Special Counsel - Estate Planning & Probate

Avant mutua; Council of the City of Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm is seeking a Special Counsel in Estate Planning & Probate to manage complex matters and advise clients. The ideal candidate has a law degree, at least 5 years of experience in estate planning, and excellent communication skills. The firm offers a collaborative and mentoring environment, along with excellent remuneration. Located in Sydney or other major Australian cities, this role supports healthcare professionals in diverse communities.

Benefits

Comprehensive training and development opportunities

Inclusive and flexible work environment

Excellent remuneration and benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years demonstrated experience in estate planning & probate law.
• Admitted or eligible for admission to the High Court of Australia.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex estate matters with minimal supervision.
• Advise on Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Enduring Guardianships.
• Prepare and represent clients in estate litigation.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Attention to detail

Time management skills

Teamwork

Education

Law degree

Unsupervised practising certificate

Job description

Avant Law is a growing commercial law firm providing legal services across a range of industries, with a specific focus on the medical and allied health sectors. As a part of the Avant Mutual Group of companies, Avant Law offers a broader range of legal services across Corporate & Commercial, Employment & Workplace Law, Estate Planning & Probate, and Property.

Leveraging Avant Mutual’s strong brand awareness and trusted reputation in the healthcare sector, we provide tailored legal solutions to medical and healthcare industries, while also servicing a wide range of clients across other industries. This unique position allows us to combine deep sector expertise with the flexibility and innovation of a boutique firm.

Our Estate Planning & Probate team is seeking a Special Counsel to join us on a permanent, full-time basis. The role may be based in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or Perth.

The role reports to the Partner and Head of Commercial & Corporate, Justin Fung, who has over 15 years’ experience at global law firms and ASX-listed companies and has a genuine interest in mentoring and developing the lawyers in his team.

The key responsibilities of the role will include :

• Manage complex estate matters with minimal supervision, including:
• Preparing and advising on Wills (simple and complex), Powers of Attorney, and Enduring Guardianships;
• Drafting and advising on trusts, succession planning, and asset structuring for private and high-net-worth clients.
• Handle probate and estate administration, including:
• Managing applications for grants of probate and letters of administration;
• Administering deceased estates and liaising with executors, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth distribution.
• Advise and represent clients in estate litigation, including:
• Family provision claims, will validity disputes, and testamentary capacity matters;
• Contested probate applications and related proceedings.
• Prepare high-quality legal documents, including affidavits, pleadings, and court documents, and represent clients in mediations and negotiations.
• Maintain detailed client files and provide ongoing advisory work, ensuring compliance with current laws and regulations.

To be successful in this role you will :

• have a relevant law degree and hold or be eligible to hold an unsupervised practising certificate as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court in any Australian state or territory, and be admitted (or eligible for admission) to the High Court of Australia;
• have a minimum of 5+ years demonstrated experience in estate planning & probate law;
• have excellent written and verbal communication skills; and
• be a bright and enthusiastic team player, with strong time management skills and attention to detail.

Why work for Avant Law, Estate Planning & Probate?

• you will be joining a close-knit team of high-performing lawyers working in an open and collaborative environment;
• you will receive mentorship and guidance, with comprehensive training and development opportunities;
• an inclusive, hybrid and flexible work environment;
• excellent remuneration and benefits.

We prefer to deal with candidates directly. If you would like to learn more about this role, please contact Talent Acquisition Business Partner, Lisa Craddock on [e-mail] for a confidential discussion.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Avant supports doctors so they can serve Australia's diverse communities. Having diversity in our workforce brings valuable perspectives and strengthens our ability to support healthcare professionals.

We therefore welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those with caring responsibilities.

Our inclusive workplace is somewhere everyone can succeed.

Ready to join us? If you're passionate about supporting Australia's healthcare professionals, we'd love to hear from you. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to contact us at [e-mail]