Business Details
30 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Services in Sydney
Established in 1996 by Julie Shead, our firm has grown to include Paul Shead and Kim Ireland, combining over six decades of legal expertise. We specialise in Wills, Estates, Employment Law, and Conveyancing, serving clients across Sydney, regional NSW, and internationally. Our approach prioritises understanding client needs to deliver tailored legal solutions with integrity and professionalism. With offices in Balmain and Bankstown, we offer accessible, cost-effective services backed by extensive experience in both local and complex legal matters. Our commitment to proactive communication ensures clients remain informed throughout their legal journey, fostering long-term trust and satisfaction. 
Services
Wills & Estate Planning
Probate & Estate Administration
Personal Injury Claims
Property Conveyancing
Employment Law
Notarial Services
Contesting Wills
Enduring Guardianship
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of combined experience in property and estate law.
- Our team provides tailored legal advice with a personal, compassionate approach.
- We serve clients internationally, including the UK, Ireland, and Canada.
- Our principals hold advanced legal qualifications and industry leadership roles.
- We proactively manage legal matters to ensure timely, cost-effective outcomes.
Associations and certifications
- Notary Public
- Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA)
- Taxation Institute of Australia
- Law Society of NSW
What people say
Favourable outcome
Exceptional
Professional, caring
Personal touch
Seamless experience
Services
Wills & Estate Planning
We help clients create comprehensive Wills and estate plans to protect assets and ensure family security. Our services include Testamentary Trusts, Enduring Guardianship, and updates for life changes. With over 25 years of experience, we provide tailored advice to navigate complex estate laws and avoid future disputes.
Personal Injury Claims
Our team represents clients in personal injury cases from motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, and medical negligence. We focus on securing maximum compensation through thorough evidence gathering and negotiation, allowing clients to prioritise recovery while we handle legal complexities.
Property Conveyancing
We assist with residential and commercial property transactions, including contract reviews, settlements, and strata title advice. With 30+ years of local market knowledge, we ensure smooth transactions by addressing potential issues like finance approvals and tax implications before they delay deals.
Employment Law
We advise employees on unfair dismissal, workplace discrimination, and redundancy claims. Our expertise in Fair Work Commission proceedings and NCAT tribunal cases ensures clients receive timely, strategic representation to resolve disputes and protect their professional interests.
Contesting Wills
We represent beneficiaries and executors in will disputes involving testamentary capacity or family provision claims. Our litigation approach balances aggressive advocacy with cost-effective strategies to resolve conflicts while preserving family relationships where possible.
People
Julie Shead
Principal Solicitor
Julie founded Shead Lawyers in 1996 after leading property and wills practices at a major litigation firm. A Notary Public and Chartered Tax Advisor, she specialises in conveyancing, estates, and tax law while contributing to legal education and domestic violence advocacy.
Kim Ireland
Principal Solicitor
Kim focuses on Wills, Estate Planning, and wills dispute litigation. With a Master of Laws in Wills & Estates, she combines legal expertise with compassionate client support, drawing on prior roles in corporate law and public policy.
Paul Shead
Principal Solicitor
Paul specialises in employment law and personal injury litigation, leveraging extensive court experience from large city firms. He also serves on the Tennis NSW Disciplinary Tribunal and advises on professional disciplinary matters.
Questions
What areas of law does Shead Lawyers specialise in?
We specialise in Wills & Estate Planning, Personal Injury Claims, Property Conveyancing, Employment Law, and Estate Litigation, with over 25 years of combined experience.
How does Shead Lawyers personal approach benefit clients?
We prioritise understanding client needs to deliver tailored advice, ensuring proactive communication and compassionate support throughout complex legal processes.
Can Shead Lawyers assist international clients?
Yes, we serve clients in the UK, Ireland, Canada, and other jurisdictions, offering remote consultations and cross-border legal expertise.
How do you handle estate disputes?
We provide strategic representation in will contests, focusing on resolving conflicts efficiently while protecting client interests and preserving family relationships.
What makes Shead Lawyers different from larger firms?
As a boutique firm, we offer direct access to principals with decades of experience, avoiding the impersonal service often found in larger practices.
