PRESENTERS
QLS SYMPOSIUM 2026 | 13 MARCH 2026
The Honourable Peter Applegarth AM KC
Before his appointment to the Supreme Court in 2008, Peter Applegarth was a barrister for 22 years, was retained by media organisations, and acted in high profile defamation cases and public inquiries. During this time, he was active in the Queensland Council for Civil Liberties on freedom of speech issues. In 2024, he retired as a Judge. He teaches media law at UQ and is a PhD candidate at the University of Syndey on the topic of injunctions to stop the disclosure of private information. Peter is a member of Level 17 Chambers and conducts arbitrations, mediations, and case management facilitations in complex litigation.
Kate Avery
Kate Avery has spent 28 years practicing almost exclusively in Personal Injuries Litigation and is an Accredited Specialist. She is a former Deputy Chair of the Personal Injuries Specialist Accreditation Committee, a former member of the QLS CPD Committee and Innovation Committee. She has been a Principal of Kare Lawyers for 10 years.
Chelsea Baker
Chelsea Baker is a Queensland based succession law solicitor practising in complex estate planning, contested administration and estate litigation. She is also appointed as an Independent Administrator by the Supreme Court of Queensland where disputes have arisen between parties during the administration of estates. Her experience extends to complex grants of representation, trusts, superannuation, guardianship matters (including investigations into breaches of duties by attorneys) and statutory trustee matters. Chelsea is also trained in Collaborative Practice for Wills and Estates, a form of dispute resolution focused on interest based negotiations. In the last three years, Chelsea has been recognised as a Rising Star in the Doyle’s Guide category of Wills, Estates & Succession Planning. In 2024 and again in 2025, Chelsea was also a Finalist for Senior Associate of the Year (SME) in the Lawyers Weekly national Women in Law Awards. Most recently, Chelsea was also a Finalist for Queensland Solicitor of the Year in the Queensland Law Society Excellence Awards for 2025.
Shelby Bennett
Shelby is an early-career lawyer at Travis Schultz & Partners and an up-and-comer in the legal space.
Shelby graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast with a Bachelor of Laws in 2024. While studying, she worked as a paralegal for Travis Schultz, before gaining her admission to the legal profession in June 2024. Since being admitted as a lawyer, Shelby has been working closely with managing partner Travis Schultz on a range of complex claims including motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation, public liability and professional negligence claims. She finds it rewarding to help injured people navigate the legal process and receive a fair outcome. She also has an interest in legal research and has provided research contributions to numerous papers. Shelby was drawn to TSP after seeing the firm’s dedication to community initiatives and is keen to continue giving back. Outside of the office, Shelby loves going to the beach, attempting to improve her surf skills, and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Georgia Coen
As an early career lawyer, Georgia brings a sense of enthusiasm and positivity to the legal profession. Beginning her career in the legal industry in 2020, Georgia experienced a variety of practice areas while studying for her dual degree of Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) and Bachelor of Criminology and Justice. After working with Barristers and alongside a Judge of the District Court, she has chosen to go down the path of personal injury law with Travis Schultz & Partners after witnessing first-hand how lawyers in this field provide vital legal assistance while helping people feel heard and empowered during some of the most challenging times of their lives. She is keen to pursue fair outcomes for all clients with compassion and kindness. Ever the optimist, even in the face of complex situations, her willingness to achieve resolution makes her an asset in the Travis Schultz & Partners team of expert lawyers.
Billy Dent
Billy Dent has expertise in commercial property transactions, financial solutions, deal structuring and insurance. He currently leads the commercial property department for First Title, a global specialist title insurance company. First Title specialise in risk mitigation, deal facilitation and protection for institutional and private property purchasers and major bank and non-bank lenders. Title Insurance is commonly ordered by lawyers on behalf of their clients and is available for residential or commercial transactions and provides cover for purchasers under the new seller disclosure regime.
