She has made, the firm said in a statement, “significant contributions” to its wills and estates team and provides “outstanding advice and client service”.

The news follows the firm’s appointment of two new principals in July and the elevation of two lawyers to senior associate and associate, respectively, in February.

Ms Najim practises predominantly in the firm’s Mornington office and has become a prominent member of the local area. She has a dedicated focus on advising clients in wills, estates and trust law, including drafting simple and complex wills, advising on estate planning, preparing enduring and general powers of attorney, preparing appointment of medical treatment decision-maker documents, drafting company powers of attorney, advice on succession planning and preparing/amending trust deeds, making applications for probate and letters of administration, administering deceased estates and litigation for all types of will disputes, including Part IV claims, removal of executors and breach of fiduciary duty cases.

Speaking about the promotion, MDW principal Nicolina Lademann said Ms Najim has continually demonstrated the firm’s “commitment to legal excellence”.

“Hayley’s promotion reflects her dedication to legal excellence and outstanding client service, strengthening the firm’s ability to grow and excel in the Mornington Peninsula region,” Ms Lademann said.

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“On behalf of the partners and the firm, a big congratulations to Hayley.”