Business of the Year 2021           Best Professional Services 2021

Announcing our first educational seminar for 2025 . . .

'New Aged Care Costs

and Planning Ahead for

Wills and Capacity'

Equipping you to be informed and to plan ahead, this seminar's topics include aged care reform, aged care fees, and wills and power of attorney planning as capacity changes.

FREE EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR

OUR next free educational public seminar will cover aged care reform, estate planning, and capacity loss, and is your opportunity to be informed so you can plan ahead. It's on Wednesday, May 7, from 10am to 12:30pm, running two and a half hours, at the Hellenic Club of Canberra, 1 Matilda Street, Phillip.

Challenger, a Sydney-based investment management firm, states that a woman aged 65 today has a 59 per cent probability of entering aged care at some point in her life. For a man of the same age, the probability is 43 per cent.

At some point in our lives, we're more likely than not to need care, yet few of us are actively planning for it.

The most common reason to contest a will is on family provision grounds.

A 2015 study by the University of Queensland found the success rate of contesting wills this way was 74 per cent.

There are many circumstances for which provisions can be claimed and many strategies to making your will as airtight as possible.

Join us for an essential seminar designed to help people in Canberra navigate two critical areas: the upcoming aged care fee reforms and the importance of estate planning.

Hosted by KJB Law and our colleagues Phillips Wealth Partners, this session will provide practical advice and strategies to help you stay financially and legally prepared as you age.

  "

            There should never be a case of:

'Mum wouldn't have signed this if she'd known!'

JO TWIBLE

Solicitor and Principal, KJB Law

WHAT WE'LL COVER

Understanding the new aged care reforms (effective July 1 this year)

The sector has always been complex, but in 2024, the federal parliament passed the Aged Care Act, bringing critical funding and regulatory reform to support a high-quality and sustainable aged care sector. We'll give you:

  • An update on the aged care reforms and policy changes;
  • The funding models for home, residential, and other aged care options;
  • Practical strategies for aged care financial planning (planning for worst case).

Several ways to book

Simply click on the QR code to be taken direct to the booking page.

Or go to: eventbrite.com.au/e/new-aged-care-costs-estate-planning-as-capacity-changes-tickets-1288082211569.

Or contact Chloe (details below).

 "

              A woman aged 65 is 59% sure of entering aged care at some point; for a man aged 65, it's 43% sure.

CHALLENGER

investment management firm

Estate planning and capacity

A comprehensive estate plan is essential for protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are followed in the event of incapacity or death. It’s not just about having a will — a good estate plan protects your assets, addresses tax concerns, avoids family disputes, and ensures your wishes are followed.

We'll discuss:

  • The importance of having valid documents regularly updated;
  • Issues with changing circumstances and diminishing capacity;
  • Managing trusts, superannuation, and compliance with Australian law;
  • Protecting assets, avoiding disputes.


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.

It'll be a relaxed setting where you can meet them face to face and keep them as part of your network if or when needed. Bring all your questions about estate planning or retirement relocation.


WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Anyone preparing for retirement, or in retirement and concerned about their care options, for themselves or loved ones.


For more about the seminar:

Call Chloe McPherson, at KJB Law,

on (02) 6281 0999 or email

her at chloe@kjblaw.com.au.

This seminar is a collaboration between Canberra firms KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners.

THE SPEAKERS

https://www.kjblaw.com.au/jo-twible

JO TWIBLE

Principal, KJB Law

Starting with KJB Law in 1997, Jo has extensive experience in retirement village and aged care entry and exit, residential conveyancing, and commercial property law.

Jo participated in the Review Advisory Group to 

the ACT Government regarding retirement village legislation and provides continuing legal education in this more complex area of conveyancing. KJB is an independent Canberra law firm, running in Woden since 1978. It was voted Best Professional Services and Business of the Year in 2021.
https://www.phillipswp.com.au/about/about-pwp

CRAIG PHILLIPS

Principal and Accredited 

Aged Care Specialist, 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 clients achieve their life or business goals with clarity, insight, and certainty. Craig has three decades of experience in the financial services industry. He's completed all educational and ethical benchmarks set by the government and is active in the ACT's FPA and SMSF association chapters. He specialises in preparing financial strategies for retirement living, downsizing, granny flat rights, and permanent residential aged care.
https://www.kjblaw.com.au/mitchell-chatfield

