Joel Siepmann – Special Counsel – Solicitor

Joel joined Donlan Lawyers as a Solicitor in October 2012 after completing his practical legal training at the firm. He was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia in August 2012 having graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice.

Joel specialises in Estate Planning and Deceased Estate Administration and is a member of the international Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). 

From simple to complicated wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Advance Care Directives, Joel takes a thorough approach with estate planning so as to fully understand and help to achieve each client’s objectives.  His experience extends to administration of estates with international crossovers and assets or beneficiaries in multiple jurisdictions and different legal systems. He often assists executors and administrators with their legal duties involved in estate administration from obtaining Probate or Letters of Administration through to the final distribution of the estate.  Joel also advises clients in disputed estate matters and strives to achieve the best outcome for them in a reasonable and cost-effective manner.  In all matters, Joel focusses on providing clear and understandable advice to clients.

From a young age Joel developed an interest in wills and estates law from his grandparents Malcolm and Marian Modra, who had over 40 years’ experience in that area of law.  Joel worked closely with Malcolm and Marian Modra at Donlan Lawyers.

He enjoys assisting our clients with estate planning and estate administration and he continues to provide these services by home appointment if requested, just as the Modra’s did. 

Joel is well regarded for his service to clients and often receives referrals from accountants and financial planners.  He has experience in assisting a range of clients including private clients, trustee companies and other organisations, and even provides advice to other law firms seeking assistance in more complex Probate matters.

In the community, Joel has presented to various groups and organisations on the importance of wills, power of attorney, advanced care directives, probate and related issues.  He is also involved in designing and facilitating workshops on the issues of estate administration for Adelaide University Law students as part of their Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP).  Joel has also previously served for three years as a legal advisor on the board of Cystic Fibrosis South Australia.

Qualifications and Memberships

Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice

Member- Law Society of South Australia

Member- Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners