Direct Line (03) 5560 2169
Email benfelld@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:            
David Benfell is a principal of Taits Legal, practising in our Warrnambool office. 
David practises primarily in Commercial Law and Property Law matters. 
David assists individuals, trusts and businesses with a range of legal issues including sale and purchase of businesses, farm and commercial properties, commercial and contractual arrangements, and wills & estate planning.
David commenced legal practice in New Zealand after working for a number of years in a senior management role with a food manufacturer immediately after finishing university. After working in a CBD firm in Melbourne for a period, David moved with his family to Warrnambool to be closer to family and to enjoy the enviable lifestyle that Warrnambool offers.
David’s experience includes advising on initial public offerings of shares, advising property developers on large scale developments (in excess of 1,000 lot subdivisions), assisting manufacturers with international joint ventures, and acting for listed and national companies in relation to sales and acquisitions of real property and other business assets.

EXPERTISE:
• Commercial Law
• Property Law
• Wills & Estate Planning
• Rural Law

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Laws
• Master of Laws (Hons) degrees (Canterbury University, Christchurch, NZ)

MEMBERSHIPS:
• Law Institute of Victoria
• Admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor of the High Court of Australia
• Admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand

Direct Line (03) 5560 2164
Email taylorl@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Luke Taylor is a Principal of Taits Legal, practising in our Warrnambool and Port Fairy offices. 
Luke grew up in Warrnambool before studying Commerce and Law in Geelong and living abroad working in the UK for several years.  The lifestyle, his family and the beautiful area attracted Luke back to Warrnambool to continue his career.
Luke practises primarily in Commercial Law and Family Law matters.
Luke assists commercial and private clients to resolve a broad range of legal issues including commercial and contractual transactions, retail and agricultural lease arrangements, wind farm agreements, lease disputes, binding financial agreements, and family law.
His professional interests focus on dealing with matters practically, providing strategic advice to clients to ensure the most effective management of commercial and litigious transactions.
Luke is involved as a committee member for WRAD and enjoys seeing that organisation develop and grow.  He is passionate about Warrnambool and its community continuing strong growth and development.

EXPERTISE:
• Commercial Law
• Family Law
• Leases
• Rural Law

MEMBERSHIPS:
• Law Institute of Victoria

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
• WRAD Committee Member

Direct Line (03) 5560 2132
Email taitj@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:
James (Jamie) Tait is a former partner in the firm with over 40 years experience covering many areas of the law. As a result he now is called upon both within the firm and by clients for general counselling. He practises mainly in Estates, Family and Business Succession Planning, the establishment and management of Charitable Trusts, Local Government, Planning and Development, and general Commercial matters particularly in relation to Duties and Taxes.

EXPERTISE:
• Business Law
• Business Purchases and Sales
• Business Structuring
• Taxation
• Wills and Estate Planning and Succession
• Trusts
• Asset Protection
• Asset Organisation and Re-organisation
• Planning Environmental and Local Government Law

SPECIALISATION:
• Wills and Estate Planning

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
Jamie is a director of the Gwen & Edna Jones Foundation, the Ray & Joyce Uebergang Foundation, and the Ern Hartley Foundation. He has served on many community committees including 17 years as a member of the Deakin University Council (for which the University honoured him with the award of a Degree of Doctor of the University), and 17 years on the Warrnambool Foreshore Committee. He has served on many Warrnambool City Council internal committees, and currently is a member of the City Development Advisory Committee, and the Warrnambool Entertainment Centre Re-development Project Community Consultation Panel. He is a Committee member of the Warrnambool Symphony Orchestra, and a life member of the Warrnambool Theatre Company and the Warrnambool Club.

Direct Line (03) 5560 2134
Email bacchettis@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Sergio is a senior lawyer and consultant for the firm.
He joined the firm in 2000 after running his own firm in a two partner practice in Warrnambool for ten years. He remained as a Partner until 2013. He was one of the youngest solicitors to become a partner in the Southwest.
He has previously practised in Gippsland and Melbourne for a number of years prior to moving to the South West in 1989. He has an affinity for Regional Victoria after growing up in Gippsland. 
He strives to protect people’s rights and became a founding member of the Australian Plaintiffs’ Lawyers Association (APLA) in 1994 and was the first solicitor in the South West to become an Accredited Personal Injury Specialist in 1993. 
Sergio assists clients through all court jurisdictions to resolve a broad range of legal issues including WorkCover and TAC disputes, Lease and Building disputes, Financial disputes, Wills, Powers of Attorney and Part IV -Estate disputes.
Over 30 years in the law his professional focus is on dealing with matters practically and providing strategic advice to clients to ensure the most effective management of any dispute. He mentors younger solicitors to achieve their goals and promote ethical behaviour.

