kjb law
'Most Outstanding Business'
'Most Outstanding Professional Services'
We're here to help . . .
(02) 6281 0999


      Business of the Year 2021           Best Professional Services 2021

We wish you the  

very

best

outcome

for   

your   

situation  

in

2024

We welcome in 2024 after an enjoyable festive season! The break did provide an opportunity to take stock. Many life events that require the advice of your lawyer, are exciting and the start of a new chapter. We do, however, acknowledge that sometimes there's a need for legal assistance when there's an obstacle to overcome.

Our practice has been operating for over 45 years — a milestone we celebrated in December. Marking that achievement gave us a chance to recognise that, while there are always hurdles along the way, KJB Law has overcome those challenges, and we're proud of the success we've had in helping our clients overcome theirs.

While achieving perfection is unrealistic, what we will do is welcome you warmly and extend an empathetic ear. We're here for you, we're experienced, and we know what we’re talking about — at KJB, you're in good, caring hands.

From our principals and team, to you — please accept our very best wishes for the year ahead. May it be a year of success, and peace, for us all.
And we wish you the very best outcome for your situation.

— Andrew Freer

on behalf of the principals, Andrew, Jo Twible, and Des Moore

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.

'Moving into Retirement'

seminar was a big success

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    Jo Twible, Principal and Solicitor from KJB Law, goes through the protection measures for the money due back to you.

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    Jo explains the challenges of sometimes tricky co-ownership agreements.

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    There are four different types of retirement village financial models in Canberra, Jo explains.

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    The crowd listens intently to Jo.

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    Craig Phillips, Director, Senior Financial Advisor, and Aged Care Professional from Phillips Wealth Partners, addresses listeners.

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    Jo and Craig explain what's involved when you decide to sell your home to move into a retirement village.

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    Craig discusses the surprising ins and outs of granny flat agreements.

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    Going through case studies with Craig of different granny flat arrangements.

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    Part of the crowd at the 'Moving into Retirement' seminar at the Hellenic Club.

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    Time for a light-hearted moment. Luisa Capezio, Co-director and Aged-Care Advisor from Phillips Wealth Partners, shares a laugh with the crowd.

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    Luisa acknowledges the various firms and agencies involved in the local retirement sector.

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    Luisa Capezio, Co-director and Aged-Care Advisor from Phillips Wealth Partners.

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    These 13 companies are among the very many professional agencies and community organisations which support local seniors who are considering their retirement living options. Luisa urged everyone to make the most of them. They have so much to offer you.

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    The crowd of locals, and several from further afield, enthusiastically listened as experts shared their experiences and knowledge.

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    Kerry Mitchell, Business Development Manager and Aged Care Professional from Phillips Wealth Partners.

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    Kerry goes through the features offered by the Senior and Aged-care Living Transition (SALT) directory, a central location to find businesses and services that support  moving into a retirement village or aged care.

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    You can find the Senior and Aged-care Living Transition (SALT) directory at: saltdirectory.com.au/directory. It's an extremely valuable resource for everyone considering their retirement living options.

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    'Moving into Retirement' seminar at the Hellenic Club.

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Many heartened by encouraging advice at our event

    RETIREMENT SEMINAR

Now's the time to follow up on any queries you may have after attending our free public seminar 'Moving into Retirement: Options, Considerations, and Tips' held in November at the Hellenic Club of Canberra — which was such a resounding success.


It was jointly presented by KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners, of Canberra. The event offered expert guidance on legal and financial considerations for three key strategies for rightsizing or downsizing in Canberra.


Today's rapidly changing landscape is influenced by evolving urban planning, shifting demographics, and changing housing needs, and many Canberra residents are talking about "rightsizing" or "downsizing".


Our seminar explored these topics and provided expert insights into the legal and financial aspects of three primary strategies for those seeking to explore or make the transition into different retirement living communities.


We looked at:


Transitioning to community living, looking at the legal and financial aspects involved when moving from your family home into a unit or apartment: the benefits, challenges, and crucial factors to consider when making this important lifestyle change;

Intergenerational living solutions, looking at innovative intergenerational arrangements, including granny flat interests and co-ownership arrangements: insights into how to prepare for a successful co-existence, and the traps to avoid;


Retirement villages, looking at the intricacies of retirement village entry, ongoing and exit, and the key elements of the contracts and budgeting. Our expert panel discussed contractual arrangements, stamp duty concessions, and superannuation downsizing contributions, providing valuable information on budgeting and managing the associated costs.


We heard from four experts at the seminar: Jo Twible, Principal and Solicitor from KJB Law; Craig Phillips, Director, Senior Financial Advisor, and Aged Care Professional; Luisa Capezio, Co-director and Aged Care Advisor; and Kerry Mitchell, Business Development Manager and Aged Care Professional, all from Phillips Wealth Partners. Also present to answer questions were Kerstin Glomb, Special Counsel in Estate Planning, and Mitchell Chatfield, Solicitor, both from KJB Law.


Jo, Craig, Luisa, and Kerry, as well as Kerstin and Mitchell, are all available now to take your questions about retirement living.


Call Jo, Kerstin, and Mitchell, at KJB Law, on (02) 6281 099.

Call Craig, Luisa, and Kerry, at Phillips Wealth Partners, on (02) 1300 10 22 33.


We are in the throes of planning our next seminars. If there's anything

particular you feel should be included, please get in touch and tell us!

Call Sonya or Sue on: (02) 6281 0999.

Or email Sonya at: sonya@kjblaw.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, Emily, who'd be delighted to put you in touch with the legal specialist your situation needs. Call her 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 Chatfield

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

or mitchell@kjblaw.com.au.

Mitchell's staff profile here

Deborah says, we need protection more than ever

Deborah Meader

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

or deborah@kjblaw.com.au.

Deborah's staff profile here 

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 Page

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

or courtney@kjblaw.com.au.

Courtney's staff profile here

A commitment to working hard to ensure clients feel supported

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 are all here to help 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.

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

We've been Canberra's

law firm for 40+ 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, 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.

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 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

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

"


"

Here's what ThreeBestRated 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

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