Leadership Team.

Our leadership team brings together legal, operational and commercial experience to support clients, people and communities throughout Western Australia.

Simon Creek

Executive Chairman

Simon provides strategic leadership and long-term direction for HHG Legal Group, with a focus on firm growth, community impact and the continued development of the firm’s key practice areas.

Admitted in 1998, he has played a significant role in shaping HHG’s growth and reputation across Western Australia, including establishing HHG Giving Back, the firm’s charitable arm. Simon is widely recognised within the legal profession for his leadership, innovation and contribution to the broader community and legal industry.

Murray Thornhill

Managing Director

As Managing Director, Murray works closely with Simon and the firm’s leadership team to guide the strategic direction, growth and long-term development of HHG Legal Group.

Alongside his legal practice and client advisory work, he focuses on strengthening client relationships, supporting regional engagement and helping drive the continued evolution of the firm across Western Australia.

Dr Steve Cohen

Partner | Family Law

Dr Steve Cohen has more than 20 years of experience in complex child-related matters, property settlements, and spousal maintenance applications.

As an approved Independent Children’s Lawyer and adjunct lecturer at Edith Cowan University Law School, Steve brings both practical expertise and academic insight to advocating for clients navigating sensitive family law disputes.

Ben Majoe

Partner | Family Law

Ben Majoe brings over 20 years of experience in complex property settlements, parenting matters, and family mediation.

Admitted to practise in both Australia and Hawaii, Ben combines international legal experience with a strategic approach to achieving positive outcomes for clients navigating difficult family law disputes.

Matthew Lilly

Partner | Commercial, Employment & Agribusiness

Matthew advises businesses, employers and agribusiness clients across commercial, employment and property matters. He is known for providing practical, straightforward advice that reflects the operational realities facing businesses across metropolitan and regional Western Australia.

Riaan Piek

Partner | Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Riaan advises clients on complex commercial disputes, litigation and strategic dispute resolution matters across a range of industries. With extensive experience in high-value and sensitive matters, he brings a commercially focused and outcomes-driven approach to resolving disputes effectively.

Kimi Shah

Managing Associate | Wills & Estate Planning

Kimi advises clients on wills, estate planning, estate administration and succession matters. She works closely with individuals and families to provide clear, thoughtful guidance around future planning and managing estate matters with care, professionalism and attention to detail.

Operational Leadership

HHG Legal Group’s operational leadership team combines deep expertise with strategic business acumen to drive the firm’s growth and service excellence across Western Australia.

This experienced team oversees day-to-day management, business development, client experience, and operational infrastructure, ensuring seamless service delivery across five offices and supporting a team of around 80 staff.

Merrill MacNish

Chief Executive Officer

Merrill oversees the operational performance of the firm, supporting strategy, governance, systems and business operations across HHG Legal Group. She works closely with leadership teams to strengthen processes, improve efficiency and support the continued growth of the firm and its people.

Heather Awcock

Head of Marketing, Digital & Communications

Heather leads the firm’s marketing, communications and business development strategy, with a focus on brand positioning, client engagement, digital growth and regional market presence. She works across the business to align commercial strategy, client experience and long-term growth initiatives.

Jade Daws

People & Culture Manager

Jade leads people and culture initiatives across the firm, supporting recruitment, employee experience, wellbeing and team development. She works closely with leadership and staff to foster a connected, supportive and collaborative workplace culture.

Darren McKeown

Financial Controller

Darren oversees the firm’s financial management, reporting and operational finance functions. He supports the leadership team through financial planning, commercial analysis and maintaining strong financial governance across the business.

Ayden Dagleish

Corporate Services Lead

Ayden supports the operational functions that underpin the day-to-day performance of the firm, including systems, facilities and business support services. His role focuses on ensuring teams are well supported and operational processes run effectively across the organisation.

Susan Hooley-Yates

Legal Support Team Lead

Susan leads the firm’s legal support teams, helping ensure consistent client service, operational coordination and support across practice areas. She plays an important role in mentoring teams and maintaining high standards across legal administration and support functions.

Local expertise. Multiple locations.

Our team of experienced lawyers operates from five locations across Perth and regional Western Australia. We’re local people who understand the area, backed by the expertise of one of WA’s most established firms. We take the time to listen, explain your options clearly, and guide you openly, providing reliable representation and quality advice at every step. Because every client deserves our full attention.

Image Shows: HHG Legal Group Foyer Perth, with receptionist

The road to resolution.

We believe in a clear path forward. From our first conversation, we break things into manageable steps, keep you informed and work steadily toward a fair outcome, until we reach the resolution you’re seeking.
  • Consultation

    We listen to your situation and outline your options.
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  • Strategy

    We create a tailored plan to protect your interests.
  • Action

    We prepare documents, negotiate, or represent you.
  • Resolution

    We work toward the best possible outcome for you.

What our clients are saying about us.

  • Jane Song at the Perth office is just amazing, quick, clear, friendly, and totally professional. Dealing with a matter on my behalf living on the other side of the planet, she was flexible and made sure I was kept up to date every step of the way!! Wish more people had this work ethic in the world!!
    R.M
    Wills, Estate and Succession Planning
  • Isabella and Lynn were caring and gracious in handling the estate of our family. They were very open with their communication and always helpful and informative as they led us through the steps required while also being respectful and patient with our questions and requests for assistance. Thank you
    S.D
    Wills, Estate and Succession Planning
  • I recently updated my Will and did an EPA with Isabella at HHG. She was wonderful including answering all of my questions and giving understandable explanations that made the experience easy. I would be happy to recommend to anyone seeking a Solicitor and legal firm.
    B.S
    Wills, Estate and Succession Planning