Charles began his tenure at the firm in 1981 and became a partner in 1989. Charles is one of Melbourne’s leading and most experienced criminal defence lawyers, having acted in countless high-profile cases seeing his name become synonymous with the Melbourne criminal law landscape.
Charles practises in all jurisdictions, however, with his level of experience, primarily appears in criminal proceedings concerning serious charges in the County and Supreme Courts of Victoria.

Paul is an accredited criminal law specialist and boasts an in depth, intricate understanding of legislation and regulations which apply to criminal prosecutions.
Paul has worked as a criminal defence lawyer since 2005 and became a partner at Haines and Polites in 2011.
Paul appears in all jurisdictions and acts in a wide range of criminal matters, from serious criminal charges to charges of a less serious nature. Paul’s clients value his commitment to boldly advocating for their best interests in the course of prosecution.

David Young has held all professional positions at Haines & Polites since he commenced legal practice over forty years ago.
Now, as a Consultant, he is the holder of a vast corporate knowledge of the firm and its many thousands of clients acquired since its foundation in the early 1950s. David has practised broadly in the law, including civil litigation, domestic and commercial property transactions and extensively in wills and estates of significant value and complexity.

After having joined Haines & Polites in 2021, Ciara commenced her legal traineeship and was admitted to the legal profession in early 2024. Ciara has a particular interest in both property law and estate planning. Ciara regularly reviews sale contracts and vendor statements for clients wanting to purchase real estate.
Ciara is a key part of our estates planning team, regularly drafting complex wills and advising her clients with respect to matters needing careful consideration based on the family dynamic and asset pool of her clients.
Ciara’s clients value her ability to communicate complex property and estate planning concepts in plain English. Ciara starts any new client matter by asking her clients to define their intended outcome, allowing Ciara to remain outcome focused in her advice and conduct of a matter.

Terry joined our practice in 2023, following our firm’s acquisition of his established practice, Terry Lillis Lawyers.
In over forty years of legal practice, Terry has built a strong presence in the Metropolitan community and services hundreds of clients who appreciate Terry’s personalised approach to client service.
Terry has particular specialisation advising clients with respect to complex property matters, business transactions, and deceased estate disputes.
Come and say hello to Terry. Perhaps don’t ask him which football team he supports, unless you also adore the red and black.

Voula’s commenced employment at TH Lillis and Associated in the 70’s, quickly becoming Terry’s senior legal executive and practise manager. Voula’s years of service within the legal sector have seen her develop a well-rounded set of skills and the ability to assist our firm’s lawyers with complex administrative and clerical tasks.
Voula prioritises being approachable for all of the firm’s clients and, through years of experience, has acquired a skill set which allows Voula to assist our firm’s lawyers in conveyancing related matters, business sales and with the preparation of Leases.