Gerard Dutton
Sergeant Gerard Dutton retired from Tasmania Police in January 2025; 37+ of his 40 years in policing working exclusively in forensic firearms and toolmarks investigation. He has written and published in excess of 100 articles and papers on a wide range of topics relating to his work. Gerard continues to present at forensic science symposia and has taught his profession all around Australia and in other countries. Despite retirement, he remains engaged in his profession, continuing his Assistant Editor roles for the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners technical/forensic journal and the Australian Police Journal. He was awarded Life Membership of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society in 2023. Gerard has given expert evidence on firearm related cases in courts of all jurisdictions in Australia and overseas on many hundreds of occasions.
Clare Eves
Clare was called to the Bar in 2024. Prior to transitioning to the private Bar, Clare practiced in both Australia and the UK, having commenced her legal career in personal injury litigation in 2002 and going on to become admitted as a Solicitor in Queensland in 2010. Clare has practiced almost exclusively in injury litigation for the duration of her career, specialising in catastrophic injury claims and medical law claims. Clare is also a nationally accredited mediator. Clare’s practice at the Bar involves all areas of personal injury litigation, medical negligence litigation, coronial inquests and mediation.
Mark Fenlon
Mark is the Prosecutions Practice Manager for Queensland for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. He is the QLS representative to, and Co-Chair of the Law Council of Australia's Regional, Rural and Remote Lawyer's Committee. He is also a member of the Queensland Law Society's Wellbeing Working Group. In 2024, Mark was the recipient of the QLS' Regional Lawyer of the Year Award
Joshua Fox
Josh Fox is the founder, Sole Director, and Solicitor at Foxlaw, a Queensland-based law firm focused on property law, business law, estate planning and estate administration. With degrees in Law (including a Master of Laws) and Commerce from the University, Josh has also completed two semesters of study abroad, one at the University of British Columbia in Canada and one at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. A passionate speaker and problem-solver, Josh infuses optimism and empathy into discussions on law, business, innovation, travel, psychology, personal development, life, and the future. His adventures include summiting Mount Kilimanjaro and reaching Everest Base Camp as part of his '100 Things' List. Josh is currently a Committee Member of the Queensland Association of Collaborative Practitioners and also sits on the PEXA's QLD Advisory Council.
Jeneve Frizzo
Jeneve Frizzo is a QLS Accredited Specialist in Succession Law. She established her own boutique succession law practice The Will & All in Cairns in 2016, and practices solely in inheritance matters. Jeneve is a champion of regional practice, mentor to many, and an enthusiastic presenter of succession law related topics community groups and professional associations.
Blake Hatchman
Blake has practiced in Family Law since his admission as a solicitor in boutique firms on the Gold Coast and Brisbane before moving to a national firm in Brisbane. Blake has continued his practice solely in Family Law and Domestic Violence since his call to the Bar in 2023.
Jaimee-Lee Jessop
Jaimee-Lee is a Senior Associate at Gilshenan & Luton Legal Practice and an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law through the Queensland Law Society. Since her admission to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2017, she has developed a strong criminal defence practice, with varied work in specialised areas such as youth justice, domestic violence, coronial, and regulatory law.
She is an active member of the legal profession, serving on the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland’s Criminal Lawyers Sub-Committee and the Access to Justice and Pro Bono Law Committee. Through these roles, she advocates for greater support and recognition of women in criminal law and improved access to justice to vulnerable members of our community.
Jaimee-Lee’s dedication has been recognised through multiple listings as a ‘Rising Star’ in Doyle’s Guide for criminal law in Queensland, as well as being named the national winner of the Lawyers Weekly ‘30 Under 30’ Award for criminal law.
Joshua Jones
Josh is an experienced trial and appellate junior counsel. He has been at the Queensland Bar for over 14 years. He has extensive litigation experience in all levels of courts and tribunals in Queensland. He has received briefs to appear in Queensland (city, regional and rural), New South Wales (city, regional and rural), Tasmania, Western Australia and Nauru. Since 2017, Josh has acted as the conduit between the Court of Appeal’s pro bono scheme and the barristers of the Queensland Bar and solicitor firms. Josh has been briefed in many Court of Appeal pro bono matters as well as pro bono matters in other jurisdictions and pro bono advice work.
