Claire Hawke-Gundill

Claire joined the firm as a graduate in March 2011 and was promoted to Partner in July 2019. Claire specializes in the area of Wills, Trusts and Estates and is an acknowledged expert in her field, having been recognised in the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Doyle’s Guide. In 2021, Claire has been recognised in Doyle’s Guide as a leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyer.

She serves on the committee of the Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners of Western Australia as Secretary. In addition to working in the area of Trusts and Estates, Claire acts for clients in relation to property, finance and commercial matters.

Claire’s core areas of expertise include:

• Providing advice on all aspects of estate planning (including Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Enduring Powers of Guardianship and Advance Health Directives)
• Acting on behalf of a range of clients (including individuals and trustee companies) in relation to deceased estates administration
• Acting on behalf of clients (both applicants and defendants) in relation to Family Provision Act proceedings
• Acting in relation to trust matters, including the review amendment and preparation of trust deeds for discretionary trusts and unit trusts
• Advising in relation to duty implications of the Duties Act 2008, particularly in relation to deceased estate and trust matters

• The Death of an Executor: Who carries the torch?
• Planning for Incapacity – An Important Part of Your Estate Plan
• My Will and the Effect of Marriage, Separation and Divorce
• Estate Planning and Capacity: the Importance of Planning for the Future Early
• What is an Advanced Health Directive (Living Will) and should I have one?

• Vice Chairperson of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) WA
• Affiliate of the Property Council of Australia
• Law Society of Western Australia