MITCHELL CHATFIELD

Associate, KJB Law

Mitchell enjoys helping each client with his or her particular family and assets structure, ensuring each client has their needs met in a tailored manner. His areas of focus include: estate planning, including wills and testamentary trust wills, enduring powers of attorney, and appointments of enduring guardians in the ACT and NSW; succession-planning for trust and company structures; superannuation death-benefit payment methods; and family-provision claims. He believes how we're treated in our moment of need is of critical importance.
https://www.phillipswp.com.au/about/about-pwp

LUISA CAPEZIO

Aged Care Specialist,

Phillips Wealth Partners

Luisa is the co-director at Phillips Wealth Partners and is an accredited aged care professional. She has extensive healthcare experience across many therapeutic areas. Her role at Phillips Wealth 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, or downsizing or residential aged care. Luisa also chairs a local board focusing on different models of care for people living with dementia.

Background image: Marcus Aurelius/Pexels

Fern insets: Nina Akin and Bunty's Mum/both Pixabay

WOMEN'S SUPERANNUATION WORKSHOP

Another workshop for women to be announced very soon

Event uncovered a real need 

to support women and super

Superannuation session for women identified a service gap

  • Superannuation Workshop for Women

    Participants listen to

    simple explanations,

    some for the first time

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    Brigitta explains the

    personal implications

    of superannuation

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    Explaining super

    contributions

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    Addressing the various

    contribution options

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    Always note the fine print

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    Kerstin and Brigitta

    before the event

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    Brigitta and Kerstin

    prepare the room

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    Kerstin checks the slides

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    Beforehand

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EARLIER this month, KJB Law and fellow Canberra firm Arch Capital collaborated on a special superannuation workshop designed exclusively for a small group of interested women. It was open to anyone who wished to register and it was free.

The event was an experimental endeavour, coming out of discussions between our Special Counsel, Kerstin Glomb, and Arch Capital Senior Financial Adviser, Brigitta Hembrow-Gersey, who jointly ran the workshop.

Kerstin has more than 25 years' experience in wills and estate planning, and Brigitta has been working with clients, providing strategic and investment advice since 2017.

"

              We've come across many women concerned about their finances in retirement. We generally earn less and work less than men due to looking after children, or caring for parents. Women don't know where to get information, and this can be scary.

                                                                                         KERSTIN GLOMB

                                                                                         co-presenter

Why women? "Women generally earn less and have worked less than men due to taking time out to look after children, or maybe they cared for their parents," Kerstin said.

"Brigitta and I have come across a lot of women who are concerned about their financial situation when in retirement.

"They don’t know what to do, or where to get the information and guidance. And this can be scary.

"

              It was a great event, thank you! Very informative, helpful, and not too complicated. I really appreciated the opportunity to attend.

                                                  ATTENDEE

                                                  Superannuation Workshop for Women

The workshop was a collaboration between

Canberra firms  KJB Law and  Arch Capital.

"The purpose of the workshop was to provide help and general guidance on superannuation, explain to women where they can find information, and allow them to ask questions without having to pay.

"The feedback from all attendees was that the workshop was very helpful, and we got a huge thank-you afterwards. And that was very encouraging and convinced Brigitta and I to do another one soon."

One of the women who attended said afterwards: "It was a great event, thank you! Very informative, helpful, and not too complicated. I really appreciated the opportunity to attend."

What did the presenters observe at the workshop? "Honestly, both Brigitta and I could see that there's little knowledge about how superannuation works, what to watch out for, and where to find information," Kerstin said. "This doesn’t only apply to women by the way — but women are usually more scared to ask questions."

The workshop was an interactive session and covered such topics as What is superannuation and how does it work? What are the different types of contributions and what should I watch out for? Why and how should I engage with my super? How do I ensure it's distributed to the people I choose when I die? What are binding nominations and how do update/review them? When do I need to update/review my will, and how?

Attendees were also encouraged to bring their own questions.

It was open to women of all ages, at any stage of their woking lives — whether starting a career, returning to work, or nearing retirement. No prior knowledge was required.

       

● More about Kerstin: kjblaw.com.au/kerstin-glomb

● More about Brigitta: linkedin.com/in/brigittagersey

● Regarding future workshops: Shradha Deo on (02) 6281 0999

or email her at shradha@kjblaw.com.au

Three solicitors at KJB promoted to new roles within

the company

SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF

KJB Law is thrilled to announce we've just upgraded the roles of three of our solicitors.

Jay Riddle and David Endersby are now senior associates, moving up from associate, and Mitchell Chatfield is now an associate.

This a reflection of our company policy to support, encourage, and reward our hardworking staff and recognise out-standing talent, ability, and commitment to pursuing the best possible legal out-comes for all our clients.

