Private Client Services – Welcome to 2026

As we step into 2026, our Private Client Services team is energised by the momentum of another busy and rewarding year. The past twelve months have seen us navigate a diverse array of matters, from estate planning, family businesses and trust restructures to complex litigation and urgent client support.  Our commitment remains steadfast: to deliver clear, strategic advice and practical solutions, always with our clients’ interests as our primary focus.

Last year, our team continued to embrace change and innovation. Nationally, we guided clients through evolving succession laws, contributed to law reform initiatives, and facilitated educational seminars on emerging topics such as artificial intelligence in will drafting and supported decision-making frameworks. Our involvement in these areas reflects our dedication to keeping clients informed and empowered in a shifting legal landscape.

It was enlightening to have Donna Benge and Rod Jones participate in the STEP Global Congress in Rome – a prestigious event bringing together leading professionals in private client services and family wealth advisory from around the world. Their involvement underscores Piper Alderman’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of international developments and sharing global insights with our clients.

In South Australia, Donna and Rod once again organised and led the annual STEP South Australia Trust Symposium, welcoming distinguished speakers and fostering discussion on the latest trends and challenges in trust law. Sam Morphett also completed another year as chair of the STEP National Mentoring Committee, which will convene in Hobart later this year, and Nicole Harford continues as a member of the STEP South Australia Emerging TEP committee. The team also continued its collaboration with the South Australian Law Reform Institute, contributing to the development of more robust legal protections for individuals and families.

Our services have also been engaged by internationally domiciled clients, and our team has travelled and provided services to clients in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, as well as South Australia. This reflects the diverse client requirements of the team and their expertise to work for those clients across borders.

We are delighted to announce the following promotions within our team, effective 1 January 2026:

• Sam Morphett has been promoted to Special Counsel, recognising outstanding expertise and leadership.
• Nicole Harford has been promoted to Senior Associate, reflecting her commitment to excellence and her contributions to client outcomes.

Looking ahead, we welcome law graduate Sarah Low to the team in January.

Donna, Rod, and the entire Private Client Services team remain dedicated to supporting our clients through every transition, providing timely advice and thoughtful guidance. We look forward to a prosperous and impactful 2026, continuing to serve with professionalism, integrity, and genuine care.