People

Michael Perkins is a lawyer, author and educator with over 30 years experience in trusts, estates and private client practice. He has worked in boutique and large firms helping families across generations to preserve and manage their wealth, family and community connections. Where business or commercial interests are also involved Michael applies a multidisciplinary approach in dealing with the challenges of corporate growth, asset protection, estate administration and succession. Soon to be published in its 5th edition is Michael’s co-authored book Estate Planning: A Practical Guide for Estate and Financial Services Professionals (LexisNexis). Read more…

Jeremy Duffy is Principal Solicitor at Autonomy First Lawyers. Jeremy has over 38 years of experience in practice including numerous litigation matters in both State and Federal jurisdictions and non-litigious advisory and transactional work in trusts, estate planning, property law and commercial transactions. Read more…

Clarence Leung is a senior lawyer with over two decades of experience in trusts, commercial law, property law, litigation and migration law. Proficiently tri-lingual, Clarence is an experienced Private Client lawyer who is skilled in working with clients of diverse backgrounds and has extensive knowledge of business dynamics and trade practices. A full member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP), Clarence has also completed the STEP Advanced Certificate in Cross-Border Estates. He works with individuals, families and trustees in relation to long-term planning needs, governance and dispute resolution. Read more…

Dr Jane Lonie is a consultant clinical neuropsychologist, expert witness, author and educator with 20 years of experience in the assessment, management and research of cognitive dysfunction in adults and older adults. She has provided assessments and reports for over 3,500 patients. Her cases have ranged from early and differential dementia diagnosis, cognitive impairment, testamentary capacity, guardianship disputes, and financial management orders through to assessment of a person’s capacity to instruct, give evidence or appoint or revoke a power of attorney. Jane also has substantial experience in courts providing expert medico-legal opinion on legal capacity. Read more…

Zabina Naem is an Associate Lawyer at Autonomy First Lawyers and is experienced in Wills, Estate Planning, Estate Administration, Trust Law and Property Law. Zabina has strong practical knowledge in relation to applications for Probate or Letters of Administration in contested and non-contested estates as well as preparing estate planning documents including Wills, Letter of Wishes, Powers of Enduring Guardianship, Powers of Attorney and Section 100 Statements.  Zabina is experienced with discretionary trusts and self-managed superfunds, residential and commercial conveyancing, tax implications in estate planning, property law and business succession planning. Read more…

San Shim at Autonomy First Lawyers is not your average lawyer. With experience spanning recruitment, management consultancy, and law, he brings a unique commercial background and perspective to our practice. San specialises in Employment Law, Corporate and Commercial law,  and now Wills and Estates, working with Michael Perkins. He also supports Clarence (Chi Chiu) Leung with litigation work. San takes a holistic approach when advising clients, considering the desired outcomes of all parties involved. Read more…