General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2, Submission for Inquiry into Elder Abuse in NSW

Financial Review, The reason so many adult children are challenging wills

Linda de Mestre

Linda has been in the legal industry for over thirty years.

Linda commenced her career as a registration clerk and has had exposure to a variety of facets in the legal industry including but not limited to secretarial work, finance and accounting.

In her spare time Linda is a mother to five adult children and grandmother to four grandchildren.

Ally Etherington

Ally is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws at Macquarie University maintaining a distinction average in her degree. With a strong passion to help people she is committed to applying empathy and legal knowledge to understand the needs of our clients.

Playing in the highest competition of netball in NSW, Ally has strong team-work ethic and organizational skills that assist working in a team to problem solve and create the best outcome for our clients.

Boutique Lawyer Show, The need for collaboration in elder law matters

Lawyers Weekly Podcast Network: Protege: There are so many opportunities, if you just look for them (Spotify)

Thrive in Business, The Shocking Truth: Why Only 24% of Australians Have a Will with Mary-Ann de Mestre

Your aged care compass, ‘Elder Abuse with MaryAnn de Mestre and Nicholas Donnelly’ 23 July 2024

Winner of Academic/Researcher of the Year 2024

Finalist for Partner of the Year Wills & Estates 2024

Finalist for Academic of the Year 2023

Nominated for a CLM Inspire Award 2024

https://unitguides.mq.edu.au/unit_offerings/157571/unit_guide

de Mestre, MaryAnn, ‘Probate Challenges in Cross-Jurisdictional Wills’ STEP Newsletter 25 June 2024

de Mestre, Mary-Ann & Kha, Henry “Testamentary undue influence in Australia: should it be reformed?” | Trusts & Trustees | Oxford Academic (oup.com), 13 Apr 2024

de Mestre, Mary-Ann “Exploring the Legal Implications of Electronic Wills” LSJ Online, 2 Feb 2024

de Mestre, Mary-Ann “Construction of a Will & A Solicitor’s Responsibility” LSJ Online, 16 Jan 2023

de Mestre, Mary-Ann, Ethics in Elder Law and Substitute Decision Making; “Preparation, Execution and Use of Powers of Attorney” presentation, International Legal Ethics Conference VII, Fordham University, New York (2016)

de Mestre, MaryAnn “Editorial” (2015) 9 Elder Law Review, Article 1 de Mestre, Mary-Ann – — “Developments in Case Law on Human Rights & the Older Person: Nicholson v Knaggs [2009] VSC 64” (2015) 9 Elder Law Review Article 6

de Mestre, MaryAnn, Field Sue UWS, “Inquiry into Elder Abuse in NSW” 13/11/2015

de Mestre, MaryAnn “Supported Decision Making as an Alternative to Guardianship Orders” (2014) 8 Elder Law Review

de Mestre, Undue Influence after Bosschieter v Howitt Can the Remedy by Simplified? LSJ Online 14 March 2025

Mackenzie Haladus

Paralegal

Mackenzie is a dedicated law student at Macquarie University consistently maintaining a distinction average and committed to complimenting her academic knowledge with hands-on experience in the legal field.

With strong research skills, problem-solving abilities and an analytical mindset, Mackenzie demonstrates capability to navigate legal issues, communicate complex concepts in a clear and concise manner and identify tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of diverse clients.

MaryAnn de Mestre

Principal & Sessional Academic

MaryAnn is the Convenor of Succession Law (Wills & Estates) at Macquarie University and founder of M de Mestre Lawyers.

With over a decade of experience, MaryAnn has earned recognition for her scholarly pursuits. MaryAnn has been nominated for the Women in Law Academic of the Year award, finalist for the Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year (Wills & Estates) in 2024 and finalist for Academic of the Year in 2023. M de Mestre Lawyers was also a finalist in 2024 for New Business of the Year, Northern Beaches.

MaryAnn’s contributions to Succession Law led to her recognition as a full member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) through an Expertise Application.