David Hackford

David Hackford is a seasoned business and property lawyer with extensive experience serving clients in Central Gippsland. He began his legal career at Mahonys in Melbourne’s CBD before returning to Traralgon, where he has developed a reputation for delivering clear, practical legal solutions efficiently and professionally. David’s commercial and business law work encompasses advising on the sale and purchase of companies, shares and businesses. He drafts contracts for shareholder, joint venture and supply agreements, and provides counsel on related trust law matters. His client base spans a broad range of sectors, including registered clubs, not-for-profit organisations, motor vehicle dealerships, property developers, restaurateurs and venue operators. Beyond legal practice, David has contributed to the community through board roles with organisations such as Dalkeith and JL Macmillan Memorial Home Inc, Walhalla Board of Management, and the Little Village Project, which engages at-risk children in education. Drawing on his background in commercial property and family law, David prepares wills and powers of attorney tailored to the complex needs of individuals and families. His approach often incorporates testamentary trusts, superannuation nominations and equalisation strategies, while maintaining clarity and accessibility for clients and their advisers. He also handles probate matters through the firm’s busy department and has acted as executor and trustee in a variety of estates, including managing complex administration. David is experienced in proceedings under Part IV of the Administration and Probate Act for claimants seeking further provision from estates in the County and Supreme Courts of Victoria. David’s strong foundation in property law continues to underpin his practice. He oversees a dedicated conveyancing team across two offices, fostering strong, long-term relationships with accountants, planners, brokers and real estate agents. He has successfully integrated several smaller conveyancing operations into the firm’s broader property practice. His transactions frequently involve acting for both borrowers and lenders, including managing security interests such as mortgages over land and perfected security under the Personal Property Securities Act, as well as commercial leasing and sales. His clients include banks, finance companies, investors, private lenders and small to medium enterprises. David holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Tasmania, graduating in 1991. He combines his broad legal knowledge with a practical and no-nonsense approach, ensuring clients receive effective advice that meets their commercial and personal objectives.