Our experience
Australia’s most influential individuals and families turn to us for trusted advice.
We understand that for our private clients, there is more at stake than wealth alone. We help our private clients build, protect and sustain their legacies.
We provide legal counsel on all aspects of wealth structuring at every stage of life. Our expertise allows us to deliver highly tailored advice to Australia’s most influential people, including on taxation, wealth structuring, the integration of business and personal structures, and intergenerational succession planning.
Arnold Bloch Leibler’s history is intrinsically linked to advising Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs and families. For more than 70 years, we have helped individuals to strategically and holistically manage the complex interplay of technical, commercial and personal dynamics that arise in high-net-wealth families.
Our lawyers are more than subject-matter experts; they are trusted advisers who provide incisive, bespoke solutions for each client.
Ranked Band 1 for Private Wealth Law
Typical work
Discretion is essential to our practice.
However, by way of example, our typical private client work includes advising in relation to:
- Trust structuring
- Family agreements
- International relocation, including tax and wealth transfer
- Tax residency
- Ownership of luxury assets
- Multi-generational wealth transfer
- Succession and estate planning
- Management of probate and wealth transfer
- High end conveyancing
- Preparing family businesses to pass to the next generation
- Establishing charities
- Philanthropic pursuits
- Integration of family law agreements with personal asset structuring, and
- Privacy and reputation management.
Family Offices
Our ABL Private practice offers discreet and astute legal counsel in relation to all needs of Family Offices. We assist our clients to manage and navigate wealth, ensuring their financial future is secure and aligned with their ambitions.
ABL Private services
Protecting wealth
Many forces risk eroding wealth, including family law claims, commercial pursuits, and the liability inherent to high-profile roles. ABL is experienced in structuring and implementing strategies which manage these risks and protect family wealth.
Estate planning and disputes
We are experienced in formulating and implementing strategies to ensure clients’ testamentary wishes are fulfilled while addressing critical tax considerations and managing the risk of disputes and family acrimony. We also have extensive experience in representing key stakeholders in disputes involving estates and trusts, including family provision claims and other litigation dealing with beneficiary claims.
Family separation
In some circumstances, the future of a family depends on independence. We are experienced in advising on the restructure and separation of privately held assets and businesses, including in relation to critical tax impacts and in the context of familial disputes.
Business succession planning and family agreements
We know that effective business succession planning is much more than just the transfer of ownership of a business. We devise strategies for private clients whose businesses are entering a transitional phase, so that the appropriate control mechanisms are established, and appropriate individuals are appointed to run the business.
We also assist clients wishing to transfer business ownership to specific individuals in a manner that is fair and equitable to all family members.
Taxation planning and advice
With the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) continuing to target high-net-worth individuals and family groups for investigation and audit, an effective wealth management strategy is vital in protecting assets from the potentially erosive effects of taxation.
Our reputation in the area of private client taxation is unrivalled. See our Taxation page for more information and contact details.
Philanthropy
A large number of our private clients support important social causes through philanthropy, including the establishment of charitable funds. ABL is at the forefront of this area of law, being widely experienced in charitable giving, from the perspective of both the donor and the recipient organisation.
Of particular note is our work in establishing private ancillary funds (PAFs), a Federal Government initiative to promote corporate and personal philanthropy. In addition, partners of the firm act as trustees on several client PAFs, and more broadly, advise on the tax-effective allocation and management of charitable funds.
“An exceptionally strong firm which really specialises in looking after HNW individuals and families at the highest level.”
People
Insights & news
News Media
Significant uncertainty looms for succession
Partner Christine Fleer says comments made by the Prime Minister over the weekend suggest that he fundamentally misunderstands the reasons for using discretionary rather than fixed trusts for inheritances.
19 May 2026
News Announcement
ABL recognised in 2027 Best Lawyers® guide
In this year’s Best Lawyers® guide, 50 Arnold Bloch Leibler lawyers have been recognised across 28 areas of practice.
16 April 2026
Insights Article
Luxury property trends position the family home as the emotional and financial anchor of wealth
Special Counsel Briely Trollope advises families on complex, high-value residential property transactions, where legal strategy must often sit alongside legacy planning and sensitive intergenerational dynamics. In this piece, she reflects on the past year of high-profile deals and considers what they reveal about evolving attitudes to home, wealth and ageing.
10 March 2026
News Announcement
Arnold Bloch Leibler recognised in the 2026 Chambers Asia-Pacific guide
Arnold Bloch Leibler has once again been listed in the Chambers Asia Pacific guide for 2026.
12 December 2025
News Media
Lessons wealthy families can learn from the Murdochs
In a feature article published in the weekend AFR, reporter Michelle Bowes asks private wealth experts to unpick lessons from last week’s resolution of high stakes negotiations around the future of the Murdoch Family Trust.
15 September 2025
News Media
Australia’s wealthiest families shouldn’t wait for a crisis to systematise their governance housekeeping
Ahead of the Treasurer’s productivity roundtable this week, partner Christine Fleer writes in the AFR that wealthy families who wait for new measures to be set in stone will find themselves on the back foot, while the better prepared are already reinforcing control, transparency and flexibility, and embedding governance discipline into their day-to-day operations.
18 August 2025
News Announcement
Arnold Bloch Leibler ranked as Band 1 by Chambers High Net Worth 2025 guide
ABL has once again been ranked Band 1 for Private Wealth Law and Family Offices & Fund Structuring in the 2025 Chambers High Net Worth Guide.
28 July 2025
News Media
A quiet evolution in how Australia's wealthiest approach philanthropy
The third article in a series of private wealth related commentary ABL is providing to the AFR highlights “the quiet evolution” in how Australia’s wealthiest approach philanthropy.
6 May 2025
News Announcement
ABL recognised in 2025/26 Best Lawyers® International guide
In this year’s Best Lawyers® International guide, 52 Arnold Bloch Leibler lawyers have been recognised across 29 areas of practice.
17 April 2025
News Media
Succession planning: feels like the tax commissioner is sitting at the kitchen table
In the second of a series of private wealth articles by ABL partners to be published in the AFR over coming months, tax partner Jonathan Ortner writes that what was once a relatively simple formula for passing on wealth to the next generation has become a maze of complex decisions with potentially severe tax consequences.
10 April 2025
News Media
“The ultra-wealthy don’t leave succession to chance – nor should anyone serious about protecting their legacy”
In the first of a series of private wealth articles by ABL partners to be published in the AFR over coming months, Christine Fleer writes today that the best-run family dynasties treat succession planning as an ongoing process, locking in shareholder agreements, discretionary trusts, and family constitutions early, then refining them over time.
3 April 2025
Insights Article
Key Private Group Tax developments: 2024 year in review
In this article our Tax team has reflected on the most significant tax developments for private groups over the past 12 months.
24 December 2024
Insights Article
Key Corporate Tax developments: 2024 year in review
In this article our Tax team has prepared a list of reflections in corporate tax from 2024.
24 December 2024
Insights Article
Navigating the Tax landscape: 2025 Outlook for private groups
In this article our Tax team outlines key tax developments for private groups to watch in 2025.
24 December 2024
News Announcement
Arnold Bloch Leibler listed in 2025 Chambers Asia Pacific guide
Arnold Bloch Leibler has once again been recognised in the Chambers Asia Pacific guide for 2025.
16 December 2024
Insights Media
UK Employee Share Ownership guru visits Australia with a tried-and-tested strategy for lifting productivity
Tax partner Shaun Cartoon writes in today’s edition of The Australian that while the government searches for new ideas to boost productivity, it should be exploring a thriving new model of employee share ownership that’s taken off in the United Kingdom.
19 November 2024
Insights Article
Family Trust Elections: Are they in vogue?
Family Trust Elections (FTEs), a common practice among family groups, have recently come under increased scrutiny from the Commissioner of Taxation and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Given the potentially severe tax and interest implications and an unlimited review period, it is essential to understand the rules.
