From wills to waves, local lawyer loves to connect with community
Lawyer by day, volunteer by night and lifesaver on weekends – how does he do it?
Lawyer by day, volunteer by night and lifesaver on weekends – how does he do it?
In the final instalment of our series celebrating Small Business Month this October, Asquith Legal founder Markus Christmann tells us how he came to live in Austinmer, start a boutique law firm and support the Illawarra through commerce and community service.
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in Germany and moved to Australia nearly 20 years ago after marrying an Austinmer local. We now have two teenage sons and live in Austinmer. In my spare time, I volunteer at the Austinmer Surf Club. I’m an IRB (rubber duck) driver and currently training to qualify as a surf rescue jet ski operator. I love patrolling and spending time in the ocean.
What is your business?
I run a law firm that focuses exclusively on wills and estates. I assist clients with estate planning (such as wills, powers of attorney, and appointments of enduring guardians), probate, and estate litigation — for example, when someone has been left out of an estate. I chose to specialise in this area to provide the highest level of expertise and service. So, no need to ask me for criminal law advice!
How did it begin?
After working as Special Counsel in wills and estates at a large law firm, I decided it was time to start my own practice. Running my own business had always been a lifelong dream, and I thought —now or never.
Best part of your job?
I love connecting with people and hearing their life stories. That human element is the best part of my work. A close second is the flexibility that comes with being my own boss.
On and off duty: Asquith Legal founder Markus Christmann at a business networking event with Illawarra Flame editor Genevieve Swart and Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce president Joanna Stuart, of Brew Accounting. At right: Markus on patrol at Austinmer Beach.
Most challenging?
The work never really ends – I’m never truly “done.” That’s both the challenge and the reality of running your own business.
Highlight of your career?
One highlight was helping a client with a family provision claim after his father left him out of the estate. He was living in social housing and struggling with mental health issues. We managed to shield him from most of the stress of the proceedings, and he ultimately received enough to buy a two-bedroom unit in Sydney. Today, he lives a happy and relaxed life – that’s incredibly rewarding.
Tell us about your role in the local business community – any tips for meeting fellow entrepreneurs?
I’m the Secretary of the Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce, and I highly recommend joining and attending our meetings. We’re a supportive and dynamic group, and it’s a great way to connect with other local business owners.
What’s your favourite local way to relax?
I love the ocean. My favourite way to relax is at the beach or in the water. Patrolling with the Austinmer Surf Club is also something I find very grounding – it’s completely different from my day-to-day work.
For more information, visit the Asquith Legal website or join the Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce.
Asquith Legal is a regular advertiser in the Illawarra Flame's printed magazine – one of about 100 local businesses that support independent community news in our region each month.
