Nominations for the 2023 Future Leaders Committee (FLC) election closed 4pm AEST Monday 13 February 2023.
At the close of nominations, we received a staggering number of nominations, totalling 32 running candidates.
As the number of nominations exceeded the number of committee vacancies, the Future Leaders membership will go to the polls.
On this page you will find a list of eligible FLC candidates listed in the order drawn by automatic lot in accordance with rule 9.2 of the Election by-laws of the Future Leaders Committee Charter, together with their profile photo and bio. The aim is to build familiarity between candidates and members and support informed decision-making for voters.
Marco Morgan
In my time as a lawyer I have been lucky to witness and experience the power of collegiality in the profession. This has given me insight into how new lawyers can support each other and contribute to the profession more broadly. I believe that early career lawyers are likely to benefit most from having connections within the profession but are unfortunately unlikely to have yet had the opportunities to build those relationships. If given the opportunity to help continue the work of the Future Leaders Committee, I hope to assist new lawyers in building professional lives that embrace and contribute to the changes facing the legal profession into the future. I am a lawyer in the wills and estates team at McInnes Wilson Lawyers and tend to spend my time outside of work on my “3 Rs” – running, reading and relaxing!
Katie Mahon
I would love to join the Future Leaders Committee to have the opportunity to represent my peers and have a say on current issues affecting junior members of the legal profession and wider legal community. This is something I have enjoyed doing frequently in the past, notably through experience as the Queensland State Representative for the National Association of Australian University Colleges. I am 2 years post admission and work in property law, with a special interest in retail and commercial leasing. Outside of work, I enjoy travel, whether that be backpacking through Europe or camping in a National Park on the weekend.
Caitlin Littleton
Living rurally, I see the necessity for all members of the community (regardless of their location and socio-economic status) to be able to access quality legal advice so they can best protect their interests. It is my view that the ability to access quality legal information is particularly important to the younger generation. I have launched a social media page that provides legal information in a fun and engaging manner that demonstrates how succession law is applicable to them (despite being young and invincible!). I initially worked in a generalist law firm before moving to a national firm to practice in their Wills and Estates team, focussing on Elder Abuse, Estate Litigation and Constructive Trust matters. Outside of the law, I enjoy travelling, being outdoors and supporting local community events in raising money for various charities such as the Matt Hughes Charity, Protea Place and LifeFlight.
Lani Olafsson
I am the current Principal Lawyer of the Mount Isa Legal Aid office. I have extensive experience in Criminal Law commencing as a clerk for the Director of Public Prosecutions Office in 2010 and subsequently joining Legal Aid Queensland in 2016. I am a strong advocate for the benefit of regional experience for young lawyers. During my time as a Criminal Lawyer, I have worked in various offices including Brisbane, Southport, Caboolture, Bundaberg, Toowoomba and Mount Isa. The collegiate nature of the legal community is something I am passionate about. Previously, I have served as Treasurer of the Bundaberg District Law Association for two years and am currently the Treasurer of the North West Law Association. I attended the QLS presidents conference in 2022 and am actively involved in creating a positive culture within the Legal community.
Dana Heriot
I bring a unique perspective having balanced full-time law study, full-time work, and extra-curriculars concurrently before my admission. The pandemic restrictions highlighted to me mental health and isolation challenges faced by early-career lawyers, particularly when working in small teams across borders. I have witnessed how unmanaged stress in the profession can make good people leave if they do not feel supported or included. Consequently, I now actively connect students and young lawyers to special interest groups to find like-minded people, and advocate for creative pursuits as a means of managing stress. My strong commitment to giving back the kindness that was shown to me early on has led me to serve on the management committees of the QUT Law Society and Women Lawyers Association Queensland. Additionally, I maintain a creative portfolio through my involvement with The Legal Forecast and work as a corporate lawyer at McCullough Robertson.
Kirstie Smith
Kirstie is a Mununjali, Yugembeh woman practicing in criminal law with Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Legal Services – Toowoomba. Kirstie holds a dual Bachelor in Law and Arts graduating from USQ in 2020 with distinction. Before ATSILS, Kirstie worked in varying capacities from 2016 - 2021 for Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Toowoomba. She worked full-time while studying her dual degree, raising three children and volunteering with USQLS, Social Justice Commission Dignity Project, Off the Chain K9 Rescue, and USQ Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS). Kirstie now represents the local legal community as part of the 2022 DSWQLA committee. She comes with committee experience from USQ Law Society, for which she obtained the inaugural President’s Award in 2019. In August 2022, Kirstie was nominated for two awards with QLS, being the Emerging Leader Award and First Nations Lawyer of the Year Award 2022.
Ellie Prior
It is important for younger legal practitioners to stick together and support one another. I actively seek connections with other practitioners and students to create a supportive network where we can share resources and ask questions without judgement. If I were given the opportunity to be a part of the Future Leaders Committee, I would promote collaborative and collegiate practice in a profession which has the capacity to be flooded with unnecessary conflict. I am practicing in Family Law, Domestic Violence and Child Protection. I volunteer at Northside Connect Community Legal Centre and am on the QLS Access to Justice Policy Committee. My special interests include gymnastics, scuba diving and Chardonnay.
Bradley Ellacot
I simply wish to provide a face and advocacy for young and new members of the profession. I have been an employment lawyer for over 2 years now, where I both act for clients in private practice and also volunteer my time monthly with Caxton Legal Centre to assist at-needs employees. I have memberships with the Queensland Young Lawyers, Brisbane Junior Chamber of Commerce, and Queensland Industrial Relations Society, where I can regularly be found at networking events. Outside of the law I can be found watching way too much stand up comedy (along the lines of Norm Macdonald, Tom Segura, and Jimmy Carr), going on drives around the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, or collecting watches.
Helen Driscoll
I am passionate, motivated and have a demonstrated commitment to contributing to the profession. I firmly believe law is a helping profession. However, in order to help our clients and the wider community, we must help ourselves as early career lawyers to be the best we can be, personally and professionally. I am an Associate at Rose Litigation Lawyers, practising in commercial litigation. My day-to-day work is varied and always interesting, whether it be a construction dispute, insolvency matter or a defamation claim. I was a Finalist in both the 2022 Lawyers Weekly 30 under 30 Awards and the 2022 WLAQ Emergent Woman Lawyer of the Year Awards. I am the immediate Past President of Queensland Young Lawyers (after three years on the executive). I currently sit on the Law Council of Australia’s Young Lawyers Committee. I will be an enthusiastic advocate for Queensland early career Lawyers on the FLC.
Sidnee Jennings
I am a young and passionate lawyer, with three years of post-admission experience in commercial, property and estate law at Ballantyne Law where I have been able to work with and learn directly from my principal. That close mentorship has been invaluable in my career progression and has allowed me to really find my voice in what was previously, and still at times remains, a very intimidating field. I am now confident in the kind of lawyer that I am and that I want to be and I am eager to be able to share that with other young and early career professionals who may be on a similar path. I am the co-chairperson of the Womens Committee of the Palm Beach Soccer Club where I am working to help bridge the ever-present yet slowly closing gap between women and men in sports from a grassroots level.
Travis Johnson
I am a legal professional based in Townsville with a passion for serving my community and making an impact within the profession. My background is in the areas of planning and environment, and property law, with my practice largely consisting of disputes relating to land use and property development. Outside my work, I am deeply committed to volunteering and giving back to the community. I have contributed my time to organisations such as RAILS and Community Gro, as well as initiatives like the Parley Foundation and the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. As a regional practitioner, I offer a unique perspective of the issues and challenges facing the future of the legal profession and young professionals. I am eager to advocate on behalf of my peers as a member of the Future Leaders Committee, and to enhance the reputation of the profession in my region.
Brodie Green
I am a dedicated solicitor who currently assists on all matters relating to Wills and Estates in Queensland and New South Wales and eager to bring my unique perspective to the table as a candidate for the Future Leaders Committee. My experience at HQF Lawyers, a small but dynamic law firm located in Coolangatta, has given me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by smaller firms. I am passionate about advocating for this often underrepresented group and believe that the Future Leaders Committee is the perfect platform to give them a voice. I am driven to use my skills and determination to positively impact the legal profession in Queensland and create meaningful change for both my peers and clients. As a next-generation lawyer, I am excited to contribute my energy and enthusiasm to the Future Leaders Committee and shape the future of the industry.
Max Pyne
I am a young property lawyer at Holding Redlich with over 6 years’ experience in the industry. I have worked in public and private practice, in big and small teams, and learnt that young lawyers all face similar challenges. It’s time to shed our fear of shaking things up and ensure we adapt to the increasingly technological nature of the legal landscape. Our interpersonal relationships have suffered in recent years at the hands of the pandemic. Let us focus on mitigating the resulting stress and isolation we have experienced by building strong relationships and networks within the legal community to enrich our personal and professional lives and to better serve our clients and navigate future challenges. On the Future Leaders Committee, I will advocate for a community that continues to make strides towards upholding our traditional values of collegiality and unity.
Ryan Mitchell
I am a Legal Practitioner Director at V.A.J. Byrne & Co. Lawyers which is a medium sized, technology focused firm serving the Gladstone and Bundaberg Regions. Having grown up, studied, and practiced in different regional areas I am passionate about supporting, and advocating for, regional practitioners. Whilst I practice primarily in Wills & Estates and Personal Injury Law, I have a generalist background having previously worked in the family, property, commercial, criminal and domestic violence jurisdictions. Having previously served as Vice President in my District Law Association, I am alive to the issues faced by young solicitors in the regions. I believe my broad experience and exposure to the challenges faced by regional practitioners places me in a position where I can bring a new, and at times unheard, perspective to the Future Leaders Committee.
Shasta Turnbull
Being FIF (first in family) to attend tertiary education, it was my goal to offer opportunities within my firm to young members of the legal profession who may have been overlooked by conventional firms. I started my firm when I was 25 years old with a goal to have an all female team, I have achieved that with 6 female employees.
The main focus of my practice is SME business law and Property. My passion is to help first to lawyer clients, to help them get to where they want to be. Specialising in Female led and owned small business and Investors.
Being a mum has shaped my practice, I have taken a special interest in discovering how to enrich the lives of working mums especially in the legal industry. My goal for 2023 is to establish a networking event providing tools and resources to working mums in professional careers.
Brittany Sandeman
I am a litigation and dispute resolution lawyer with Cooper Grace Ward having previously worked in micro and small firms focusing on commercial litigation. I believe that leadership is achieved through service, something I aim to embody in my personal and professional life. Prior to admission, I mentored law students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, or who were the first in their family to attend university – similar to my own journey, as well as coming from a regional background. These relationships continue, whilst I also provide informal support to other practitioners in similar situations, and assist with managing part of my firm's pro bono service. Through the committee, I would focus on enhancing support for those entering the profession from non-law backgrounds and regional communities, and creating more opportunities for early-career lawyers to develop their own professional networks. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, sport and training my new puppy.
Amy Clarke
I am a property and commercial lawyer in Brisbane, and I regularly volunteer at Hub Community Legal by advising members of the community on estate matters. I enjoy using my legal skills to get a practical outcome for my clients. I enjoy a good coffee, trying out art classes (usually of the ‘and sip’ variety), and going to dog meet ups in my spare time. Young lawyers are an important driver for change. I think it is important for the legal profession to take steps to implement change in order to keep up with the technology advances that our clients have already embraced. We also need to work to improve access to justice and allow the community to have the benefit of legal processes without undue delay or cost. I would like to help the Future Leaders committee contribute to the future of the profession.
Sakshi Bhati
I wish to be an ordinary member of the QLS Future leaders committee to facilitate lobbying agendas that are important for lawyers from different demographic groups in Queensland. Being an international here in Queensland, I also wish to assist and advocate for international legal practitioners as well. I also wish to address community members’ issues while dealing with lawyers or self-litigating. I am currently practising in commercial litigation and corporate practice with a mid-tier law firm where most of our clients are small to medium businesses. My interests outside of the legal profession include travelling, hiking and cooking. I also enjoy quality time with friends and family.
Mathai Joshi
I’m a solicitor in Townsville North Queensland, currently working a Connolly Suthers Lawyers. The firm is one of the largest firms in Regional Queensland outside of Brisbane, and I practice in Criminal Defence, Domestic and Family Violence Law. I am incredibly proud to be practising in regional/rural Queensland and I like to get involved in as much as possible. Currently, I am serving as a member on the Access to Justice and Pro Bono Committee with the Queensland Law Society, as well as a Committee Member for the Townsville District Law Association. I am passionate about advancing the issues important to the profession in regional/rural Queensland and helping Junior Members of the profession navigate through all aspects of practice. If I am elected to the QLS Future Leaders Committee, I promise to be a voice for regional and rural lawyers and advocate for greater opportunities and improvements for Junior lawyers.
Ashleigh Shea
I currently practice across a broad range of fields including Personal Injuries, Commercial Law and Wills and Estates law at IM Lawyers. Working in a small practice, I feel fortunate to have gotten hands on experience across a broad range of subject matters so early in my career. I've enjoyed that this certainly ensures no two days every look the same. Outside of law I send a lot of time applying a different set of rules, umpiring netball and enjoy what I call cooking but what others probably call "making a mess in the kitchen". Through the Committee, I hope to explore how young members of our profession can be supported through the challenges and stressors involved in our work, including training young lawyers about the complexities of working with, and where possible, supporting the increasing number of clients who, themselves, are facing mental health struggles.
Sian Griffiths
Equal access to justice is a guiding principle for my practice as a lawyer. I am passionate about providing access to high quality, trauma informed and client centred advice, particularly in the areas of administrative and family law. I began my career volunteering at a community legal service in 2017 and have continued this focus into my current role as a senior lawyer in the community sector. I have been the driving force behind our service's volunteering program, and I have a strong focus on supporting law students and young lawyers to gain experience in the community legal sector. My rationale for joining this committee is to utilise and build upon the skills I have gained through collaboration with likeminded peers. As part of the Future Leaders Committee, I will continue to encourage young lawyers to break down barriers in access to justice and foster their interest in community work.
Francesca Barnes
After spending my first 4 years as a lawyer in personal injury, I changed scope and have spent the last 3 years in commercial litigation with a focus on the building and construction industry. While my career trajectory has not been the most unique or complex, I have understood the difficulties and stresses of being a young lawyer, not knowing where is best to seek guidance, resources or mentorship. Now that I am more settled in my practice, I wish to direct my energy towards the future leaders of our profession, to help guide them and assist in setting up the resources, education and mentoring to ensure our future leaders have the best opportunity to thrive in their own given career paths.
Kimia Zarei
As a dedicated and driven young lawyer practising in personal injury law, I am eager to join and support the Future Leaders Committee and its objectives. I have a strong passion for making a positive difference in the legal profession by creating a diverse and inclusive community, and by facilitating opportunities for learning and growth alongside other young lawyers. My role with the Queensland Young Lawyers (“QYL”), both as a general committee member in 2022 and as Vice President in 2023, has been a rewarding experience to date through the organisation of opportunities for early career lawyers who also share a passion of contributing to the profession. I believe my experience, continued involvement with QYL and other volunteer community service providers, professional network and commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive community for other young lawyers, makes me a strong candidate for the Future Leaders Committee.
Jessica Heron
I’m currently practising in employment and industrial law. My practice largely consists of workplace disputes involving sexual harassment and, race, disability, sex and pregnancy discrimination. There is a strong public interest element to this work, as discrimination law isn’t well understood by legal practitioners and is underutilised as a result.
Specialising in employment law, I’m aware of the barriers that women face in the workplace and have identified areas for law reform to remedy this. In 2022, with the support of Maurice Blackburn, I established a national campaign with our firm’s union partners, to address women’s health/reproductive issues and their entitlements at work, this included discussing the right to menstrual/menopause leave and flexible work options. It’s my goal to create a legal pathway for women to be able to seek the support they need to thrive in the workplace, without having to hide their pain or symptoms.
Gemma Kruger
Having worked in Toowoomba, Roma, Mount Isa and now Brisbane, I have insight into the challenges and nuances of working as a young lawyer in rural and metropolitan Queensland. I am excited by the opportunity of collaborating with and learning from like-minded practitioners with the shared goal of making meaningful contributions to the future of our profession. I now practise exclusively in family and relationship law and, with the support of Lander & Rogers, volunteer with both the Women's Legal Service and LGBTI Legal Service. Outside work hours, you'll find me on the netball court, visiting family or at the footy. I am committed to contributing my time and effort to the Future Leaders Committee. I look forward to continuing to celebrate our achievements, and sharing in the challenges we face, as future leaders of the legal profession in Queensland
Niki Schomberg
I am a family lawyer at Hartley Family Law in Brisbane. I have practiced in boutique and mid-tier firms, gaining an appreciation of the challenges faced by young lawyers. My priority is supporting mental health initiatives for junior members of our profession. I have been a board member of Queensland Young Lawyers and the Family Law Practitioners Association of Queensland where I assisted in hosting social and CPD events for young lawyers. I have been recognised as a ‘Family Law Rising Star’ for Queensland in Doyle’s Guide in 2020 and 2023 and have been listed in the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland Inspo List for 2022. During out of office hours, you will find me playing tennis or eating at the latest restaurant to open in Brisbane (massive foodie). If elected, I look forward to being part of a committee dedicated to promoting the interests of young lawyers.
Nik Papavasiliou
An aspiring advocate with zeal for progress, I am a dedicated and driven young lawyer engaged at Allens with experience across commercial real estate and disputes. While the profession has traditionally been slow to embrace avant-garde technology, I firmly believe that young lawyers must explore, scrutinise, and serve as the bastion of future legal practice. Without astute consideration, guidance, and a proper twenty-first century pivot, our roles will soon be antiquated. Ignorance to our irrelevance is no solution.
With experience operating varied pro bono initiatives, including as a mentor, advisor and advocate for eleven years, I will demonstrate unwavering dedication in attempting to better the opportunities of young lawyers in Queensland. I possess a passion for emerging technology alongside diverse and non-standard problem-solving methods as a complement to black-letter law. Through a unified committee front, I am eager to advance the strategic goals of young lawyers across the State.
Calum Woods
Calum is a Senior Associate at Lander & Rogers specialising in employment law. He is the Legal Profession Representative on the management committee of the Industrial Relations Society of Queensland, the leading body for industrial relations practitioners in Queensland. He has been on the committee for 4 years. Cal previously volunteered with the Brisbane North Community Legal Service for 5 years, and now contributes to pro bono initiatives through LawRight and Justice Connect. He is passionate about promoting positive mental health for young lawyers. Before entering private practise, Cal was the Associate to Commissioner Spencer at the Fair Work Commission and later a senior advisor within one of Queensland's oldest industry associations, contributing to law reform at all levels. Outside of the law, Cal is an AFL and F1 fan, and has been learning the piano for 25+ years (and still hopes one day to actually be able to play).
Brendan Reidy
Since my admission in 2017, I have been incredibly fortunate to have gained valuable legal experience in both Queensland and overseas.
Throughout my time in the legal profession so far, I have worked in Gold Coast and Brisbane law firms in the areas of litigation, dispute resolution and insolvency; and also, in London at the largest public inquiry ever to be held in the United Kingdom. After having returned to Queensland at the height of the pandemic, I now find myself back home practicing on the Gold Coast.
In applying for the Future Leaders Committee, I hope to be able to apply the broad experiences that I have gained in the profession thus far for the benefit of our community. The legal profession is changing rapidly, and it is essential that early career lawyers have a say in the future path that we take.
Benita Sorensen
Now a dispute resolution lawyer at MinterEllison, my path to law included a prior career in sales and operations management, a policy internship, working in-house and a pandemic 'pivot'. This bespoke pathway provided insight into a variety of challenges faced by our cohort. As a Future Leaders Committee member, I want to advocate for support for early career lawyers that better recognises the spectrum of challenges faced by our emerging legal industry. I also see a great opportunity to build collegiality and elevate the skill set of our cohort by encouraging lateral mentoring between early career lawyers from different backgrounds, to share and capitalise on their diverse experiences and strengths. Beyond my day job, I'm privileged to serve as minute secretary to the board of Challenge DV, a social enterprise working to end domestic violence. In my downtime, I'm gratefully enjoying the return of live gigs and travel.
Angus Lillicrap
In the current age of ‘quiet quitting,’ ever increasing financial pressures, burn-out and poor work/life balance, the difficulties facing junior lawyers can feel insurmountable. Issues with mental health affect the entirety of the legal profession, and especially those just starting out. I have personally struggled with issues in previous workplaces that caused me to want to leave law; feeling overworked, isolated, without guidance, not good enough and under pressure to sacrifice personal commitments for work. I believe that there is more to be done to support and assist those in the early years of their careers. I currently work in commercial litigation at GRT Lawyers. Volunteering to advocate for my peers isn’t something that I would usually do but I am ready to step outside my current boundaries to make this a priority. I really do think that this should be a significant focus of the QLS moving forward.
James Vercoe
My primary focus in joining the FLC is to ensure that our emerging members are strongly supported through the early stages of their careers. When lawyers join the profession, they face new challenges but offer new perspectives and innovative ways of solving problems. I want to help shape our profession towards positive partnerships with our more experienced members, so that the benefits of both experience and innovation can be shared.
A strong passion of mine is fostering positive mental health, particularly in the legal profession which assists people who are often distressed. I want to ensure that we continue to support our profession, which has historically had significantly high levels of mental health struggles among its practitioners.
I am currently seconded to the National Disability Insurance Agency, and I take great pride in putting people at the centre of my practice. I will bring that same drive to the FLC.