Our team

Jonathan has for over 20 years practiced exclusively in commercial litigation and dispute resolution.

He spent the first 12 years of his career in top-tier firms in Melbourne and London, before starting at Strongman & Crouch in 2014. In joining the firm, he followed in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, each of whom spent their entire careers at Strongman & Crouch.

Jonathan prides himself on his ability to work hard to understand his clients’ commercial objectives to deliver astute and considered legal advice based on those objectives.

Jonathan has extensive experience in general commercial litigation and dispute resolution predominantly in the Supreme and Federal Courts and in the appellate jurisdictions. He has notable expertise in corporate and insolvency litigation and advisory work, financial services litigation, tax litigation, property disputes, trusts litigation, partnership disputes, intellectual property matters and defamation actions.

He forms trusting relationships with his clients, who value his clear communication and his eagerness to protect and advance their interests.

Jonathan’s reputation as a practitioner is reflected in his listing as a ‘recommended’ solicitor in “Doyles’ Leading Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Lawyers – Victoria” for 2023 and 2024. It is notable that Jonathan, and his colleague Andrew Bailey, are the only solicitors featured on that list from a truly boutique firm.

Jonathan is proud of Strongman & Crouch’s 140+-year history in Melbourne, and its long-standing reputation as an efficient, specialist firm providing top-tier legal advice and service.

Andrew has over 20 years experience as a corporate and commercial litigator and regulatory lawyer. Andrew has worked at top tier firms in Melbourne and London. In 2010/2011, Andrew was the associate to Justice John Middleton: Judge of the Federal Court of Australia, President of the Australian Competition Tribunal and Presidential Member of the Australian Appeals Tribunal.

More recently, Andrew practised for ten years as a commercial barrister at the Victorian Bar where he developed an enviable reputation as a highly sought-after member of counsel.

As a barrister, Andrew was involved in some of the Victorian Supreme Court and the Federal Court’s largest and most complex trials of the past decade. Having run many trials from the Bar table, Andrew knows the Courts, advocacy and the litigation process intimately. He can guide clients every step of the way with clear, honest and strategic advice from someone who knows exactly what he is doing.

Andrew left the Bar in 2021 and joined Strongman & Crouch as a Principal to build closer relationships with clients and better address their needs.

Andrew’s practice includes commercial, corporate and banking disputes with a focus on commercial contracts, trade practices and regulation, directors/partnership issues, insolvency, property and insurance law. Andrew advises on commercial contracts, insurance contracts, business and share sales and acquisitions, and trade and regulatory compliance (particularly dealing with ASIC, ACCC and Innovation Australia (the R&D Tax Incentive Scheme)).

Given his experience, both in private practice and as a barrister, Andrew is uniquely placed to provide expert and effective strategic advice to clients in both the litigious and commercial context.

Andrew’s reputation as a practitioner is reflected in his listing as a ‘recommended’ solicitor in “Doyles’ Leading Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Lawyers – Victoria”  2024. It is notable that Andrew, and his colleague Jonathan Joseph, are the only solicitors featured on that list from a truly boutique firm.

Andrew brings his significant skills to bear to do what he can to resolve disputes before they become litigious. Where litigation is inevitable, Andrew ensures his clients are best placed for a successful outcome.

Milli has over 10 years’ experience conducting high net worth, complex litigation at both a State and Federal level. She started her career at Strongman & Crouch in 2009, where she trained and worked with us for five years under the tutelage of Andrew Joseph, before gaining experience at another highly regarded litigation firm and top tier firm over the following seven years.

Milli has been involved in numerous large and high profile matters, including the Kakavas v Crown case (which is now the leading Australian authority on unconscionable conduct), and the Centro litigation (a decision integral to the duties of company directors). She has conducted litigation at all levels, and worked across a broad spectrum of industries and issues.

Milli’s practice includes commercial and corporate disputes, including shareholder oppression proceedings, claims and investigations relating to directors’ duties, contractual disputes, breach of warranty claims and claims for misleading and deceptive conduct. She also has experience with search and freezing orders (including acting as independent solicitor), property disputes (including priorities disputes and compulsory acquisition of land claims), franchising disputes and insurance disputes. She has acted for trusted national and international brands, as well as SMEs and high net worth individuals and families.

Clients and counsel who have worked with Milli have consistently recognised her as an intelligent, ‘clear thinking’, instinctive and strategic advocate. She enjoys achieving commercial outcomes for her clients, and building long lasting relationships.

Jonathan was admitted to practice as a solicitor in 2015, having commenced with Strongman & Crouch in 2012 as a paralegal while still a law student. Jonathan qualified at Monash University for a scholarship and graduated with First Class Honours in his Bachelor of Laws degree. He also completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Monash.

Jonathan was appointed as a Principal of the firm in March 2024. His knowledge of the law and intuition for commercial outcomes distinguishes him as a practitioner.

Jonathan’s experience includes:

• general commercial litigation, particularly in the superior courts;
• advising and acting for clients in relation to disputes regarding contracts, torts, deceased estates, residential and retail tenancies and sport-related disputes; and
• preparing and advising about commercial contracts and agreements.

Jonathan was born in Hong Kong. He has lived in Melbourne since he was five years old. He speaks English and Cantonese fluently and is also conversant in Mandarin.

Clients who have worked with Jonathan have repeatedly recognised his legal and intellectual ability, his commitment, his considered yet efficient advice and his ability to deliver solutions cost-effectively.

Tom was admitted to practice in early 2023 following the completion of his graduate year having joined Strongman & Crouch at the start of 2022. He graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts.

Tom works closely with the firm’s solicitors as he builds his skills as a first-year lawyer.

Tom enjoys collaborating with counsel and clients as a member of a team or working independently on large and complex commercial disputes in the higher courts. This includes providing close assistance in trials conducted at each level of the judicial system including in the Supreme Court of Victoria and Federal Court of Australia. He has a strong work ethic and is committed to delivering efficient and commercial outcomes for clients. Tom prides himself on building close relationships with clients and assisting with achieving their legal and commercial needs.

While Tom is only at the beginning of his legal journey, he has already distinguished himself with his passion for the law, his easy manner with clients and a keenness to develop his skills as a legal practitioner.