MaryAnn de Mestre
Principal & Sessional Academic
MaryAnn de Mestre is the Principal Lawyer of M de Mestre Lawyers and a recognised voice in wills and estates, estate litigation, and elder law.
She is known for taking a strategic, no-nonsense approach to complex legal disputes, particularly in family disputes, estate litigation, and family provision claims. While MaryAnn maintains a broad general practice, she has developed a strong reputation for her work in resolving highly sensitive and high-stakes matters involving families and estates.
MaryAnn combines sharp legal insight with decisive action, guiding clients through challenging and often emotionally charged situations with clarity and confidence.
An award-winning academic, MaryAnn was named Academic of the Year (Macquarie University) at the Women in Law Awards. She brings intellectual rigour and real-world strategy to every matter, ensuring her clients are not only protected but strategically positioned for the best possible outcome. MaryAnn has also been appointed as a court-appointed expert in estates and professional negligence, reflecting the trust placed in her expertise and professional judgment.
She is frequently sought after for her legal commentary and regularly appears on ABC Radio and 2SM. Her insights have also been featured in leading publications including the Australian Financial Review, The Guardian, and The Sydney Morning Herald, where she provides commentary on legal issues impacting individuals and families. MaryAnn has a particular interest in elder abuse awareness and prevention and is committed to using her platform to educate, advocate, and drive meaningful change within the legal profession and broader community.
She leads a modern, forward-thinking law firm that challenges traditional approaches delivering practical, results-driven solutions tailored to each client’s circumstances.
