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Steve Grant was the Founder of Grants Lawyers, the predecessor of Merthyr Law. Typically, a client will seek Steve’s advice when they are looking to implement the most tax efficient structure which protects their estate and/or business interests and ensures these interests will be transferred down from generation to generation without loss to outsiders. In addition, clients want to ensure that any risks to their business do not result in threats to their home or investment assets. More recently, Steve’s advice to business owners on the best use of self-managed superannuation funds, has become an important component of his overall business and estate planning offering. His aim is to assist clients so that upon retirement, they will be able to fund their own reasonable retirement. Steve has practised law for over 25 years. In 1999, he established his own firm, Grants Lawyers, specialising in estate planning, business structures and taxation. In 2006, this firm formed the foundation for what is Merthyr Law today. Steve completed his Bachelor of Laws Degree at the Queensland Institute of Technology and then obtained a Masters of Laws from Sydney University. He is a Graduate of the Financial Securities Institute of Australia in investment and financial planning and is a fellow of same. Steve is also a Fellow of the Taxation Institute of Australia. Steve regularly lectures to CPA Australia, the University of Queensland, the Taxation Institute of Australia and directly to groups of accountants and financial planners upon request. Steve is based at Merthyr Law’s Brisbane office and visits the offices on the Gold Coast and at Lennox Heads. Steve is passionate about the development of skills of young people and is a valuable mentor to Merthyr Law’s junior professional staff and coaches school boy rugby at his old school. He has participated in the Noosa Triathlon every year since 1998 and had a very inspiring journey walking the Kokoda Trail last year. |
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Kieran Hoare is experienced in a wide variety of commercial applications, including structure and tax advice, commercial sales, acquisitions, governance agreements, estate planning and related transactions. He is an accredited SMSF Specialist Advisor™ with SPAA (SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia) and is sought after for advice with respect to self managed superannuation funds, particularly with respect to compliance, estate planning, audit advice and the best use of permitted investment structures and gearing strategies.
Kieran was admitted as a solicitor in 2004 after completing a Bachelor of Arts/Law with the University of Queensland and a two-year articled clerkship under Steve Grant. Kieran obtained his Practice Management Certificate, with distinction, in 2005 and became Principal of Merthyr Law in July 2006. Kieran is a member of the Taxation Institute of Australia. |
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Marie Sheehy currently practices in commercial law and Estate/Succession Planning at Merthyr Law. Her role involves providing current authoritative advice on and implementing risk management and asset protection strategies and the provision of commercial/contractual and taxation advice. Marie’s clients know her for her keen negotiation skills and the time she takes in getting to know their business in order to tailor contracts specifically to their requirements. She works autonomously and within legal and accounting teams on multi-million dollar negotiations for Share Sale Agreements, Contract Business Sales, Put and Call Option Agreements and Joint Venture Agreements. Marie is passionate about asset protection and works actively with clients, both individuals and businesses, to protect their assets through the establishment of effective succession plans and estate plans incorporating Testamentary Trusts Wills and Living Wills. She is a member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners. Marie was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2005 after completing a Juris Doctor of Law with Honours at Bond University. She has also completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Queensland and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at Bond University. When she can escape from the office, Marie loves to travel. |
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Emma Meadth has worked in established law firms in Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane for nearly 15 years in the areas of estate planning and litigation, criminal and family law. Emma graduated from the University of Canberra in 2004 with a Bachelor of Communications (Advertising & Marketing) and a Bachelor of Laws with Honours. In 2006, Emma moved to Brisbane where she initially worked with a boutique estate planning and litigation firm, the Public Trustee of Queensland and for an accredited specialist in Family Law, before settling into Merthyr Law in 2009. Emma has experience in estate planning and litigation, business succession, as well as criminal and family law. Emma’s interest in ensuring clients have the most effective Estate, Business and Succession Plans in place, have led her to become a registered Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP). In addition, she is the Business Development Co-ordinator for the QLD Branch of Society and Trust Estate Practitioners (STEP). Emma is a solicitor of the Supreme Courts of the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland and a solicitor of the High Court. |
