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03 9021 3290

Welcome to SHM Lawyers.

Sherwell Harrison Munro is a boutique law firm providing specialised legal services to local government, government authorities and other regulatory bodies across Victoria. Our firm was founded to provide expert legal services that are value for money and that achieve great outcomes. We are committed to our clients and are passionate about what we do and why we do it.

Our recipe for winning is experience combined with a team that is passionate about supporting local government.

Why Choose Us

Our lawyers have a thorough understanding of the legislative framework within which local governments and other regulatory bodies operate and the challenges that they face.

We provide high-level legal advice which offers complete, practical solutions and have extensive experience representing our clients in the Magistrates' Court, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, and the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Capacity building and training is an important aspect of our partnership with clients. We offer a range of general and specifically-tailored training programs which cover investigations, interviewing techniques, the powers of authorised officers, and all matters relating to the legislation our clients are responsible for administering and enforcing.

Client-Centric Approach

We tailor legal solutions to address our clients’ unique needs. The outcome of your case is at the forefront of everything we do at our law firm.

Legal Services

Local Government & Administrative Law

We understand the intricacies and complexity of local government from working both for, and within, government authorities. Our expertise extends to all areas of local government and administrative decision-making, including statutory interpretation, the powers of Council and its authorised officers, authorisations and delegations, and judicial and merits reviews. We can review and draft local laws, policies and guidelines which are clear and enforceable.

Training & Professional Development

At Sherwell Harrison Munro, we are strong proponents of continual professional development and can deliver a training program tailored to your needs. Our training programs provide in-depth and practical knowledge to equip you and your teams with the tools to deal with the challenges of governance and regulatory compliance.

Planning & Environment

We have extensive experience in assisting our clients achieve compliance with planning permits, planning schemes and section 173 agreements. We work with our clients to prosecute contraventions of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 in the Magistrates’ Court, obtain enforcement and interim enforcement orders in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, and draft enforceable planning scheme amendments.

Building & Construction

We have a thorough understanding of the Building Act, Regulations and Code and work with our clients to achieve compliance through prosecutions, injunctions, and negotiations with national corporations with large-scale operations through to individual home builders.

Domestic Animals

We work closely with our clients, helping them to understand their powers and to enforce the various provisions under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. The Act is complex, and we assist Councils to work through the complexities to ensure public safety. We assist our clients with all matters under the Act, including registrations, dog attacks, menacing and dangerous dog declarations and reviews of Council decisions in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Public & Environmental Health

Identifying and abating a nuisance can be a difficult process for all parties involved. Our expert knowledge can help with lessening the pressure and streamlining the process of resolving nuisance complaints. We also assist clients with matters relating to food premises and prescribed accommodation, including registrations and compliance with the Food Act 1984 and Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.

Dedicated Advocacy

We know when you face legal challenges, you need a dedicated advocate on your side. We commit ourselves to work relentlessly for our clients’ rights and to protect their interests. Our track record of successful cases is testimony to our commitment.

Sherwell Harrison Munro Lawyers

Level 2, 24 High Street
Glen Iris, VIC 3146