Business of the Year 2021 Best Professional Services 2021
Reserve your seat now for
.
.
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Our next free seminar on how
to plan and manage your estate
Bookings are now open!
IT'S IMPORTANT to understand how these things affect you, so you can have peace of mind. At the seminar, our panel of experts will give you the information you need to make wise decisions. WATCH THIS SHORT VIDEO to hear what our speakers have lined up for you . . .
Pictured: Our expert panel comprises Jo Twible (from left), Craig Phillips, Mitchell Chatfield, and Luisa Capezio.
Video stock footage: courtesy Kampus Productions/Pexels and Mart Productions/Pexels.
Video stock music: Acoustic Breeze and The Elevator Bossa Nova, both courtesy Benjamin Tissot/Bensound.
P
lease join us at our May 22
seminar to gain valuable
insights into estate planning, estate management, and options for downsizing, including retirement living, intergenerational living, and aged care.
As we journey through life, we encounter many crossroads, especially when it comes to choosing who'll look after our affairs when we're unable or where to live and how to invest our resources. Our aim is to share knowledge and practical insights to help you make decisions about:
- estate planning;
- estate administration;
- checklist for when you sell your home;
- downsizing options — retirement villages, units/houses, and intergenerational living.
Broaden your local network
Representatives from various local industries, including retirement living, care providers, senior peak bodies, end-of-life services, and social support, will be present at the seminar. We offer a relaxed setting where you can meet these people face to face and keep them as part of your network if or when needed.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution
Our speakers draw from years of experience and expertise and have distilled complex information into practical tips that can be applied to your circumstances.
The morning's seminar is in two parts:
- Estate Planning and Administration
- Downsizing Options
Whether you're considering revisiting your estate plans, seeking reassurance about the solidity of your existing plans, or selling the family home, this seminar holds value for you. Please bring any questions you have regarding estate planning or retirement relocation.
Estate planning and administration
Even if you have a will in place, the question will be, is it going to achieve what you want? Estate planning involves arranging for the management and distribution of your assets and wealth after your death. It typically involves drafting legal documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to ensure your wishes are carried out and your assets are transferred smoothly to your chosen beneficiaries. Estate planning aims to minimise taxes, avoid probate, and provide for loved ones according to your wishes.
On the other hand, estate planning administration is the process of executing the estate plan after the person's death. This includes tasks such as probating the will (if necessary), identifying and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to heirs and beneficiaries according to the terms of the estate plan.
Our seminar will focus on elements of estate planning administration and important decisions and considerations that need to be addressed to ensure that the deceased person's affairs are settled in accordance with their wishes and legal requirements.
Book here!
Scan this QR code on your phone to
be taken direct to the booking page.
For further help with bookings, call
Shradha Deo on the number below.
Downsizing or right-sizing
In a rapidly evolving environment marked by shifting territory planning, aging demographics, and housing needs, the concept of downsizing, or "right-sizing", is emerging as a crucial topic of discussion for many residents in Canberra. Our seminar is designed to provide expert insights into the legal and financial aspects of three primary strategies for those seeking to move to a smaller housing environment.
Join us to explore:
- Transitioning to community living: Learn about the legal and financial aspects involved when moving from your family home to a unit or apartment. Discover the benefits, challenges, and crucial factors to consider when making this important lifestyle change;
- Intergenerational living solutions: Explore innovative intergenerational arrangements, including granny flat interests and co-ownership arrangements. Gain insights into how to prepare for a successful co-existence, and traps to avoid;
- Retirement village insights: Understand the intricacies of retirement village entry.
In addition, our expert panel will discuss the contractual arrangements, stamp duty concessions, and superannuation downsizing contributions. They'll also provide valuable information on budgeting and managing associated costs.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Anyone preparing for retirement or already retired, or who's looking into downsizing or options available in terms of apartments, intergenerational living, or retirement village communities.
WHERE AND WHEN
It's on the morning of Wednesday, May 22, from 10am to 12.30pm, at the
Hellenic Club,
1 Matilda Street, Woden.
Need to know more about the seminar?
