mel brings great empathy to her work. She is studying towards tertiary qualifications in counselling, making her one of the most well-rounded and valuable property professionals we have had the pleasure to work with.

Mel Wallwork
Conveyancing Paralegal