After spending my childhood considering a career as an architect or accountant, when the time came for me to submit my QTAC application in year 12, I decided to study law. That decision saw me moving to Brisbane to study at the University of Queensland. I graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Criminology and Political Science) and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours).
As I approached the end of my undergraduate studies, I did what just about every other student seemed to be doing, which was apply for as many graduate programs and jobs as I could. Ultimately, that lead to me accepting a position at a mid-sized Brisbane law firm and commencing work straight after my final exams. Many of my friends decided to take a few months off and travel before starting full-time work – but (I thought) I knew better than them (ha!). Thus began the many twists of my turns of my legal career. I’d accepted a role working in the firm’s litigation team, but on my first day I was told to go and see one of the property partners as the property development team needed a hand for “a few months”. Well, a few months turned into a few years and I cut my teeth as a graduate and then junior lawyer acting for property developers and assisting with the project structuring and off-the-plan sale of lots in residential and mixed-use developments across Brisbane.
After several years immersed in property development work (they didn’t call it the “project vortex” for nothing!), I was worried about being pigeonholed. To diversify my experience, I started doing a broader mix of property and commercial work. This saw me working on residential and commercial property transactions, business and share sales and purchases, commercial, industrial and retail leasing, intellectual property matters and a bit of what I would call “general commercial advisory” work. It was great work, and I learnt so much from that experience, but, after a while, I started to feel like something was missing.
So, I took a leap of faith, resigned from my position at the firm I’d worked at since finishing university, and went to work for a boutique firm in their wills and estates team – with no experience in wills and estates. Thankfully, it worked out. I was privileged to work with a team of incredibly smart, generous and encouraging people, and I knew after a few months that I had found what I had been looking for and wanted to commit to working in this area of practice.
I joined the Life Legacy Legal team in May 2024.
I really value the opportunity I get to sit across the table from my clients, talk to them about their plans, aspirations and concerns, and guide them through the estate planning or estate administration process. I especially enjoy being able to work collaboratively with my clients’ other professional advisors to develop customised solutions for my clients. What I find most rewarding about practising in this area is that it has real-world impact; my work has a tangible effect on the lives of my clients and their families.
Outside of work, I enjoy going for long walks around Brisbane, especially near the water. I’m an aspiring (emphasis on aspiring) runner and I’ve recently come to enjoy lap swimming. When I have time, I also enjoy baking (banana bread is my go-to).
I completed my Masters of Applied Law (majoring in Wills & Estates) in 2024, which means I now have a bit of Netflix to catch up on.
Contact Simon:
simon@lifelegacylegal.com.au
(07) 3521 9090