This year, we’re celebrating the College of Law’s 50th anniversary.
And what better way to mark the occasion than by highlighting the diverse and impressive careers of our graduates?
Navigating the legal world requires a sharp mind and empathy – especially in matters of succession law.
Krystal Bellamy, a Special Counsel at HopgoodGanim Lawyers and College of Law LLM graduate, naturally embodies these traits, which have served her well as a Wills and Estates lawyer.
Below, Krystal shares the key to thriving in what some would consider a ‘morbid’ field.
Q: Hi Krystal! How did you find your way into law?
It all started during my final year of high school. Before then, I wasn’t sure what studies I wanted to pursue at university so I visited a careers guidance counsellor for some input.
After taking a personality test, she suggested I’d make a good lawyer, and that was it!
I initially had my eye on a career in criminal prosecution. But that all changed after a friend, who was herself working in succession law and always spoke highly of it, told me of an opportunity in that field. I decided to try it out.
And I’ve now been practising exclusively in this area for 12 years! It wasn’t something I ever planned to do, but I’m grateful I went down this path.
Q: What was your experience like as a law student?
I obtained a double degree at QUT in Brisbane – a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Business (majoring in Accountancy) – which took 5 years. It was a long journey but I enjoyed it.
After graduating, I spent some time in Europe. Then I came back to Australia to complete my PLT at the College of Law.
More recently, I completed a Masters degree in Wills and Estates through the College of Law and was awarded the Best Graduating Masters Student Prize in that field.
Q: What did your career path look like after graduating?
I initially worked for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. But in 2012, I transitioned to the private sector.
I started my career in Wills and Estates at Mullins Lawyers, working my way up from Solicitor to Senior Associate. In 2020, I joined HopgoodGanim Lawyers, where I was promoted to Special Counsel in 2024.
Q: Did you have a natural affinity for succession once you went down that path?
Absolutely. As an introvert, I’m very detail-focused and have good listening skills, which are very important traits in Wills and Estates.
So, I definitely found a specialisation that matches my strengths.
Q: What excites you most about this area of law?
Being a very complex area, I love how interesting and diverse it is. It has taught me a lot about human behaviour and family dynamics.
I think most people might consider Wills and Estates to be rather dull, morbid and focused on death. But it’s far from that because succession lawyers very much deal with the living in what are often emotionally charged situations.
One day, you’re helping someone achieve peace of mind through planning for incapacity and end of life. The next, you’re supporting a family navigating loss and the uncertainties that follow. The next, you’re helping to resolve a dispute about the distribution of a deceased person’s wealth.
Unfortunately, problems can arise in even the closest of families if you don’t take steps to prepare for the future.
I find it to be a deeply rewarding area of law. It’s very personal work and I enjoy the human element.
Q: What have been the biggest milestones and challenges for you?
In terms of challenges, combining full-time work while completing my Masters degree was extremely testing. But I made sure to be very disciplined with managing both commitments from the outset.
My recent promotion to Special Counsel is a significant achievement. I’ve also been consistently recognised in Doyles Guide – an independent directory showcasing Australia’s best firms and lawyers – for my expertise in Wills and Estates over the last several years. Being able to give back to the community and help some individuals through HopgoodGanim’s pro bono program has also been very fulfilling.
Q: What advice do you have for students pursuing a legal career?
I’d recommend working towards a specialisation. Clients value lawyers with deep expertise in the field they need advice about.
Once you identify the right area for you, pursue further study in that area (as I did through the College of Law).
When it comes to succession law in particular, emotional intelligence is vital. You need to be able to cope with witnessing grief, to handle the occasional angry outburst and to address deeply personal issues with empathy.
We have an ageing population which means there’s plenty of opportunity for growth in this area. If you like the idea of being regularly challenged with curly questions, it could be an excellent avenue for you.
Q: Where’s next for you?
I’m excited to continue expanding my knowledge in succession law – I really enjoy the work I do and the people I work with.
I’m looking forward to seeing where the next few years take me.
Interested in discovering your Where’s Next and completing further study with the College like Krystal? Learn more today.
- Graduate Stories
- LLM
- Wills and Estates