EXPERTISE: 
• Personal Injury Compensation
• WorkCover
• Transport Accident Commission
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Lease and Building Disputes
• Wills and Power of Attorney Disputes
• Employment Disputes
• Trade Practices
• Money Disputes
• Criminal Law
• Court Appearances

SPECIALISATION:
• Personal Injury Law

MEMBERSHIPS:
• Law Institute of Victoria
• Australian Lawyers Alliance (formerly APLA)

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
• Australian Plaintiffs’ Lawyers Association Founding Member 1994.
• Rotary Club of Warrnambool Daybreak Charter Member 1998.
• Rotary Club of Warrnambool Daybreak President 2008/2009.

Direct Line (03) 5560 2125
Email ezzyg@taits.com.au

As recommended by Doyles Guide as a Leading Victorian Regional Family Lawyer in 2017, 2018 + 2019

CV SUMMARY:   
Grant was admitted to practice in 1981. Since that time he has acted in numerous disputes and Court proceedings in many jurisdictions. For the past 20 years, Grant has been a LIV Accredited Specialist in Family Law and, for the past 16 years, also a LIV Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation.
He became a member of the Institute of Arbitrators & Mediators in 1993 and undertook training in arbitration and then mediation. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Arbitrators & Mediators and also a member of Family Law Arbitrators & Mediators. 
Grant retired from nearly 23 years of partnership in June 2008, and continues to work with Taits Legal as Special Counsel.
Since that time he has become more involved in Alternative Dispute Resolution, not only in acting for the parties, but also as mediator. 
Grant has been on the LIV Panel of Mediators for some time and, more recently, has become accredited through the LIV under the National Mediator Accreditation system organized by the Federal Attorney-General.

INSTITUTE SPECIALISATION:    
• Family Law (1990)
• Commercial Litigation (1994)

EXPERTISE:
• Family (and Defacto relationship) Law
• Wills & Estates
• Superannuation
• Real Property
• Farming
• Employment & Commercial Litigation

MEMBERSHIPS:
• Law Institute
• Resolution Institute

Direct Line (03) 5560 2136
Email benfelle@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Elisabeth Benfell provides specialist advice in the areas of Wills, Estate and Succession Planning.  Elisabeth is an Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates having gained accreditation in 2006.  She commenced with Taits Legal in 2012 and supervises our team of Probate Clerks.  

SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE:
• All aspects of Estate Planning
• Probate and Estate Administration
• Estate Litigation and appearances in VCAT Guardianship List

EXPERTISE:
• Testators Family Maintenance claims seeking further provision from deceased estates (Family Provisions Claims)
• Will disputes
• Probate, Letters of Administration and Estate Administration
• Resealing interstate and international Grants of Probate
• Wills and Succession Planning including advice regarding superannuation and trusts
• Powers of Attorney
• Guardianship and Administration issues including appearances in VCAT

SPECIALISATION:
• Wills and Estate Specialist

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor of Arts (Canterbury University, Christchurch, New Zealand)
• Bachelor of Law (Canterbury University, Christchurch, New Zealand)
• Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialisation – Wills and Estates
• Post Graduate Professional Certificate – Self Managed Superannuation Funds (University of Adelaide)

MEMBERSHIPS:
• Law Institute of Victoria
• Western District Law Association
• Admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria, Australia
• Admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand

Direct Line (03) 5560 2122
Email mccullocha@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Alex McCulloch is a Solicitor in our Commercial and Litigation law teams.
Alex has four years of local legal experience and practises from our Warrnambool and Port Fairy offices.
Alex’s diverse legal background and broad knowledge enables him to offer sound advice to clients across a wide range of issues.  Alex is passionate about working with clients to create commercially sound solutions and to assist in litigation and complex legal issues.  He is also passionate about his local community. 

