Becoming an Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates

Why did you undertake Specialist Accreditation?

Attaining Specialist Accreditation in Wills & Estates Law was a personal and professional goal for me. I considered Specialist Accreditation to be an excellent platform for professional recognition and career progression.

What did you gain from completing the Program?  And what did it teach you?

Successfully completing the Program has served me well. Specialist Accreditation is a significant point of distinction amongst the legal profession and it has enabled my firm and I to leverage off this with new client opportunities and as well as strengthening and expanding referral sources, such as with accounting and financial planning relationships.

The Program is a unique experience in that your day-to-day approach to practice is tested over the course of various assessments and measured by peers of the Advisory Committee. For me, completing the Program was reaffirming and gave me continuing confidence in my capabilities.

When did you know it was the right time to undertake the Program?

After completing my undergraduate degrees at the University of Wollongong and my admission as a lawyer, I was practising almost exclusively in Wills & Estates law. I utilised the 5 years lead up to undertaking the Program to complete a Master of Laws by coursework at the University of Sydney with a focus on Wills & Estates related subjects and then completed a Master of Applied Law (Wills & Estates) at The College of Law. After this, I felt I was in the right position to do so.

What are the benefits of being an Accredited Specialist?

Being recognised as a specialist in Wills & Estates law is a standout benefit and I enjoy the diverse and interesting legal work which this often attracts. There is also a great collegiality amongst Wills & Estates law specialists, which is reflected in quarterly group specialists meetings and an annual dinner.

What changed for your after you achieved Specialist Accreditation? 

Achieving Specialist Accreditation assisted to solidify my professional value for clients and to my firm.

How has being an Accredited Specialist impacted your daily practice?

Being an Accredited Specialist has generated new client and business opportunities. My firm is based in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven and I continue to be the only Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates law in the region since becoming accredited in 2015.

What is the best advice you would give to someone who is considering undertaking Accreditation?

The Program is difficult and requires a significant commitment of time and dedication to be successful. Closely reviewing the Assessment Guidelines and being comfortable with the Core Skills and Knowledge Areas for assessment is key, and of course, it will also be very beneficial have substantive experience in all aspects where possible.

What was the best part about participating in the Program?

The best part about participating in the Program for me was that it gave me the opportunity really sharpen my knowledge and skills. I enjoyed the challenge and although it was stressful at times and demanded a lot of effort, it was also fun to complete.