About Us

Marnus Smalberger

Lawyer | Wills & Estates Specialist | LLB LLM (Wills & Estates)

Marnus is the Director of Fort Knox Legal, and practices exclusively in the areas of Wills, Estate Planning, Probate, and Deceased Estate Administration. Admitted as a barrister and solicitor of both the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the High Court of Australia, Marnus brings a wealth of expertise to our clients.

Holding a Master of Laws with a specialisation in Wills and Estates, Marnus is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances. His approach combines technical proficiency with a deep understanding of the emotional complexities involved in estate matters.

Under his leadership, Fort Knox Legal has become one of Western Australia's prominent firms in the field. He is committed to delivering clear, compassionate, and effective legal services, ensuring that clients' wishes are honored and their loved ones are protected.

Andreus van der Vyver

Lawyer | LLB LLM (Business Law and Transactions)

Andreus holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Business, and a Master of Laws (LLM) with a major in Business Law and Transactions. He brings a broad and practical understanding of legal and commercial issues, allowing him to assist clients across a diverse range of matters, including Elder Law, Trusts, Self-Managed Superannuation Funds, and Binding Financial Agreements.

In addition to his advisory work, Andreus has developed a strong practice in complex deceased estate litigation, where he provides strategic and compassionate guidance to clients navigating estate disputes and contested wills.

Andreus was admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor in both the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the High Court of Australia. He is valued for his thorough approach, client-focused mindset, and ability to handle complex matters with clarity and professionalism. He is also PEXA Certified, enabling him to assist clients with a wide range of property transactions, including electronic conveyancing and estate-related property transfers.

Meagan Stannard

Lawyer | BA JD

Meagan holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Juris Doctor, and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. She is admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor in the Supreme Court of Western Australia and is a proud member of the Law Society of Western Australia.

At Fort Knox Legal, Meagan assists clients across a wide range of legal matters, with a particular focus on commercial law. She provides clear, practical advice tailored to each client's individual circumstances.

Meagan has appeared on behalf of clients in the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) and plays a key role in supporting the firm's deceased estate litigation practice. Known for her approachable manner and sharp legal insight, Meagan is committed to delivering results-driven advice with professionalism and care.

Jess McCarthy

Office Manager & Paralegal

Jess is an experienced Paralegal and the Office Manager at Fort Knox Legal. She plays a key role in the day-to-day operations of the firm and provides essential support to the legal team, particularly in the area of deceased estate administration.

Jess assists with the preparation and lodgement of Applications for Probate and Letters of Administration, and works closely with clients throughout the estate administration process—ensuring matters are handled efficiently, respectfully, and in accordance with legal requirements.

In addition to managing the firm's operations, Jess also serves as the Legal Assistant to our Director, coordinating complex matters and helping deliver a seamless experience for both clients and colleagues.

Colleen Zietsman

Paralegal

Colleen first joined the Fort Knox Legal team in 2015 and, following a short sabbatical, rejoined the firm in 2026.

With more than 20 years' experience as a Paralegal, Colleen brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to her role. She works primarily in Estate Planning, Probate and Deceased Estate Administration, providing experienced support to our clients and solicitors throughout the estate planning and administration process.

Colleen's extensive experience, attention to detail and longstanding connection with Fort Knox Legal make her a highly valued member of our team.

Rebecca O'Brien

Paralegal

Rebecca is a Paralegal with specialised expertise in property law and conveyancing. She plays a pivotal role in managing digital property settlements via PEXA, ensuring all transactions are completed with precision, efficiency, and strict compliance.

In addition to her conveyancing responsibilities, Rebecca supports the firm's legal team with comprehensive legal research, document drafting, and case preparation. Her ability to produce well-structured and accurate legal materials contributes directly to the quality of service delivered to our clients.

Rebecca approaches her role with professionalism and care, helping to ensure that matters are handled efficiently and that clients receive a high level of support throughout their dealings with the firm.

Deirdre Riley

Accountant & Human Resources Manager

Deirdre joined Fort Knox Legal in 2015 as our in-house Accountant, bringing with her over 30 years of experience in the legal and accounting sectors.

As a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), she oversees all aspects of the firm's financial operations, including trust accounting, compliance and internal financial management. Deirdre also oversees the firm's human resources, assisting with staff management, employment matters and the day-to-day administration of our team.

With a strong background in both legal and professional services, Deirdre provides the firm with invaluable financial insight and business acumen. Her meticulous approach and deep understanding of the financial and operational requirements of legal practice ensure that our firm remains efficient, compliant and client-focused.

Mary Lang

Senior Document Controller

Mary serves as our Senior Document Controller, playing a vital role in maintaining the integrity and organisation of our safe custody department.

Mary is responsible for managing and updating the firm's legal precedent documents, ensuring they remain accurate and compliant with current laws and best practices. She also performs routine database checks to verify and update clients' contact details, helping to maintain up-to-date records for our extensive Will register.

In addition, Mary conducts regular reviews of public death notices and cemetery board publications to identify whether any of our Will clients may have passed away, enabling our team to respond proactively and ensure timely estate administration support where needed.

Lesley Idzerda

Administrative Assistant

Lesley works in our Safe Custody Department, assisting with the management and organisation of the firm's extensive collection of Wills and other important estate planning documents.

A key part of Lesley's role is helping to maintain and update the firm's Will register, ensuring client and document records are accurately recorded and kept up to date. She also assists with the day-to-day administration of our Safe Custody Department and the careful management of documents entrusted to the firm.

Lesley's organised and diligent approach helps ensure that our Safe Custody Department continues to operate efficiently and that our clients' important documents are securely maintained and readily identifiable when required.

Lilia Pearce

Administrative Assistant

Lilia is currently completing her law degree while working at Fort Knox Legal, where she combines her studies with hands-on experience in a busy legal practice.

Her role encompasses a range of administrative and legal support functions, with particular responsibility for assisting with the firm's Safe Custody Department and the filing and lodgement of documents with the Courts. She also undertakes general administrative duties across the practice and assists the legal team as required.

Working within the firm while completing her legal studies gives Lilia the opportunity to develop a practical understanding of legal processes and the operation of a law practice, complementing the knowledge gained through her university studies.

Jessica Murdoch

Receptionist

Jessica is the friendly and professional first point of contact at Fort Knox Legal, serving as both Receptionist and Administrative Assistant. She plays a key role in ensuring that every client interaction - whether in person, by phone, or online - is welcoming, efficient, and handled with care.

In addition to managing reception duties, Jessica provides essential secretarial and administrative support to the legal team, helping to keep the office running smoothly and efficiently.