We're in the tireless process of building an extraordinary team here at KJB and these role updates reflect this.

Said Jay Riddle: "Honestly, I'm honoured to work alongside some of the best solicitors in their respective areas here at KJB. This firm has provided me with opportunities to grow and develop as a solicitor and has given me attention and support through each step of my career.

"The care and diligence I see KJB give to clients in each area of the law and the

"

              The care and diligence I see KJB give to clients in each area of the law and the compassion afforded to each client are an ongoing reminder that I'm in the right place.

 JAY RIDDLE

Senior Associate (Family Law)

compassion afforded to each client’s individual problems are an ongoing reminder that I'm in the right place. Here's cheers to many years more with KJB!"

Said David Endersby: "Across my long and varied career, I've often been presented with a wide range of opportunities and experiences, but there've been very few working environments that compare so well to being here at KJB. The diversity of


clients, along with the dynamic set of challenges for which they're often seeking solutions, presents a genuine change in how life as a lawyer can be experienced. "I'm an out-of-towner and my time here has been so welcoming thanks to the team at KJB and the engagement with local individuals and businesses has made the transition even more enjoyable."

Said Mitchell Chatfield: "Becoming an associate at KJB is a sizeable step in my career in the direction I wish to continue, and I'm grateful for the ability to hone my skills and help our clients with their various estate-planning needs. I look forward to continuing to work with those individuals and families who put their faith in our estate-planning team."


Contact Jay, David, and Mitchell

(click on names for staff profiles):

● Jay Riddle, Senior Associate (Family Law):  jay@kjblaw.com.au

●  David Endersby, Senior Associate (Commercial):

davide@kjblaw.com.au

● Mitchell Chatfield, Associate (Estate Planning):

mitchell@kjblaw.com.au

RETIREMENT LIVING SEMINAR

It's simple — do your due diligence and your homework, and you'll avoid unkind surprises; your retirement should be your golden years

Seminar offered reassurance in the face of alarming ABC coverage











  • KJB's Mitchell Chatfield addressed the right to occupancy in certain situations










  • Luisa Capezio, of Phillips Wealth Partners










  • Craig Phillips, of Phillips Wealth Partners









  • Jo Twible, principal of KJB Law, addresses the concerns coming from the recent ABC coverage









  • Attendees were especially interested in what Jo had to say about the ABC's warnings about some retirement villages











  • Jo, Mitchell, and Craig, part of the expert panel, listen as fellow presenter Luisa Capezio addresses retirement concerns












  • Mitchell Chatfield, of KJB Law











  • Mitchell Chatfield, of KJB Law











  • Craig Phillips, of Phillips Wealth Partners











  • Craig Phillips, of Phillips Wealth Partners











  • Luisa Capezio, of Phillips Wealth Partners

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  • Luisa Capezio, of Phillips Wealth Partners










  • Luisa Capezio, of Phillips Wealth Partners











  • Thank you for coming!

ALSO in November, KJB Law and Canberra company Phillips Wealth Partners co-presented another in our successful series of educational retirement living seminars, Making the Move: Retirement Living and Financial Preparation for Aged Care.

Registration for the two-and-a-half-hour morning session was free, and open to anyone who was interested. It was already half-filled some weeks beforehand.

The focus was on learning how to make  wise, informed, and safe decisions about retirement for yourself or loved ones, addressing questions everybody has about entering into new living arrangements for this stage of your life.

Of particular and timely interest, were the issues raised by the recent ABC Australia investigation into problems in some areas of the retirement village industry.


"

              Many are concerned about security, even regarding possible relationship changes. People are seeking clarity about appropriate planning.

MITCHELL CHATFIELD

co-presenter               

"

              When entering a retirement village, a prospective resident should get detailed legal and financial advice, specifically relating to the contracts and their own situation.

JO TWIBLE   

co-presenter

The widespread media coverage made it clear that many residents enter a retire-ment village without fully understanding their agreement, nor its financial consequences.

KJB Law principal Jo Twible was keen to address concerns. “Surprises are great for Christmas and birthdays, not for legal documents,” she said.

She advised: "When entering a retirement village, a prospective resident should get detailed legal and financial advice, specifically relating to the contracts and their own situation.

"A range of operators in the marketplace offer a range of financial models, and each model has different benefits and consequences. Find out what suits your particular situation."

The seminar was a collaboration between Canberra

firms KJB Law and  Phillips Wealth Partners.

It was clear from comments  afterwards that the seminar helped attendees learn how to make safe decisions.