28 October 2024
Insights Media
Prepping family wealth for an uncertain future
In a comment article published in today’s AFR, tax partner Shaun Cartoon writes that while the formula for wealth creation and preservation has relied heavily on property for decades, a steady stream of new taxes is raising questions around whether this previously reliable blueprint continues to be fit for purpose.
11 September 2024
News Announcement
Arnold Bloch Leibler ranked as a leading firm by Chambers High Net Worth guide
ABL has once again been ranked Band 1 for Private Wealth Law in the 2024 Chambers High Net Worth Guide.
19 July 2024
News Announcement
Arnold Bloch Leibler ranked as leading firm by Chambers High Net Worth guide 2023
Four of Arnold Bloch Leibler's partners have been ranked in this year's Chambers High Net Worth guide, with the firm maintaining its Band 1 listing for Private Wealth Law.
24 July 2023
News Announcement
Arnold Bloch Leibler listed in 2023 Chambers Asia Pacific guide
Arnold Bloch Leibler has once again been highly listed in the Chambers Asia Pacific guide for 2023.
16 December 2022
Insights Media
Dealing with the public and private dichotomy in M&A tax issues
In this month’s Taxation in Australia journal, published by The Tax Institute, partner Clint Harding and lawyer Danielle Ou unpack some of the key tax issues to be aware of when navigating the dichotomy between private and public companies in M&A transactions.
25 November 2022
News Announcement
Arnold Bloch Leibler named in the 2022 Doyle’s Guide
Arnold Bloch Leibler has once again been featured across a number of practice areas in this year’s Doyle’s Guide to the Australian legal profession.
9 November 2022
Insights Article
Deadline is fast approaching to apply for your Director Identification Number
All directors and alternate directors of companies, registered Australian bodies and registered foreign companies under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act) must obtain a director identification number (Director ID) by 30 November 2022.
2 November 2022
News Announcement
ABL ranked as leading firm by Chambers High Net Worth guide
Arnold Bloch Leibler has once again been ranked Band 1 for Private Wealth Law in Chambers High Net Worth Guide for 2022.
19 July 2022
Insights Media
“Experience and a little bit of wisdom”: AFR quotes Mark Leibler on succession planning
In an insightful feature on approaches to succession among Australia's wealthiest families, AFR journalist Neil Chenoweth conveys insights from a range of their most trusted advisers, including Arnold Bloch Leibler's senior partner Mark Leibler.
27 May 2022
Insights Article
Identification requirements for company Directors
From 5 April 2022, anyone proposing to become a company Director must first obtain a director identification number (Director ID). This is the second phase in the implementation of the Director ID requirements which came into effect on 1 November 2021.
25 March 2022
News Announcement
Joey Borensztajn recognised at Collingwood Football Club AGM
At last week’s Annual General Meeting of the Collingwood Football Club, partner Joey Borensztajn was presented with a prestigious special services award for his work in support of the Collingwood Football Club Foundation. The club’s media release described Joey as a significant contributor to Collingwood’s philanthropic mission.
20 December 2021
News Announcement
Arnold Bloch Leibler recognised in the 2021 Doyle’s Guide
Arnold Bloch Leibler has once again featured across a number of practice areas in the 2021 Doyle’s Guide to the Australian legal profession.
9 November 2021
News Announcement
Arnold Bloch Leibler ranked No. 1 by Chambers High Net Worth guide
Four Arnold Bloch Leibler partners have been listed in this year’s Chambers High Net Worth guide, with the firm maintaining its Band 1 ranking for Private Wealth Law.
27 July 2021
News Deals & matters
ABL advises on Fitness Outcomes acquisition
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised ready-to-eat meals business Fitness Outcomes on its recent transaction with Patties Foods.
22 March 2021
News Announcement
Arnold Bloch Leibler features in 2021 Chambers Asia Pacific guide
Arnold Bloch Leibler has once again been recognised as a leading firm by the independent legal guide Chambers Asia Pacific.
