Meet the team
Samantha Dillon
FOUNDER & Director
Samantha is the director and founder of Dillon Legal, established on the Gold Coast in 2009. With over 25 years of experience, she is a highly respected legal practitioner specialising exclusively in Wills and Estate Planning, Deceased Estate Administration, and Will and Estate Disputes.
Admitted to practice in Queensland, New South Wales, the High Court, and the Federal Court of Australia, Samantha brings a wealth of expertise, strategic insight, and a compassionate approach to her clients. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the Queensland University of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Politics, from The University of Queensland.
Recognised for her integrity, empathy, and kindness, Samantha is particularly skilled in mediating estate disputes, offering clients honest assessments and guiding them toward optimal resolutions. She has built strong relationships with other legal and financial professionals across the Gold Coast, including lawyers, accountants, and financial planners who trust her expertise with their clients’ estate matters.
Beyond her legal practice, Samantha is committed to fostering professional connections and empowering women in the legal profession. In 2012, she founded GC Women in Law, a networking group dedicated to supporting and promoting women lawyers on the Gold Coast.
Outside of work, Samantha enjoys spending quality time with her three children and embracing the Gold Coast lifestyle, particularly its beautiful beaches.
Klarissa Pantillano
SOLICITOR
Holding a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from Griffith University, Klarissa was admitted to practice as a Lawyer in October 2022. Since her admission, she has gained extensive experience in Estate Planning, bringing a thoughtful and client-centred approach to her work.
With a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for the law, Klarissa is committed to guiding clients through their legal matters with confidence and clarity. She takes pride in building strong relationships, ensuring her clients feel supported and understood throughout the process.
Outside of work, Klarissa enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and dogs. She has a love for travel, great food, reading, and music—always looking for her next adventure or favourite new book.
Shannon Mackie
Personal Assistant
Shannon has extensive administration and secretarial experience in the area of wills and estates and has worked in law firms in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and on the Gold Coast providing administrative and paralegal assistance to lawyers for over 30 years.
Laura Ashwin
Legal Assistant
Laura is a second-year Law and Criminology student at Griffith University and an active volunteer in the Griffith Law Students’ Association. She assists with will and estate administration, gaining practical experience in this area of law. With a passion for learning, Laura is dedicated to expanding her legal knowledge and providing dependable legal assistance.
