Where it all began

Founded in 1991

Williams & Lay Lawyers is a trusted general practice law firm located in Lilydale, proudly serving Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and beyond. Formerly known as Brian & Margaret Williams Lawyers, the practice was founded by Brian and Margaret Williams, who began practising locally in 1991 and officially opened the firm in 2004. In 2015, long-time colleague and dedicated legal professional Evan Lay acquired the practice. Brian and Margaret remained active in the firm until their retirement in June 2021.

Built on a foundation of integrity, accountability, and community-minded service, Williams & Lay remains committed to providing high-quality legal advice that is practical, efficient, and grounded in care. We value the trust our clients and professional referrers place in us and focus on building enduring relationships with individuals, families, and businesses.

At the heart of our approach is clear communication. We understand that legal matters can be complex and stressful, which is why we prioritise keeping you informed at every stage. Our advice is tailored, considered, and always in your best interests.

Meet the team

We’re a dedicated and close-knit team of legal professionals, committed to providing thoughtful, reliable advice with care and integrity. Each of us brings experience and attention to detail to every matter and we're here to support you with clarity and respect.

Evan Lay

Legal Practitioner & Proprietor

Evan graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 2007 and was admitted to practice as an Australian Legal Practitioner in 2009. Evan has worked for Allens (then Allens Arthur Robinson), Conveyancing Work Solicitors, and Slater & Gordon. He has experience in property, wills & estates, powers of attorney, estate litigation, debt recovery, sale & purchase of a business, contract, and commercial matters. Evan enjoys playing tennis, keeping active and travelling.

Previous qualifications & experience:

Bachelor of Laws (2007)
Admitted Australian Legal Practitioner
Conveyancing Work Solicitors
Allens (Formerly Allens Arthur Robinson)
Slater & Gordon

Rubal Sachdeva

Legal Practitioner

Rubal (Ruben) joined the Williams and Lay team in 2020.

Before he was admitted as a lawyer, Rubal was a franchisee and business owner. He has worked across a number of different industries and brings a pragmatic approach to his practice by drawing on his vast experiences. Rubal specialises in retail & commercial leasing, sale & purchase of businesses, franchising, disputes & litigation, wills & estates, and is willing to take on most contract and commercial matters.

Rubal graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in 2016 after having previously completed a Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Applied Finance from Monash University.

Rubal lives locally and enjoys scuba diving, hiking, and travelling during his time off.

Previous qualifications & experience:

Bachelor of Laws (2016)
Masters of Applied Finance (2012)
Bachelor of Commerce (Finance, Business Law & Tax) (2010)
Admitted Australian Legal Practitioner
Solicitor at Remington Wright & Co.
Franchisee for Goodyear Dunlop Australia

Kevin Yip

Legal Practitioner

Kevin joined the Williams and Lay team in 2021.

Prior to starting his career in legal services, he was a registered Pharmacist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. He has worked across several different healthcare settings during his time as a pharmacist but has always had a keen interest in law. He has experience in property, wills & estates, powers of attorney, estate litigation and debt recovery matters.

Kevin graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Melbourne in 2014 after having previously completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Monash University. Kevin lives near the bay area in Melbourne and, in his free time, enjoys strolling along the beach, keeping active and travelling.

Previous qualifications & experience:

Bachelor of Pharmacy (2011)
Juris Doctor (2014)
Registered as a Pharmacist with General Registration
Admitted Australian Legal Practitioner

Leah Cook

Legal Assistant

Having previously worked in Real Estate and with several years of experience in customer service, Leah goes above and beyond to provide her clients with the highest level of service. Leah’s exceptional organisation and time-management skills help lead to enhanced productivity and make her an invaluable member of the team at Williams & Lay Lawyers.

Leah understands that excellent customer experience is paramount in any business. When it comes to dealing with clients, professional service and consistent communication are vital to cultivate client relationships and providing each of our clients with the service they deserve. Having lived in the Yarra Valley for most of her life, she has a great appreciation for the area and all it has to offer.

In her downtime, she loves spending time outdoors and taking her dog Pippa on walks with her friends.

Sharon Mak

Legal Assistant

Sharon has worked in the legal industry since 2006. Firstly commencing as a receptionist, then worked her way up to become a paralegal in the areas of wills, probate, conveyancing, leasing, and commercial litigation in general practice law firms. She completed her advanced diploma of business in legal practice in 2011. Outside of work, Sharon enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, skiing and travelling.

She is also fluent in Cantonese and speaks conversational Mandarin.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts
Advanced Diploma of Business (Legal Practice)