This month’s spotlight on new members features KHQ Lawyers, located in Melbourne, Australia. They joined the LAW network in February 2025, strengthening our presence in the Australian region. Established in 2006 by two lawyers with in-house and top-tier experience, KHQ has grown to over 120 professionals.
About the Firm
KHQ Lawyers offers a distinctive proposition in the legal market: a boutique top-tier firm that combines the agility and client focus of a boutique practice with the depth and technical excellence of a top-tier firm. This unique blend enables us to deliver rapid, responsive, and strategic advice without compromising on quality or sophistication.
They act for a diverse client base, from multinational corporations, ASX-listed entities, to high-net-worth individuals, providing tailored solutions aligned with commercial objectives. Their approach is pragmatic, commercially astute, and grounded in technical excellence.
KHQ Lawyers’ industry expertise spans a range of industries, including construction, finance, education, health, food and beverage, retail, transport and logistics, pharmaceuticals and technology. They understand the complexities of these sectors and deliver advice that is both practical and strategic.
Areas of Expertise
- Commercial Property and Development
- Competition Law and Regulatory Compliance
- Construction and Infrastructure
- Corporate and Commercial
- Data Privacy, Cyber and Digital
- Family and Relationship Law
- Food and Beverage
- Insolvency and Restructuring
- Intellectual Property
- Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Private Wealth Law
- Superannuation Law & Financial Services
- Tax & Structuring
- Technology
- Wills & Estates
- Workplace Relations & Safety
Recent Recognitions
KHQ Lawyers has continued to achieve significant recognition across leading legal directories and awards, reflecting our commitment to excellence and client service. Some highlights include:
- Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025: Ranked for Employment: Victoria and Superannuation, with Natalie Cambrell recognised as a Band 1 lawyer and Chris Gianatti ranked in Band 3. Our team also features in the Associates to Watch category, showcasing emerging talent.
- Doyle’s Guide 2025: KHQ Lawyers is named among Leading Corporate Law Firms in Victoria and many of our lawyers are recognised as leading lawyers in their field.
- Best Lawyers in Australia 2025: 12 of our lawyers were recognised across multiple practice areas, including Corporate and Commercial Law, Family Law, Employment, and Dispute Resolution.
- Best Law Firms – Australia 2025: KHQ Lawyers was featured in the inaugural edition of Best Law Firms™ Australia, ranking among the top firms nationally for professional excellence.
Our firm is regularly acknowledged by Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, Doyle’s Guide, and Best Lawyers™, affirming our position as a boutique top-tier firm delivering exceptional outcomes.
These accolades reflect not only technical expertise but also our focus on innovation, client relationships, and nurturing talent within the firm.
We are proud to see both emerging and established practitioners acknowledged for their technical excellence, practical insight, and commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes.
On the client front, we have advised on groundbreaking matters, including regulatory approval for Australia’s first lab-grown meat product, a landmark achievement in food innovation and compliance.
LAW Contacts
Primary Contact: David Kelly, Managing Director
David is KHQ Lawyers’ founder and managing director. David is responsible for driving the firm’s development and growth strategies, overseeing the firm’s culture, and (in concert with our practice group leaders) mentoring lawyers through all stages of their careers with KHQ. He is a passionate advocate for change in the legal industry, particularly in relation to how legal services are delivered and how lawyers are supported and developed in their careers.
Secondary Contact: Andrew Walker, Director
Andrew is a director in the Corporate & Commercial team. Andrew has over 20 years’ experience in advising clients on all aspects of corporate and commercial law. His expertise includes mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, IPOs, capital and debt raisings and related regulatory issues. His experience also spans venture capital and private equity, corporate governance, corporate finance, joint ventures and drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
Ashleigh Le, Principal Solicitor, KHQ Lawyers on Joining LAW
“We’re pleased to be a part of LAW’s dynamic community and to collaborate with member firms worldwide. This network creates new opportunities for global partnerships and enhances our ability to support our clients’ international needs.”
Ashleigh le, Principal solicitor
Opportunities for Collaboration
KHQ Lawyers sees strong opportunities for collaboration with LAW member firms, particularly where clients require coordinated, cross-border commercial, regulatory, employment, privacy, or disputes support.
There is clear potential for reciprocal referrals for clients with international footprints, joint support on multi-jurisdictional projects ensuring seamless service cross borders, and knowledge-sharing across common areas of focus including regulatory developments and compliance strategies.
Recent and proposed changes to Australia’s merger control laws and foreign investment review framework could significantly reshape the landscape for cross-border deals, by tightening scrutiny, slowing approvals, and increasing regulatory complexity. For international clients of LAW member firms considering investment or M&A activity in Australia, this could mean greater diligence, revised deal structures, and longer lead times.
As your Australian member firm, we are well placed to help navigate these developments. We can support clients in risk-assessment, deal structuring, regulatory filings and compliance strategies, helping ensure transactions remain viable under the evolving regime. We look forward to strengthening connections with LAW member firms and creating streamlined pathways for clients with international footprints.
We invite all LAW member firms to welcome KHQ Lawyers and explore potential avenues for collaboration.
To connect with their team, please visit their LAW member profile or their website.