Richard Neal

Richard Neal

Partner, Teece Hodgson & Ward

Modules:

Areas of expertise:

Estate Planning, Trusts (including Charitable Trusts), Contested Estate Disputes, Family Provision, Equity Litigation, Probate-related Advice, Financial Management, and Guardianship.

Academic Qualifications:

  • LLB (University of Sydney)
  • LLM (University of Sydney)
  • Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates Law (NSW)

Biography:

Richard Neal is an Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates Law in New South Wales, having been admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of NSW in 1973. He is a partner at Teece Hodgson & Ward in Sydney and has been actively practising in this field for over 50 years.

His practice encompasses equity litigation, including contested estates, will construction, family provision litigation, and partnership and shareholder disputes. Richard also provides estate planning services, including will drafting advice, and offers guidance on trusts, administration, and estate planning matters, particularly concerning foreign assets and executors.

In addition to his legal practice, Richard advises on mental health, financial management, and guardianship issues. He frequently acts as an expert witness in complex estate-related litigation.

Publications

  • Co-author, Mason and Handler's Succession Law and Practice New South Wales (LexisNexis, looseleaf)
  • Co-author, Hutley's Australian Wills Precedents, 9th Edition
  • Advisor, Practical Guidance Succession (LexisNexis)
  • Regular contributor of seminar papers, case reviews, and commentaries on wills, family provision, and contested estate and trust litigation, as well as powers of attorney and guardianship

Awards & Recognition

  • Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law
  • Member of the STEP NSW Committee (from July 2012)
  • STEP Australia, Education Officer (from September 2013)
  • Member of the Advisory Committee of the Attorney General of NSW on Succession Law Reform
  • Former Chair of the Advisory Committee for Specialist Accreditation in Wills and Estates Law in NSW (1999-2007)

Speaking Engagements
Since 1986, Richard has conducted numerous workshops and seminars focused on equity and succession law for solicitors' continuing legal education.

Professional Organisations & Memberships

  • Member of the International Academy of Estate and Trust Law
  • Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
  • Affiliate Member of The Taxation Institute
  • Member of the Supreme Court of New South Wales Probate Users' Committee
  • Member of the Elder Law, Capacity & Succession Committee, Law Society of NSW

Professional Contact
Teece Hodgson & Ward
Level 10, 1 Chifley Square
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9232 3733