Finlaysons

What is Finlaysons?

Finlaysons is a leading Australian commercial law firm with over 170 years of legal expertise, established in 1850 as one of South Australia's oldest and most respected legal practices. The firm operates as a full-service commercial partnership with approximately 115 employees, including 60 lawyers across offices in Adelaide and Darwin. Recognized in the 2026 Best Law Firms – Australia with 16 Tier 1 practice areas, Finlaysons specializes in serving local, national, and international clients across diverse industries including defence, resources, agribusiness, and wine.

What services does Finlaysons offer?

• Corporate & Commercial Law: Comprehensive business advisory services including mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, corporate governance, and commercial contracts for businesses ranging from SMEs to multinational corporations
• Defence & Space Industry Services: Specialized legal support for defence contractors including procurement, supply chain management, intellectual property protection, infrastructure development, and compliance with defence industry regulations
• Banking & Finance: Full-spectrum financial services law covering commercial lending, project finance, security documentation, and financial regulatory compliance
• Dispute Resolution & Litigation: Strategic representation in commercial disputes, alternative dispute resolution, crisis management, and complex litigation across all court jurisdictions
• Employment & Workplace Safety: Industrial relations advice, workplace agreements, occupational health and safety compliance, workers compensation claims, and employment contract negotiations
• Intellectual Property: Protection and commercialization of IP assets including trademarks, patents, copyright, confidentiality agreements, and technology licensing
• Property & Development: Property transactions, commercial leasing, development approvals, construction law, and infrastructure project documentation
• Environment & Planning: Environmental compliance, planning approvals, native title negotiations, Aboriginal heritage protection, and sustainable development advisory
• Tax & Revenue: Domestic and international tax planning, wealth management strategies, succession planning, and revenue law compliance
• Wills, Estates & Succession Planning: Estate planning, trust establishment, probate administration, and family business succession strategies
• Resources & Energy Law: Mining and petroleum tenure, regulatory compliance, joint ventures, and natural resources project development
• Wine Industry Services: Specialized legal services for wineries including trademark protection, distribution agreements, regulatory compliance, and vineyard acquisitions

Why choose Finlaysons as your lawyer?

Choosing Finlaysons provides access to South Australia's most established commercial law expertise, backed by 170+ years of continuous practice and recognition across 26 distinct legal disciplines in the 2026 Best Lawyers awards. The firm's industry-focused approach delivers practical, timely legal solutions through dedicated sector teams who understand specific business challenges in defence, resources, wine, and agribusiness industries. Their relationship-driven philosophy emphasizes building long-term partnerships as trusted confidants rather than transactional service providers. With four partners awarded 2026 'Lawyer of the Year' honors in their respective fields, Finlaysons combines deep local knowledge with global perspective, serving as preferred legal provider for the Defence and Space Landing Pad at Lot Fourteen and maintaining strong international connections through the Inter-Pacific Bar Association.

Who are the attorneys at Finlaysons?

Finlaysons employs approximately 60 lawyers including 21 partners who lead specialized practice groups across the firm's core service areas. Kyra Reznikov, Special Counsel and 2026 'Lawyer of the Year' in Natural Resources Law, leads the firm's natural resources practice while serving on key industry committees including the Australasian Land and Groundwater Association. Michael Butler, Tax and Revenue Partner and 2026 'Lawyer of the Year' in Wealth Management/Succession Planning, brings international tax expertise and regularly speaks at global conferences on cross-border taxation. Sam Burford, recognized as 2026 'Lawyer of the Year' in Construction/Infrastructure Law, heads the firm's construction practice with extensive experience in major infrastructure projects. Will Taylor, 2026 'Lawyer of the Year' in Agriculture and Rural Affairs, provides specialized agribusiness legal services. The firm continues to grow its next generation of legal talent, with Rebecca Pereira and Steven Ellis recognized as 'Ones to Watch' in the 2026 Best Lawyers rankings.

Where is Finlaysons located?

Finlaysons operates from two strategic locations in Australia, with its headquarters at Level 7, 43 Franklin Street, Adelaide SA 5000, featuring a recently completed 25,833 square foot collaborative workspace designed by Hames Sharley. The Adelaide office serves as the firm's primary hub for its 115-person team and houses the majority of its practice groups. A second office at Level 2, 46 Smith Street Mall, Darwin NT 0800 extends the firm's reach into the Northern Territory market. Clients can contact Finlaysons through the main phone line at +61 8 8235 7400, with dedicated defence industry inquiries directed to +61 439 605 761. The firm maintains an active online presence at www.finlaysons.com.au and engages with clients through LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter platforms.