Headquarters:

Suite 6, Level 10, 343 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Year founded:

2018

Number of employees:

Phone:

(03) 9052 3214

Email:

info@tnslawyers.com.au

Website:

tnslawyers.com.au

LinkedIn:

au.linkedin.com/company/tns-lawyers

“We prioritise embracing cutting-edge technologies, creative problem solving and continuous improvement to enhance our premium funding solutions and provide exceptional value to our clients”

Brett Bastow, IQumulate Premium FundinG

Louis Shivarev

Partner

Vincent Tang

Partner

Levi Richards

Lawyer

Leadership

Louis Shivarev is a partner at TNS Lawyers and an experienced commercial and corporate lawyer. He is known for placing clients’ commercial objectives at the centre of every matter and for giving practical, commercially realistic advice. Louis Shivarev’s areas of focus include complex business sales and acquisitions, commercial litigation, insolvency, commercial property transactions, banking and finance, and securities and priority disputes. He is also a qualified mediator, and an Associate Member of the Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators Australia.

Partner

Louis Shivarev

Vincent Tang is a partner at TNS Lawyers and an experienced property and family lawyer. He advises clients across a broad range of property matters, including conveyancing, developments, property disputes and transactions involving local and international clients. He also assists clients with family law matters, particularly where property, financial arrangements or cross-border considerations are involved. Fluent in English and Mandarin, Tang is well placed to support Chinese-speaking clients and those navigating Australian legal processes for the first time. He is known for his practical approach, cultural understanding and ability to guide clients clearly through important personal and property-related decisions.

Partner

Vincent Tang

Levi Richards is a commercial litigation and business lawyer at TNS Lawyers. He brings a practical business background to his legal work, with experience drawn from senior management and consulting roles across small-to-medium enterprises, large corporations and franchise businesses. Levi Richards’ commercial understanding helps him identify the key issues in a dispute quickly and communicate clearly with business owners. His areas of focus include commercial litigation, insolvency, commercial law and franchising-related matters. He is valued for combining legal analysis with a strong understanding of how businesses operate in the real world.

Lawyer

Levi Richards

Spencer Pascal

Principal Lawyer

Spencer Pascal has extensive experience in managing complex liability, indemnity and property recovery litigation for national insurers in the motor vehicle, construction, plant, commercial property and home insurance sectors. He is frequently sought after for his expertise in policy interpretation and indemnity, particularly in cases involving suspected fraud, non-disclosure or breaches of policy. Pascal is also recognised for his deep understanding of Australian Consumer Law, which he leverages to secure successful recoveries in complex product liability claims. He works closely with insurers to train their staff and develop proactive strategies that minimise exposure and maximise available defenses.

Principal Lawyer

Spencer Pascal

Doran Yacobi

Principal Lawyer

Doran Yacobi represents leading national insurers in property damage litigation across all states. With his extensive knowledge and experience, he is frequently sought after by clients for strategic advice, offering clear and practical recommendations on current best practices throughout Australia. Yacobi has been a key figure in credit hire car and repair litigation nationwide, working closely with clients to develop innovative strategies in this evolving and complex field. He prides himself on fostering strong, lasting relationships with clients, passionately advocating for their strategic interests to secure excellent outcomes in challenging cases.

Principal Lawyer

Doran Yacobi

Stevens & Associates Lawyers is a leading and trusted employment law firm based in Sydney known for delivering high-quality legal expertise in the area of employment law and industrial relations across Australia, alongside a proven track record of effectively and swiftly resolving a variety of workplace law issues. In the past year, the firm’s growth has been notable. It has: • experienced a 213% growth in the number of client matters, increasing from 149 client matters in the 2022 financial year to 390 client matters in the 2023 financial year • improved its online visibility, leading to over 50 online enquiries each month and a conversion rate of client leads of up to 40% • significantly expanded the breadth and type of matters that it advises on day to day, which has increased the firm’s skillsets, diversity and resilience • expanded its community outreach by collaborating with local Sydney venues for client seminars and continuing active participation in a Sydney small/family business group Stevens & Associates Lawyers has adapted to digital trends by implementing an effective strategy with SEO and web design, resulting in a structural shift that has seen increased representation of employees where the firm previously mainly advised employers. The firm’s recognition as a “Fast Firm” attests to its momentum in the employment law space.

“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started”

Wayne Tower, IQumulate Premium Funding

Steve Tchepak

National Underwriting Manager

Michael Prokopis

Manager – Southern Region

Jeffrey Valdivia

Manager – Commercial Strata

Pam Chhabra

Manager – Residential Strata

Steve Tchepak became the national underwriting manager at CHU in June 2019. He has over 13 years of experience in strata management and strata insurance. He has held various positions, including commercial underwriter, team leader and NSW and ACT branch manager.

