Local legal practioners
AVOID THEM AT ALL COSTS
I don’t know whether it’s because they all studied at one of only two universities on the planet that produce local Western Australian solicitors—leaving them afflicted with a severe case of 'big fish in a tiny puddle' syndrome—or if their arrogance comes from some self-appointed belief that they are society’s chosen guardians, entrusted with the sacred remnants of English law, salvaged from the shipwreck they arrived on.
But in 27 years in professional services, working alongside legal professionals in multiple jurisdictions—and accountants and consultants across all continents—I have never encountered such raw arrogance and unprofessionalism.
Perhaps it’s a reflection of their usual clientele, a background they themselves once shared before spending four or more years learning how to read the law.
And yet, despite their supposed expertise, they seem to have one common tactic: deflection. At every turn, they insist that you must seek legal advice from yet another one of their fellow practitioners—particularly when they refuse to acknowledge anything beyond their narrow and insular specialism in what is already an outdated and shrinking body of antique laws.
A convenient little ecosystem, isn't it?
In any case, while it’s quaint—and mildly entertaining—to take a dip in their puddle and experience firsthand what the legal system must have felt like in 1879, it’s a bit like stepping into Westworld: initially novel, but rapidly descending into something far more sinister.
If I had the choice, I’d avoid it entirely—if only to spare myself the frustration and the sheer amount of time I’ve wasted trying to educate them on their own tax system. At this point, I’ve all but given up on explaining the mere existence of HMRC, let alone the inevitable implications that will follow.
But of course, as they like to say: 'You should seek the advice of a locally qualified estate solicitor.' Because that magically solves everything—never mind the fact that I’m a practicing international tax advisor.
