WHYTE JUST MOORE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Principal / Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates
A perfectionist at heart, and a hardworking one at that, Aaron is a Principal at Whyte Just and Moore and leads the Wills and Estates team. Achieving a Law Institute of Victoria specialisation and partnership at the firm before he turned 30, Aaron is not only driven, he is also committed to taking jargon-laden legalese and converting it into everyday language for his clients. After all, as Albert Einstein once stated, ‘if you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough'. Aaron's experience navigating the intricacies of the various aspects of Wills and Estates law means he is an expert in clearly explaining estate planning, trusts, probate, estate administration, superannuation and any and all associated disputes. His clear and easy-to-understand legal advice means Aaron's clients can achieve conclusive legal outcomes that enable them to move forward with their lives.
Assisting people is a thread that also runs through Aaron's life outside of the office in his work as a committee member of the Geelong Try Boys Brigade charity. When he's not meeting with clients or meeting with the committee (or enjoying a coffee at his favourite Geelong CBD cafe, Fuel), you'll most likely find Aaron spending time with his family and friends at home, or out for a meal and a drink. You might also find him stuck in a history book - understanding the past is a personal interest - or planning his bucket-list, one-day-it-will-happen, trip of a lifetime to Antarctica.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administrative Team
- Deeds Clerk
The first in his family to complete a university degree, Aaron credits his educational and vocational success to his dedication and conscientious attention to detail. Working as a Deeds Clerk is all in the details, of course, and Aaron has been making it look easy at Whyte Just and Moore since mid-2018. Indeed, if he wasn't employed at WJM, he'd almost certainly be holed up in a museum or library somewhere, working as an archivist and still keeping things in perfect order.
While at the office, Aaron can be found preparing Deed packets, managing the Deeds register and undertaking Verifications of Identity, at home, his funny bone is tickled by British comedy (particularly Greg Davies' Taskmaster) and his meticulous nature means building models is a favoured hobby. Aaron's WJM colleagues value him for his quiet humour, warmth and wholehearted devotion to getting the job done.
Alison made the move from Melbourne to Geelong before tree-changes were even fashionable - way back when she was nine - and she's been a steadfast resident ever since. She auspiciously started her career at Whyte, Just & Moore on Valentine's Day 2000, and her role as a Principle Lawyer in the Wills & Estates department has become a true passion - second only to her husband and four kids, of course!
With more than 20-years experience as a lawyer, Alison is comfortable in making connections with people from all walks of life and enjoys knowing that her work assisting people with making Wills and Powers of Attorney can give great peace of mind. Whether it is a simple Will which is required or a Will which involves a complex family or business arrangement, she is well equipped to assist clients with her calming and reassuring manner.
Alison also appreciates that the loss of a loved one is an emotional and difficult time and considers it a privilege to assist her clients navigate the legal challenges which can arise. She can cut through the legal jargon and assist her clients to fulfil a loved one's last wishes and administer their estate. Alison is also Whyte, Just & Moore's Practice Manager, meaning she's the operational backbone of the firm, capably keeping everything ticking along with efficiency and ease.
On the weekend Alison is most likely cheering on one of her children at their numerous sporting activities or cooking up a storm for her family and friends. If she ever gets a little bit more time on her hands - in 2040, perhaps? - she's keen to finally master the art of skiing.
Amanda comes to us with a broad range of expertise, having worked as a Management Accountant for over 20 years before moving into the legal field. A natural empath, Amanda missed helping people, so she decided to become a lawyer over five years ago.
Empathetic and caring, Amanda knows that processing the estate of a loved one after they pass can be complicated and overwhelming. From the outset, Amanda endeavours to put you at ease and guide you through finalising an Estate at a pace comfortable for you and your loved ones as you grieve.
An organised go-getter, it won't surprise you to learn that Amanda believes making a Will is one of the most important things you can do (no matter your age!). She works closely with her clients to understand their priorities to draft a Will that works for them. And as a mum herself, Amanda always encourages her clients to keep their wills up-to-date as the kids grow up so fast! Well-versed in Wills and Estates, Amanda helps clients across their lifespan, making sure their personal and family matters are sorted quickly and with ease.
Amanda enjoys Geelong so much that she commutes in each day from Melbourne! We tease her that she should make the sea-change permanent, but she prefers to be close to the airport to travel more with her family before her teens leave home. Top of her bucket list? A European holiday that includes a wander through the Louve, coffee in a sunny plaza in Italy, followed by a historical tour of the UK. Once she ticks that off her list, she will finish that best-seller in the works whilst sunning herself by the pool in Fiji.
Job Titles:
- Client Relationship Manager
- Member of the Administrative Team
Job Titles:
- Legal Executive / Probate Clerk
For more than four decades, Debbie has been putting her pedantic side to good use - making sure every ‘i' is dotted and every ‘t' crossed when it comes to her clients' interests. Her extensive experience as a Legal Executive and Probate Clerk, focussing on Wills and Estates, means she has gained invaluable Estate Administration knowledge, to the considerable benefit of her clients and colleagues. She greatly appreciates the chance to help people through what can be a challenging process, offering reassurance, understanding, flexibility and a wry sense of humour, alongside high-quality service.