For further details or for help with bookings,
call Shradha Deo, at KJB Law, on (02) 6281 0999
or email her direct at
shradha@kjblaw.com.au.
◼︎This seminar is a joint collaboration by Canberra
companies KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners.
THE SPEAKERS
JO TWIBLE, principal and solicitor, at KJB Law:
Jo started at KJB Law in 1997 and has extensive experience in retirement village and aged care entry and exit, residential conveyancing, and commercial property law.
She participated in the Review Advisory Group to the ACT Government regarding retirement village legislation and has provided continuing legal education regarding the intricacies of this more complex area of conveyancing.
KJB Law is an independent Canberra law firm, which has operated continuously in Woden since 1978 and was voted Best Professional Services and Business of the Year 2021. KJB Law and its staff are recognised in the Doyle's Guide for the quality of the services it provides.
CRAIG PHILLIPS, director, senior financial advisor and accredited aged-care professional, at Phillips Wealth Partners: Craig's dedication to the sector was recently recognised with the Aged Care Specialist Award 2023 and Program of the Year finalist 2023. He and his team are dedicated to helping their clients achieve their life or business goals with clarity, insight and certainty in a true partnership.
Craig has three decades of experience in the financial services industry and has completed all the educational and ethical benchmarks set by the government. He's actively involved in the local FPA and SMSF association chapters in the ACT.
Craig specialises in preparing financial strategies for retirement living, downsizing, granny flat rights, and permanent residential aged care. He's also the ACT ambassador for the future2 foundation, a keen cyclist and age group triathlete.
MITCHELL CHATFIELD, solicitor, at KJB Law:
Mitchell is from far warmer Perth and moved to Canberra to study—and escape the heat. While studying, he worked in a firm specialising in handling wills, estates, and property, which sparked an ongoing interest in the peace of mind that thorough estate planning can offer.
Mitchell enjoys helping each client with his or her particular family and assets structure, ensuring what they achieve is in line with protecting the client's best interests.
His areas of focus include:
- Estate planning, including wills, enduring powers of attorney, and enduring guardianships in the ACT and NSW;
- Succession-planning for trust and company structures;
- Superannuation death-benefit payment methods;
- Family-provision claims;
- Estate administration, including obtaining grants of probate and letters of administration in the ACT, NSW, and Queensland.
Something he often finds overlooked is the importance of the enduring power of attorney and/or enduring guardianship. Mitchell believes how we're treated in our moment of need is of critical importance. He also firmly believes that many anxieties can be assuaged by clients clearly addressing what they do and do not permit their family and friends to do.
LUISA CAPEZIO, accredited aged-care professional, at Phillips Wealth Partners:
Luisa is the co-director at Phillips Wealth Partners and an accredited aged-care professional. She has extensive experience in the healthcare sector across multiple therapeutic areas.
Her role at PWP is to ensure individuals and families find the best solution for loved ones who need support to either stay at home or who are ready to take the next step into a retirement village, downsizing or residential aged-care arrangement. Luisa also chairs a local board focusing on different models of care for people living with dementia.
We've been Canberra's
law firm for 40+ years
KJB Law took its name from the initials of its founders,
Ken Johnston and Allan Bedford, in 1981. From the start,
the company was built on three important core values.
KNOWLEDGE of the law, of legal practice and legal
procedure, but also knowledge of people, because the
practice of law always intersects with the lives, goals,
and aspirations of the people we represent.
JUST OUTCOMES, reflecting the rights and the
responsibilities of the parties involved, but striving
to better the expected result.
BALANCE — standing up for principles that are
important, but achieving compromise and
resolution where they're appropriate.
Our client testimonials speak for themselves . . .
I found that Des and his assistant Tania, and
the whole KJB Law team, were fantastic after spending about three years with them on a family law matter. The firm is very professional and they were
able to focus on helping during a very difficult time.
