If you had asked me a couple of years ago where I’d see myself after being called to the Bar, I don’t think “estate planner” would have been on my list.

Like many law graduates, I always imagined my career taking me down a more traditional legal route. I was called to the Bar in March 2025 and expected to pursue advocacy. Estate planning wasn’t something I’d ever really considered.

Then, through mutual connections, I was introduced to APT Legal.

I didn’t know much about estate planning at the time and wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. What stood out to me from the very beginning, though, was the team. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about helping people. I also loved the idea of working in such a client-facing role, where every day would involve meeting new people and making a real difference to their lives.

I joined APT in September 2025 and although I came with a legal background, there was still a huge amount to learn. Carrie and the rest of the team have been incredible mentors, sharing their knowledge and experience. Every client is different, every family has its own story and every estate plan should reflect that.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is that estate planning is so much more than drafting legal documents. Before joining APT, I didn’t fully appreciate just how much thought goes into creating the right plan for each individual. Whether it’s protecting vulnerable beneficiaries, preserving family wealth, planning for business owners or ensuring someone’s wishes are carried out exactly as intended, there is so much more beneath the surface than first meets the eye.

Something else I’ve learnt is just how important it is to spend time with clients. Every appointment is an opportunity to listen, not just to what someone wants to put in their Will, but to their life story, their family dynamics, their worries and the people they care most about. Those conversations are invaluable because they allow us to understand what really matters to each client and ensure that the advice we give is tailored to their individual circumstances.

That’s one of the things I love most about working at APT Legal. Our appointments are never rushed. We take the time to get to know people because estate planning isn’t something that should ever be approached with a one-size-fits-all mentality. The more we understand our clients, the better we can protect what matters most to them.

I’ve also discovered that my favourite part of the role isn’t necessarily the legal drafting, it’s the conversations.

Talking about Wills can feel uncomfortable. Many people see making a Will as something sad or depressing, which is often why it’s pushed further and further down the to-do list. It’s easy to think, “I’ll get around to it one day.”

I try to change that perception.

I always tell my clients that making a Will isn’t really about them, it’s about the people they leave behind. Taking the time to put plans in place now can make an incredibly difficult time much simpler for the people you love. It removes uncertainty, prevents unnecessary stress and gives families clarity when they need it most. Framing it in that way often changes how people view the conversation altogether.

I also like my meetings to be informative but empathetic. Of course, my role is to explain the legal side of estate planning clearly, but it’s equally important to understand that these conversations can be emotional. Every client comes with different experiences, concerns and priorities and I want everyone who leaves one of my appointments to feel informed, reassured and confident that they’ve made the right decisions.

One of the biggest surprises has been just how rewarding those client relationships are. We meet people at significant moments in their lives, whether they’re getting married, welcoming children, buying their first home, planning for retirement or thinking about how best to protect future generations. Being trusted to help people navigate those decisions is a privilege and something I never take for granted.

Looking back, I never expected estate planning to become such an important part of my legal career. It has broadened my legal knowledge and reminded me why I wanted to work in law in the first place, to help people.

I’m incredibly grateful that I found my way to APT Legal and I’m excited to continue learning, meeting wonderful clients and helping more families plan confidently for the future.