Area of specialisation:

Stephen has specialised in the area of wills, probate, estate planning and succession for more than 15 years. His extensive experience includes the preparation of complex wills, including asset-protection measures such as the creation of testamentary trusts.

In 2010, Stephen’s experience was recognised internationally when he was accepted as a member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners. In 2011, the Law Society of NSW granted Stephen Specialist Accreditation in the field of wills & estates.

Stephen also specialises in contested estates, including claims under the Family Provision legislation.

Stephen has been named in the prestigious Doyles List for both 2016 and 2017 as one of NSW's top wills and estates lawyers. He is also a sought after speaker, having delivered seminars for Legalwise and the Television Education Network, and is one of the authors of the highly regarded Lexis Nexis Practical Guidance publication on Succession Law.

Stephen also heads up the Employment Law team at Somerville Legal. Stephen has acted for both employers and employees in relation to the preparation of employment contracts, unfair dismissals, and unfair contract claims.

Expertise:

Stephen’s extensive experience and expertise allows him to advise clients in a wide array of matters, including:-

Wills and Estates - in which Stephen has worked with clients as well as accountants and financial planners to create effective yet easy to understand wills; quickly and effectively administered complex deceased estates; and acted for both applicants and respondents in Family Provision claims.
Stephen was also involved in one of the first successful applications in NSW for a court-authorised will for a person who had lost mental capacity.

Employment Law - Stephen has extensive experience in the preparation of employment contracts and policies for employers, and has appeared in the Fair Work Commission, Human Rights Commission and NSW Industrial Relations Commission in relation to numerous contested matters.

Publications & Memberships:

Stephen has frequently given seminars in the area of wills, powers of attorney and appointments of enduring guardian, including for the Australian College of Legal Medicine.

Stephen is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Personal Statement:

Since joining Somerville Legal in 2001, Stephen has been obtaining excellent results for his clients, combining a sharp legal mind with eloquent argument in court and jargon-free communication with his clients.

Stephen was made a director of Somerville Legal in 2010.

Outside of the law, Stephen prides himself on bucking the trend of the stuffy lawyer - he is an accomplished comic performer and writer, has performed throughout Australasia and in Los Angeles, New York and Las Vegas, and has represented NSW in the national Theatresports championships.