Lawyer

Ben Wilkie

Ben Wilkie is a Lawyer in the Wills & Estates team at WJM Lawyers. He provides clear, practical advice across estate planning, probate, estate administration, and superannuation matters. Ben supports clients through both straightforward and complex estate issues, ensuring their legal affairs are structured to reflect their goals and values.

Before transitioning to legal practice, Ben built a distinguished career as a historian and author. He holds a PhD in Australian History from Monash University, and his analytical and research skills offer particular value in matters involving historical property interests, complex asset structures, and intergenerational wealth transfer.

Ben’s legal experience spans trusts, insolvency, banking and finance law, and dispute resolution. He completed his Juris Doctor at Deakin University with Dean’s Merit List recognition, reflecting his academic rigour and commitment to quality legal practice. Outside of work, Ben enjoys history, paperback thrillers, music and spending time with this family.

Expertise

Wills & Estates:

  • Wills and estate planning

  • Probate and letters of administration

  • Estate and trust administration

  • Superannuation death benefit claims

  • Structuring intergenerational wealth transfer

  • Complex estate and trust arrangements

Ben Wilkie
Linkedin-in

Qualifications:

  • Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria and High Court of Australia

  • Juris Doctor – Deakin University (Dean’s Merit List)

  • PhD in Australian History – Monash University

Professional Leadership

Prior to his legal career, Ben held academic roles at Australian and international universities, where he published widely on Australian and European history. He is the author of multiple books and articles and has presented at national and international conferences.

His expertise in research, public speaking, and critical analysis continues to shape his legal work—particularly when dealing with complex estate disputes, legal interpretation, or cross-generational asset planning. Ben is also frequently sought for commentary and community education on legal history and heritage matters. 

Community Involvement

Ben serves on the Council of the Old Colonists’ Association of Ballarat, a historic charitable institution that provides housing and support for elderly Victorians. In this role, he contributes to governance and heritage preservation for the organisation’s long-term sustainability.

 His involvement reflects a commitment to community wellbeing, elder support, and the protection of local history through practical legal and strategic insight. 

Get in touch

We’re dedicated to providing tailored legal solutions with unwavering expertise and trusted guidance.

Contact Us

Our office is located at Level 2, 100 Brougham St, Geelong. Parking is available on the front of the building or on the adjoining streets.
Upon arrival, please proceed to the ground floor lobby and dial 201 on the intercom to the left of the lifts. Our Reception will then grant you access to the lifts.