Well established, and here for you

David Allen

Principal

David commenced work with T A Hill & Son (now Hills Solicitors) in March 1982 as a law clerk and completed his degree at Macquarie University. He was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in December 1987 and was invited to the partnership of Hills Solicitors in July 1990.

As a result of his managerial role at Hills Solicitors, David has a strong understanding of the challenges that businesses sometimes face, and provides a wide variety of advice to small, medium and large business enterprises in the Hunter Valley.

While primarily focused in the areas of commercial law, conveyancing, probate and wills and estates, he is often consulted regarding commercial disputes and has been involved in many large commercial litigation matters over the years.

David has volunteered his time over the years as honorary Solicitor to many community organisations. He is proud to be a past Director of Mai-Wel Limited and a Member of the Mai-Wel Corporate Governance Committee.

He also served for many years as a Committee Member, Secretary and then President of the Hunter Valley Law Society, Committee Member and President of Maitland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Board Member, Treasurer and President of Maitland Lions Club.

Ralph Ward

Consultant

Ralph's career in law started after attaining a degree in chemical engineering, where he was awarded the Monash University Medal. He then pursued qualifications in accounting while employed with BHP.

Ralph decided that qualifications in law would be valuable and completed the Solicitors Admission Board examinations, resulting in his admission as a Solicitor in New South Wales in 1978. He is known for his energy and intense work ethic. Combined with his science and auditing background, Ralph's legal advice is highly sought after by developers, the business community and commercial clients.

Ralph continues to offer a full range of conveyancing, commercial and estate planning advice to his vast array of clients throughout the Hunter Valley. The Ward family has developed a strong interest in varied aspects of rural life.

Ralph has served for a long period as a Committee Member of Maitland Chamber of Commerce and Industry and served as President of Maitland Liquor Accord for many years. He is also a long standing and active Community Member of Maitland Show Society and past Member of Rotary.

Daniel Allen

Solicitor

Daniel's career in law may have very well begun before he was born, as he is our Principal David Allen's eldest child. Daniel has been immersed in law since the beginning and knew when leaving school that law was his calling.

During his studies at the University of Newcastle, Daniel also worked full-time at Hills Solicitors as a Law Clerk for 7 years. This allowed Daniel to gain an understanding and appreciation for the dedicated workers behind the scenes supporting the solicitors.

Once he completed his studies, Daniel achieved a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing, and after more hard work was admitted as a Juris Doctor in 2022. He was admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales on 24 February 2023, with his admission formally moved before the Honourable Chief Justice Bell by his father David.

Daniel has a keen interest in property law and all the challenges it can face, including buying property and selling property. He also has an interest in helping young Australians get into the property market and taking the stress away, allowing them to focus on moving in and celebrating.

Whilst studying at university, Daniel undertook multiple Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation courses taught by the Dean, Professor Tania Sourdin. Through these courses Daniel learnt how to approach disputes with a solution-based approach, in an attempt to save all parties costs and unnecessary court action. Daniel has also assisted David in Supreme Court and Court of Appeal proceedings, picking up valuable skills.