Des and Tania and the rest of the team were always supportive, offering professional guidance, care, and support. If you want a hard-working team on your side, KJB is that team. Thank you again, KJB!
Long-term client (2020–2023) of Des Moore, Principal
Now that my unpleasant matter has concluded,
I'd like to express my absolute satisfaction with the service and the courtesies you offered me during this year and 2021. Your assessment, instruction, and guidance on my best options and outcomes greatly relieved me of a lot of the stress I was experiencing.
I'll certainly keep your firm foremost in my mind should I ever again need legal support.
And I won't hesitate to recommend KJB Law should anyone I know need the same.
Client of Des Moore, Principal
I'm speechless. I have to say that I didn't see my
matter being settled by consent. Well, miracles do happen! Laura and Des, I cannot thank you both enough — you've been absolutely amazing, and I was so lucky to have such professionals on my side.
Client of Laura Dowling, Senior Associate, and Des Moore, Principal
We'd very much like to express our thanks for
your assistance and patience in the matter of our wills and enduring powers of attorney. It was super service from a very professional law firm. Thank you!
Clients of Kerstin Glomb, Special Counsel
I want to thank you for your efforts leading
up to and including yesterday's mediation.
I felt extremely well represented and supported by you and the team. You did an amazing job in understanding the matter and my preferences in approaching settlement, and executing on them. I'm extremely pleased with the outcome. Based on my experience, it only stands to reason that the culture and skills at KJB have justified your industry recognition and my friend's recommendation. My most sincere thanks to you.
Client of Jay Riddle, Solicitor
The conference we had with Jo was very
informative and it helped us greatly to clarify our thinking and priorities about the proposed development and
the nature of the deal. Jo's advice was greatly appreciated. Her candour and practicality were refreshing and supportive. Just as in 2011, when Jo helped us with conveyancing to buy our property, her work was invaluable, and she has enabled us to make one of the more important decisions of our lives with confidence and security.
Return clients of Jo Twible, Principal
Laura, I wouldn't have got here without your
unending support through this painful period
of my life. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I can finally get on with my life.
Client of Laura Dowling, Senior Associate
Thank you so much for all your help. Laura,
I couldn’t have done it without you. It was a real privilege to work alongside you, to be able to
sort out all this, and I'm ever so relieved it's all done.
Thank you so much. You're very much appreciated!
Client of Laura Dowling, Senior Associate
We'd both like to thank you and the team at
KJB Law for the very smooth and successful purchase of our property. We're both very happy with the work and efforts by you and the team. It's been a very positive transition into our new home and we'll certainly recommend KJB to anyone who's looking to buy a home.
Clients of David Trigg, Conveyancing Manager
◼︎Contact our friendly receptionist, Kylie, who'd be delighted to put you in touch with the legal specialist your situation needs. Call Kylie on (02) 6281 0999 or you can email her direct at reception@kjblaw.com.au.
And yet another double honour for Andrew Freer
He attributes the wins to the great team around him
SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF
Following his wins in 2020 and 2021, one of our principals, Andrew Freer, has been honoured as "preeminent" among the leading wills and estates litigation lawyers for the Canberra region.
Again, he has a double honour, being also recognised as "leading" among the wills, estates and succession-planning lawyers for the Canberra region.
Further, KJB Law was placed in the second tier of leading wills and estates-litigation law firms and in the third tier of leading wills, estates and succession-planning law firms, both for the Canberra region.
"I feel so honoured to be again recognised in a number of categories of the Doyles rankings," Andrew said.
These honours are presented by the well-respected Doyles Guide, an independent industry organisation.
How long have you been doing this sort of work? "It's so hard to believe that I started practice in 1995 and I'm now entering my 28th year!"
Why do you do this work? "I really enjoy contact with people. Estate-planning and estate administration involves understanding family and financial circumstances. Getting this understanding is critical to providing good advice. And gaining this understanding involves talking to people, getting to know them. From a personal perspective it's genuinely interesting — in fact, there's never a dull moment.
