Wal Abramowicz is the Managing Director of Fox & Staniland Lawyers and one of Sydney's most experienced litigation and estate lawyers.
Admitted as a solicitor in 1987, Wal has devoted almost four decades to helping individuals, families and businesses navigate complex legal challenges. He is widely recognised for his expertise in estate litigation, will disputes, probate and deceased estates, commercial litigation and professional negligence claims.
Throughout his career, Wal has successfully acted in a diverse range of matters, from contested estates and family provision claims to high-value commercial disputes and complex litigation. He is known for his strategic thinking, practical approach and ability to explain complicated legal issues in a clear and understandable way. Clients value his honest advice, strong advocacy and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.
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 established more than five decades ago for providing high-quality legal services across a broad range of practice areas. He is passionate about developing talented lawyers, maintaining the highest professional standards and fostering a culture centred on client service and excellence.
Wal believes that successful legal representation requires more than technical expertise. It requires understanding a client's objectives, identifying practical solutions and guiding them through what can often be one of the most challenging periods of their lives. This philosophy has helped him build lasting relationships with clients, professional referrers and colleagues throughout the legal profession.
In addition to his legal practice, Wal is a regular presenter at seminars and community education events. He enjoys helping people better understand wills, estate planning, powers of attorney and estate disputes, and is committed to making legal information accessible to the broader community. His presentations are valued for their practical insights, clear explanations and engaging 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 both 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