EXPERTISE:
• Criminal
• Civil
• Planning and Environment
• Property

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor of Environmental Science Deakin University
• Juris Doctor Melbourne University

MEMBERSHIPS:
• Law Institute of Victoria

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
• Warrnambool Rangers Soccer Club
• Koroit Football Club
• Tower Hill Challenge Committee member
• Warrnambool Food Share Committee member
• Heatherlie Homes Committee member

Direct Line (03) 5560 2133
Email obstm@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Michael Obst is a Solicitor in our Property and Commercial law team.
Michael has four years of local legal experience and practises from both our Warrnambool and Port Fairy offices.
Michael’s diverse educational background and broad knowledge enables him to offer sound advice to clients across a wide range of issues.  Michael is passionate about working with clients to create commercially sound solutions to complex legal issues. 

SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE:
• Preparing and submitting Complex Stamp Duty submissions and private rulings relating to superannuation funds, family farms, young farmers and landholder acquisitions.
• Acting for a client purchasing multiple Australian farming properties from an international vendor with a total transaction value of over $6 million.
• Assisting a local family to establish succession plan involving multiple trusts, companies and $20 million of assets.
• Handling the leasing portfolio of a large Victorian organisation operating from more than a dozen commercial sites.

EXPERTISE:
• Property Law
• Business and Corporate Law
• Commercial Leasing
• Estate Planning and Wills

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor of Laws (Hon) - University of Melbourne
• Bachelor of Engineering/Chemical(Hon) - University of Melbourne
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice - Leo Cussen Centre for Law

MEMBERSHIPS:
• Law Institute of Victoria

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
• WDEA Committee member

Direct Line (03) 5560 2179
Email daveyk@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:  
Ken Davey is a Legal Executive (Victoria) practising in our Warrnambool and Terang offices. Ken has recently received a "Legal Executive of the Year Award" and has been practising for over 40 years. 
Ken deals with Conveyancing (rural and domestic), Wills, Estate Administration and Mortgages. Ken has built up strong relationships with regional clients in the South West and has strong ties to the Terang and Camperdown areas of the South West.  

EXPERTISE:
• Conveyancing
• Wills, Probate and Estates
• Enduring Powers of Attorney

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Legal Executive

MEMBERSHIPS:
• Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives, Victoria

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
• Life member Terang and Mortlake Football Netball Club
• Member Terang and Mortlake Health Service Audit Committee

Direct Line (03) 5560 2167
Email sassmannshausenj@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:            
Living and growing up in Warrnambool, Jessica studied law at the Deakin University Warrnambool campus. In 2016 she was awarded a Dean’s Cross Campus Award for Excellence being within the top 20% of law students and went on to graduate with honors in June 2017. She has now completed her practical legal training at The College of Law and is yet to be admitted.  
In 2009 Jessica studied a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Commercial Law, Human Resource Management and Accounting. Having worked in administration the accounting industry for a number of years in both the areas of taxation and self-managed superannuation funds, she moved onto a junior accountant role prior to studying law. Jessica also has experience working locally within the health industry and has a wide background in hospitality and retail.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Laws (Hons)

MEMBERSHIPS:
• Law Institute of Victoria

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
Jessica is a keen vocalist and musician. She has been involved in the Warrnambool Theatre Company and has provided music for fundraising events for Relay for Life and other local hospital charity fundraising.

Direct Line (03) 5560 2124
Email condonl@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:            
Liana grew up locally in Warrnambool and finished Secondary College at Emmanuel in 2011. Liana commenced studying a double degree of Arts/Law at Deakin University at the Warrnambool Campus in 2012. Liana has worked full-time in the profession  first as an Assistant and now as a Law Clerk.
Liana graduated in October 2017 with a double degree in Arts/Law and a major in Criminology. Liana is currently completing a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the College of Law and is due to be admitted to Practice as an Australian Lawyer in December 2017.

EXPERTISE:
• Property Law and Conveyancing
• Probate and Deceased Estates
• Wills
• General Legal Matters

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor of Arts (Criminology) (B.A)
• Bachelor of Law (LL.B)
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.

MEMBERSHIPS:
• Law Institute of Victoria Young Lawyers

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
Liana has strong ties with the Emmanuel College and Deakin University communities to which she mentors and provides advice to current and futures students, especially to those students wishing to pursue a legal career.
Outside of work Liana enjoys supporting the Richmond Football Club, drawing and is kept busy with her Miniature Dachshund named Quinn.