National Underwriting Manager

Steve Tchepak

Thierry Pascal has over 13 years of experience in business and corporate banking in various financial/credit analytical and relationship management roles with the NAB and CBA. After a career break to undertake postgraduate studies, he joined GE Capital as a senior risk analyst in premium funding in 2010. Following the divestment of the premium funding business to the Macquarie Group in 2015, he joined Macquarie Premium Funding and was promoted to credit risk manager, where he led the credit underwriting team. Following the re-branding to IQumulate Premium Funding, Pascal was recently promoted to head of credit and legal, a role that sees him manage the credit underwriting team as well as oversee IQumulate’s in-house legal function. Pascal holds undergraduate and postgraduate tertiary qualifications in accounting and law.

Head of Credit and Legal

Thierry Pascal

Cemal Akgul sees the head of risk and collections role as pivotal in guiding and influencing business decisions. He has more than 15 years of experience across financial and government services, most recently with the NDIS, where he was the leading consultant driving the Risk Management process’ nationwide. Prior to that, he served various roles at BMW Finance across the United States, Hong Kong, Germany and Australia. During Akgul’s tenure at BMW Finance, he predominately worked in risk management, guiding the organisation through seismic changes between 2016 and 2018. In his time prior, he was based out of New York, leading BMW Finance’s American subsidiary's market risk and data analytics teams between 2011 and 2016. Akgul values a balanced approach to business, encourages a positive work culture and is passionate about teaching and guiding the business and individuals at IQumulate.

Head of Risk and Collections

Cemal Akgul

Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager. As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.

Commercial Manager

Stephen McMillan

One culmination of these efforts has been the real-world, needs-based IQEdge solution. A one-stop online quoting tool designed for both the Australian and New Zealand markets, IQEdge delivers quotes in under 60 seconds. Plus, the solution offers quote comparison and quote versioning capabilities, enabling users to review vital historical and financial data in a single page view. IQEdge can streamline and automate application processing, underwriting document verification and payment collection, cutting the need for manual labour and minimising processing errors. A digital “self-service” platform, IQEdge, reduces the need for customer and administrative support. Meanwhile, borrowers can access their accounts, make payments and manage their policies independently and through sales and support teams, which are always available for further assistance. “We’ve created a quality platform that simplifies the quoting process yet amplifies the customer experience,” says Gordon. “It’s a real game changer.” IQumulate offers an online digital quoting tool to clients. The best-in-market solution enables IQumulate to tailor funding offerings to brokers that align with their prefered distribution channel.

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What does IQumulate have in mind for the future? “IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur. “Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, with the potential to allow IQumulate to capture a larger market share, whilst continuing to deliver service excellence to clients.” “As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead. “We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”

IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company. “We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.” Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate. “Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”

Adam Basaldella

Manager – Claims

Product Manager

Claire Watson

Commercial Manager

Stephen McMillan

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Ivan Verescuk

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

Shaun O’Brien

Head of Underwriting

Emily Walker

Head of Strata and Development

Rex Oakman

Head of Operations and Risk

Sandy Newton

Head of Underwriting

Andrew Mitchell

Manager – NSW

Michael Prokopis

Manager – Southern Region

Pam Chhabra

Manager – Residential Strata

Jeffrey Valdivia

Manager – Commercial Strata

Adam Basaldella

Manager – Claims

TNS Lawyers is a boutique Melbourne commercial law firm practising across commercial disputes, corporate advisory, business structuring, governance, shareholder arrangements, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)-related matters, and mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. With fewer than 100 fee-earning lawyers and a clear concentration in commercial and corporate law, the firm derives the significant majority of its revenue from a single practice area. What distinguishes TNS Lawyers from other commercial practices is a philosophy its leaders have embedded since inception: legal advice must serve the client’s commercial reality, not just their technical legal position. Led by Louis Shivarev and Vincent Tang, partners and directors of the firm, TNS Lawyers has built its identity around a deceptively simple idea – that good commercial lawyers ask not only “Can you do this?” but “Should you?” That commercial discipline, applied consistently across transactional, advisory and dispute work, is the firm’s primary point of difference. TNS Lawyers’ track record in complex matters supports that position. Over the past year, the firm has advised on significant litigation, including Li & Anor v Zhang & Ors [2025] VSC 432, a matter involving alleged misappropriation of approximately $3 million and issues connected with real property transactions. The firm also acted on a major transaction involving the sale of a car park asset comprising approximately 600 car park spaces and 123 certificates of title – described as one of Victoria’s largest such sales in 2025. These matters reflect the qualities the firm brings to mid-market work: disciplined project management, careful coordination and advice directed squarely at protecting the client’s position. Alongside technical capability, TNS Lawyers has invested heavily in the client experience. The firm operates a workflow-driven practice management system through Actionstep, communication capture through VXT, and structured onboarding and enquiry management through GoHighLevel. Carefully used AI tools assist with administration, translation support and communication clarity. Fixed fees are applied to the vast majority of commercial and business law work where scope is clearly defined. Where matters are more complex, particularly in litigation, the firm defines stages, communicates likely costs and keeps clients informed throughout. As Shivarev and Tang describe it, client satisfaction is built on five non-negotiables: the client must understand what is happening the advice must be practical service must be responsive costs must be transparent the outcome must be proportionate TNS Lawyers’ contribution extends beyond its client work. Shivarev serves as current chair of the Law Institute of Victoria’s courts practice committee, deputy chair of its business law committee, and a member of both the Commercial Litigation and Commercial Law committees. He is also a co-founder of the Melbourne Business Society, a business networking group of more than 400 members, that hosts roundtable discussions with industry leaders and members of parliament. As a paperless, digitally integrated practice with a clear specialist focus and a demonstrated capacity to handle complex, high-value commercial matters, TNS Lawyers represents what a modern Australian commercial boutique can achieve.

