Gillian has worked in the legal industry for over 18 years, joining Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers in 2012 as a paralegal and becoming a Lawyer in 2014. Gillian is experienced in multiple areas of law including, Estate Planning, Probate and Retail Leasing. Gillian is also a Public Notary.
Estate Planning
Gillian’s passion for Estate Planning led her in 2018 to commence her Master of Laws majoring in this area of the law which she has now completed achieving a Distinction average.
Estate Planning, focusing on Will preparation, is an important area of law for everyone and many people underestimate the importance of preparing a Will or even giving consideration to other important documents such as an Enduring Power of Attorney and Appointment of Enduring Guardian. Having a qualified Lawyer explain the importance of these Estate planning essentials and then preparing them properly can ease a client’s worries as well as those of their families. Having clearly set out in writing how they would like their estate to be distributed – as well as important health and care decisions they would like made if they are unable to do so – allows for peace of mind and also provides their loved ones with certainty. Gillian’s passion shows in her enthusiasm when dealing with clients and her constant hunger for continuing her education, knowledge and skills development.
Her approach to Wills is to adopt the use of plain English and therefore ensuring her clients fully understand the documents they are signing. Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers have advised on Wills & Estate Planning issues for over 121 years so there is a wealth of knowledge spanning decades within the firm.
Probate
Gillian’s expertise includes assisting clients with Probate law. A grant of probate is a legal document that allows an executor/s to manage the deceased’s estate in accordance with the term of the deceased’s Will. Gillian helps her clients understand and manage this process, what is expected and the time frames involved. Gillian appreciates that this is invariably a difficult time for families and loved ones and Gillian aims to complete the processes in a professional and respectful manner.
Other Activities
Gillian is a member of the Carroll & O’Dea Estate Planning Committee and Property & Conveyancing Committee.
She is also an avid reader and enjoys running through the Botanical Gardens at lunchtime and participating in marathons worldwide.
“Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers is a firm with a long history and strong core values. The firm takes a real interest in all their clients, whether they are a mum and dad or large corporation. I’m very lucky to have found my place in such a well-respected legal firm. Add that to my passion for Wills & Estates and you’ve found a solicitor who loves going to work every day and assisting her clients in anyway possible to ensure they understand the documents they sign or the process involved in carrying out what is required to ensure their client’s wishes are adhered to.”
Key Professional Achievements
- Gillian was a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards 2024 for Rising Star of the Year – SME Law
- She was made a Senior Associate at Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers in July 2024
- Gillian is a Public Notary
- Gillian was made an Associate at Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers in 2022
- Master of Laws (Applied Law) majoring in Wills and Estates from The College of Law 2020
- Admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2014
- Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Australian National University 2014
- Bachelor of Laws from the University of New England 2013
- Diploma of Business (Legal Services) with Distinction 2004
- Certificate IV in Business (Legal Services) with Distinction 2004
My experience at the Sydney office was exceptional both over the phone and in person to do with updating my will. I was treated in a professional and friendly manner. I sincerely recommend this firm.
Tanya R.
July 2024
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks Gillian for all of your help and support. Appreciate the patience with getting the doc's signed and the number of facetimes due to the various locations of all concerned.
Narelle N.
July 2024
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My husband and I recently had our Wills, POA & Enduring Guardianship papers prepared by Gillian Kirwan. Gillian made the process very simple and easy with everything completed in record time. We were delighted to meet her in person at the Sydney office where she made us feel very welcome and at ease. We are very grateful to Gillian for her professionalism, advice and support throughout the process. We have been singing her praises ever since and recommending Carroll & O'Dea Lawyers to everyone we know is in need of a lawyer. Thank you Gillian!
Krys Y.
November 2023
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I had the pleasure of dealing with Gillian Kirwan regarding my will, power of attorney and enduring guardian. Gillian also handled my mothers will. Gillian was extremely professional, caring and compassionate and very knowledgeable. I have since referred Gillian to my friends as well. Nothing was an issue and she was always available to advise or take phone calls. I would highly recommend Gillian for any estate planning issues.
Scott S.
September 2023
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have now used Carroll & O'Dea Lwayers for Workers Comp, Execution of both ours Will's, Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardian documents. Would highly recommend this law firm to anyone. Very professional in what they do. Regards Jeff & Leah
Jeff E.
September 2023
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We had the pleasure of dealing with Gillian at Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers. She was prompt, courteous, professional and always had a smile with some good humour thrown in to make the process easier.
With much gratitude, Dave and Rebecca.
David M.
April 2023
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gillian was so wonderful to work with and very supportive throughout the whole process. I highly recommend Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers!
Bianca R.
March 2023
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I dealt with Gillian Kirwan and it was the best experience with a lawyer ever Gillian was helpful and made me feel comfortable dealing with all the legalities very efficient but friendly and professional One very happy client Regards
Timothy M.
February 2023
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I had my Will done through Carroll & O' Dea.
I required a quick turnaround as I was going in for surgery earlier than expected.
Gillian was amazing, finalising everything so quickly. They went above and beyond to ensure my Will was ready in time and I will be forever grateful.
I cant recommend Carroll & O'Dea enough!
Great people, efficient and easy.
Giovanna B.
January 2023
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We dealt with Gillian Kirwan and she was fantastic and made everything so easy!
Stacey M.
November 2022
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gillian Kirwan (associate) assisted my family and I with sorting out legal matters relating to power of attorney,wills etc after our Mum/wife passed away. OMG she was amazing!! Navigating us through all the legal terms and advising us on dos and donts. Nothing was too much trouble and we left feeling happy ,relieved and completely confident in all matters we dealt with.
Donna S.
November 2022
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I recently had our wills, enduring guardian and enduring power of attorney documents done through Gillian Kirwan from Carroll & O'Dea lawyers at their Elizabeth Street, Sydney office. From beginning to end Gillian was a pleasure to deal with and nothing was too much trouble. Gillian was attentive and provided solid advice and we could not have asked for more. We worked out that I had helped another friend do her own documents and that it was Gillian that we had dealt with to help finalise those - again at that time my friend and I couldn't speak highly enough her work ethic and attention to detail plus the quick turnaround time get things finished. Very happy indeed!
Brett B.
June 2022
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have just had our wills done with this firm and we were looked after by Gillian Kirwan at the Sydney office. Gillian was so professional and helpful and dealt with everything promptly and efficiently it was an absolute pleasure to deal with her as nothing was a trouble and she made it so easy we can not thank her enough. We would definitely recommend this firm.
Donna & Joe M.
April 2021
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To Gillian Kirwan -
May I take the opportunity to say how grateful Jan and I are for your passion, dedication and professionalism in handling our wills etc. You truly are the best.
Thank you so much.
Stephen B.
March 2021
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