Direct Line (03) 5560 2149
Email millsa@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Amanda Mills has been an employee of Taits Legal for 25 years having experienced varied job titles as General Office Assistant, Word Processor, Accounts Clerk, Legal Administrative Assistant and was appointed Office Manager in 2005 and continues in this role today.  Amanda’s current role sees her managing HR, Finances, Marketing and IT. She ensures that our clients have a friendly and efficient experience with our firm.

QUALIFICATIONS:   
• Diploma of Practice Management

MEMBERSHIPS:   
• Australian Legal Practice Management Association
• VECCI

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:   
• Meals on Wheels Volunteer

Direct Line (03) 5560 2160
Email morrisa@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Allison Morris commenced at Taits Legal in 2009 as a Legal Administrative Assistant. Allison assists in Estate areas of our practice and is Assistant to our Wills and Estate Specialist, Elisabeth Benfell. She currently works in our Warrnambool and Mortlake offices and is passionate about assisting our clients in their legal requirements. 

Direct Line (03) 5560 2172
Email delaneyb@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Bethany Delaney commenced with Taits Legal in 2016 as a Legal Administrative Assistant to our Personal Injury Specialist, Sergio Bacchetti.  Bethany has previously had 4 years legal experience at another firm and continues to assist Sergio in Personal Injury, Employment Law, Wills and Estates and Civil disputes.  

EXPERTISE:   
• Certificate III Business Administration

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:   
• Soup Kitchen Volunteer

Direct Line (03) 5592 1666
Email bamforde@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Emma Bamford is an Assistant to Ken Davey and works from both our Terang and Warrnambool offices. Emma previously worked for De Garis Lawyers in Mount Gambier for 15 years before moving to our district and being appointed to her position with our firm. She has gained extensive experience and knowledge in Conveyancing, Wills and Estate Planning and Probate. 

Direct Line (03) 5560 2125
Email oneillj@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Jan O’Neill has 30 years experience at Taits Legal having worked at Mortlake, Warrnambool and Port Fairy offices during that time.  Jan has experience in Conveyancing, Wills, Safe Custody and more recently as a Legal Administrative Assistant to our Family Law Specialist, Grant Ezzy and joining our Family / Litigation team at our Warrnambool Office.  She has a broad range of legal knowledge and is able to assist in all areas of the firm.         

Direct Line (03) 5560 2188
Email accounts@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Julie Price commenced with Taits Legal in 1989 as a Legal Administrative Assistant in the Family Law / Litigation section.  Julie was in her role for seven years before leaving work to have a family.  She returned to work in 2007 and commenced as an Accounts Clerk.  Julie assists our clients and staff in all accounting aspects of the firm in a professional and friendly manner.

QUALIFICATIONS:   
• Cert IV in Business Admin

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:   
• Member of The Cindy-Lee Ensemble
• Member of the Nestles Cricket Club Inc.
• Member of the ‘Garry, Julie & Co’ Band

Direct Line (03) 5592 1666
Email scanlonk@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Kylie Scanlon is an Assistant to Ken Davey and works from both our Terang and Warrnambool offices. Kylie previously worked for a number of businesses in administration roles and has a vast experience in administration, payroll and accounting.

QUALIFICATIONS:   
• Advanced Certificate in Office Administration.

Direct Line (03) 5568 1402
Email dysonl@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Leanne Dyson is a Probate Clerk in our Port Fairy office and has been a staff member for 35 years.  Leanne has held various roles within the firm including Receptionist, Accounts Clerk and Legal Administrative Assistant in Probate/Conveyancing.  She is passionate about assisting clients with any requirements in completing Probate/Estate Administration.

QUALIFICATIONS:    
• Cert IV Business Administration

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:    
• Port Fairy Fire Brigade - Treasurer

Direct Line (03) 5568 1402
Email gibbl@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Linda Gibb has assisted clients with their Conveyancing needs through the Port Fairy office for the past 20 years. Linda is a Conveyancing Clerk and has extensive experience assisting clients with the sale and purchase of properties and property subdivisions as well as large property developments.  

