1st Floor, 23 Ringwood Street, Ringwood, Victoria 3134 03 9879 1711 [email protected]
Director
Kim graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Laws and Business (Management) and has been practicing as a Lawyer for more than 20 years, 17 of which with Devenish Lawyers. She is passionate about all aspects of estate planning and administration, with a particular interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution to resolve disputed estates. She provides thoughtful and structured legal advice, guiding clients through challenging situations to achieve the best possible outcome. Her experience extends to complex estate planning (including the preparation of Testamentary Trusts), managing Probate and Letters of Administration Matters, and advising on matters of elder abuse and breaches of Attorney obligations.
Kim also practices in the areas of Commercial and Property law, regularly assisting clients with a range of property disputes, conveyancing matters, sales and purchases of businesses, and commercial and retail leases.
Director
Kellie, an accomplished Solicitor, brings a wealth of legal expertise garnered through many years of dedicated practice. Her particular focus is on providing valuable support to individuals, particularly in the realms of Wills and Estates. Kellie’s paramount objective is to secure practical and positive resolutions for her clients, providing compassionate guidance during what can be an emotionally taxing and challenging period, especially in complex disputes concerning Wills. Her proficiency extends to skillfully representing clients in disputes and adeptly handling various legal matters, such as drafting wills, overseeing probate applications, managing Letters of Administration, and orchestrating estate administration, all while employing her unique ability to navigate solutions with care and expertise.
Senior Lawyer
Natalie is an experienced Wills and Estates lawyer and has been practicing in the local area for 10 years. She has a keen interest in the administration of deceased estates and is experienced in making and responding to Testator’s Family Maintenance claims and challenges to Wills. She understands how difficult and emotional these matters are to many people, and she aims to provide clear and compassionate advice to help walk clients through what is an otherwise challenging time. Natalie’s areas of practice also extend to the preparation of both simple and complex estate plans, and the administration of deceased estates.
Her hours of work are 9AM to 4PM Mondays and Wednesdays, and you are able to arrange an appointment with her on these days.
Junior Lawyer
Molly graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Laws and Criminology (Distinction) and has been practicing in the areas of Wills and Estates since her Admission in the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2022. She regularly assists clients with their estate planning, obtaining grants of Probate or Letters of Administration in the Supreme Court, and general administration of estates.
Molly works closely with our other lawyers to provide clients with practical advice, and often assists with complex matters under the guidance of the firm’s Directors, Kim and Kellie. She has a particular interest in advising on and assisting with the preparation of Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Appointments of Medical Treatment Decision Makers.
Special Counsel
David is the founder of Self-Managed Family Office, is an Accredited Commercial Specialist, and is co-creator and foundation director of the Family Business Consultants Network. His focus over 35 years has been helping businesses generally, as well as families in business, and so has counselled in all facets of businesses, including the “work and family” balance. He has conducted his own legal practice, been a principal in a national mid-tier firm, and now consults for our firm.
David has formulated and then implemented a vast array of business and personal succession plans, as well as Family Office concepts. He founded Self-Managed Family Office as another way to empower families to control their own destiny and their own dynasty. By way of life experience, he was a Scout Leader for 20 years, Board Member of Fitzroy Football Club in the 1980s and Brisbane Lions in the 1990s, Councilor and Vice-President of the Women’s National Basketball League and Councilor of City of Knox (including Mayor 1988/89).
David was the Steering Committee Chairman, and then Chairman, of the FTG Community Bank and also Rowville Community Bank.
He was also an international trial observer at the trial of Xanana Gusmao in Dili, East Timor.
David brings these experiences, and the creativity shaped by them, to the vison and mission statement of Devenish Lawyers.
Please note that David works remotely and is not available for in-office consultations with clients.
Legal Executive & Conveyancer
Paula assists our lawyers with daily administrative tasks, including drafting of correspondence and documents, preparation of Probate and Letters of Administration documents and general communications with clients. She is also experienced in assisting our lawyers with drafting Wills and other estate planning documents.
She also assists our property team with conveyancing matters where required.
Legal Executive & Conveyancer
Robyn has worked in the legal industry for over 32 years and holds a Diploma of Legal Practice and is a Justice of the Peace for Victoria. More recently in her career, Robyn has focused on conveyancing and property work. She has a vast knowledge of the Property Exchange Australia (PEXA) established by her time working for PEXA prior to joining our team in 2022.
Robyn excels at building rapport with clients, brokers, bankers and agents, and ensures a smooth conveyancing process for our clients during what can sometimes be stressful conveyancing matters. She has a special interest in deceased estate property matters, supported by her legal training and thorough understanding of the Probate jurisdiction.
Accounts Clerk
Angie is the firm’s bookkeeper. Angie undertakes the firm’s account work, pays wages, prepares cheques, organises transfers and prepares accounts. Angie checks and stores our bills, organises banking and undertakes many associated activities. Angie is prepared to discuss accounts with clients and assist them where possible.
Legal Assistant
Michelle joined our team in 2023 as a receptionist and has since branched out to assist our busy firm with a range of administrative legal and conveyancing tasks.
Providing essential support to both clients and legal professionals, Michelle is an integral part of the legal team.
Receptionist & Administrative Assistant
Hayley & Abbey are our front of office team who manage all reception duties and are responsible for the day-to-day functions such as essential administrative assistance, secretarial service and general support to the team. As the first point of call for many of our clients, they are invaluable members of our team.
Devenish Lawyers provide legal services in the areas of Wills, Powers of Attorney, Estates, Challenging Wills, Conveyancing, Commercial Law, and Elder Law throughout Victoria.
For over 145 years, Devenish Lawyers and its associated firms have built our law firm around the values of honesty, trust and integrity. Our considerate approach is valued by our clients particularly when dealing with emotionally sensitive issues such as Wills, Powers of Attorney, Estates, Challenging Wills, and Conveyancing.