New era for legal services on the Bellarine

IN A MAJOR development for the Bellarine Peninsula’s legal landscape, Taylor Legal has officially merged with Vines Lawyers and Conveyancing, bringing together two highly respected firms.

This merger strengthens both firm’s ability to provide comprehensive legal solutions while ensuring that Vines Lawyers’ clients continue to receive the dedicated service they have come to trust.

With the acquisition taking effect from April 1, 2025, Vines Lawyers and Conveyancing clients can rest assured the transition will be smooth. The office will remain at its current location of 3/69 The Terrace, Ocean Grove, and key team members, including Michael Vines, Demelza, Barbara, Allison, and Natasha, will continue in their roles, providing continuity and familiarity for clients.

In addition to the existing team, Taylor Legal is introducing two new lawyers, Katherine Taylor and Olivia Hill. Both born and raised in the coastal towns of Torquay and Ocean Grove, Katherine and Olivia bring a deep commitment to serving the local community. Their expertise in estate planning, property transactions, and business law aligns seamlessly with the firm’s client-first philosophy.

A shared vision for accessible, client-centric legal services

Founded with the goal of making legal services accessible and straightforward, Taylor Legal is known for its modern and human-first approach to law. Katherine Taylor’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering a culture of clarity, trust, and support within the firm. Rather than overwhelming clients with legal jargon, Taylor Legal ensures every individual, family, and business can make informed decisions with confidence.

This approach resonates with Vines Lawyers’ long-standing commitment to providing clear and easy-to-understand legal guidance. The merger is a natural fit, combining Taylor Legal’s innovative client care with the trusted reputation built by Michael Vines over the years.

The merger allows Taylor Legal to expand its services while maintaining the personal touch both firms are known for. Clients will continue to receive expert advice in key areas such as:

Wills and estates – helping individuals and families secure their legacies.

Conveyancing and property law – supporting smooth property transactions.

Commercial and business law – assisting businesses with structuring, agreements, and legal compliance.

Taylor Legal’s additional resources, including its Geelong office, will also be available to clients, ensuring even greater accessibility to legal expertise.

As Michael Vines prepares for retirement, he remains involved in the transition to ensure clients experience a seamless handover.

“I wanted to make sure our clients were left in the hands of someone who shares our values of care and dedication,” he said.

“Katherine Taylor is exactly that person, and I’m confident that this transition will only strengthen the level of service our clients receive.”

Katherine Taylor said they believe in building lasting relations with their clients and are thrilled to be expanding their Ocean Grove presence.

“This merger allows us to continue providing high-quality, accessible legal services while embracing the strong foundations laid by Vines Lawyers,” she said.

With the acquisition now in effect, Taylor Legal is looking forward to serving the Bellarine, Geelong and wider communities with renewed energy and an expanded team.

Clients are encouraged to reach out with any questions or head to taylorlegal.au to learn more about the firm’s services and team.

The future is bright for Taylor Legal and Vines Lawyers’ clients, with this merger marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter, one that continues to prioritise trusted relationships, legal expertise, and a genuine commitment to the local community.

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