de Groots wills & estate lawyers

08/10/2026

It’s wonderful to see two members of the de Groots team named finalists in the 2026 Women in Law Awards.

Ayoub is a finalist for Wellness Advocate of the Year, recognising her commitment to supporting wellbeing within the legal profession and workplace.

Tutt is a finalist for Senior Associate of the Year – SME Law, recognising her professional contribution and achievements as a specialist Wills and Estates lawyer.

The Weekly Women in Law Awards celebrate the achievements, leadership and contribution of women across Australia’s legal profession, making these nominations a wonderful acknowledgement of both Isabel and Julia.

We’re incredibly proud to see them recognised alongside such an impressive group of women from across the profession.

Congratulations, Isabel and Julia — and best of luck for the awards in November!

07/10/2026

Supporting the 2026 WA Lee Equity Lecture

We’re delighted to once again sponsor the WA Lee Equity Lecture, presented by the Queensland Community Foundation in partnership with the TC Beirne School of Law at The University of Queensland.

Now in its 27th year, the WA Lee Equity Lecture brings together members of the legal profession, academics and the wider community to explore contemporary issues in equity and trusts law.

This year’s lecture will be presented by The Honourable Justice Debra Mullins AO, who will discuss:
“Trusts Disputes and Litigation under the Trusts Act 2025 (Qld) – Will the Changes Achieve the Aim of Modernising and Simplifying Trusts Law?”

With Queensland’s new Trusts Act now in operation, the topic is particularly timely for practitioners working with trusts, estates and succession matters.

📅 5 November 2026
🕔 5.00pm
📍 Banco Court, Supreme Court of Queensland, George Street
🎟️ Free to attend – registration is essential

We’re proud to support this long-standing lecture series and its contribution to continuing legal education and discussion around equity and trusts law.

We encourage our clients, professional colleagues and networks to join us for an evening of thought-provoking discussion, followed by networking drinks.

Register to attend: https://lnkd.in/gSmbvtAs

29/09/2026

29/09/2026

Recognised by our peers. Trusted by our clients.

We’re pleased to share that de Groots wills and estate lawyers has once again been recognised in the 2026 Doyle’s Guide rankings.

This year, our recognition includes:

de Groots — Third Tier, Wills & Estates Litigation
de Groots — Third Tier, Wills, Estates & Succession Planning
Maree Harris — Recommended, Wills & Estates Litigation, NSW
Elizabeth Lorimer — Recommended, Wills & Estates Litigation, QLD
Kate Varcoe — Recommended, Wills & Estates Litigation, QLD
Dr John de Groot AM — Recommended, Wills, Estates & Succession Planning, QLD

Doyle’s Guide rankings are independently researched and, in the Wills, Estates and Succession Planning areas, are based on peer review from legal practitioners working in the field. Doyle’s Guide does not accept payment, advertising arrangements or commercial relationships that influence rankings.

For a specialist firm like de Groots, recognition from the legal community is particularly meaningful. It reflects the knowledge, experience and commitment our lawyers bring to complex Wills, Estates and Succession Law matters – and the professional relationships we have built over many years.

Congratulations to Maree, Elizabeth, Kate and John, and thank you to our clients and professional colleagues for the trust and confidence you place in us.

01/03/2026

At de Groots, we’re committed to building a workplace where everyone feels supported, informed and resilient — which is why our Mental Health First Aid program focuses on practical, ongoing wellbeing initiatives for the whole team. February is all about inspiration.

We invited everyone to share an inspirational quote - here are a few of our favourites.

Sometimes, a few simple words can shift a mindset. We're starting the year grounded in encouragement.

24/02/2026

Late last year, our office concluded a Walking Challenge, which served as a great opportunity to promote wellness, engagement, and teamwork.

Throughout the challenge, employees incorporated more walking into their daily routines. Some walked more during breaks, or outside of work hours, which demonstrated a strong commitment to health and wellbeing.

This initiative was thoughtfully organised by Dannielle Wood, an Associate in our Brisbane office, whose efforts and coordination were instrumental in its success. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to employee wellbeing.

Challenge Winners:
1. Diane Thornhill, Brisbane office
2. David Travis, Sydney Office
3. Maria Anderson, Brisbane Office

Congratulations to our winners, and well done to all participants.

23/02/2026

Our Sydney Team came together last Christmas to organise a Christmas drive for Sydney Children’s Hospital.

Christmas can be a tough time, especially for children in hospital.

Maree Harris, Special Counsel and Team Leader of our Sydney office, organised the drive and also dropped off the gifts bought.

By organising gift donations, we hoped to bring moments of joy, comfort and kindness to the children and their families.

This Christmas 2026, our Sydney team plans on extending the Christmas drive.

We thank everyone who contributed.

17/12/2024

We wish to advise that our offices will close at 5pm on Friday 20 December 2024 and will reopen at 8:30am on Monday 6 January 2025