Figuring It Out As You Go Along: Claire Stollery’s Journey into Estate and Succession Planning Law
Author: Nishara Fernando
Interviewers: Ashleigh Cheuk & Nishara Fernando
In our interview with Claire Stollery, we gained valuable insight into the day-to-day realities of working in estate planning law. Claire emphasised the importance of empathy, patience, and precision in this deeply personal area of legal practice. As a Partner at Tony Kelly Lawyer and Estate Planner, she guides clients through some of life’s most significant decisions with calm confidence. Whether drafting a will or navigating complex family dynamics, Claire’s focus is on bringing clarity to moments of uncertainty.
Chapter 1: Law School Beginnings: An Unexpected Path
Claire didn’t initially set out to become a lawyer. While studying a Bachelor of Laws/Arts (majoring in International Relations and minoring in French), she envisioned a career in government or international affairs, viewing law as a complementary skill. However, by her second year, she found herself increasingly drawn to the legal side of her degree.
Although her Arts background doesn’t directly apply to her current work, Claire credits it with sharpening her analytical and research skills and helping her approach issues from multiple perspectives. During law school, she actively participated in client interview and negotiation competitions at Monash University, both as a competitor and judge. She also speaks highly of the Professional Practice elective, which gave her hands-on experience at Monash Law Clinics working with real clients.
With hindsight, Claire wishes she had engaged more in extracurriculars like mooting. She acknowledges that law school can be overwhelming and encourages students to take advantage of early opportunities to get involved.
Chapter 2: Beyond Law School
Claire stresses the value of non-legal work experience. Like many students, she worked part-time in retail while studying, gaining customer service skills that continue to benefit her legal practice. Her first legal role was as a paralegal at David Davis Lawyers, where she supported litigation and handled administrative tasks.
She understands the pressure students feel to secure legal work and encourages them to explore volunteering and community service. Her own volunteer work at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre helped shape her empathetic, client-focused approach.
After graduating in 2019, Claire took time off to travel before completing her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. A short-term return to her previous firm led to an introduction to Tony Kelly Lawyers, where she now works as a Partner. Nearly five years later, Claire remains passionate about her work and grateful for the connections that helped her get there.
Chapter 3: Estate Planning: A Human-Centred Practice
Claire’s work centres on estate planning, a field she describes as deeply human. Clients often face emotional or stressful circumstances, such as contemplating their own mortality or navigating complex family dynamics. Claire finds fulfilment in helping people prepare for the future and providing peace of mind.
She emphasises that people skills are developed over time and adopts a ‘less is more’ approach, offering quiet reassurance to vulnerable clients.
The Tony Kelly Lawyer & Estate Planner website. Read more here.
Chapter 4: Small Firm, Big Impact
Working in a boutique firm has given Claire a unique perspective. ‘We’re as boutique as you can get,’ she says of Tony Kelly Lawyers, a two-person practice. The small team means greater responsibility and hands-on experience across all aspects of her work. Claire values the sense of ownership and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with clients in a collaborative environment.
Chapter 5: A Day in the Life
Claire typically starts her day around 9 a.m, checking emails and organizing her to-do list. Her mornings are spent drafting wills, explanatory letters, powers of attorney, and probate applications. Afternoons involve client meetings, administrative tasks, and document preparation.
She notes how working in a small firm provides her with a sense of agency and autonomy over her work-life balance. She usually finishes work around 5:15 pm and enjoys winding down by walking her greyhound, Rocky. Outside of work, Claire does Pilates and participates in Physical Culture, an Australian dance sport she’s been involved in since she was young. She now competes and serves as president of her local club branch, which provides her with a strong sense of community and balance.
Chapter 6: Trends and Advice in Estate Planning
Looking ahead, Claire notes increasing attention on asset protection, discretionary testamentary trusts, and superannuation reform. She points out that clients often underestimate the complexity of wills, especially when dealing with blended families, overseas assets, or business interests.
Life events such as marriage, the birth of children, or travel often prompt clients to update their estate plans, with noticeable spikes around major holidays and the end of the financial year.
For students interested in Wills and Estates Law, Claire recommends gaining client-facing experience through volunteering, particularly at community legal centres. She also highlights the importance of building a strong foundation in Trusts Law and developing communication and empathy skills
Claire Stollery’s journey into Estate and Succession Planning Law is a testament to the value of adaptability, empathy, and lifelong learning. From unexpected beginnings to being on the way to becoming a certified Wills and Estate expert, her story highlights the human side of legal practice and the importance of building genuine connections with clients. For aspiring lawyers, Claire’s experience offers both inspiration and practical advice to embrace diverse opportunities, stay open to unexpected paths, and never underestimate the impact of compassion in the legal profession.
Complexity in wills often arise with blended families, overseas assets and business interests.