Karlene Wightman

Karlene Wightman is the Principal Lawyer at Canny Legal, bringing a patient, empathetic, and understanding approach to some of the most challenging times clients may face. She recognises that seeking legal advice can often feel overwhelming, and is committed to guiding clients through their situations with compassion and dedication, always aiming to achieve the best possible outcomes. Karlene holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) alongside a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Politics and Policy Studies. Choosing to focus her career on Wills and Estates, she has a strong commitment to helping families plan for the future. A particular area of interest for Karlene is assisting individuals with family members who have disabilities, ensuring plans are carefully tailored to protect those loved ones. She approaches every matter by putting herself in the clients’ position, striving to connect on a personal level and provide reassurance, especially when clients are dealing with the loss of a loved one. Karlene’s professional and personal goal is to make every client feel comfortable throughout the process. Balancing a busy family life with a husband and three children, Karlene understands the pressures of managing work and family commitments. She takes pride in relieving families of legal burdens, allowing them to spend more quality time with those they care about. Outside the office, Karlene enjoys supporting her daughters with their dancing endeavours, as well as spending time walking and cycling with her family and their dog, Riley. Valuing quality time and the simple pleasures of each day, she brings the same thoughtful attention to her work as she does to her family life. Karlene’s areas of focus include drafting and advising on wills, testamentary trusts, special disability trusts, succession planning, powers of attorney, estate administration, disputed estates, VCAT administration and guardianship applications, and matters involving superannuation and binding death benefit nominations. She is a member of the Geelong Law Association and the Law Institute of Victoria, maintaining strong connections within the legal community to support her ongoing commitment to client service.