Superannuation legal practice DBA Lawyers has promoted two of its existing team members to the role of director for the firm.
The development will see William Fettes and Shaun Backhaus join Daniel Butler as practice directors from their previous positions as senior associates and in a move the organisation describes as recognition for the continued efforts to improve their technical and legal expertise, their outstanding client service and their ongoing commitment to the firm.
Bryce Figot continues in his role as special counsel with all four individuals making up the firm’s senior team giving it a combined total of practitioner experience in excess of 80 years.
In his time at the firm Fettes has focused on SMSF death benefit disputes, succession planning and family law superannuation splitting. Specifically, since joining DBA Lawyers in 2015, he has developed a tailored binding death benefit nomination service for the organisation as well as extensive family law retirement savings splitting documentation.
Information technology is one of his ongoing interests in particular how it can be integrated into the practice in the most effective manner.
Backhaus began his employment term at the legal practice in 2017 and has concentrated his efforts on SMSF law and advice. During his tenure at the firm he has represented individuals in matters involving the ATO including reviews, audits, disclosures and private rulings where he has provided robust advocacy and strategic guidance.
He has also contributed significantly to the expansion of the organisation’s trust documents and tax advice and trust law services.
Further he has mentored and assisted in the professional development of other staff members.
“William and Shaun are outstanding lawyers and I am very pleased to see them take this well-deserved step to directorship,” DBA Lawyers director Daniel Butler noted.
“Their long-term commitment and dedicated service has been crucial in upholding DBA Lawyers’ position as Australia’s leading SMSF law firm,” he concluded.