Attendees were from varied backgrounds, and included those wanting to learn about retirement village living, those who were confused about retirement village contracts, and those needing clarification about aged-care services and current costs.

The much-vaunted important changes to the Retirement Village Act were also flagged.

The panel of expert presenters were Jo Twible, principal, and Mitchell Chatfield, solicitor, from KJB Law, and Craig Phillips, director, senior financial advisor, and accredited aged-care professional, and Luisa Capezio, co-director and accredited aged-care professional, from Phillips Wealth Partners.

Details of the next retirement living seminar will be announced soon.

     

● More about Jo: kjblaw.com.au/jo-twible
● Mitchell: kjblaw.com.au/mitchell-chatfield

● Craig: phillipswp.com.au/about/about-pwp
● Luisa: phillipswp.com.au/about/about-pwp
● Future seminars: Shradha Deo on 6281 0999

or email her at shradha@kjblaw.com.au

How can we help you?

Wills, Power of Attorney, Estate Planning ►

Probate, Estate Administration ►

Real Estate, Conveyancing ►

Family Law ►

Commercial Law, Leasing ►

We've been Canberra's

law firm for 44 years

For more than four decades, KJB Law in Canberra has made the law less confusing by explaining your options in plain English. 

Our aim is to offer the best possible solution, whether you need advice about estate planning, buying or selling a business, family law, or conveyancing, or if you need an advocate in court. 

Our lawyers are highly experienced and respected in the community and can help you by producing successful results in a cost-effective manner.

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

K

JUST OUTCOMES

J

BALANCE

B

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 key legal team of solicitors, all here for you

Collectively, the legal team at KJB have many years of experience in all areas of the law and, importantly, just as many years assisting clients seeking resolution of their legal needs or experiencing a period of crisis. Not all situations requiring legal assistance are marked by trauma; but we bring compassion, commonsense, patience, and attention to detail to all our clients’ cases. Our job is to support you.

A commitment to working hard to ensure clients feel supported

Hover over photo for an overview of several of the areas of each solicitor's specialties; click through for further background and direct contact details.

KJB IN THE MEDIA

KJB principal Jo Twible interviewed for ABC News Online

Canberra's retirement villages urged to be more transparent about where fees are going

"

              That sense of [whether] an operator is price-gouging or not,

that could be perhaps resolved by some transparency.

JO TWIBLE             

Principal, KJB Law

THE ABC's ongoing national investigations into the retirement village industry last Sunday focused on the ACT.

KJB Law principal Jo Twible, a specialist in retirement village contracts, was among those interviewed for the ABC News story, "Canberra's retirement villages urged to be more transparent about where fees are going."

Said reporter Lottie Twyford in her lead-in: "Around the country, residents have raised concerns about retirement villages and their practices of charging large exit, maintenance, and refurbishment fees, which have sometimes come as a shock.

"In the ACT, some have called for more avenues for managing complaints, while prospective residents are urged to seek

independent financial and legal advice before entering into a retirement village contract."

Jo Twible was among those interviewed for the story.

The reporter wrote: "KJB Law's Jo Twible agreed most of the contracts are far too complex for someone to understand without the help of a lawyer.

"And as one of the few lawyers practising in this space, she said there's a reason they're so complex."

Ms Twible said: "Even in New South Wales, which does have a standard contract, they will change drastically depending on the offerings from the village they choose.

"In Canberra alone, there are many different types of retirement villages.

"That means different scenarios for residents, both financially and legally, depending on the type they live in.

"Residents also have the choice about when to pay some fees."

Ms Twible agreed more transparency was needed about where operators are making their profits, just how large those profits are, and what resident fees are being used for. 

Ms Twible said: "That sense of [whether] an operator is price-gouging or not, that could be perhaps resolved by some transparency."

She explained to the journalist, though it wasn't reported: “In the ACT, the operators have obligations to meet certain expenses

from their own pockets. Up-front and departure fees form the source of the operator’s funds to meet those obligations.

"However, they are also what form the operator’s profit and their source of funds for reinvestment.

"Given the degree of concern recently raised that some of the fees charged are excessive, a more true understanding of whether or not this is the case could be helped by some additional transparency in this regard.

"You don’t expect your plumber to fix your plumbing without making a profit, so it’s not unreasonable for retirement village operators to make profit, too – the question is how much profit is reasonable versus what might people reasonably feel is gouging?”

 
● Read Sunday's full story by journalist Lottie Twyford on ABC NEWS ONLINE: here  ►

 

● See further comment by Jo in the story

" 7:30 and the importance of legal and financial advice when entering a retirement village" and also more ABC coverage further down this page.