16 December 2020
Insights Article
Newly appointed Senior Associate Jenny Leongue on market trends
We asked newly promoted Arnold Bloch Leibler Senior Associate, Jenny Leongue, about her predicted trends in her practice area for the next 12 months.
24 July 2020
Insights Media
“A product of and a shaper of this community” – AJN features The Powerbroker: Mark Leibler, an Australian Jewish Life
In addition to running two extracts from Michael Gawenda’s biography of senior partner Mark Leibler, a feature in this week’s AJN includes interviews with both Michael and Mark on the benefits and challenges of producing an unauthorised biography.
23 July 2020
Insights Media
AFR extract from The Powerbroker: Leon Zwier’s role at ABL
The second extract from Michael Gawenda’s biography of senior partner Mark Leibler, published in today’s AFR, focuses on the impact on Arnold Bloch Leibler of high profile partner Leon Zwier.
21 July 2020
Insights Media
AFR extract of The Powerbroker “explores the Jewish roots of one of Australia's most influential law firms”
An exclusive extract of Michael Gawenda’s biography of senior partner Mark Leibler published in today’s AFR explores the unique history of Arnold Bloch Leibler and its continued capacity to differentiate itself “in a very overcrowded, competitive and dynamic legal market”.
20 July 2020
Insights Media
“How Mark Leibler exercises his power and influence”: AFR Weekend
Ahead of the launch of Michael Gawenda’s biography, The Powerbroker, AFR Weekend profiled senior partner Mark Leibler, describing him as an “eminent lawyer with many friends in high places”.
18 July 2020
Insights Media
Weekend Australian extract of The Powerbroker: “His influence far exceeds his public profile”
An extract of Michael Gawenda’s biography of senior partner Mark Leibler in the Weekend Australian focuses on Mark’s impact across varied aspects of Australian life. Describing him as “one of Australia’s most influential tax lawyers”, Gawenda says that while Mark is not well known to most Australians, his influence far exceeds his public profile.
18 July 2020
News Announcement
ABL features prominently in Chambers High Net Worth Guide
Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) has once again been ranked Band 1 for Private Wealth Law in Chambers High Net Worth Guide for 2020.
16 July 2020
News Announcement
ABL a finalist for Commercial Team of the Year 2020
Nominated for our work on transformative cross-border transactions straddling old and new economy sectors, our Corporate and M&A team has been announced a finalist in this year’s Australian Law Awards, in the category of Commercial Team of the Year.
15 July 2020
Insights Media
Changes to NSW property laws 'reinventing history'
In today’s AFR, Partner Joey Borensztajn explains that changes to stamp duty laws in NSW have widespread implications beyond their original intention of improving housing affordability for domestic buyers.
10 July 2020
Insights Article
Changes to the application of foreign surcharges for trusts acquiring or holding NSW residential property
The State Revenue Legislation Further Amendment Act 2020, which came into effect in New South Wales on 24 June 2020, includes changes to “foreign person surcharges” for purchaser duty and land tax relevant to residential land in NSW owned by discretionary trusts.
2 July 2020
Insights Article
Q&A with new Special Counsel Emily Simmons
Newly appointed ABL Private and Corporate and M&A Special Counsel, Emily Simmons, gives an insight into her background, what she is passionate about in her practice and her experience with ABL as a firm.
2 July 2020
News Announcement
2020 Partner, Special Counsel and Senior Associate announcement
The partners of Arnold Bloch Leibler are delighted to announce this year’s Partner, Special Counsel and Senior Associate appointments, effective July 2020.
25 June 2020
Insights Media
COVID-19 reinforces good sense of document witnessing reforms
Arnold Bloch Leibler partner Christine Fleer explains to The Age that when lawyers know their clients as well as we do, wills and powers of attorney can be witnessed with the required care and judgement via a video call.
16 April 2020
News Deals & matters
ABL acts on Australia’s biggest pub transaction in Byron Bay
Arnold Bloch Leibler has advised Impact Investment Group (IIG) and the van Haandel family on the $100+ million sale of the iconic Byron Bay Beach Hotel to Moelis Australia. The sale received global interest and has been reported as setting a new record for the biggest pub transaction in Australia.
