MaryAnn de Mestre

MaryAnn de Mestre serves as the Principal Lawyer at M de Mestre Lawyers, where she is a recognised authority in wills and estates, estate litigation, and elder law. Known for her strategic and no-nonsense approach, MaryAnn expertly navigates complex legal disputes, especially in family disputes, estate litigation, and family provision claims. Her practice encompasses a wide range of legal services, but she has earned particular acclaim for her skill in resolving emotionally charged and high-stakes matters involving families and estates. Combining sharp legal insight with decisive action, she provides her clients with clarity and confidence during challenging situations. MaryAnn's dedication to the legal field is further demonstrated by her award-winning academic background, having been named Academic of the Year at Macquarie University during the Women in Law Awards. Her role as a court-appointed expert in estates and professional negligence underscores the professional trust in her judgment and expertise. MaryAnn is also a sought-after legal commentator, frequently sharing her insights on ABC Radio and 2SM, and contributing to major publications such as the Australian Financial Review, The Guardian, and The Sydney Morning Herald. Her commentary sheds light on legal issues affecting individuals and families. Passionate about elder abuse awareness and prevention, MaryAnn is committed to advocating for meaningful change within the legal profession and the broader community. She leads a progressive law firm that challenges traditional legal approaches by offering practical, results-driven solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances. With a keen commitment to safeguarding legacies, MaryAnn's practice is built on integrity, empathy, and precision. Her client-centric approach focuses on empowering individuals to secure their family's future. By understanding the emotional complexities of estate planning, she creates meticulous legal frameworks that navigate the intricacies with clarity and expertise. Her firm upholds ethical standards, delivering comprehensive solutions that honour individual aspirations and safeguard assets for future generations. MaryAnn's extensive experience includes her current role as a Convenor of Succession Law and Sessional Academic in Law at Macquarie University. She is a respected contributor to Thomson Reuters' NSW Civil Practice and Procedure and has previously served as a Senior Associate at John de Mestre & Co Pty Ltd. Her legal education includes a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from Western Sydney University, a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences from the University of Sydney, and a Master of Laws in Applied Law majoring in Wills & Estates from The College of Law Australia. Her accolades include winning the Sir Lawrence Street Negotiation Award, further highlighting her negotiation prowess and commitment to excellence in the legal field.