What's the most rewarding part? "Honestly, that for me is being able to draw on 27 years of experience to help people make good decisions, the right judgment call, on a contentious issue.
"Sometimes, doing this successfully may not be obvious. It may only show by the absence of materialisation of a dispute or avoiding litigation. Being able to achieve this result for someone and allowing them to focus on positives moving forward is a very rewarding part of the job."
My colleagues are personable, diligent and ethical.
That's what saw us through the difficult times of the pandemic. I owe each and every one of them a real vote of heart-felt gratitude.
ANDREW FREER
Principal
The challenges of the last 18 months must have been very daunting? "Short answer — yes. The challenges faced over the last couple of years meant I became acutely aware of the team around me, in ways none of us had ever experienced. But KJB Law has been around for nearly 50 years and we have great people here. My colleagues are personable, diligent, and ethical. That's what saw us through the difficult times of the pandemic.
"I owe each and every one of them a real vote of heart-felt gratitude. I encourage you to meet them and likewise draw on their expertise and knowledge, approachability, and friendliness. Read about them on our website and drop in at the office for a meet-and-greet."
Doyles is independent and rates and recommends law firms based on interviews with clients, peers, and industry bodies. It produces one of the most recognised independent guides to the top law firms in Australia.
Andrew's previous wins here and
here
►
Andrew's staff profile here ►
Other KJB Law staff profiles here ►
Our treatment in hour of need is critical, Mitchell says
SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF
Mitchell Chatfield, one of our three new solicitors, is from Perth. He moved to Canberra to study, and escape the heat. While studying, he worked in a firm which specialised in wills, estates, and property, learning about thorough estate-planning.
His areas of focus include:
- Estate-planning, including wills, enduring powers of attorney, and enduring guardianships;
- Succession-planning for trust and company structures;
- Superannuation death benefits;
- Family-provision claims.
He stresses the importance of enduring powers of attorney and/or enduring guardianships.
Mitchell enjoys helping each client with his or her particular family and assets structure, ensuring what they achieve protects the client's best interests.
He believes how we're treated in our moment of need is of critical importance and he says many anxieties can be assuaged by clients clearly addressing what they do and do not permit their family and friends to do.
His focus is on clarity — commas have their place, but a shorter sentence often works just as well. Totally!
In his eyes, estate-planning must faithfully carry out the wishes of a previous generation, including protecting vulnerable family members, or assets.
Outside of work, Mitchell enjoys body-building and reading continental philosophy.
Contact Mitchell: (02) 6281 0999
Deborah says, we need protection more than ever
SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF
Another of our new solicitors is Deborah Meader, who works closely with clients and strives to ensure that they receive the best legal advice and in understandable terms, resulting in a good outcome.
"It was actually this philosophy at KJB Law that attracted me to the firm," she says.
Deborah began working in law in 1996 and was admitted to the profession in NSW in 1998. She's worked in family and DVA matters, WorkCover employment law, criminal law, estate-planning, conveyancing, and commercial and property law.
The world has changed in many ways since then. From her perspective, what sorts of things does she see people needing lawyers for now, perhaps more than ever?
"Over the past 25 years, I've seen the tempo of social change and growth of technology which have seen the emergence of new risks leading to the need for legal innovation to protect us all," she says. "Computers and easy access to the internet has inspired federal and
state legislation to safeguard against abuse and computer crimes, such as email phishing, where an impostor sends an email which looks authentic, but often results in the theft of personal information, identity theft, and stealing funds meant for someone else. Then, both the buyer and the seller suffer a loss—the person being paid still needs to be paid and the person paying is left out of pocket and, naturally, not wanting to pay again."
In addition to mediation, Deborah's recent focus has been on estate-planning, conveyancing, and commercial and property law.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, travelling and fishing with her husband, as well as organic/companion gardening.
Contact Deborah: (02) 6281 0999
Family violence is not always physical, Courtney says
SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF
Our new solicitor Courtney Page graduated last year from the University of Canberra with a Bachelor of Laws and from the College of Law with a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.
