Standing By
Queenslanders Since 1956.
With you then.
With you now.
A Little History
Delivering brighter days
for over 50 years.
- 1950
- 1960
- 1970
- 1980
- 1990
- 2000
- 2010
- 2020
- 1950
- 1960
- 1970
- 1980
- 1990
- 2000
- 2010
- 2020
- In 1956, Trilby Misso opened its doors at Redcliffe.
- We were Qld’s 1st law firm to focus exclusively on Compensation law.
- Through expertise in our area of law, and an extraordinary commitment to client care, we grew to become one of Qld’s largest law firms.
- We’re fully independent, with ownership returning to a long-serving director of Trilby Misso in 2020, following five years of ownership by another law firm.
- Many of our team (management, lawyers and staff), have long histories with Trilby Misso, and all share the same commitment to client care that’s always made Trilby Misso special.
Our people choose
to be lawyers for
the right reasons.
Kathryn MacDonell
Chief Executive Officer
Kathryn’s career began at Trilby Misso back in 2001 as an Article Clerk, which resulted in her admission to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2005. Throughout her time at Trilby Misso she was promoted to Principal Lawyer in 2011 and oversaw the running of teams throughout the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. Whilst sitting in this management position, she continued to work on gaining compensation for her clients and always remained passionate about helping Queenslanders. Her skills have seen her involved in many complex matters including appearances in the District Court, Supreme Court, Supreme Court (Court of Appeal) and High Court of Australia. We are thrilled to have Kathryn overseeing the Trilby Misso team and working to achieve compensation for our clients.
Neil Fitzpatrick
Chief Operating Officer
Neil Fitzpatrick has over 20 years’ experience working across various senior leadership roles within the legal industry, including CFO, COO and CEO. Neil’s specialty lays in his wealth of knowledge in ensuring firms are run efficiently to benefit both our clients and our team. Neil has been with Trilby Misso collectively for over 8 years and was instrumental in Trilby Misso’s relaunching under new ownership. Outside of working with the team here, Neil enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and fishing.
Gillian McKnight
Senior Associate
Gillian is your Trilby Misso lawyer in Springfield. She has over 15 years’ experience in our specialist area of law, and she’s the proud mum of two very funny and active girls.
Peter Ivory
Senior Associate
Peter has a particular interest in seeking justice for people who’ve been damaged by institutional abuse, and helping them restart their lives. With a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Master of Legal Practice, he came to practice law following successful careers in tourism, conservation and residential projects – in the public sector, and as a business owner. As a lawyer, he’s chosen to focus on helping survivors of institutional abuse. Peter was born in a remote Aboriginal community, grew up in various parts of the Northern Territory, and has a deep understanding of people from different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. When he’s not working hard to gain compensation for his clients, he enjoys music, films and the AFL – he’s a long-suffering Carlton supporter.
Drew Phillips
Associate
Drew Phillips is a lawyer with a passion for helping clients through these difficult times. Prior to entering the legal profession, he played college basketball in the USA.
You’ll find Drew considered, kind and will make you feel at ease. However, he will fight hard for your rights and ensure you get the best outcome for your claim.
In his spare time, Drew enjoys surfing and spending time at the beach.
Esther Wangatau
Lawyer
Esther is a bright new addition to the Trilby Misso team in 2022. Esther has worked in the compensation law area since she began practicing law, and with a number of prominent compensation firms. Esther is very passionate about specialising in compensation law and truly enjoys the work she does with her clients. She is a dedicated and considerate Lawyer and truly strives to make a difference in an individual’s life who are facing a very vulnerable time.
Esther completed a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Southern Queensland and a Graduate Diploma in Practical Legal Training at the College of Law, Queensland. On 11 February 2017, Esther was admitted as a Solicitor to the Supreme Court of Queensland.
Outside the office, Esther is an advocate for women’s rights and in her spare time Esther enjoys being a part of the Brisbane City Gospel Choir
Jemma Stutz
Lawyer
Jemma began working in the Trilby Misso team in May 2021 as a Junior Legal Assistant. Whilst working with the team here, Jemma completed her Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Behavioural Science, graduating from Queensland University of Technology in August 2021. Jemma was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland in February 2022, after completing her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the College of Law.
In 2022 Jemma was promoted to Lawyer within our Trilby Misso compensation team. Jemma is committed to assisting our clients get their lives back on track, and gain access to the compensation in which their entitled. In her spare time, Jemma enjoys hiking and travelling.
Chris Dormer
IT Manager
Chris joined the Trilby Misso team in 2022 bringing with him over a decade of IT expertise. This professional experience has been across multiple industries, which has allowed Chris to develop a unique breadth of knowledge around IT and project management.
Chris’s wealth of experience comes from his time within banking, medical health and agricultural industries, where he learnt how to ensure a company’s computer systems supported the organisation’s unique objectives and goals. With an interested focus on managing technical projects, launching new systems, and using technology to increase efficiency and productivity, Chris’s role here at Trilby Misso benefits both our team and clients.
Outside of work Chris spends time with his family and loves a good board game.
Dayna Drysdale
Lawyer
Dayna has worked in the Trilby Misso team since August 2020 and is currently a Lawyer. While working with the Trilby team, Dayna has completed her Bachelor of Laws, graduating from the University of Southern Queensland in December 2021.
Dayna is currently undertaking her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the College of Law with the hope of becoming admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland in October 2022.
Having had experience in different areas of law, Dayna has found her passion lies in assisting and providing a voice for those affected by illness, injury and other barriers.
In her spare time, Dayna thoroughly enjoys supporting her favourite footy team and adventuring where possible with her partner and puppy.
Talk to
Trilby Misso,
the name
you know.
There’s no fee, no obligation, and at the end of our first chat, you’ll know where you stand.
Call 1300 730 845 or fill out the form, and we'll get back to you within 2 hours
(during business hours).