Since graduating from Monash University, Katerina has worked exclusively in estate planning and deceased estates with some of Victoria's leading estate planners and estate practitioners.
She has worked in several well respected estate planning practices across Melbourne, including Hall & Wilcox and Maddocks, as well as smaller boutique practices.
In July this year, Katerina launched Hartwell Legal, a boutique law firm specialising in estate/succession planning, business succession, trusts, asset protection, deceased estates, disputes and litigation.
Katerina has an extensive network of financial planners, accountants and lawyers with whom she has developed close relationships and who reward her with their continuous referrals.
She holds the following memberships:
- STEP (Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners), a prestigious international network where membership is awarded on merit;
- Wills & Estates Study Group at the Law Institute of Victoria; and
- Tax Institute of Australia.
What initially drew you to this area of law?
Wills and estates draws on many areas of law — wills, probate, litigation, alternative dispute resolution, commercial, superannuation, tax, family, etc. By choosing wills and estates, I didn't have to eliminate any others!
What are your hobbies?
The usual suspects are reading great fiction, watching great films, eating good food, and spending time with my boyfriend, my dogs (my furry children), family and friends. I'd like to say travel, but I don't know if it qualifies — as I don't do it often enough!
What does a typical day involve for you?
Lots of rushing around, physically and mentally! And hopefully, a good coffee and chat with a good friend or associate.
What challenges do practitioners in this area of law face?
Staying on top of all the changes in each aspect of wills and estates law, and working out how one change effects everything else.