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Theohari Simos is Merthyr Law’s most recent professional recruit joining the firm following her graduation from QUT’s Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. Theo was attracted to Merthyr Law due to its reputation as a friendly work environment offering great opportunities for mentoring of young professional staff. Theo loves to play Futsal (indoor soccer) and enjoys food and entertaining with her friends and family. Theo was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in December 2009 after completing her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and Bachelor of Laws at the Queensland University of Technology. |
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Kim Chau currently practices in commercial law at Merthyr Law, with particular emphasis in providing advice to small business on Capital Gains Tax concessions. Kim’s prior experience in property, litigation and migration law has provided her with the perfect foundation for her current role in providing advice to clients in the areas of CGT, GST, business contracts, shareholders agreements, structuring, and corporate wills. Since joining Merthyr Law three years ago, Kim has been recognised by her peers and clients as being helpful and highly professional in all her endeavours. In her spare time, Kim pursues her passion for jewels and is a qualified gemmologist. Kim was admitted as a Solicitor in January 2007 after completing her Articles of Clerkship. Kim graduated from the Queensland University of Technology with a double degree in Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and Bachelor of Laws with Honours. |
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Shannyn Hillyard was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2008 after completing a one year traineeship at Merthyr Law. Shannyn graduated from Southern Cross University with a double degree in Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management). Fortunately for Merthyr Law, it was her studies in law that interested her most. Shannyn is most interested in working with clients to solve their Estate Planning issues incorporating effective Wills, Family Safety Trusts, and Disability Trusts. Shannyn splits her time servicing clients in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Shannyn’s down to earth approach is a great fit with the working environment here at Merthyr Law. In her spare time, Shannyn loves to go out with friends and in the winter enjoys skiing. |
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Catrina Udy has significant tax consulting experience gained with second-tier accounting firms, government organisations and law firms in Brisbane, Townsville and New Zealand. With a background in chartered accounting, a master of Taxation and current Master of Laws studies at the Queensland University, Catrina was attracted to Merthyr Law because of its specialty in taxation issues, particularly for small business. Like others at Merthyr Law, Catrina has a passion for the outdoors, travel and music. |
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Agoston Tamas is a Legal Practitioner of the Supreme Court of Queensland. He graduated from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2004 with a Bachelor of Laws degree, and he subsequently earned a Master of Laws degree from that University. Agoston also holds a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice after excelling in the Legal Practice Course at QUT graduating with a near perfect grade point average of 6.875 (from the highest grade of 7). As part of the Master of Laws Course at QUT, Agoston undertook in-depth studies in trade mark and intellectual property law as well as some frequently litigated issues in the area of family law. Prior to joining Merthyr Law in 2010 Agoston worked with a recognised law firm in Victoria, specialising in commercial litigation and trade mark matters. Agoston has also performed legal work in Queensland, including volunteer work with Caxton Legal Centre in Brisbane. Before entering the legal profession, Agoston was an international concert violinist. He holds a Master of Music Degree from Yale University, USA, and he has performed in a number of countries, on four continents. Agoston is also fluent in several languages. |
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Fran Fitzsimmons is our office manager and is responsible for the day to day functioning of the office, and more importantly, is the Accounts Manager of the practice. With more than twenty years experience in this field, Fran joined Merthyr Law in 2006 and has witnessed significant growth in the office with both professional and support staff. Fran is instrumental in keeping the office running smoothly and making the environment an efficient but enjoyable place for both staff and clients |
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Jeanette Jessup is our most senior secretary, having over 30 years legal experience. In 2007, after completing an Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) through Southern Cross University, Jeanette moved to Brisbane and joined Merthyr Law. Jeanette’s role is supporting Merthyr Law’s founding Principal, Steve Grant. In addition, Jeanette assists all of our staff in software training and troubleshooting. Jeanette has 3 daughters still living in NSW and is looking forward to grandchildren. |