RETIREMENT VILLAGES IN THE MEDIA

7.30 and the importance of legal and financial advice when entering a retirement village

"

              Surprises are great for Christmas and birthdays, not for legal documents.

                              JO TWIBLE

                              Principal, KJB Law

THIS month's 7.30 stories on the ABC about retirement villages have one key take-away: many residents enter into a village without fully understanding their agreement nor its financial consequences.
“Surprises are great for Christmas and birthdays, not for legal documents,” KJB Law principal, Jo Twible, says. 

When entering into a retirement village, a prospective resident should get detailed legal and financial advice, specifically relating to the contract(s) and their own situation.

A range of operators in the market offer a range of financial models, and each model has different benefits and consequences.

When entering into a village, many contracts contain formulas as to the amount residents will pay on exit — good advice should help quantify for you the amount you'll pay based on different scenarios.

If a contract says you pay a departure fee of 6 per cent per year capped at 30 per cent after five years on an ingoing contribution of $700,000 and get no share of capital gain, then you need straightforward advice that makes it very clear that this means that the departure fee at the one-year mark is $42,000 and by the five-year mark it is $210,000.

If you stay in the village for five or more years then you'll get back $490,000 as a starting point. Any additional amounts that might be deducted should also be clearly explained.

“Advice should be in writing and in plain English,” Jo says. “A prospective resident should be encouraged to share that advice with their family as, while it's the resident who might be dealing with the transaction when entering, it's often a family member who's assisting them when they exit.

"There should never be a situation where a family member thinks: ‘Mum wouldn’t have signed this if she'd known!’

“Tailored financial advice is important, too. Prospective residents need to not just be thinking about this move but the potential following move into an aged-care facility. Quite often when we see clients they have no understanding of the framework for aged care and potential costs."

ABOVE: Here are two key instalments of ABC investigative reporter Adele Ferguson's continuing look into retirement village inequities; on 7.30 (top, 18 mins) and ABC News (above, 3 mins). Jo Twible says: "While there are reasons that retirement villages need to charge some of the fees they do to ensure that they have funds to meet their legislated obligations, the current media attention only serves to highlight the vital need to get clear independent legal and financial advice on every contract, before you sign, when you're looking to enter retirement living."

"This is one reason why KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners run regular public education seminars on retirement village entry and aged care. We want people to have some basic under-standing before they start looking at retirement village options.”

Jo says: “There are many well documented benefits to life in a retirement village, but these come at a cost. It’s important to ensure a prospective resident understands these costs and can determine, for themselves, whether the benefits are worth what they'll be paying going into, during and on exit from the village, and that they'll have sufficient funds left over to meet their future care needs.”

     

● KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners run occasional free

retirement living seminars at the Hellenic Club of Canberra.

● For details of upcoming seminars, call Shradha Deo on

(02) 6281 0999 or email her at  shradha@kjblaw.com.au

KJB LAW OUT IN THE COMMUNTY

It was great to meet you at the Seniors Expo!

Bigger venue valued by the 150 exhibitors and crowds of visitors

ON Wednesday, September 25, we were delighted to chat with so many visitors to the ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo run by COTA ACT (Council on the Ageing ACT) at the new bigger location, the Old Bus Depot Markets Building in Kingston.

The turn-out was terrific, with huge crowds of people exploring the range of services and supports available for seniors right here in the ACT. 

KJB Law continued our partnership with Canberra's Phillips Wealth Partners in jointly conducting a stand at the expo, to provide advice on wills, probate, and estate planning and also on financial planning, retirement, and aged care.

From KJB Law, there were principal Jo Twible, senior associate Olivia Kordaris, and solicitor Mitchell Chatfield.

From PWP, there were Craig Phillips, Luisa Capezio, and Ana Patriota.

KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners were among the gold sponsors of the free expo and were proud to join the 150 exhibitors.

"From the moment the doors were open, we were talking to such a broad range of people all wanting to discuss aspects of their pending retirement, or options facing their loved ones and family members.

"It was very rewarding to offer ideas and suggestions to ponder because decisions we make for this time in our lives will affect us for years to come. People want to be sure to know all the facts. And they came with so many good questions.

"We were flat chat the entire time," Jo said.

Luisa said: "Yes, we had a great mix of people come up to us with all kinds of questions.















"People were after clarity about planning

for various possibilities," Mitchell said.















Craig (left) and Luisa (right) chat with attendees. "People were trying to wrap their heads around the different aged care options," Luisa said.