12 February 2020
Insights Article
Expansion of the Tax Avoidance Taskforce for private groups and high wealth individuals
On 11 November 2019, the Australian Taxation Office announced that its Tax Avoidance Taskforce will now include three new programs that specifically address tax risks relating to private groups and high wealth individuals. All three programs are intended to involve ongoing and direct engagement with the ATO.
2 December 2019
Insights Events
ABL hosts ANZ chief Shayne Elliott in Sydney
Introducing the Chief Executive of ANZ Bank, Sydney Managing Partner Paul Rubenstein said it would be an understatement to say that in the not-quite four years since Shayne Elliott was appointed to the position, the challenge and scrutiny faced by Australian banks and the people who lead them has intensified.
24 October 2019
Insights Article
Changes to land tax in Victoria: Removal of the ‘Tennis Court Exemption’
The Victorian Government recently announced changes to the principal place of residence land tax exemption. This may impact individuals with adjoining properties on separate titles who are currently claiming the exemption for their land.
13 September 2019
Insights Article
External Conduct Standards for charities operating overseas
The External Conduct Standards came into force in late July 2019 and relate to registered charities with activities overseas. All charities that operate outside Australia are required to comply with the External Conduct Standards, even basic religious charities (which do not have to comply with the Governance Standards).
4 September 2019
News Announcement
Joey Borensztajn receives Queen’s Birthday Honour
As part of the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, Arnold Bloch Leibler Partner Joey Borensztajn has been appointed as a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM).
11 June 2019
News Deals & matters
2020 Best Lawyers® International results
A total of 32 Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) lawyers across 24 areas of legal practice have been recognised in this year’s Best Lawyers® International list for Australia.
22 March 2019
Insights Events
ABL hosts Wantok Musik event at MPavilion
Last week, Arnold Bloch Leibler’s (ABL) reconciliation working group hosted staff and guests at this year’s MPavilion in Melbourne, where they enjoyed performances by Frank Yamma (accompanied by Wantok Musik CEO, David Bridie and musician Phil Wales) and The Mystic Trio.
19 February 2019
Insights Article
New electoral funding and disclosure laws
After significant amendment, the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Funding and Disclosure Reform) Bill 2018 (Cth) has now passed Parliament. The Act commenced operation on 1 January 2019.
15 January 2019
Insights Article
Charities update: 5 key developments
There have been a number of changes for charities over the last few months. While much of the focus has been on foreign donations and election funding law reform, there are other changes afoot. To help you to stay up to date, we have outlined five key developments to be aware of.
19 November 2018
News Announcement
ABL finalists in the 2018 Women in Law Awards
Lawyers Weekly has announced the finalists for the 2018 Women in Law Awards, and Arnold Bloch Leibler is delighted to be represented by partners in two award categories: Genevieve Sexton is a finalist for Dealmaker of the Year and Christine Fleer is a finalist for Partner of the Year.
9 October 2018
News Announcement
Finalist for Commercial Team of the Year - Australian Law Awards
Arnold Bloch Leibler is pleased to have been selected as a finalist in the 'Commercial Team of the Year' category at the 2018 Australian Law Awards.
12 July 2018
News Announcement
Christine Fleer and Paul Sokolowski finalists for Partner of the Year 2018
Lawyers Weekly has announced the finalists in the prestigious Partner of the Year Awards 2018 and ABL is represented in two categories.
26 April 2018
News Announcement
33 ABL lawyers listed in Best Lawyers 2019 guide
A total of 33 Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) lawyers across 23 areas of legal practice have been recognised in this year’s Best Lawyers® International list for Australia.
12 April 2018
Insights Article
Succession and estate planning update - Victoria
Over the last few months, a number of new developments have been made to Victoria’s succession and estate planning laws. Our ABL Private team summarise these changes below.
15 March 2018
Insights Article
Privacy Act amendments - notifiable data breaches
The Australian Government has legislated to put in place additional measures to protect peoples’ privacy.
2 February 2018