Taking cases at the Bar and finding his niche: Meet Julian Trebeck, Best Graduating Student in Wills and Estates

We asked Julian about his experience studying his LLM (Applied Law) majoring in Wills and Estates with the College and advice he has for lawyers looking to move into the area.

Congratulations again on being recognised as a best graduating student. What was your favourite part of postgraduate study?

The weekly interactions with fellow students when we all went into Lockdown.  There was feeling of mutual support among the classes in what was a very difficult time for many of us.

Where do you work now, and what is the most rewarding aspect of your role?

I am a member of Frederick Jordan Chambers.  As a barrister, it’s satisfying to get the legal analysis right, but the most rewarding feeling comes from making a positive difference to someone’s life.

How have your studies helped with what you do at work? Has it helped progress your career?

The curriculum was a refresher for the areas I was (meant to be) familiar with.  There are always insights gained from deeper study.  More importantly, the course imposed the discipline of learning about topics of which I was ignorant. 

Was there a particular subject you found helpful to your current practice?

Every single one of the subjects I found of practical assistance.  That’s why I enrolled in the course. With an aging population, there are some hot topics relating to will-making, for example, the scope of “suspicious circumstances” and how it’s proved.  Another is the question of whether the principles of equitable undue influence (as distinct from the more narrow probate undue influence --  coercion), apply to the making of wills.  If an appeal court ever says yes to that question, there will be a flood of will challenges!

What advice would you have for lawyers looking to move into wills and estates?

My advice to a young solicitor interested in specialising in wills and estates would be: enrol in a Masters at the College of Law!  An LLM in applied law will prepare you for specialist accreditation. Employers notice and value these things.

Thank you to de Groots for sponsoring this prize.de Groots is a specialist law firm, established in 1986, that focuses exclusively on the areas of estate planning, estate administration and estate litigation. With lawyers in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, they provide services to private clients throughout Australia and overseas. It is a great privilege to have a specialist firm such as de Groots, supporting outstanding academic success.