We have particular expertise in estate and succession planning.  We are experienced in managing complex family business structures and are sensitive to the unique issues which can arise in this context.  We draft effective Wills, trust deeds and other succession documentation and provide detailed and practical advice as to asset protection, superannuation and taxation issues.  We can also assist in relation to Probate applications, letters of administration and Part IVA/testator family maintenance claims.

Slocombe Brand Lawyers brings together the combined 50 years' experience of Nicholas Brand and Brigid O'Dwyer. Nicholas and Brigid have been working together since 1998 and have developed a strong and loyal following of clients.

Nicholas Brand was admitted to practice in 1985.  He commenced his own legal practice in 1992 and was a founding director of and head of litigation at Bazzani Brand Lawyers (1998 – 2007), and Bazzani Scully Brand Lawyers (2007 – 2013).

Nicholas heads Slocombe Brand Lawyers along with his long standing team, Brigid O’Dwyer and Georgina Brand who have worked with him since the mid-1990s. Nicholas brings a significant breadth of legal knowledge and experience, and commercial skills.   He has acted for small, medium and large companies and businesses, across a wide number of industries.

He regularly deals with and appears in matters in the Federal Court, Supreme Court, County Court and VCAT, where he combines his detailed understanding  of Court practice and procedure with highly developed tactical and case management skills.

Nicholas also:

• Acts in disputes relating to contracts, shareholders, partnerships, gaming and licensing, leasing, employment, wills/estates, trade practices, building and planning, property, and intellectual property matters.
• Advises commercial and corporate clients on matters involving general business and corporate affairs, and has considerable expertise in trusts and succession planning and commercial drafting.
• Is an accredited trust and equity practitioner with the International Society of Trust and Equity Practitioners.

Nicholas is decisive and practical in his approach. His long standing relationships with his clients and his loyal following reflects his ability to understand his clients’ needs and to provide them with effective solutions.

Email: nbrand@slocombebrand.com.au

Brigid is an associate director at SBL. She completed her Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws at Monash University in 1997 and was admitted to legal practice in 1999.  She has worked with Nicholas Brand since 1998, including as an Associate at Bazzani Brand Lawyers and a Senior Associate at Bazzani Scully Brand.

Brigid is a skilled litigator, with a broad range of experience in all areas of commercial litigation, including contractual law, corporate insolvency, leasing, employment law and trade practices. She manages cases in the Federal Court, Supreme Court, County Court, Magistrates’ Court and VCAT.

Brigid has particular expertise in alternative dispute resolution and frequently represents clients at mediations, either after the commencement of proceedings, or prior to litigation, including numerous disputes referred to the Victorian Small Business Commissioner under the Retail Leases Act.

Brigid also has extensive experience in intellectual property, including trade mark applications and disputes.

In 2002 Brigid achieved a Master of Laws at Monash University with a commercial law specialisation. Her studies included intellectual property, corporate insolvency, public and private sector employment law and commercial alternative dispute resolution.

In 2012 Brigid successfully completed Bond University’s Mediator Training and Assessment program, and was granted national accreditation as a mediator.

Email: bodwyer@slocombebrand.com.au