With over 15 years' of experience, William helps clients to work through their succession planning goals and issues. He is driven to achieve realistic outcomes for his clients in their personal and business succession planning. This can involve working through difficult and sensitive considerations, needing a personal touch and some practical suggestions. William leads Hall & Wilcox’s national Private Client practice.
William is widely regarded as a leading practitioner in the area of succession planning, trusts, estates and estate litigation. William prides himself on giving practical advice and understanding the client's needs and business intimately to give them the best results.
He has a broad range of clients, from those with young families to some of Australia’s largest family groups, as well as business owners and people moving towards retirement. This has provided William with practical insight into many issues, concerns and needs that arise at different stages of life.
William is a ranked individual in Chambers High Net Worth 2021, 2022 and 2023 for Private Wealth Law, a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estate Law, a recommended Wills, Estates and Succession Planning Lawyer and Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyer in Victoria in Doyle's Guide to the Australian Legal Profession and a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). He regularly publishes articles and presents for both the firm and professional bodies including Leo Cussen, The Tax Institute and Television Education Network, and speaks on radio station 3AW.
Experience
Assisting clients with the restructuring of assets to minimise assets exposed to a potential Will dispute following death.
Acting for executors in defending Will disputes, and also beneficiaries and claimants in Will disputes.
Providing advice regarding estate planning arrangements including Wills and testamentary trusts, superannuation and life insurance, powers of attorney.
Acting for executors and beneficiaries in estate disputes including around delays, improper executor actions and executor commission.
Advising clients on intergenerational wealth transfer, including family agreements and constitutions.
Awards and Recognition
Best Lawyers in Australia 2025
Trusts and Estates
Doyle's Guide to the Australian Legal Profession
2023 | Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyers – Australia
2020-2024 | Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyers (Victoria); Wills, Estates & Succession Planning Lawyers (Victoria)
Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2021-2024
Private Wealth Law in Australia
Law Institute of Victoria
Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates
Memberships
Law Institute of Victoria
Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)