If time and travel restrictions were not an issue, Debbie would love to escape a Victorian winter (or two!) to live in Italy and soak up those spirited Italian vibes. While that is off the cards, she can still enjoy passionately supporting the mighty Bombers (to the general distaste of her Cats-focussed colleagues!), strong coffee from 9 Grams in Newtown, and time spent with her husband, Phil. She is also kept busy ensuring her dog gets a daily bout of exercise, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administrative Team
- Deeds & Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Member of the Administrative Team
Kayla lives by the motto ‘don't sweat the small stuff', and we now know why. When she is around, our lawyers don't sweat the small stuff! Kayla's ability to prepare legal documents and briefs effortlessly, not to mention her smooth ability to liaise with the clients and lawyers alike, keeping them up to date, is unparalleled.
If we hadn't snagged Kayla to work for Whyte, Just & Moore, we suspect we would have found her working as a zoologist or trekking through the rainforest in search of that elusive platypus. A lover of animals, Kayla's compassion extends to our clients, making her a warm and welcoming point of contact for our clients.
Quiet yet bubbly, Kayla often lends a sympathetic ear when clients arrive for consultations. Being able to assist people in difficult situations warms her heart, and she feels that the work she does at Whyte, Just & Moore makes a difference for her local Geelongians.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Administrative Team
Job Titles:
- Accounts Manager
- Member of the Administrative Team
Leanne has worked as Whyte Just and Moore's trusted Accounts Manager for more than a decade, with all things accounting, bookkeeping and compliance firmly under her purview. With an incredibly strong work ethic and a skillset that has ‘problem solver' firmly at the top, Leanne knows the business of WJM inside and out, consistently helping the legal team and their clients reach and exceed business and legal goals. Although professedly ‘not a morning person' (a strong coffee or two is a prerequisite for functioning!), and despite her incredibly busy schedule, Leanne never shies away from an opportunity to help out a team member or assist a client.
In her spare time - after she's caffeinated, of course! - Leanne is always keen to spend quality time with family and friends. She enjoys going to the cinema (or the occasional TV series full-season binge) and is looking forward to holidaying overseas again, with Bora Bora (for diving) and Greenland (for the Northern Lights) both firmly in her sights.
Job Titles:
- Member of the WJM
- Paralegal
With her trademark smile, Melissa makes being a an assistant to a team of lawyers look easy, despite the pressures of competing team-member needs. Her positive attitude allows her to remain calm and steadfast even in high-pressure situations, and she is always there to deliver comprehensive admin support in her polite and quietly competent way.
Melissa has been a member of the WJM team since March 2020 - not the easiest time to start a new role - and has embraced each new day as a learning experience. This no-two-days-are-the-same environment is actually what she enjoys most about the job, with new and challenging tasks always offering the opportunity to learn and acquire new skills.
In her spare time, Melissa enjoys a good country drive - regional Victoria has so much to offer, and there always seems to be a new town or spot of nature to explore. These explorations are also giving her a small taste of travel until she can one day discover the backroads and byways of Europe. That's not to say, of course, that she's always out and about - she has been known to enjoy the odd Netflix binge from the comfort of the couch, and she just as much loves spending quality time with her partner and their extended families.
Mila's approach to life is to never take it too seriously, but that doesn't mean she's not serious about her work at Whyte Just and Moore. Employed at the firm as a Personal Assistant, primarily supporting the Dispute Resolution and Commercial Law teams, Mila's enthusiasm for learning new aspects of WJM procedures have resulted in her constant professional growth. Never one to say no, Mila enjoys the variety that comes with the everyday enterprise of a busy law firm, and loves being an integral part of the team.
Mila starts her day with an informative podcast, and doesn't mind ending her day with one either (or an audiobook, if she needs something a little lighter!). In between, when she's not at work, she divides her time between the country and coast and heading to the city - relishing both the charms of nature and the appeal of up-to-the-minute artistic and cultural events. If she ever gets the chance she'd like to see all of Australia in this way, preferably in an old caravan she'll have renovated herself.
Sally works as a Conveyancing Clerk assisting a range of clients in both the residential sector. Moving to WJM from customer-focused roles in the motor-vehicle industry, Sally has joined the team with the highest degree of enthusiasm and dedication. With a strong focus on client communication, relationship building and attention to detail, Sally thoroughly enjoys the excitement of her clients when their settlements are complete.
An avid traveller, Sally has missed heading overseas due to Covid-19 restrictions, but she has kept her yearning for Europe in check by visiting any and every restaurant that dishes up authentic European (particularly Italian!) food. When she's not stretching out with a yoga session or walking her gorgeous dogs, you'll probably find Sally taking it easy with family and friends at home.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Member of the Administrative Team
Ask Sharnee what she would be doing if she wasn't working in law, and she wouldn't be able to give you an answer. The legal industry had a Sharnee-shaped space, and she fits into it perfectly, loving every aspect of her role at WJM. Warm, friendly, and considerate, Sharnee has quickly become a trusted member of the Wills and Estates team, assisting the lawyers with a diversity of clients and legal matters. Her organisational skills and hard-working ethos have been a boon to the team, as has her dedication to her favourite aphorism, as stated by legal powerhouse Ruth Bader Ginsburg, ‘I'm a very strong believer in listening and learning from others.'
Besides her love for the law, Sharnee loves spending time with her husband (her best friend, obviously!) and their two mini-Dachshunds, Winston and Ralphie. Those who don't know her well may be surprised by her other love - Formula One racing. Top of her bucket list is to meet Mercedes driver, Lewis Hamilton. He has, after all, won a joint-record seven World Drivers' Championships titles, alongside a slew of other career accomplishments.
Job Titles:
- Principal / Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation