SJL.COM.AU - Key Persons
Undoubtedly the person most identified with Septimus Jones & Lee it its Chairman and senior partner David Jones, who continues to be the driving force for setting an enviable standard for unrivalled operational excellence and client service.
Admired by all, he remains a towering figure carefully guiding SJL through its most expansive growth phase since its inception back in 1931.
Described by his colleagues as an unfailingly humble and an insightful leader, David has also earnt and retained the long held respect of clients, loyal to him for fifty years.
With a legal career that began in 1959, David has built a reputation not only on results, but also on unfailing service and client satisfaction.
As Chairman he continues to not only practice property and commercial law, but also to oversee the strategic positioning and evolution of Septimus Jones & Lee.
A partner and Department Head for the Property and Finance Department, Gareth Jones has quickly established himself as a prominent figure within the property law arena.
A consummate leader blessed with a fine eye for detail, he is focused on working through the entire commercial process from project evaluation, assisting and advising you through to actual documentation to achieve practical solutions that enable you to reach your goals. You will be supported by Gareth in all of your dealings which further adds to the value you receive.
An accomplished communicator with an intuitive flair for problem solving, Gareth's continuing motivation for the role, stems from his desire to construct effective outcomes which satisfy both parties, whilst still ensuring that you understand and accept your rights and obligations within the structure of each deal.
As Septimus Jones & Lee continues to grow and evolve in the market place, clients can rest assured, that the new generation of strong leadership is already securely in place and helping to guide the firm to new heights.
Hannah joined the team at Septimus Jones & Lee in June 2019, in our Graduate Lawyer position.
Hannah graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in business management.
Hannah has been working with the Commercial and Property Law teams where her practical and sensible attitude benefits our business and property clients. Hannah looks forward to continuing to expand her knowledge and experience and her network.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Estate Planning Department Head
Experienced partner and Estate Planning Department Head, Howard Jones is a leader in his field having earned a reputation for delivering practical, equitable and yet elegant solutions to even the most outwardly complex of disputed estate scenarios.
Highly regarded and sought after for his clarity of thought and encyclopaedic knowledge of the area, he continues to set remarkable standards of excellence within a department renowned for delivering exemplary outcomes for its clients.
Howard continues to be highly motivated by the incredible diversity of people and the situations encountered.
As well, being able to assist these individuals and organisations take full control of their assets and thus ensuring that their desires are always carried out as they want, is another key motivator for why Howard retains the same level of passion and commitment to his work that he had when he started back in 1970.
Partner and highly respected commercial litigation lawyer Hugh Northam heads the Commercial Litigation department at Septimus Jones & Lee.
His reputation and expertise are widely acknowledged in the areas of dispute resolution and commercial litigation in both the Supreme and Federal courts of Australia, and throughout the profession and the commercial community.
For more than 25 years Hugh as established a position as a leading, senior figure in the areas of commercial litigation, of corporations law, particularly in the highly complex and topical area of directors' duties and responsibilities and shareholders' rights, in trade practices and in defamation and reputation management. He conducted the first internet defamation case in Australia, which has become the authority on the place of publication for defamation purposes of content published on the net.
He has acted for and advised numerous CEO's and senior executives of high profile public corporations, senior politicians, celebrities and senior counsel at the Victorian Bar.
Always a considered lawyer who seeks to give practical, commercial advice based on technical expertise in the law combined with a detailed knowledge of clients and the satisfaction that comes from working closely with them, with his analytical mind perfectly suited to the complex and technical nature of this type of law. He is also respected by his peers in the legal profession in his dealings with them over many years.
After attending Monash University where he obtained an Honours Degree in Law and being admitted as a solicitor in 1974, Michael soon developed a reputation for excellence and consistently achieving favourable outcomes for his clients. He is widely known for his intuitive feel for the law and his ability to creatively apply his problem solving skills to any situation.
Largely focused in the realm of Commercial Law, Michael has concentrated his efforts on assisting Small to Medium Enterprises (SME's), with a passion for supporting the efforts of smaller and often family owned and operated companies, businesses and trusts.
A typical Melbournian, Michael is a passionate sportsman, excelling in numerous sports such as football, cricket and tennis, perhaps not surprising, given that his father Ted was an accomplished footballer who played for North Melbourne in the post-World War II era.
A proud husband and father, away from work Michael continues to pour the same amount of passion into his other interests including the presidency of the Donvale Sports Club as well as being the chairman of selectors for the Blackburn Cricket Club.
Professionally Michael remains focused on delivering only the highest standards of professional service to all his clients at Septimus Jones & Lee, where the fundamental value underpinning his practice, is to ensure that the clients' interests remain paramount at all times and to ensure that each continues to receive tailored, specific and workable solutions and advice.
Sue has worked in law firms for over 25 years and enjoys the challenges that arise from being General Manager. As General Manager Sue brings a wealth of knowledge in a variety of areas including accounts, hr, project management and it issues. Sue is focused on the client experience and believes to be successful in business you need to deliver outstanding service to your clients.
As a busy mum Sue is often found cheering on her children at their various sporting activities most weekends.
Terry joined the firm in July 2013 from well-respected law firm GSM Lawyers in Collingwood and brings with him a wealth of experience in the areas of Wills and Estates including Testators Family Maintenance Claims under the Administration and Probate Act, Town Planning, Business Law and both Domestic and Commercial Property transactions. Terry also has considerable experience in Adverse Possession Applications and Conversion of General Law Land to Land under the Transfer of Land Act.
Terry was an active member of the Rotary Club of Collingwood for over 35 years and during his membership he was presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship for his contribution to Rotary.
For a number of years Terry was also a member of the Council of the Collingwood College of Technical and Further Education, during which time he served on the Legal and Finance Committee.