"We had a great mix of people come up to us

with all kinds of questions," Luisa said.















"It was clear many were thinking about how

to stay financially secure," Luisa said.











The SALT (Senior and Aged Care Living Transition) Directory enables small businesses, service providers, and organisations to publicise what they offer. At the SALT stand at the expo are Luisa Capezio and Craig Phillips (Phillips Wealth Partners), Karen Taylor (SALT), Estella Hutchinson (Your Sunset), Margaret (Inspired Outcomes), Ana Patriota (Phillips Wealth Partners), and Shradha Deo (KJB Law). MORE: saltdirectory.com.au















Craig Phillips, managing director and

principal of Phillips Wealth Partners.















Our stand at the Seniors Expo,

a collaboration between KJB Law

and Phillips Wealth Partners.















Craig Phillips, of

Phillips Wealth Partners.

Scroll through the gallery from our stand at the COTA ACT Seniors Expo. Were you there?

"

             Many were curious about the security of their estate plans, particularly regarding changes in relationships. Many were very aware of these issues and sought clarity about planning for various possibilities.

                                      MITCHELL CHATFIELD

                                      Solicitor

"These ranged from concerns about managing superannuation and retirement planning to the affordability and sustainability of aged care services in the future. It was clear that many were thinking about how to stay financially secure as they get older or more frail, and

a lot of people were trying to wrap their heads around the different aged care options."

Mitchell was kept very busy talking to the huge queues of visitors. He said: "Many of the people who spoke with us were curious about the security of their estate plans, particularly regarding relationships breaking down or improving within a family unit, and the prospect of experiencing a relationship breakdown, perhaps eventual divorce. Many of the questions showed great awareness of these issues and people were seeking clarity about appropriate planning for various possibilities."

The COTA ACT Seniors Expo is a regular event and will return.

   

● KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners run occasional free retirement living seminars

at the Hellenic Club of Canberra.

● For details of upcoming seminars,

call Shradha Deo on (02) 6281 0999

or email her at shradha@kjblaw.com.au

SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF AWARDS

Information, graphics: doylesguide.com

9th

Andrew wins a place in Doyles Guide for the         year in a row!

And in that time, he's taken out a

total of        titles

27

ANDREW Freer, one of our three principals, has just added two placings in his tally of Doyles Guide rankings for the ACT for this year.

Earlier this month, Doyles announced Andrew as one of four Preeminent Lawyers in the category of Wills & Estate Litigation.

Also, he was among the four Leading Lawyers in Wills, Estates & Succession-Planning in the ACT this year.

This is the ninth year in a row he's been placed in Doyles Listings for the region and his two wins this year bring his grand total over the decade so far to 27.

He's been listed as a Preeminent Lawyer six times, a Leading Lawyer 12 times, and

a Recommended Lawyer nine times.

He was out of the country for the announcement on September 3.

He was on long-service leave in Italy and about to embark on a gruelling cross-country group bike ride. Via email, he said: "I'm overwhelmed! It's such an honour to be recognised again by Doyles, and in two


While we're looking at Andrew's outstanding results, we should also note that Doyles has recognised KJB Law as a Recommended Law Firm in the following categories:


2023  Public Liability Compensation

2021   Work Injury Compensation

2021   Public Liability Compensation

2021   Motor Vehicle Accident Comp

2020  Work Injury Compensation

2019   Work Injury Compensation

2019   Public Liability Compensation

2019   Motor Vehicle Accident Comp

Andrew was bike-riding across Italy on his long-service leave when he heard the news.

SEE HIS LIVE BLOG DOWN-PAGE ▾

categories! I'm very grateful. It also means so much to fly the flag for KJB Law so we can take our place among the elite law firms in Canberra. Then there are the other five lawyers in the two categories I was in — I'm in some mighty fine company there!

"But, at the end of the day, it's not the awards, or even the recognition, that matter as much as the responsibility,

the honour, of being able to help people navigate what can be very stressful situations where they need legal support.

"These are often crisis points in ordinary people's lives and none of us wants to face these events alone. That's where we come in.

"I also love helping people make good decisions, the right judgment calls, on contentious issues. Sometimes, success in this isn't always obvious. Like when we're able to avoid escalating a dispute or avoid litigation altogether. Helping people to focus on positives and move forward is a very rewarding part of this job. I really love what I do. I've got the most satisfying job."

Fellow principal Jo Twible was thrilled at the announcement of Andrew's latest wins. "In terms of lawyers and firms in Woden, Andrew is the highest ranking lawyer listed," she said.