Mathai Joshi
Mathai Joshi is a Senior Associate at Connolly Suthers Lawyers based in Townsville, North Queensland, where he practices in criminal defence, domestic and family violence law, and regulatory law. Mathai is actively involved within the legal profession and is the current President of the QLS Future Leaders Committee and a member of the Access to Justice and Pro-Bono Committee. Mathai was raised in regional Queensland, and is passionate about regional practice and strengthening legal services in rural and regional communities
Emma Kearney
Emma is an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law, having achieved the highest mark upon completing the course in 2024. She is a Senior Associate at Bell Criminal Lawyers, practising in the areas of criminal law, domestic violence, traffic matters, youth justice and investigative hearings. Emma is also a member of the Future Leaders Committee, which provides guidance and support to young and early career lawyers.
Arabella Kullack
Arabella is Special Counsel at The Will & All, a boutique inheritance law practice, and previously led a State wide estate litigation practice at a national law firm. Arabella completed her Bachelor of Laws at James Cook University and she is a QLS Accredited Specialist in Succession Law. Arabella holds a Masters of Applied Law majoring in Wills and Estates and is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, a global community of lawyers specialising in the area of Succession Law. Arabella lectures for Central Queensland University and sits on the Cairns Community Legal Centre board.
Victoria Lenton
Victoria Lenton is the Director and Principal Lawyer of Lenton Migration Law and an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law (NSW and Qld). Victoria has a unique background: she has the benefit of a 13 year career with the Department of Home Affairs (previously Department of Immigration), including seven years on overseas diplomatic postings in South America and Africa. She is the Chair of the Queensland Law Society’s Migration Law Committee and a Member of the Australian Law Council’s Migration Law Committee.
Commissioner Megan Mahon
Megan Mahon was appointed the Legal Services Commissioner for Queensland in October 2019.
Megan has a Bachelor of Laws with Honours and was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1996 after completing the five-year articled clerk scheme. Megan is a Past President of the Queensland Law Society and a former Executive Director of the Law Council of Australia.
Having had a distinguished career in private practice for more than 20 years, Megan's contribution to the profession has often been recognised. She was awarded the QLS 2017 President’s Medal, the WLAQ 2009 Woman Lawyer of the Year and appointed as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law.
Jessica McClymont KC
Prior to commencing practice as a barrister, Jessica practised as a solicitor and was a Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist in personal injuries law. She has practised almost exclusively in that area, over the course of her legal career spanning more than 30 years. Jessica’s practice is spread across all aspects of personal injuries law. She is a panel member of most major insurers and defendants within the Queensland jurisdiction and represents both plaintiffs and defendants.
Bryan Mitchell
Bryan Mitchell TEP FTI (BCom LLB LLM LLM (Wills & Estates)) is the managing director of Mitchells Solicitors. He is an Accredited Specialist in Succession Law. Bryan & his firm are recognised leaders in Estate Planning and Estate Litigation in Australia. His practice works exclusively in the areas of Wills, Estates, Trusts & Elder Law. Bryan is a regular presenter throughout Australia and internationally. He is Australasian representative on the worldwide council for STEP; past Chair of STEP Australia; former Chair of STEP Queensland; Deputy Chair for the Queensland Law Society (“QLS”) Succession Law Policy Committee; Chair of the QLS Succession Law Specialist Accreditation Advisory Committee and member of the University of Queensland Law School Advisory Board.
Anna Morgan
Anna Morgan is the Director of Take Control Legal. She has practiced for over 25 years experience on the Gold Coast and has experience acting for both injured people and insurers or defendants. Anna also founded Expert Witness Coach, an online course guiding professionals on how to become an effective expert witness. Anna is the President of the Gold Coast District Law Association.
