Wal Abramowicz is the Managing Director of Fox & Staniland Lawyers and one of Sydney’s most experienced litigation lawyers, with particular expertise in estate disputes, commercial disputes and criminal law.
Admitted as a solicitor in 1987, Wal has spent almost four decades helping individuals, families and businesses navigate complex and often high-stakes legal matters. His practice encompasses estate litigation, will disputes, probate and deceased estates, commercial disputes, professional negligence claims and criminal law.
Throughout his career, Wal has acted in a diverse range of matters, including contested estates and family provision claims, substantial commercial disputes, professional negligence proceedings and criminal matters. He brings strategic insight, sound judgment and strong advocacy to every case, while remaining focused on practical and commercially sensible outcomes. Clients value his candid advice and his ability to explain complex legal issues clearly and confidently.
As Managing Director of Fox & Staniland Lawyers, Wal leads one of the largest and longest-established legal practices on Sydney’s North Shore. Under his leadership, the firm continues to build on a reputation developed over more than five decades for providing high-quality legal services across a broad range of practice areas. Wal is committed to developing talented lawyers, maintaining the highest professional standards and fostering a culture centred on excellence and client service.
Wal believes that effective legal representation requires more than technical expertise. It begins with understanding the client’s objectives, identifying the issues that truly matter and developing a clear strategy to achieve the best available outcome. Whether advising on a commercial dispute, an estate matter or a criminal charge, he provides calm guidance and strong representation through what may be one of the most challenging periods in a client’s life.
In addition to his legal practice, Wal is a regular presenter at seminars and community education events. He is committed to making legal information accessible and is valued for his practical insights, clear explanations and engaging presentation style.
Wal has also been active within the legal profession internationally, serving as Vice President (Oceania/Australia) of the Association of European Attorneys, a global network of legal professionals.
Born in Poland and raised in Australia, Wal brings a broad perspective to his professional and community involvement. He remains deeply committed to assisting clients through difficult and often emotional circumstances, providing clear guidance, practical solutions and strong representation when it matters most.
Outside the law, Wal enjoys spending time with his family, following sport and remaining actively involved in his local community.
Many people now use AI chatbots to answer legal questions. It is quick, easy and often free. But there is a serious risk. A recent United States court case, United States v Heppner, shows that what you tell an AI chatbot may not be private. Read more
Jim Thynne died in 2011, survived by his wife Victoria and sons Harry (from a previous marriage) and Patrick. In Jim's will, Victoria was left the family home valued $4 million. This was under the condition that Victoria would leave the family home to Patrick and Harry equally when she died. In 2020, Victoria took out a mortgage over the family home. She used that money to keep the family farm running and to buy another property. Read more
In New South Wales, a Will usually has to follow rules to be valid. In most cases, a valid Will must be in writing, be signed by the person making the Will, be signed by two witnesses who are present at the same time, and be signed by the witnesses. However, the Court understand that sometimes people clearly express their final wishes without following these technical rules. To avoid unfair results, the Court can accept an informal Will in certain situations. The Supreme Court of NSW recently considered whether a video recording could be an informal Will. Read more
Mrs Bertilla Girotto died in 2022 at the age of 90. Her estate was valued at $3.6 million. 11 days before her death, Bertilla changed her will. Read more