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Frances Grassick is our paralegal clerk and has over 10 years experience in conveyancing. Frances joined Merthyr Law in 2003 and is kept very busy assisting our lawyers, especially in property matters. Frances recently completed her Arts Degree at UNE in Armidale, where she studied European Culture and English Literature. Her latest hobby is the establishment of her rose garden at her country hideaway. |
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Ester Barten's organisational skills make her an ideal Legal Secretary for Merthyr Law’s Principal, Kieran Hoare and commercial law specialist, Marie Sheehy. Ester has been at Merthyr Law for the past five years and takes great pride in keeping the diaries and files of her lawyers up-to-date and in order. She has a good rapport with both clients and staff in the office and is described as being helpful, quick and efficient with a very good understanding of the progress of matters. Outside the office, Ester enjoys reading and relaxing with family and friends |
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Frances Taylor has worked for many years as a legal secretary in various legal firms mainly in the areas of legal cost consulting and in Wills and Estates both in Brisbane and in Aberdeen. Late last year, she was persuaded to join the team Merthyr Law. She was attracted to the variety of the work here as well as the work environment which offers an efficient and professional but supportive workplace. Frances provides secretarial support to two of our solicitors, Kim and Emma. Later in the year, Frances is heading off on another overseas trip to travel through Europe then meet up with family in her hometown of Aberdeen. |
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Courtney Hamilton is one of Merthyr Law’s legal secretaries supporting solicitors Shannyn Hillyard and Agoston Tamas. She joined Merthyr Law as an office junior more than two years ago. It was her hard working attitude and her attention to detail that saw her promoted to secretary. Courtney’s relaxed and easy going personality makes her easy to get along with around the office. She is always happy to help out with whatever is needed, whenever it is needed. |
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Natalie Taylor splits her working week here at Merthyr Law and at Queensland University of Technology where she is completing her Law Degree. Natalie’s passion for theatre and festivals led her to complete a Bachelor Degree in Creative Industries. It was while she was undertaking her initial studies, that she recognised her keen interest in intellectual property law and went on to her second degree. Natalie has been with Merthyr Law since 2008, initially as a secretary and more recently, as her skills and experience have developed, as a paralegal and researcher supporting the lawyers in the office. When Natalie is not at the office or burying her head in a study book, you will find her relaxing at the beach. |
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Jacqui Ryan You will meet Jacqui Ryan when you first walk into or call the Merthyr Law office in Brisbane. Jacqui is our receptionist and provides secretarial support to two of our new staff, Catrina Udy and Theo Simos. Clients comment on her friendly personality and find her easy to talk to, efficient and always happy to help. Jacqui enjoys the relaxed professional environment here at Merthyr Law and enjoys learning new skills. |
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Courtney Trent is Merthyr Law’s office junior. After a brief time in the hospitality industry, Courtney joined the firm to pursue her interest in legal studies, an interest that was originally generated in her school studies. Courtney enjoys the fun and interesting work environment at Merthyr Law and has found it offers her great opportunities to learn new skills. Like most young people, Courtney loves shopping, meeting with friends and also reading. |
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Belinda Adams What started out as an offer to help out with the general day-to-day running of our busy office in 2006 has turned into a near full-time role in the accounts department for Belinda Adams. She assists our Finance Officer, Fran Fitzsimmons. Belinda loves heading into the city to work with the team at Merthyr Law during the day and managing her equally busy household in the evenings. In addition, she juggles her studies in cinema-graphic make-up which enables her to get in touch with her artistic side and have a great deal of fun. |
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Olga Day has previous experience in the legal field working as a lawyer in Russia. Currently she is studying law at Queensland University of Technology. Olga has extensive paralegal and research skills in all areas of the law, including litigation at all levels of the court system. She assists our solicitors in creating, systemising and updating the Firm’s database of legal precedents. Olga enjoys working efficiently using modern legal software to make sure that all our systems and procedures are up to date and knowledge of the law is current. Outside of work, Olga enjoys reading, cooking and spending quality time with her family and friends. |