“I’m humbled to get this recognition by peers, colleagues and clients,” Andrew said. “And I’m so proud to work for a company that enables people to shine, with co-workers who support each other.
“I acknowledge and put on record my deepest appreciation of the efforts and contribution of all members of the KJB team.
“I’ve been at KJB now for 25 years and it’s quietly satisfying to know the experience and knowledge garnered over that time is valuable and acknowledged.”
This year’s listing of leading ACT wills and estates-litigation law firms highlights solicitors and companies practising in wills and estates litigation, disputes and contested matters in the ACT who’ve been identified by their peers for their expertise and abilities in these areas.
' I’m humbled to get this recognition by peers,
colleagues and clients. And I’m so proud to work
for a company that enables people to shine,
with co-workers who support each other. '
ANDREW FREER
Principal and Solicitor
Doyles is an independent organisation that rates and recommends law firms based on interviews with clients, peers and industry bodies. The firm produces one of the most recognised independent guides to top law firms in Australia. Doyles doesn’t allow firms to buy entries.
Andrew is listed for estates litigation in the ACT. Here's the full list of this category's pre-eminent tier (in alphabetical order):
Pre-eminent ranking:
- Keith Bradley, of Bradley Allen Love;
- Phil Davey, of DDCS Lawyers;
- Andrew Freer, of KJB Law;
- Tim Morton, of Farrar Gesini Dunn; and
- Rebecca Tetlow, of DDCS Lawyers.
KJB Law is listed for estates litigation on the ACT. Here's the complete listing of all four tiers in this category (in alphabetical order):
First tier:
- Bradley Allen Love; and
- DDCS Lawyers.
Second tier:
- Farrar Gesini Dunn;
- KJB Law; and
- Meyer Vandenberg.
Third tier:
- Bedfords Legal; and
- McInnes Wilson.
Recommended:
- Baker Deane & Nutt;
- Elringtons;
- Howes Kaye Halpin;
- Symons Phillips; and
- Tetlow Legal.
The content and listing of firms, lawyers and barristers is compiled after initial online peer-review-based surveys and phone and face-to-face interviews with clients, peers and industry bodies. Its research is focused on clients and legal practitioners.
Most of its personal-services areas (ie, family, crime, estates and succession planning) are compiled via peer-based surveys and reviews.
At the end of the research stage of the ranking process, individuals and firms are ranked according to volume and quality of positive feedback. The distinction between tiers of firms and bands of individuals is made by way of editorial discretion, in light of:
- Any clear numerical delineation between firms or groups of firms;
- Recommendations from significant clients;
- Recommendations from significant peers;
- The firm’s or individual’s ranking in previous Doyles’ listings; and
- Doyles’ impression of the individual during interviews.
All research is independent, and errors or faults in the guide and listings aren’t due to commercial pressures or relationships.
The firm listing contains four categories, ie, three “tiers” and “recommended”.
The classification of a firm into a particular tier basically depends on numbers. Especially glowing reports from key clients and individuals can also be considered.
The rating of a firm in a particular tier is not a definitive classification as to the skills and abilities of each individual legal practitioner in that firm.
Doyles’ listings of lawyers are in four categories:
- Market leader
is awarded to an individual who clearly stands ahead of their peers;
- Pre-eminent
and leading
lawyers are those who consistently draw client and peer praise; and
- Recommended
lawyers are those who display particular skills or attributes in the area.
All Doyles’ listings in each ranking category are in alphabetical order. A position at the top of the list category doesn’t indicate a higher ranking or rating than a ranking at the bottom.
Firms don’t have to participate in Doyles’ research or make submissions. Doyles tries to speak to clients and third parties and also senior legal practitioners within firms.
The listing of leading firms and individuals not only creates an environment for a more accurate recognition of Australia’s leading lawyers, Doyles says, but also allows for informed choices for those wanting a local lawyer.
Andrew's Doyles profile here.