Editors

Gary Lanham is an Accredited Specialist in Succession Law and Special Counsel at Paxton-Hall Lawyers, with over 50 years’ experience in wills, estate planning, administration and related advisory matters, recognised for delivering clear, practical and forward-thinking advice across complex estate structures.

Gary is one of only four Queensland Supreme Court–approved Estate Account Assessors, and is widely respected for his technical expertise in deceased estate administration, having guided thousands of personal representatives through the estate process throughout his career.

Jeneve Frizzo is an Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates Law with the Queensland Law Society, with nearly two decades’ experience across estate planning, administration, litigation and guardianship matters, recognised for delivering clear, practical advice in complex inter-generational disputes.

Jeneve is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia, has held leadership roles on Queensland Law Society committees, contributed to specialist accreditation programs, completed National Mediation training, and has taught succession law at James Cook University.

Michele Sheehan is an experienced practitioner with over 30 years’ expertise across succession and family law, recognised for delivering clear, practical advice that protects individuals and families through complex personal and financial transitions. She is committed to fair and amicable resolution, prioritising negotiated outcomes and viewing litigation as a last resort wherever possible.

Michele combines deep technical knowledge with strong commercial acumen, enabling her to provide certainty and long-term asset protection strategies for both individuals and enterprises navigating change.

Emma Nisbet is a Special Counsel practising in estate administration and estate planning, with a strong focus on practical outcomes and responsive client service. She brings deep expertise across complex succession and business planning matters, including strategies to manage taxation implications, supported by a broad background spanning corporate, tax, superannuation and trust law.

Emma regularly presents for the Queensland Law Society, and contributes to legal education as a guest lecturer in succession law.

Lindsay Ellison SC is Senior Counsel specialising in Equity and Probate law, with extensive experience in Wills and Estates litigation in New South Wales, recognised for delivering clear, strategic advocacy in complex succession disputes.

Called to the Bar in 1985 and appointed Senior Counsel in 2005, Lindsay is consistently recognised in Doyle’s Guide as a leading practitioner in his field. He is an experienced mediator and lecturer, contributing his expertise to the development of legal professionals and the judiciary.

Ben Dornan holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney and was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2009. He is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and the Law Society of New South Wales, and has served on the Law Society’s Elder Law Committee.

Ben is recognised by Doyle’s Guide as a leading practitioner in Wills and Estates litigation and estate planning.

Kate Donnan is a solicitor practising in estate planning, estate administration, trusts and related advisory matters, recognised for delivering clear, practical advice tailored to a broad range of clients and family structures. Admitted to practice in 2017, Kate holds a Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Technology Sydney and completed a Master of Laws (Applied Law) majoring in Wills and Estates and Estate Planning through the College of Law in 2019.

With extensive experience across succession law, property matters and trust administration, Kate works closely with advisers and accountants to help clients achieve effective long-term outcomes.

Maree Harris is Special Counsel at de Groots wills and estate lawyers in Sydney. She holds Bachelor of Laws and Commerce degrees from the University of New South Wales and was admitted as a solicitor in New South Wales in 2009. Since 2012, Maree has specialised in wills and estates, focusing on estate litigation, administration, and planning.

She serves on the editorial boards of key texts in the field and completed collaborative law training in 2023. Maree is also a member of several professional collaborative law associations and was recognised in Doyle’s Guide as a recommended New South Wales estate litigation lawyer in 2023 and 2024