Vincent Caruso is a seasoned Principal Lawyer with an established reputation for delivering high-quality legal services across various industries. He has honed his skills in negotiation, franchising, and corporate governance, providing expert guidance in employment, competition, and data privacy law. His proficiency extends to legal compliance, retail and consumer law, as well as risk and contract management, complemented by his notarial expertise. At FCW Lawyers, Vincent leads as the Head of Commercial and Notary Public, where he has been instrumental in steering franchising initiatives and ensuring clients meet stringent legal standards. His strategic approach to business succession planning and trust structuring safeguards client interests and facilitates seamless transitions. Vincent's adept contract negotiation and drafting abilities have consistently delivered optimal outcomes, while his commitment to community is evident in his work securing Charity and DGR status for numerous organisations. His leadership roles include serving on the Victorian Regional Liaison Committee for ASIC and chairing the Law Institute of Victoria's Business & Corporate Law Committee. As Chair and Director of the Australian Association of Franchisees Ltd, he plays a crucial role in advancing the interests of franchisees. Vincent's career includes significant tenures as the Director and Principal Lawyer at Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams Lawyers, Legal Director and Company Secretary for Specsavers in the Asia Pacific, and Deputy General Counsel at The Muir Electrical Company Pty Ltd. His comprehensive legal expertise is further enriched by his experience with Darebin Community Legal Services and Aughtersons Solicitors. Academically, Vincent holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne, a Graduate Diploma in Notarial Practice from Victoria University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Montclair State University, with additional studies at Fordham University. His legal acumen and dedication to client service make him a valued asset to his clients and the legal community.
Committee Member - Victorian Regional Liaison Committee
ASIC
Mar 2026 - Present • 7 months
Chair, Law Institute of Victoria - Business & Corporate Law Committee
Law Institute of Victoria
Jan 2026 - Present • 9 months
Principal Lawyer - Head of Commercial & Notary Public
FCW Lawyers
Jun 2025 - Present • 1 year 4 months
Non Executive Director
BK Medical
Mar 2021 - Mar 2022 • 1 year
Chair, Director & Company Secretary
Australian Association of Franchisees Ltd (AAF)
Oct 2018 - Present • 8 years
General Manager & Company Secretary
Association of Bedding Franchisees Incorporated
Mar 2018 - Feb 2022 • 3 years 11 months
Director, Principal Lawyer & Public Notary
Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams Lawyers & Notary
Jan 2018 - Jun 2025 • 7 years 5 months
Legal Director & Company Secretary Asia Pacific
Specsavers
Oct 2011 - Dec 2017 • 6 years 2 months
Deputy General Counsel
The Muir Electrical Company Pty Ltd. (The Good Guys)
Jul 2007 - Oct 2011 • 4 years 3 months
Lawyer - Legal Volunteer
Darebin Community Legal Services
Jan 2007 - Jan 2011 • 4 years
Commercial Lawyer
Aughtersons Solicitors
Jan 2005 - Jul 2007 • 2 years 6 months
Jan 2004 - Nov 2004 • 10 months
Jan 2004 - Jan 2005 • 1 year
Dec 2000 - Feb 2001 • 2 months
Graduate Diploma in Notarial Practice
Victoria University
2021
J.D., Law
University of Melbourne
2000 - 2004
B.A., English
Montclair State University
1992 - 1996
English
Fordham University
1990 - 1992
Last checked: 12 Sept 2026 • Checked with Victorian Legal Services Board
