Shane Williamson

Ann’s Vision Ann Janssen founded the firm in 2009 based on her vision to deliver first-class estate planning and administration services to clients at an accessible cost. Her reasoning was that if a law firm only focussed on this area of law, it would quickly become expert and efficient at it. This has proven to be true, and now Estate First Lawyers has become one of the largest estate planning teams of its type operating Australia wide. The firm consistently receives very high feedback...

Drawing on more than 20 years’ specialist experience, Andrew helps leading employers manage all aspects of their workforce through strategic advice, training and litigation services, to help meet their corporate goals. An engaging educator, he presents across the country on practical steps to manage occupational / work health and safety (WHS) obligations and on employment, industrial relations, bullying and harassment and discrimination issues and legislative updates. With a wealth of e...

Deano is the managing Director of Simonidis Steel lawyers. From the commencement of operations in 2001, Deano has expanded the firm to the Gold Coast and more recently to Brisbane’s Northside to cater for a growing clientele. Practicing Family Law for 26 years, Deano has been Accredited by the Queensland Law Society as a Family Law Specialist due to both his experience and credentials in the field. It is no surprise that the hard work of Deano and the firm collectively were recognised b...

Laura is a Special Counsel in the firm's Disputes Resolution & Litigation team, specialising in the areas of family business succession, estate planning and superannuation. She has over 16 years’ experience working with private clients and family businesses in crafting and executing succession plans. Laura’s key focus is to understand each individual or families motivation for their succession planning and tailor an appropriate plan for the individual or family. Her areas of e...

James established JCL in 1992 as a specialist practice in commercial litigation and insolvency. Driven by a desire to achieve positive outcomes for his clients, James’ focus has always been on effective and efficient problem resolution. By establishing his own firm, James has also pursued his desire to help younger lawyers learn the art of law and problem solving. James has a broad range of legal experience, with extensive experience in commercial litigation and insolvency. He has acted...

Michael is a Partner in HopgoodGanim Lawyers' Corporate practice with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital raisings, due diligence, takeovers, joint ventures, corporate restructuring and private equity transactions. Michael is also the co-lead of our Asia Business Unit and in this role he predominantly works with Asia-based clients investing in Australian corporations. Michael has a specific interest in working with clients to achieve great deal outcomes in the resources, technology...

Matthew Rollason has more than 25 years’ experience as a property, commercial and corporate lawyer, with extensive experience in the areas of property, banking and finance, insolvency and commercial law. Matthew has advised generally in relation to operational and land management matters and complex development arrangements and structures and has acted generally in relation to all aspects of real estate transactions including acquisitions, disposals and leasing. He has a keen interest i...

Sean has practised in insurance litigation since 1992, acting on behalf of defendant insurers and self insured across the CTP, workers' compensation and public liability regimes. This has included providing advices on the interpretation of legislation and policy submissions on the strategic operation of schemes. Sean has also advised employers in respect of reviews of decisions by the Workers’ Compensation Regulator, and conducting and defending appeals challenging decisions under the Q...

Scott Hay-Bartlem is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Law, Superannuation Law, Trusts and Estates and Wealth Management / Succession Planning Practice. Scott, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Scott is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Linda Tapiolas is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Linda, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Linda is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.