She practised in family law since and worked at a specialist family law firm before joining us.
Courtney understands how stressful the legal process can be and always give honest advice and ensures clients feel supported.
She has a special interest in family violence matters, divorces, property settlements, and parenting cases.
"In divorce, property, and parenting cases, I understand the importance of the family unit and that when there's a breakdown,
it's important to resolve family problems amicably and always protect the children’s best interests," she says.
"If matters are dealt with amicably, the family unit can remain somewhat stable and provide the children with some sense of normalcy.
"Where there's family violence, I under-stand a client may feel unsafe and worried about their children's safety.
"I volunteered for the Domestic Violence Crisis Service and know well that family violence isn't always physical, and I always advocate for victims' rights."
She strives to assist clients in resolving their matter amicably and without the need for lengthy and costly court proceedings wherever possible and practical.
Courtney loves time with her family and friends, viewing 1980s slasher films, and heading to the coast with her daughter, 9.
Contact Courtney: (02) 6281 0999
Our DOUBLE win at the Business Awards!
We're so very grateful for this huge honour
Precedent Productions' Steve Loe said “Many tears of joy were shed on the night, as Canberra Region businesses celebrated each other’s achievements. The pandemic has been tough on us all, with businesses hit hard by things beyond anyone’s control. It was wonderful to see our finalists come together to celebrate in what's been a difficult time for people around the world."
We were thrilled with that first win. And completely taken aback when the final award of the night was announced.
"Most Outstanding Business of the Year for the Canberra Region is KJB Law!"
We couldn't believe it. And we were in such honoured company with all the other finalists.
"This is very humbling to all of us here at KJB Law," said principal and solicitor Des Moore, as he accepted the final award on the night.
"We'll keep working hard for our community and our clients. Thank you so sincerely for this honour and recognition."
The local business awards are run by Precedent Productions: (02) 8363 3333 or precedent@precedent.net.
For more information about the awards: thebusinessawards.com.au.
Many tears of joy were
shed on the night, as Canberra Region businesses celebrated each other’s achievements. The pandemic has been tough on us all, with businesses hit hard by things beyond anyone's control.
STEVE LOE
Precedent Productions
Lockdown has ended — thanks everyone!
We've put rules in place to keep us all safe
We're all back in the office here but we've adopted some extra safety precautions:
- All clients visiting the office should wear masks;
- Please don't visit the office if you're unwell;
- follow public health restrictions in place at businesses and in the community;
- wear a mask and wear it properly;
- maintain good hand hygiene;
- check in everywhere you go with the Check In CBR app; and
- keep physical distance — 1.5 metres — from people outside your home.
Be vigilant for any symptoms of covid and get tested as soon as you notice any signs.
Stay up to date on all the latest information on covid in the ACT at
covid19.act.gov.au
or call the COVID-19 Helpline: (02) 6207 7244.
Kerstin is rated as one of Canberra's Top 3
SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF
Our Kerstin Glomb was recently rated as one of Canberra's Top 3 estate-planning lawyers by the business website ThreeBestRated.com.au.
Principle Jo Twible congratulated Kerstin, saying it was a huge recognition for her personally and also to KJB. It's a real testament to Kerstin's reputation for meticulous attention to detail and her wealth of experience.
Kerstin said: "I'm proud to be nominated as one of the three best estate-planning lawyers in Canberra. It's wonderful to hear people are satisfied with my service and trust me to discuss their (very private) estate-planning issues with me."
It's a huge recognition for
Kerstin personally and a real testament to her reputation for meticulous attention to detail and her wealth of experience.
JO TWIBLE
Principal and Solicitor
matters and developments. KJB Law is one of the leading law firms located in Canberra, ACT.
"They work hard to find the best possible solution for your business, your family, or yourself.
"They get personal satisfaction from producing successful results for you in a cost-effective manner.
"Kerstin's specialty: Estate administration, asset protection, general estate planning, guardians, intestate, living trusts, living will, assets, and medical power of attorney."