Louise Prychidczuk
Louise Prychidczuk is a practicing solicitor with extensive experience delivering legal services in regional and remote Queensland. Arguably one of the most remote practicing solicitors in Queensland Louise has resided and practiced in Weipa for the last 15 years. Over the course of her 20 plus year career, she has advised clients across a broad spectrum of practice areas, including criminal, family, commercial, and property law, often as the sole or principal solicitor within the community. Louise Prychidczuk has served on a number of boards and advisory bodies, contributing to policy development, governance, and initiatives aimed at improving access to justice in rural and remote contexts. Her practice has been defined by a commitment to culturally safe and community-centred service delivery, particularly in regions with significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. Drawing on deep firsthand experience, Louise brings a practitioner’s perspective to the complexities, responsibilities, and opportunities inherent in delivering legal services beyond metropolitan centres.
Sophie Robertson
Sophie is a media lawyer and litigator with extensive experience in media and defamation matters. She provides legal advice to some of Australia’s largest media organisations. Sophie also acts for publishers, authors, insurers and private individuals. She was a Board Member of Women in Media Australia from 2019 to 2023. Sophie has been recognised in Best Lawyers in Australia since 2023 in Defamation and Media Law.
Sophie specialises in defamation matters (both plaintiff and defendant), contempt proceedings, non-publication orders, court access applications, urgent injunctions, privacy matters, freedom of information / right to information requests and protecting sources.
Dan Rogers
Dan is an accredited specialist in criminal law and is consistently named as a leading criminal lawyer in Queensland and Australia by Doyle’s Leading Lawyers List. Dan also represents legal and health professionals facing disciplinary allegations, as well as individuals and companies facing workplace health and safety investigations. Dan has been published in law journals and has contributed to legal texts on criminal law and human rights. He holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Masters of Law (both with Honours).
Dan is the former President of Caxton Legal; Queensland’s largest community legal centre. He is a member of the ethics committee and the human rights committee of the Queensland Law Society. He is also a former member of the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council, advising the Attorney-General on sentencing matters. As a solicitor advocate, Dan regularly argues his own cases in the higher courts.
Andrew Ross
Andrew Ross is a Partner in the Longton Blackwell Employment and Work Health and Safety practice. Andrew is a former Assistant Crown Solicitor with 20 years experience in employment law and work health and safety.
Kathryn Smith
Kathryn is the Senior Supervising Solicitor for Migration at Women’s Legal Service Queensland. An accredited specialist in immigration law, she has practised as an immigration solicitor in Queensland for nearly thirteen years. She currently works within the Women’s Legal Service Queensland’s Temporary Visa Program, which provides migration, family law, and domestic violence legal assistance to women on temporary visas who are experiencing family violence.
Amy Soong
Amy Soong is the Legal Practice Director of Ashworth Lawyers, a criminal defence firm she founded in 2014 focusing on defending serious and complex Queensland and Commonwealth crimes. With more than 17 years of experience exclusively in criminal defence, she has acted in a wide range of complex matters including large-scale drug operations, transnational organised crime, sexual violence, and major fraud.
Amy holds a Master of Laws, has completed the Bar Practice Course, and is a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Notaries. She is a Council member of the Society of Notaries in Queensland, and is also an active member of the Queensland Law Society Wellbeing Working Group. Amy’s contributions have been recognised through multiple honours, including being named a finalist for the 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year Lord Mayor’s Business Award, finalist for the 2024 Executive of the Year Women in Law Awards (Lawyers Weekly), and 2025 Trailblazer of the Year at Law Biz Con.
The Honourable Justice Rebecca Treston
Justice Treston was admitted as a solicitor in 1991 and was called to the Queensland Bar in 1996. She was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2013, and as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2024. Her Honour had a diverse commercial practice at the Bar, predominantly in estate and trust litigation, but also in general commercial litigation, statutory scheme litigation, public liability and medical negligence litigation. Her Honour was the first female President of the Bar Association of Qld between 2018 and 2020.
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