Joel Siepmann

Joel was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia in August 2012 after completing his Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice at Flinders University. He joined Donlan Lawyers in October 2012 and became a Partner in October 2023. Joel’s practice focuses on estate planning and deceased estate administration. He is a member of the international Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), reflecting his commitment to staying informed of best practices in this area. Joel prides himself on providing advice that is clear and accessible, helping clients navigate complex legal matters with confidence. His estate planning work ranges from drafting straightforward wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, and Advance Care Directives to preparing documents for family trusts and self-managed superannuation funds. Joel takes a detailed approach to understand each client’s specific goals and develop tailored strategies to meet their needs. In deceased estate administration, Joel supports executors and administrators through all stages of the process, from obtaining Probate or Letters of Administration to the final distribution of assets. He has experience dealing with estates that involve international elements, including assets and beneficiaries across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring that legal requirements in differing systems are addressed. Joel also advises on disputed estate matters, aiming to resolve issues efficiently and cost-effectively. Joel’s interest in wills and estates law was nurtured from an early age through his grandparents, Malcolm and Marian Modra, who collectively had over 40 years’ experience in the field. He worked closely with them at Donlan Lawyers and continues to uphold their tradition of providing personalised legal services, including home visits. Known for his client service, Joel regularly receives referrals from accountants, financial planners and other legal professionals. His client base includes private individuals, trustee companies and various organisations. Outside of his professional work, Joel enjoys spending time with his family, including his two daughters. He is actively engaged in the community, presenting on topics such as wills, powers of attorney, advance care directives and probate. Additionally, Joel has designed and facilitated probate workshops for Adelaide University Law students completing their Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. He has also served as a legal advisor on the board of Cystic Fibrosis South Australia for three years. Joel’s broad experience extends to his role as a Deputy Registrar of Probates in South Australia, providing him with valuable insights into the procedural and legal requirements involved in a wide range of deceased estate applications.