Background & Career Path
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
I originally chose law because of its varied and interesting career pathways. However, as I gained more knowledge, I found myself inspired by the idea of helping others achieve justice. I’m interested in consumer law, so being able to support everyday people in the compensation space has been really exciting.
Where did you study law, and what are your academic qualifications?
- Bachelor of Laws (Honours) – University of Southern Queensland
- Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice – College of Law
- Admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland as a Solicitor
Expertise & Specialisation
What areas of law do you specialise in, and what attracted you to these areas?
I’ve always been drawn to the compensation space, focusing specifically on motor vehicle incidents, incidents at work, and incidents in public areas. There is something uniquely fulfilling about directly meeting and assisting people who need legal help, which is a big difference to the commercial sector.
Sure, there are days that bring their fair share of stress, but the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in someone’s life is worth it. It’s a rewarding journey, to say the least.
Before joining Trilby Misso, my work was mostly in conveyancing and wills and estates.
What professional achievement, or particular case outcome, are you most proud of?
I once had a client who was involved in a motor vehicle incident. We managed to secure a result that provided him not just with compensation but also support to help him rebuild his life. This outcome, while it couldn’t erase his experience, offered him a second chance.
The success of this case felt even more significant given the initial low prospects of the claim.
Have you received any awards or recognition in your field?
The feedback I get from clients is very rewarding.
Philosophy & Mentorship
What do you believe sets Trilby Misso apart from others?
Our collaborative culture is a real point of difference, because it allows lawyers at various stages of their careers to share knowledge, and as a result we all grow together. This environment helps us continuously improve and provide great service.
Also, we prioritise making the law understandable and accessible, ensuring every client, enquiry, or new team member feels valued and supported, without feeling overwhelmed by the legal process.
What trends in the legal industry interest you the most?
I’m interested in the evolving landscape of the legality and acceptance of some medical treatments.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career in law?
Get as much experience as you can while you are at university. Most lawyers love being able to pass on knowledge and information, and it is great to be able to get some “on the ground” knowledge before taking the next steps as a legal professional.
Even if you have to work for free, or juggle between study and work, the opportunity to figure out what you want to do/what kind of lawyer you want to be is invaluable.
What professional attribute/attributes define an impactful, effective lawyer?
In this space, a good lawyer is someone who is empathetic and a good listener. At the end of the day, you have to have a heart.
However, because the legal profession is so highly valued you have to be a critical thinker and able to implement strong problem-solving skills. You need to decipher what is important and disregard what is not, whether a client is telling you their whole life story or if they are giving you absolutely nothing.
If you are taking the time to listen to the client, you also need to make the effort to respond appropriately and effectively – by asking the right questions and maintaining the balance between the client-lawyer relationship.
Challenges & Learning
Can you talk about a significant challenge you’ve overcome in your career?
I once encountered a challenging situation at a previous firm involving a misunderstanding with a barrister.
It was a significant challenge, but it reinforced the value of transparency, open lines of communication, and the need for effective checks and balances within legal practice.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your tenure in law?
Due diligence and thorough documentation is key to ensuring your practice as a Lawyer is as effective and efficient as possible.
Personal Insights
What do you enjoy the most about life at Trilby Misso?
The team are very caring and thoughtful, and that aligns with my values as a person and as a Lawyer.
Outside of law, what are your passions or interests?
I love music (playing, going to musicals, anything music related!), travelling, and spending time with my niece.
What’s your favourite piece of fiction? This could be a book, movie, TV show, or something else.
I love non-fiction, in particular the news/politics, biographies and true crime podcasts. If I had to pick something fictional, it would be a comedy TV show like Brooklyn 99.
What is one thing about you, that people would be surprised to know?
I’m actually quite introverted, I love spending time at home!