"And KJB Law continues as Recommended among the Leading Wills, Estates & Succession-Planning Law Firms in the ACT. And we continue in Second Tier among the Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Law Firms in the ACT.

"Andrew's done spectacularly well to achieve his rankings again this year, not to mention cementing his very impressive track record across almost a decade!"

The independent industry organisation
Doyles Guide annually ranks the legal market across the ACT, looking at law firms and individual practitioners, reflecting those identified by their peers for their expertise and abilities in the varied areas of legal practice.

"

             At the end of the day, it's not the awards or the recognition that matter as much as the responsibility, the honour, of helping people navigate what can be  very stressful situations.

                                     ANDREW FREER

                                     Solicitor and Principal

Its ratings are based on interviews with clients, peers, and industry bodies. It's one of the most recognised independent guides to the top law firms in Australia.

Andrew also hastened to share the credit for his wins. "I owe each and every one of my colleagues a real vote of heart-felt gratitude. They're personable, diligent, and ethical. You should meet them. Draw on their expertise and knowledge, and their real friendliness. Drop in for a chat."


● Andrew’s Doyles profile here  ►

● Andrew's KJB Law staff profile here  ►

● Andrew's previous wins here, here, here  ►

SPOTLIGHT ON NEW STAFF

David and Lindsay part of our team at KJB

We're thrilled to welcome new solicitors to our team.

Both of them bring valuable experience in different fields of legal practice as well as a broad range of life experience.


David Endersby, who is also a new Associate at KJB Law, began his working life as a teenager in the Royal Australian Navy, enlisting at 16. He was ultimately an aircrewman with Naval helicopters, attached to a survey ship (see the dramatic photo below).

Then he worked in business management, service delivery, and sales across manufacturing, hospitality, finance, and membership organisations. He ran a human resources consultancy while studying and was a JP in the WA Magistrates Court.

On admission to the WA Supreme Court, he worked in family law, estate planning, and litigation. He's also experienced in helping Legal Aid clients and also all areas of country practice.

"Coming to the law later in life has given me a great background of life experiences and a keenly developed understanding of what people are looking for," he says. "This helps me provide the best results possible for those looking to me for help.”

Lindsay (Shijie) Zhang studied in three countries and is proficient in English and Mandarin. She earned a double degree in German and Law in China, followed by Forensic Psychology and Criminology studies in Britain. She obtained a Juris Doctor degree from ANU, distinguishing herself with a grade point average of 5.9/7.

Lindsay was admitted as a solicitor in the ACT in November 2023 and focuses on residential conveyancing in the ACT and NSW.

Apart from handling standard conveyancing, she has expertise in adding a spouse to a title, transitioning joint tenants to tenants in common, facilitating family law transfers, and helping trustees and those with power of attorney in property sales.

"I'm committed to delivering professional yet approachable service and dedicated to easing our clients' legal journeys," she says. "I want to ensure everything is as smooth and stress-free as possible."

● David's staff profile, contact details: here  ►

● Lindsay's staff profile, contact details: here  ►

Note: This story has been updated to reflect recent staff movements

SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF

Andrew's inspiring bike ride across Italy

FROM the start of September, principal Andrew Freer (left) has been in Italy, spending his long-service leave on an intensive group bike-ride through Tuscany, Umbria, and surrounds. The Appenini ride was due to leave Fiesole, near Florence, on September 4, giving Andrew and friends time to explore the Tuscan region for three days. "Yes, I was very fortunate to experience a little of this region as well as take a few days acclimatising and getting some warm-up cycling," he said. Sightseeing in Florence included the famous Duomo cathedral, officially the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Accademia gallery, the home of Michelangelo's David.


Andrew was in Tuscany on the day before the start of the big ride when his double win in the Doyles Guide honours was announced back home (see details in story top of this page).


DAY 1, Sept 4, 112.82 km, 6h 1m: Andrew and friends left Fiesole, aiming to reach the province of Arrezo in another part of Tuscany that night. "It was quite warm and I knew I'd be busy chewing what I'd bitten off right up to midnight! I posted a few cycling photos to Facebook but my daughter said she wasn't particularly impressed with them, so I got busy and uploaded another batch."


DAY 2, Sept 5, 141.87 km, 7h 38m: The group headed off to the region of Umbria, leaving Arrezo in Tuscany and riding south-east to Todi, in the province of Perugia. "This was quite challenging, especially the last sneaky little climb into Todi! And to think I thought yesterday was tough!"


