2022 QLS Excellence in Law Awards: Finalists

Queensland Law Society is delighted to announce the finalists of the 2022 QLS Excellence in Law Awards.

The QLS awards program shines a light on the extraordinary efforts of Queensland’s legal practitioners, and provides solicitors, teams and organisations the opportunity to showcase their outstanding contribution to the legal profession and the wider community.

A record number of nominations were received this year across all award categories, and the standard of submissions was testament to the incredible work being done by solicitors across the state.

QLS Chief Executive Officer Rolf Moses congratulated all of the nominees: “You have set a benchmark for excellence that has inspired your peers and colleagues and made a positive impact on the clients, organisations and the communities you serve.”

QLS also extends its appreciation to everyone who nominated a peer, colleague or organisation in the 2022 QLS Excellence in Law Awards.

This year’s finalists are as follows:

Queensland Solicitor of the Year (large firm 20+ PCs)

• Corina Chen – Mullins Lawyers
• Brian Herd – HopgoodGanim Lawyers
• Tim Quirk – Thynne + Macartney
• Greg Spinda – Maurice Blackburn Lawyers

Queensland Solicitor of the Year (small firm 2-19 PCs)

• Dan Bottrell – BGM Family Lawyers
• Deanne Drummond – Reaston Drummond Law
• Elizabeth Fairon – Life Law Solutions
• Nicole Jevtovic – Clarity Legal Group
• Kathleen Simpson – DV Lawyer

Queensland Solicitor of the Year (sole practitioner)

• Christopher Mills – Townsville Mobile Solicitor
• Ambre Langdown – ACL-Law
• Dr Jeffrey Mann AM – JG Mann
• Rebekah O’Sullivan – Tribeth Group
• Hiwa Zandi – Madina Lawyers

Agnes McWhinney Award

• Jillian Barrett – Maurice Blackburn Lawyers
• Dr Kate Galloway – Griffith University
• Stefanie Luhrs – Clyde & Co
• Clarissa Rayward – Brisbane Family Law Centre/ Happy Lawyer Happy Life
• Bevlee Reaston – Reaston Drummond Law

Emerging Leader Award

• Tilé Imo – Caxton Legal Centre
• Harrison McDonald – Aitken Legal
• Matthew Paterson – MinterEllison
• Kirstie Smith – Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Legal Service
• Andelka (Ange) Susa – CDI Lawyers

QLS In-house Counsel of the Year

• Donna Borthwick – Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific
• Claudia Cameron – CS Energy
• Nick Humzy-Hancock – Mutual Marketplace
• Suzanne Marlow – UnitingCare Queensland
• Philip Ware – Stanwell Corporation Limited

Regional Practitioner of the Year Award

• Angela Carroll – Townsville Community Law
• Deanne Drummond – Reaston Drummond Law
• Benjamin Gouldson – Clifford Gouldson Lawyers
• Beth Rolton – Travis Schultz & Partners
• Scott Sier – Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Legal Service

Access to Justice Award

• Tilé Imo – Caxton Legal Centre
• Carolyn Juratowitch – HUB Community Legal
• Ross Lee – My Community Legal
• William Mitchell OAM – Townsville Community Law
• Andrew Morrison – New Way Lawyers

First Nations Solicitor of the Year Award

• Mikaela French – Marrawah Law
• Nikita Sellin – Junkurilaka Justice Group Mornington Island and Atherton Tablelands Law
• Kirstie Smith – Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Legal Service

Workplace Culture and Health Award – individual

• Tracey De Simone – Office of the Child and Family Official Solicitor
• Deanne Drummond – Reaston Drummond Law
• Jemma Keys – McCullough Robertson
• Ben Twomey – Twomey Dispute Lawyers

Workplace Culture and Health Award – organisation

• Carter Newell Lawyers
• Keypoint Law
• Maurice Blackburn Lawyers
• Thynne + Macartney
• Twomey Dispute Lawyers

First Nations Student Award

• Nathan Clews – Gadens
• Sariah Christensen – QUT
• Cameron Downey – QUT
• Marcus Traucnieks – UQ
• Ceferina Villarin – Gadens

This year’s QLS awards winners will be announced at the inaugural QLS Excellence in Law Awards Gala on Saturday 20 August at Brisbane City Hall. Join your colleagues and peers as they come together to celebrate the state’s finest legal talent at the Queensland legal profession’s night of nights. Tickets are now available.