A holistic approach to estate planning: Meet Charlotte Schaefer

Charlotte Schaefer started her career as a graduate solicitor prosecuting parking infringements. She has now gone on to win Best Graduating Student in Estate Planning at the College and start her own practice specialising in estate planning and administration – her true passion.

We caught up with Charlotte to learn about her life in the law, her experience studying with us, and her tips for lawyers interested in estate planning.

What was your first job in law? What led you to your current role?

My first job was as a graduate solicitor at a small suburban practice at Top Ryde where, amongst other things, I prosecuted parking infringements for Macquarie University at Ryde Local Court!

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

I set up my own legal practice at the beginning of 2020 – Schaefer Legal – which specialises in wills, estate planning and estate administration legal services in Sydney’s northern beaches area and beyond. Our services are underpinned by a warm, person to person approach to our clients so whatever the work brings up for them or however it may challenge them, they feel supported.

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

Absolutely. I only moved into estate planning and administration in the last 10 or so years. I would not have started my own practice without the backing of the Master of Laws studies to build and finesse my technical expertise. The Master of Laws has been fundamental to my current specialisation and establishing my own practice.

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

My favourite part was that it could be done at my own pace, whilst juggling many of life’s other competing demands.

Do you have a lecturer you want to shout out?

Yes! Marie Brownell, Margaret Pringle and Katelin Whitley.

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

All of them contributed a great deal and I continue to refer to unit notes as a resource in my day-to-day practice. However, if I had to pick it would be Foundations of Estate Planning which was fundamental to my work and the Capstone project which pulled all the subjects together.

What advice would you have for lawyers looking to move into estate planning?

Despite the growth in online cheap wills, there continues to be a demand for solicitors with specialist capability in this area. Not all, but many people understand their circumstances aren’t necessarily straight forward and feel more assured with an estate planning solicitor doing the work. It is very rewarding for people and families to let you in to their lives, their thoughts, wishes and worries when contemplating their end of life. Schaefer Legal take a holistic approach to estate planning and encompasses other considerations around end-of-life planning also for those interested or needing to reflect on matters beyond their wills and assets. At Schaefer Legal we are “death comfortable” and support and contribute to the groundswell of improved death literacy in our community.