Experience.
Integrity.
Results.

About Watson McNamara & Watt

Watson McNamara & Watt has been a trusted provider of legal services in Armidale and the New England region since 1970. The practice was originally established under the name W Watson, Solicitor by Bill Watson. In the early 1970s, Mr Watson was joined in partnership by Joe McNamara, and the firm was renamed Watson & McNamara. In 1979, the partnership was further expanded with the admission of Rod Watt, resulting in the firm adopting its present name, Watson McNamara & Watt.

The firm’s leadership has continued to evolve, with Erin Luckie joining the partnership in 2021 and remaining as a principal solicitor. In 2025, Shannon Nauschutz was appointed as a partner, joining Erin and Rod in leading the practice. Together, they uphold the firm’s longstanding reputation for professional excellence and commitment to client service.

Watson McNamara & Watt is a regionally based practice offering comprehensive legal services across a wide range of practice areas, including property law and conveyancing, estate planning and administration, family law, and general litigation. The firm is strategically located on the first floor of the historic Imperial Hotel, in the heart of the Armidale business precinct, adjacent to the Armidale Post Office.

Since its establishment, the firm has consistently delivered high-quality legal services to the New England region, with particular focus on Armidale, Guyra, and Uralla, as well as the surrounding communities of Ebor, Kingstown and beyond. Watson McNamara & Watt remains dedicated to providing tailored, reliable, and results-driven legal solutions to its diverse client base.

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Our Services

Conveyancing & Property

Smooth, stress-free transactions for homes, farms, and businesses.

Conveyancing & Property

 

Buying or selling property should be exciting—not stressful. Our team takes care of the detail, from contract review to settlement, so you can focus on the move. We offer fixed-fee quotes and keep you updated at every stage. Whether it’s a first home, rural land, or a business premises, we’ll make the process smooth.

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Family Law

Support through separation, parenting arrangements, and property settlements.

Family Law

Family law issues can feel overwhelming, but the right guidance makes all the difference. We provide steady, supportive advice across all aspects of family law, including separation, parenting arrangements, and property settlements. Our approach is practical and solution-focused, aiming to resolve matters with minimal conflict wherever possible. We explain your rights in plain English and outline the best pathways forward—whether through negotiation, mediation, or court if necessary. Our goal is to give you certainty and peace of mind during what can be a difficult chapter.

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Commercial & Business

Practical legal solutions for leases, contracts, and transactions.

Commercial & Business

Running a business involves constant decision-making, and the legal side should never hold you back. We provide practical legal solutions for leases, contracts, business sales and purchases, and corporate structuring. Whether you’re a start-up, a family business, or a larger enterprise, we deliver advice that balances legal protection with commercial reality. Our aim is to help your business grow while staying compliant and secure.

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Litigation & Disputes

Clear strategies to advocate your position and resolve conflicts quickly and effectively.

Litigation & Disputes

Disputes are disruptive, but with the right strategy, they can be resolved efficiently. We assist with civil and commercial disputes, debt recovery, and general litigation. Our first priority is negotiation and mediation to minimise costs and stress, but if court action becomes necessary, we represent you with clarity and determination. You’ll receive honest advice about your options, likely outcomes, and the best path forward, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

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Intergenerational Transfers

Secure succession plans to protect family assets and future generations.

Intergenerational Transfers

Passing assets and businesses between generations requires careful planning to avoid tax complications, disputes, and unexpected consequences. We work with families to design succession strategies that protect wealth and preserve relationships. Whether it’s transferring farming land, restructuring business ownership, or planning staged asset handovers, we guide you through every step. Our focus is on security, clarity, and ensuring your legacy is protected for future generations.

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Wills & Estate Planning

Protect your wishes, manage your wealth transfer, and guide your loved ones.

Wills & Estate Planning

Planning ahead protects the people and assets that matter most to you. We prepare Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Guardianship documents tailored to your circumstances, ensuring your wishes are legally secure. Estate planning is more than just paperwork—it’s about clarity, fairness, and safeguarding your family’s future. We take the time to understand your goals and provide straightforward advice, helping you make decisions today that provide peace of mind tomorrow.

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Estate Administration

Compassionate guidance to finalise estates with clarity and care.

Estate Administration

Dealing with a loved one’s estate can be an emotional and complex process. We assist executors and families with all aspects of estate administration, from applying for probate to distributing assets in accordance with the Will. Where no Will exists, we help navigate intestacy rules and resolve issues that arise. Our role is to handle the legal and procedural requirements with efficiency and care, easing the administrative burden at a difficult time.

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Our Team

Rod Watt

Erin Luckie

Shannon Nauschutz

Holly McDonald