DAY 3, Sept 6, 136.67 km, 6h 49m. They left Todi and headed to L’Aquila. "I gotta say my legs were showing clear signs of benefitting from riding for three days in a row, but it was quite a long climb late in the day. However, I told myself, the next two days will be a step up. Today was another spectacular day in the mountains, as you can see from the photos. There was plenty of climbing."


DAY 4, Sept 7, 117.47 km, 6h 41m. The riders left L’Aquila and headed to Popoli, still in the Abruzzo region. "We rode via a small hill called the Gran Sasso, plus we had a very nice swim in the river at the end!"


DAY 5, Sept 8: "We rode from Popoli to Lanciano via a brute of a mountain (but beautiful) called the Blockhaus in the Parco Nazionale (national park). The views were really something and made up for the very long and steep ascent!"


REST DAY, Sept 9: A scheduled rest day in Lanciano for the Harvest Festival. "I'm really enjoying this!"


DAY 6, Sept 10: 128.69 km, 7h 7m. “Today was a morning ride, heading out from Lanciano, in Abruzzo, for Campobasso in the Molise region after our much-needed rest day. No iconic climbs today, but plenty of metres were climbed!”


DAY 7, Sept 11: 112.56 km. "Lots of wind turbines hinted at the riding conditions we were going to face. Less climbing today, but we still gained height for a windy smashfest home. We had a nice post-ride swim!"


DAY 8, Sept 12: 133.5 km, 6h 34m. "The ride from Lucera to Melfi was a flattish smash-fest for 60 kms. The joys of Puglia. Then lots of hills and plenty more wind turbines — literally hundreds of them. Then a return to some climbing. Explored the Castle at Melfi at the end! And another lovely post-ride swim. The legs are getting stronger. Two days to go!”


DAY 9, Sept 13: 131.28 km, 5h 32m. “After leaving Melfi, first we climbed up, then did an 80km relatively flat run but it was a hot and hard slog into Matera. We wore pink Jerseys in remembrance of Albert’s granddaughter. We had an early lunch. Finally, it was so good to be in the hotel. We walked into the old town for dinner. Now, time for some James Bond spotting. Final day tomorrow!”


FINAL DAY, Sept 14: "It was a lighter day, as we left Matera for Monopoli. Did olive oil tasting then had a swim when we reached the sea. All up, we've just done 1300km in 10 days since leaving Fiesole, near Florence, and arriving in Monopoli. That's 21 km of vertical climbing! Thanks for following!"

BACKGROUND: Day 3, Sept 6: Umbria to Abruzzo.

We wish you the  

very

best

outcome

for   

your   

situation  

in

2025

PICTURED (from left): Principals Andrew Freer, Jo Twible, and Des Moore are each multifaceted experts in their fields and have wide-ranging experience in legal matters. See here for links to their individual profiles and personal contact details. They would love to hear from you. 

NEW STARTS (background): The early morning sun rises on Lake Burley Griffin, piercing the trees that line its shores, and bringing its constant promise of something new and fresh. Video: VisitCanberra.com.au.

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.

Our DOUBLE win at the Business Awards!

We're so very grateful for this huge honour

⚜️ BUSINESS OF THE YEAR ⚜️

⚜️ BEST PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ⚜️

Canberra Region businesses gathered recently for the annual announcement of the winners of the Local Business Awards. 
KJB Law was not only the winner of the Professional Services category (listed right) but we were also announced as Outstanding Business of the Year.
It's a tremendous honour, and one we don't take lightly. The glittering occasion was all the more special, coming as it did after 18 hard months for the community.
"We're so proud of our hard-working KJB team," said principal and solicitor Andrew Freer, when accepting the Professional Services category award for the company. "They put everything they have into looking after our clients' needs. This award acknowledges that."

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 visit precedent@precedent.net.

For more information about the awards,

visit: 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

Kerstin is rated as one of Canberra's Top 3

SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF AWARDS

 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

Here's what the ThreeBestRated website had to say.
"Here's the Deal: Kerstin Glomb is a senior solicitor at KJB Law. In more than 15 years of practice, Kerstin has served high net-worth individuals, particularly those in blended-family situations and medical specialists, to protect their complex wealth structure, thus achieving financial peace of mind. 
"Kerstin works closely with her clients' financial planners and accountants to provide the client and future generations with protection and tax flexibility.
"Innovations with phone and Zoom conferences, and carefully orchestrated letterbox document drop-offs, have let us keep the estate administration wheels turn.
"She regularly delivers presentations and workshops to educate clients, financial planners, and accountants on estate planning and asset-protection 

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."


Kerstin's staff profile here  ►