Direct Line (03) 5560 2142
Email delaneym@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Maddison Delaney commenced with Taits Legal in 2015 as a General Office Assistant.  Having just completed year 12 Maddison was new to the legal industry environment.  She moved into a position within our Family / Litigation law team as Legal Administrative Assistant. Maddison is now Assistant to David Benfell and a part of the conveyancing team

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:   
• Meals on Wheels Volunteer

Direct Line (03) 5568 1402
Email barkerm@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Mandy Barker commenced with Taits Legal in 2003 at our Port Fairy Office. Mandy has had legal experience in local law firms since 1980 having previously worked with McCulloch & Peters and West Coast Conveyancing. She is currently our Receptionist / Accounts Clerk but also has extensive knowledge in Conveyancing, Wills and Estate Administration.

Direct Line (03) 5560 2133
Email kennam@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Margaret Kenna has worked with our firm for 30 years. During that time she has been a Legal Administrative Assistant to former partner James Tait and is currently Assistant also to Michael Obst.  Margaret has gained extensive experience in Wills and Estate Planning, Commercial Law and Property Law.

QUALIFICATIONS:    
• Certificate IV in Business Administration

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:    
• Warrnambool Dog Training School Inc.
• Warrnambool Rock & Roll Club Inc
• Red Cross Blood Donor
• RSL Volunteer
• Meals on Wheels

Direct Line (03) 5560 2181
Email gruarm@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Melissa Gruar commenced with our firm in 2015 as a Legal Adminstrative Assistant to Partner David Benfell in our Conveyancing Department before entering her role as a Conveyancing Clerk.  Melissa has over 5 years experience working in the conveyancing industry.  She has gained knowledge in Residential/Commercial Conveyancing & Leasing. 

QUALIFICATIONS:    
• Cert III in Legal Administration
• Leo Cussens Conveyancing including Subdivisions

MEMBERSHIPS:    
• Australian Institute of Conveyancers

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:    
• Woordnoo Mortlake Football Netball Club
• Hamilton Clay Target Club

Direct Line (03) 5560 2100
Email leightonm@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Moira Leighton has worked as a Receptionist for Taits Legal since 2011 after emigrating from the UK in 2009.  Moira previously had a background in banking and financial services.  She has a positive and friendly nature and is ready to assist our clients in any way they require from the moment they arrive at our door.

QUALIFICATIONS:    
• Chartered Institute of Insurance Financial Planning Certificates I, II & III
• Cert III in Business Administration

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:    
• Active Volunteer/Official at Mount Gambier Motorcycle Club

Direct Line (03) 5560 2173
Email poyntons@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Seona Poynton is a Safe Custody Clerk currently working part time at our Warrnambool and Port Fairy offices. Seona previously worked with the legal firm Mackay Taylor as a General Office Assistant, Receptionist and Accounts Clerk. In 2008 Seona left on maternity leave to commence her family returning part time to her Accounts Clerk position. She is now continuing part time as our Safe Custody Clerk and is able to assist clients with access to all their important legal documentation stored on our premises for safekeeping.

QUALIFICATIONS:   
• Cert IV in Business Administration
• Diploma of Floristry (a personal part time hobbie, not very relevant to this!)

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:   
• School involvement (Woolsthorpe Primary)
• Kinder Involvement (Koroit)
• Member of Hawkesdale Macarthur Football Netball Club
• Player & Member of Hawkesdale Tennis Club

Direct Line (03) 5560 2164
Email biemanss@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Sue Biemans is an Assistant to Luke Taylor, Partner of Taits Legal. She commenced her role in 2010. She initially assisted primarily in Family Law matters and then moved into Leasing, Rural, Commercial Matters and Estate Planning. Since beginning with Taits Legal, she has undergone extensive training within the Family Law system. 
Sue has gained considerable amount of life skills, having worked and raised her family on a dairy farm in the South West. She then designed, and employed a local builder to build her home. She has raised a blended family and been a Foster Carer since 2007. This gives Sue a greater understanding and empathy for the farming community, rural life and complicated issues in family law.

Direct Line (03) 5560 2188
Email accounts@taits.com.au

CV SUMMARY:   
Sue Giblin was employed at Taits Legal in 1983 working for a period of 15 years.  Sue commenced as a General Office Assistant moving to an Accounts Clerk role within her first twelve months.  Sue left the firm in 1996 to commence her family.  She returned to the firm in 2012 as an Accounts Clerk and assists our clients and staff in all accounting aspects of the firm in a professional and friendly manner.

QUALIFICATIONS:    
• Cert III in Business Admin

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:    
• CFA