Our Vision
At H&L Legal, we are grounded in fairness and respect for our clients.
We listen to your story and consider your social needs and circumstances. We understand that you need trust and reliability from your lawyer — and we will always strive for the best Court outcomes possible.
Who we are
H&L Legal is a therapeutic law firm providing expert legal services in Criminal Law (Adult & Youth), Family Violence Intervention Orders and Family Violence Consulting throughout Geelong, Ballarat and Warrnambool, and across the Barwon South West region.
We take a client-focused, compassionate approach – recognising that legal problems are often tied to broader life circumstances. Our goal is to achieve the best legal outcome while supporting your wellbeing and social needs.
At H&L Legal, you’ll never feel like just another case. We’re a small, dedicated firm where you deal directly with the lawyer managing your matter – Tim Hancock or Michelle Lothian. That means clear communication, personal accountability and consistency from start to finish.
Regional people,
local expertise
As locals of the South West, Tim and Michelle understand the region – its people, its courts and the real-world challenges facing those who live here.
We believe that regional people are best served by regional lawyers who know the local communities.
Our size and focus are our strengths:
- You always deal directly with an experienced lawyer who knows your case inside out.
- You receive personalised, reliable legal support, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
- We maintain strong relationships with local courts and community services, ensuring your matter is handled with understanding and respect.
Meet the
Lawyers
Tim Hancock and Michelle Lothian are the heart and soul of H&L Legal. Both bring extensive experience in criminal law, family violence matters and advocacy across Victoria’s regional courts.
Learn more about their experience and approach:
