After a 4 week election, we are pleased to announce the election results.
We want to thank the membership for participating in the election, and also congratulate and recognise all candidates for their time and effort campaigning.
The newly elected QLS Council will take office on 1 January 2024. We look forward to working with the new Council over the next two years to lead the Queensland legal profession.
The next QLS Council election will be held in September 2025.
Ordinary Member of Council
Rebecca Fogerty - President
Rebecca Fogerty is one of Australia’s leading criminal defence lawyers and an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law. She is a founding partner of Jasper Fogerty Lawyers, an award-winning criminal defence firm. Rebecca has been a QLS Councillor since 2021. She was elected as Vice President in July 2022. She sits on the Executive and Finance and Risk Management Committees. She was the first female Chair of the Criminal Law Committee, and sat on the Criminal Law Specialist Accreditation Committees in 2018, 2020 and 2022. She was the Queensland Member for the Professional Standards Councils in 2020 – 2022. She is highly regarded in the legal community for her policy acumen and vigorous advocacy on members’ behalf. Rebecca’s active involvement has made her acutely aware of the issues affecting solicitors in Queensland. Her proven track record in management and advocacy, reputation for collegiality and media profile makes her a natural leadership candidate.
What special skills, attributes or experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
I have demonstrated leadership skills due to my experience as a solicitor, law firm partner, employer, business owner, former Board member and current Vice President of the Queensland Law Society. Over the past decade I have been actively involved in the QLS including through law reform advocacy, appearing before parliamentary committees, CPD presentations, media appearances and committee membership and participation.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
The concept of service performs a guiding role in my personal and professional lives. I believe that a commitment to serving others is fundamental to achieving a stronger, fairer system of justice. Through service, we strengthen our profession.
How will you contribute to Queensland Law Society’s vision of leading Solicitors in Queensland and the Society’s purpose of good law, good lawyers, for the public good?
I wish to use my experience to contribute more meaningfully to the legal and wider community. I believe that I have the necessary intellectual, personal and ethical qualities to fulfil the position requirements. I will continue to advocate for our profession and participate in professional and community discourse about our justice system in an intelligent and responsible manner.
Genevieve Dee - Deputy President
I am an accredited specialist in Family Law and partner at Lander & Rogers. I have practised exclusively in family and relationship law for over 18 years. I am a contributing author to a number of CCH publications on family law. I am privileged to be President of Women's Legal Service Qld (WLAQ). My focus is providing clients with practical and strategic advice to assist in the early resolution of matters and avoid litigation whenever possible. I am fortunate to have served as councillor of the Queensland Law Society for the last two years and two previous terms on council, as a young lawyer. I am the current chair of the Committee of Management and a member of the Professional Conduct Committee. I have experience in management of QLS committees and the role of councillor supporting and advocating for the profession.
What special skills, attributes or experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
In my role as Councillor, I understand the work required to undertake the role of Deputy President. I have an interest in risk and compliance matters impacting the profession. As a partner in a growing practice, I am keenly aware of the challenges practitioners face embracing new ways of working and trying to attract and retain lawyers in the profession.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
I consider honesty, integrity, and compassion to be at the core of our work as legal practitioners. I model those values in my practice and my interactions with other practitioners and clients. I would apply those values to my work as Councillor and Deputy President and the work of the society.
How will you contribute to Queensland Law Society’s vision of leading Solicitors in Queensland and the Society’s purpose of good law, good lawyers, for the public good?
The incoming Council and Deputy President will play an important role in supporting the President and the incoming CEO. I look forward to listening to practitioners as they tell me what is important to them.
Peter Jolly - Vice President
I was admitted in 1985. I was a partner of Biggs & Biggs from 1989 and, when that firm merged with Thynne + Macartney in 2008, I became a partner in Thynne + Macartney's Business Advisory group. I am a Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist in Business Law. I have an interest in corporate governance and am an experienced company director. I was a member of Thynne + Macartney's Executive Board from 2014 until stepping down in 2021 and was the Chairman of Partners at Thynne + Macartney from July 2017 to June 2021. I have been the Chairman of an unlisted public company and a director of not for profit corporations. I was a member of the inaugural Business Law Specialist Accreditation Committee and am the current Chair of the Queensland Law Society Specialist Accreditation Board. I was elected to Council in 2021.
What special skills, attributes or experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
I am a current Councillor, with a thorough understanding of the work Council does. I have 36 years experience as a practitioner and have held leadership and governance roles in the firm, on Queensland Law Society Council and committees and on private company boards. I am highly regarded by peers and clients for my commercial expertise and collaborative approach.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
I have a deep respect for the profession and a keen interest in its future. Maintaining the highest levels of professional standards, giving our colleagues courtesy and respect and acting at all times in the best interests of our clients are vital to the future of the profession.
How will you contribute to Queensland Law Society’s vision of leading Solicitors in Queensland and the Society’s purpose of good law, good lawyers, for the public good?
My values and leadership experience underpin my contributions as a current Council Member. My extensive experience as a law firm partner and my knowledge of professional standards, governance, and strategic planning skills gives me the opportunity to contribute to Council and to pass that knowledge and experience on to my fellow Councillors and the lawyers who follow me.
Bridie Edwards - Ordinary member of Council
I am an Associate Director and Lawyer at Bradley and Bray Lawyers practicing predominantly in Business, Commercial and Property Law. I have a Masters of Applied Law majoring in Business Law and Transactions, which I completed shortly after I was admitted in 2020. I have been a member of Council and various other QLS committees since January 2022, and I have enjoyed connecting with likeminded individuals and working collaboratively to advance the interests of Queensland solicitors. I am passionate about innovation in the legal sector, giving young/early-career lawyers a stronger voice in our profession, as well as promoting collegiality, the importance of forging meaningful connections and work-life balance. Outside of the office, I have a severe case of the ‘travel bug’ and I try to ensure I always have a new destination booked at all times!
What special skills, attributes or experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
I have been on Council and various other committees for 2 years and have a good understanding of how QLS works. I am a young, early-career lawyer and I bring a fresh perspective to Council being the youngest ever elected member. I feel I can appropriately represent the needs of young, early-career lawyers in our profession.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
I am a big advocate for collegiality and connections within my firm, the Sunshine Coast, and the profession as a whole. I aim to utilise each person's strengths as well as my own in order to promote QLS' vision.
How will you contribute to Queensland Law Society’s vision of leading Solicitors in Queensland and the Society’s purpose of good law, good lawyers, for the public good?
As a good team player, I will work collaboratively with other Council members and the profession to promote QLS' purpose of good law, good lawyers for the public good.
Chris Kahler - Ordinary member of Council
Chris Kahler is the managing director of Kahler Lawyers, a small law firm situated in Far North Queensland with offices in Cairns and Innisfail practising predominantly in criminal defence and traffic matters, commercial and civil litigation and personal injury law. With a family history in Far North Queensland spanning four generations, Chris is passionate in promoting the many benefits of legal practice in regional and remote areas. Chris’ passion extends to ensuring that young lawyers, those working at the coalface of private practice, and regional/remote lawyers in particular are effectively represented at the highest level. Chris has occupied board and leadership positions in residential aged care, sporting, volunteer and church based not-for-profit and community organisations for over 20 years. Chris is married to Michaela where they both live on their rural property outside Innisfail with their two small children, Hugh and Lars, aged 5 and 3.
What special skills, attributes or experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
For most of my career in the law spanning over 20 years, I have occupied board and leadership positions in residential aged care, sporting, volunteer and church based not-for-profit and community organisations. My time and experience in these roles has contributed to my ability to work in a board environment having regard to corporate governance and directors’ responsibilities.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
Like any profession, service to a community (in this case, the legal community) is the chief purpose and motivator for me as a solicitor. Far North Queensland is a critical part of our State’s legal community. I am passionate about ensuring that the voices of practitioners working in regional and remote Queensland are heard on Council.
How will you contribute to Queensland Law Society’s vision of leading Solicitors in Queensland and the Society’s purpose of good law, good lawyers, for the public good?
To be a constructive and passionate advocate for my colleagues (especially those at the coal face of private practice and those practising in regional/remote Queensland) and positively contribute to the good governance and reputation of the organisation and profession as a whole for the public good.
Jim Conomos - Ordinary member of Council
I am the Managing Director and Founder of James Conomos Lawyers Pty Ltd in Brisbane, Australia with over 35 years’ experience in the legal profession. I practice predominately in the areas of:
- commercial litigation & dispute resolution
- commercial advice; and
- personal & corporate insolvency.
What special skills, attributes or experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
I have served on the QLS Council since April 2023 and have over 35 years in the legal profession. Whilst I value the importance of both integrity and respect as fundamental to a well-functioning legal system, I consider the notion of service to be of utmost importance.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
When I established JCL, I did so with the objective of not only serving clients, but also endeavouring to serve the legal profession by fostering the growth and development of lawyers.
How will you contribute to Queensland Law Society’s vision of leading Solicitors in Queensland and the Society’s purpose of good law, good lawyers, for the public good?
I resonate with the QLS vision for good law, good lawyers, for the public good. I will contribute to this ethos by providing a clear and passionate voice for all solicitors in Queensland’s diverse legal profession. In doing so, I hope to support fellow practitioners and leverage the great reputation of QLS to make a positive difference in the community.
Mia Behlau - Ordinary member of Council
Mia is a past president of the Gold Coast District Law Association and current director of the board of the St Hilda's Foundation and Gold Coast Basketball. She works in the area of commercial litigation and dispute resolution. Mia is an active member of the Gold Coast legal community and is an avid supporter of the profession and promotion of good law.
What special skills, attributes or experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
As a past president of the GCDLA, I am aware of issues relevant to the practice of law on the Gold Coast. In my role as president, I engaged with presidents of other regions and am mindful of issues faced by the profession within QLD. I will advocate for important issues and am not shy of voicing a relevant opinion.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
I am motivated to contribute to the ongoing governance of the Society to ensure that the members are adequately supported and the performance of the QLS is in line with the needs of the profession. I am equipped to advocate in respect of relevant legislative changes. As a board member I am capable of effectively contributing to the strategic plan
How will you contribute to Queensland Law Society’s vision of leading Solicitors in Queensland and the Society’s purpose of good law, good lawyers, for the public good?
I will reinforce and support the Society’s founding vision for good law leading by example in protecting the public from dishonorable conduct. I will contribute to the dissemination of legal knowledge through and among solicitors through my work and by volunteering my time delivering CPD. On topics of interest, I will advocate any necessary amendments to laws.
Phil Ware - Ordinary member of Council
Philip has been in legal practice for ~35 years, including ~11 years in private practice at Feez Ruthning / Allens. He has been a senior executive (General Counsel) of a major energy utility for the last ~22 years and is expert in organisational Governance and Probity. Philip is experienced at operating in a highly competitive, complex and fluid regulatory, prudential and public policy environment and can confidently liaise with Government, regulators and stakeholders in relation to the most complex and contentious issues. He holds an LLB(Hons) and LLM and recently completed an MBA. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a certified Probity Adviser / Auditor. Philip believes in the paramountcy of competent, independent, and ethical legal professionalism. Philip has previously served on the QLS Council promoting those matters in various ways and would relish the opportunity to do so again.
What special skills, attributes or experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
Philip sat on the QLS Council 2020/21 and various subcommittees (notably Chair of the Governance Committee) and the QUT Alumni Board 2019/21. He currently Chairs the QLS In-House Counsel Committee and is Chair / Deputy Chair of the Well-being Working Group. He is the Queensland VP of the Association of Corporate Counsel, sitting on its National Advocacy Committee.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
Philip’s core skills are analytic thinking and problem identification, avoidance and solution. His core personal attributes are independence within collegiality, calm counsel, sound judgement and unbiased decision making. His prime motivators are excellence, protection and service. In the QLS Council context, this includes servant leadership on membership issues and the staunch preservation of the Rule of Law.
How will you contribute to Queensland Law Society’s vision of leading Solicitors in Queensland and the Society’s purpose of good law, good lawyers, for the public good?
The Rule of Law is under intense scrutiny and rising pressure. The complexities of modern life (youth crime, elder abuse, DV, the power of the platforms, privacy, AI, greenwashing, euthanasia etc) demand the best laws and the best practitioners. I can assist the QLS in its mission to be an effective champion of a just society under law.
Samantha Bolton - Ordinary member of Council
I’m excited to be nominating for my second term on Council.
Prior to being elected on Council I served as a committee member of the Sunshine Coast Law Association for over a decade, and during that time held the position of President from 2018 to 2020 and Vice-President from 2020-2021. From 2009 to 2018, I was involved with Suncoast Community Legal Service, including President between 2012 and 2014, and a Committee Member from 2011 to 2017, and was awarded life membership in 2021.I have been the Women Lawyers Association Ambassador for the Sunshine Coast Region since 2018. I am also a Judiciary Member for the Sunshine Coast Rugby Union, and a sessional lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
My practice areas relate to Family Law and Domestic Violence matters. I am also a member of the Independent Children’s Lawyer Panel and Separate Representative Panel for Legal Aid Queensland.
What special skills, attributes or experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
My experience as a legal practitioner spans over fifteen years, and I am a business owner of a busy regional practice. I value my long standing relationship with various District Law Assocations throughout Queensland. Whilst on Council I have also served on the Risk and Finance, Practice Management, and Professional Conduct subcommittees, in additional my general role as Councillor.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
At my core is service to my profession, it drives my commitment to justice, integrity and advocacy. I believe in the importance of ethical conduct, always prioritizing honesty and professionalism. I’m motivated by a strong sense of responsibility to use my legal expertise to serve the best interests of all Queensland Lawyers, and strive to make a positive impact.
How will you contribute to Queensland Law Society’s vision of leading Solicitors in Queensland and the Society’s purpose of good law, good lawyers, for the public good?
My commitment to contributing to the Society’s vision of leading solicitors in Queensland involves a combination of professional development, ethical practice, community engagement, advocacy, collaboration, and a dedication to diversity and inclusion. Through these efforts I aim to undertake an active role in advancing and shaping the direction and priorities of the legal profession of Queensland.
Sarah-Jane Macdonald - Ordinary member of Council
Sarah-Jane, family lawyer based on the Darling Downs, is a strong advocate of regional practice and understands its’ nuances. Sarah-Jane supports opportunities giving a voice to practitioners. During her 3 year tenure as President of the Downs & Southwest Qld Law Association, Sarah-Jane supported and advocated for Practitioners, including during the COVID19 pandemic. With a legal career spanning more than a decade, Sarah-Jane’s commitment to the legal community is evident. She is a member of the QLS Domestic & Family Violence Policy Committee, demonstrating her dedication to addressing issues of domestic violence. As a member of the QLS Practice Management Committee, she offers a regional perspective. Sarah-Jane’s holistic approach to life and law renders her a formidable candidate, dedicated to upholding the values of the profession while serving her community. Outside of work, Sarah-Jane enjoys netball and wine, but not at the same time!
What special skills, attributes or experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
As Legal Practitioner Director of MacDonald Law for over 6 years, I bring a wealth of knowledge; understanding business strategy and management. I naturally have an air of diplomacy and self-awareness, honed through executive roles in community groups across the years. I am skilled at robust discussions and engaging with stakeholders; key during my role as President of DSWQLA.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
Working with people is the crux of why I am a Solicitor. I am passionate about advocacy for vulnerable people and giving a voice to the underdog. My compassion, understanding and ability to ask the tough questions will assist me to represent the voice of the regional underdog on Council.
How will you contribute to Queensland Law Society’s vision of leading Solicitors in Queensland and the Society’s purpose of good law, good lawyers, for the public good?
As a grassroots regional member, I believe it's imperative that the Council composition reflects that QLS is a membership body. I have been a dedicated member of the Society and strongly believe in the Society’s vision and purpose. I have modelled these qualities: appearing in a Parliamentary Review Committee, presenting at CPD events, and sitting on QLS Committees.
Sheetal Deo - Ordinary member of Council
Sheetal (she/her) is passionate about leveraging platforms and privilege to connect ideas, people, and opportunities to amplify underrepresented experiences and voices. Sheetal has a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy and political science from the University of the Fraser Valley (Canada), and a Juris Doctor, Master of Laws and Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from Bond University (Australia). Sheetal incorporates her political and social science training in her advocacy for equity and accessibility within the legal profession and the community it serves. Sheetal is the Principal and Founder of Shakti Legal Solutions; an innovative, low-bono law firm designed specifically to improve access to legal assistance for everyday people. Outside of her legal practice, Sheetal offers diversity and inclusion training, is an anti-racism facilitator for the Diversity Council of Australia, and volunteers her time to various not-for-profit organisations and boards including the Centre of Legal Innovation’s Emerging Leaders Advisory Board.
What special skills, attributes or experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
Having worked at QLS, and now having served on Council, I have an intimate understanding of how the Society functions on both, strategic and operational levels. This facilitates more informed, realistic and grounded decisions as a board member. Perhaps most importantly, it prevents over-promising and under-delivering. I want better for, and from, QLS. I want better for us.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
Equity, accessibility and inclusion. These three ideals underpin all that I do - and how I do it. Whether it’s supporting the legal profession or the community we serve, my focus is on improving equity, accessibility and inclusion. I also strongly believe that the legal profession needs better representation and inclusion of people of diverse backgrounds, abilities and experiences.
How will you contribute to Queensland Law Society’s vision of leading Solicitors in Queensland and the Society’s purpose of good law, good lawyers, for the public good?
I will continue to listen and learn from members and work to address the changing by needs of the profession. I will continue to use my position on Council to advocate on behalf of QLS members and the communities we serve. I will also continue to use the platform to increase visibility of under-represented voices and experience, because representation matters.