Ray Purcell is the Managing Partner of KPA Lawyers and heads the firm’s Litigation and Mergers and Acquisitions divisions. He has been a principal of KPA Lawyers since 1991, practising in commercial law, property law and litigation, and acts for a wide range of clients including sporting professionals, sporting and community associations, and local, national and international companies and businesses.
In addition to his extensive practice as a solicitor, Ray has lectured in Commercial Law at the Monash University David Syme School of Business. He is an experienced litigator and commercial lawyer whose ability to cut through to the core issues helps his clients better understand their positions and reach a resolution more quickly. Ray brings a sharp commercial instinct to every matter, balancing legal rigour with the practical, business-minded judgement that complex transactions and disputes demand.
With almost 40 years of experience in legal practice, Ray continues to serve not only his clients with unparalleled commitment and knowledge of the law but also his community through his other qualifications and various initiatives. He is an Accredited AFL Player Agent and an Accredited NBA Player Agent.
Ray is a Founding Member of the Grow Hope Foundation, a registered charity supporting Indigenous Australians through education programs and learning experiences. He is also a Founding Member and Officer of Village Zero Sandringham Inc., a not-for-profit organisation driving urban regeneration and sustainable practices and also sits on the OLSH Board, chairing the Policy & Governance Committee.
Ray holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Science (1985) from Monash University, and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia in 1987
Core Expertise
- Shareholder Oppression Disputes
Ray acts for both minority and majority stakeholders where conduct has been oppressive or unfairly prejudicial, guiding clients to resolution, through a negotiated buyout or court relief.
- Business Restructuring
Ray helps businesses restructure for growth, protection and efficiency, with expertise in moving clients out of trust structures and into corporate structures while managing the tax, governance and succession implications.
- Mergers & Acquisitions
Ray brings significant experience to mid-market M&A, advising buyers and sellers from share and asset sales from structuring and due diligence through to completion.
- Exit Strategy & Structuring
Ray works closely with founders, directors and shareholders to position their businesses for a successful exit, designing the right structures and strategies from the outset, including planning for capital raises and managing dilution issues.
- Shareholder, Buy-Sell & Joint Venture Agreements
Ray drafts and negotiates shareholder agreements, buy-sell agreements and complex joint venture arrangements, building in governance and exit mechanics that protect his clients and prevent future disputes.
- Sports Law & Athlete Management
An accredited AFL and NBA Player Agent, Ray represents professional athletes in complex contract negotiations and player management matters, and advises on intellectual property, image rights and sponsorship packages.