“This ‘boots on the ground’ approach has seen lawyers from CDI working directly with clients in their offices or on the project site for several different projects,” says XXX. Equally notable is the firm’s internal culture, as of CDI’s five principals, three – Christopher Rowden, Jason Pungsornruk and Jay Hatten – began as clerks under Pyman. Their shared history has fostered a continuity of vision, ensuring that CDI’s service-first philosophy remains deeply embedded. Junior lawyers are trusted to contribute meaningfully, provided they demonstrate discipline and aptitude. CDI also invests heavily in education-based marketing. From onsite seminars to thought leadership in legal journals, the firm seeks to upskill project teams and deepen client relationships. Its visibility across the legal landscape is reflected in its sponsorship and participation in key industry events – such as the ICC Arbitration Day in Tokyo and the SOCLA national conference – as well as its publishing credentials, including the widely used annotated guide to Queensland adjudication law. “We consider that success is only achieved when our clients feel they have received the most outstanding legal service experience they have ever received from a law firm,” says XXX. “Of course, results are important, but results can be unpredictable. What can be predicted and controlled is the commitment to adding value to our clients’ businesses.”

TNS Lawyers is a boutique Melbourne commercial law firm practising across commercial disputes, corporate advisory, business structuring, governance, shareholder arrangements, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)-related matters, and mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. With fewer than 100 fee-earning lawyers and a clear concentration in commercial and corporate law, the firm derives the significant majority of its revenue from a single practice area. What distinguishes TNS Lawyers from other commercial practices is a philosophy its leaders have embedded since inception: legal advice must serve the client’s commercial reality, not just their technical legal position. Led by Louis Shivarev and Vincent Tang, partners and directors of the firm, TNS Lawyers has built its identity around a deceptively simple idea – that good commercial lawyers ask not only “Can you do this?” but “Should you?” That commercial discipline, applied consistently across transactional, advisory and dispute work, is the firm’s primary point of difference. TNS Lawyers’ track record in complex matters supports that position. Over the past year, the firm has advised on significant litigation, including Li & Anor v Zhang & Ors [2025] VSC 432, a matter involving alleged misappropriation of approximately $3 million and issues connected with real property transactions. The firm also acted on a major transaction involving the sale of a car park asset comprising approximately 600 car park spaces and 123 certificates of title – described as one of Victoria’s largest such transactions in 2025. Further, TNS Lawyers acts on behalf of many mid-market transactions between $1M to $100M. These matters reflect the qualities the firm brings to mid-market work: disciplined project management, careful coordination and advice directed squarely at protecting the client’s position. Alongside technical capability, TNS Lawyers has made significant investments in the client experience and service delivery. The firm operates a workflow-driven practice management system through practice management system and, a legal-industry-focused telephony platform that captures and integrates call data directly into the firm's workflows. Enquiries, client onboarding, and follow-up processes are managed through GoHighLevel, providing a consistent and responsive client journey. Carefully implemented AI tools further support administrative efficiency and clear client communications, allowing the firm to deliver a modern, technology-enabled legal service while maintaining a strong focus on personal client care. Fixed fees are applied to the vast majority of commercial and business law work where scope is clearly defined. Where matters are more complex, particularly in litigation, the firm defines stages, communicates likely costs and keeps clients informed throughout. As our firm director, Louis Shivarev describes it, client satisfaction is built on five non-negotiables: the client must understand what is happening the advice must be practical service must be responsive costs must be transparent the outcome must be proportionate and commercial TNS Lawyers’ contribution extends beyond its client work. Louis Shivarev serves as current chair of the Law Institute of Victoria’s courts practice committee, deputy chair of its business law committee, and a member of both the Commercial Litigation and Commercial Law committees. He is also a committee member of Melbourne Business Society, a business networking group of more than 400 members, that connects businesses with one another hosts roundtable discussions with industry leaders and politicians. As a paperless, digitally integrated practice with a clear specialist focus and a demonstrated capacity to handle complex, high-value commercial matters, TNS Lawyers represents what a modern Australian commercial boutique can achieve.