OUR TEAM
The Estate Planning Centre is for families. Our solutions are specifically designed by our wills and estate planning legal team who are passionate about getting the best results for you.
SIMONE HARGREAVES
Director and Principal Lawyer
“My vision is for families to have the process of creating and finalising their estate plan made simple and (dare I say it) even enjoyable, so they can be confident knowing they have left a meaningful and effective legacy for their loved ones and their family isn’t left with a legacy of unnecessary conflict and pain.”
Founder and Director of The Estate Planning Centre, Simone Hargreaves is passionate about guiding families through the estate planning process right through to the estate administration process in a caring and efficient way.
As a wills and estates lawyer, Simone has seen firsthand the impact poor estate planning and often, no estate planning, has on families. She loves to help families understand the options available to them, so they can make confident, well-informed decisions.
Simone is a designated Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
When Simone isn’t helping families create great estate plans, she enjoys a good Netflix binge, can be found having a laugh at herself doing pilates, catching up with friends, facilitating her children’s enviable social lives or having another cup of coffee with her hubby, Tom.
GIULIANA PELHAM
Senior Associate Solicitor
“I love working in a team which displays such a deep level of respect and empathy towards clients and each other. Working within a caring and friendly environment is a real joy.”
Giuliana brings a wealth of experience to The Estate Planning Centre having worked in general practice covering estate planning and litigation, property law, commercial law, and conveyancing. With a passion for supporting and representing clients in challenging circumstances, Giuliana demonstrates a high degree of empathy and concern for those she works with, seeking positive and resolute results for them and their families. Her deep sense of fairness makes her a hardworking and diligent solicitor whose care for her clients is mirrored in her work and the outcomes she produces for them. This drive for her work characterises her as an efficient and hardworking member of the team whose passion for her work is clear to all. Within the staff team, Giuliana is a patient and knowledgeable presence, willing to assist in any manner and provide guidance to both lawyers and paralegals.
Outside of work, Giuliana loves to play tennis, relax with yoga, travel with her family, and attempt to win at table tennis with her boys (mostly unsuccessfully).
ZABINA NAEM
Associate Solicitor
“As a solicitor, you need to have a good working relationship with the Principal Lawyer to flourish; Simone and I work really well together, and I appreciate the flexibility and understanding that she extends to me as I balance my professional and family commitments.”
Zabina is a friendly and experienced solicitor, passionate about succession law and eager to help families organise their affairs and protect their loved ones. A true all-rounder, Zabina applies her vast legal expertise to estate planning, estate administration, business succession planning, and conveyancing. When you meet Zabina, you will be impressed by her sharp focus and intelligence, and confident in her unfailing ability to secure the best result for your circumstances.
Zabina is family-oriented in both her professional and personal life. She loves to spend time with her husband and son, who benefit immensely from her carefully crafted lunchboxes and accomplished baking (chocolate cake is her specialty). When she isn’t experimenting in her own kitchen, she loves to try new cuisines with her family.
EMILY KUO
Associate Solicitor
“I was drawn to The Estate Planning Centre as a firm dedicated to the area of Estate Planning and Administration. They uphold the values of unyielding integrity, prioritising people, continuous growth and purposeful collaboration in a way which I wanted to be a part of.”
A family-focused solicitor, Emily loves supporting and clearly communicating with families to ensure their wishes are reflected through estate planning in a collaborative manner. Specialising for 10 years in financial services law, Emily transitioned to succession law where she found a passion for protecting clients, their loved ones, and their assets. Emily’s extensive experience particularly with pro bono cases has generated a love for client-centred work that is evidenced through her compassionate attitude towards our clients and their differing circumstances. This kindness extends to her relationships within TEPC, with her keen eye for detail and attentive approach to legal work making her a valued and trusted member of the team.
Emily enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading with a morning tea, watching a new Australian drama on Netflix, and most recently, training to hike the Coastrek (30km!).
KATE WILLIAMSON
Solicitor
“The Estate Planning Centre stands out to me as an outstanding firm due to it’s commitment to investing in the growth and development of it’s employees, it’s personable approach to clients, and the exceptional care shown between staff and towards clients. ”
Kate is a skilled and supportive lawyer whose dedication for her work is clearly evident through her warmth and approachability. Her personable character allows her to quickly connect with people from all walks of life, creating meaningful connections with clients and staff, and a clear eagerness for her work. Kate is passionate about advocating for the legal needs of her clients. She enjoys the challenge that legal work can bring and problem-solving new solutions to ensure the care of our clients.
In her free time, Kate loves spending time with family and friends, going for a kayak, drawing, or reading a good book.
MEGAN PARKER
Executive Assistant
“I love working as an Executive Assistant with The Estate Planning Centre. When I’m focused and flexible, I do my very best work.”
Megan has over 25 years’ experience in legal administration, reflected in her impeccable attention to detail and unparalleled efficiency. Megan is a master of both worlds – her unflinching focus and organisation is the secret to our team’s professionalism, and yet she brings great warmth and a personal, hands-on touch to all her interactions with clients.
Megan lives in Brisbane with her husband and their two young and energetic boys. Working and raising her children doesn’t leave much free time; however, when she can, Megan loves to unwind with a mani-pedi, Netflix, and a glass of wine.
JOSIE BENNETTS
Paralegal
“It’s a huge privilege to be part of a team which shows such a deep level of care and respect not just for clients, but for each other. The culture of excellence, warmth and sensitivity at The Estate Planning Centre is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. ”
A passionate learner and collaborator, Josie is an efficient and hardworking team member whose passion for helping people shines through in her work. Starting a Bachelor of Law and Arts at the University of Sydney, Josie is excited to use her problem solving skills to assist vulnerable individuals and those in challenging situations achieve positive and just outcomes. Her sensitivity and attentiveness allow her to warmly and empathetically connect with clients, evidenced through her detailed approach to legal work. This, coupled with a passion for legal accessibility, enables her to clearly and articulately convey our clients wishes in a manner that honours there circumstances.
In her spare time Josie can be found drinking a coffee, trying out new restaurants with friends, or loitering in bookshops (legally of course).
MADELEINE HARGREAVES
Paralegal
“It’s a joy to work at The Estate Planning Centre; the collaborative team dynamic and client based work creates a warm environment that prioritises integrity and excellence through incredible training and experience.”
Madeleine is a warm and compassionate paralegal, with a love for delivering a high-quality client-focused service. Madeleine is in her second year of a Bachelor of Law and Security Studies at Macquarie University, with her keen desire for learning and her passion for helping others driving her interest in this degree. Madeleine’s experience in communicating and working with people from all walks of life, has enabled her to deeply connect with our clients and understand their individual situations and needs. She is particularly grateful that there is no such thing as a ‘boring’ day at work, and when she gets to use the label maker.
On her days off, Madeleine enjoys a good swim, reading by the beach and catching up with friends over good food.
LAURA PENN
Paralegal
“I love working at The Estate Planning Centre in a warm, personable, and friendly team who make each workday so enjoyable.”
Laura is an intelligent and personable paralegal with a great heart for ensuring clients feel comfortable and supported during the estate planning process. She is in her fourth year of a Bachelor of Law and Psychology at Macquarie University, drawn to her studies by a love of helping others to problem-solve and feel empowered to make positive life decisions. Laura is well-organised with great attention to detail and possesses a remarkable patience that helps her to manage our most difficult team member: the printer. Her extensive experience in working with primary school children has shaped her into an excellent communicator, problem-solver, and an ever-sunny presence in the office.
In her (limited) free time, you’ll either find Laura surfing at the beach with her friends, enjoying live theatre or mastering yet another instrument.