Peter Jolly
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 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 board experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
I am currently Vice President of Council, with a thorough understanding of the work Council does. I have 40 years experience as a practitioner and have held leadership and governance roles in my firm, on Council and Council committees and on private company boards. I am highly regarded by peers and clients for my commercial expertise and collaborative approach.
How will you contribute to QLS's vision? (QLS’s vision: we are for good law and good lawyers serving the public good and we want to be the leading voice in the legal profession, fostering excellence in law, access to justice and the rule of law.)
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.
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.
Sarah-Jane MacDonald
Sarah-Jane is a family lawyer based on the Darling Downs, passionate about ensuring regional practitioners have a strong voice in our profession. She has proudly served as an Ordinary Council Member and now seeks to continue that service while nominating for Deputy President. With over a decade of experience, Sarah-Jane understands the realities of practice across Queensland. She contributes to the QLS Domestic & Family Violence Policy Committee and the Practice Management Committee, bringing a regional perspective to important policy discussions. Sarah-Jane is also a Director of Lifeline Darling Downs & South West Queensland and values connection and community, both within the profession and beyond. She is committed to supporting people (and solicitors) at every stage of their careers. Away from work, she is often hanging out with her dog, an English Cocker Spaniel named Alfred.
What special skills, attributes or board experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
Sarah-Jane brings over a decade of legal experience, service as a current QLS Councillor, and leadership as Director of Lifeline Darling Downs & South West Queensland. With governance skills, strategic decision-making, and advocacy for regional practitioners; she contributes a balanced and practical perspective to Council. She's committed to ensuring the profession remains connected, supportive and forward-facing.
How will you contribute to QLS's vision? (QLS’s vision: we are for good law and good lawyers serving the public good and we want to be the leading voice in the legal profession, fostering excellence in law, access to justice and the rule of law.)
Sarah-Jane will contribute by bringing a regional perspective and a genuine commitment to supporting solicitors at every stage of their careers. By focusing on connection, access to justice, and practical solutions, She will help QLS be a strong, approachable voice for good law and good lawyers.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
Sarah-Jane is motivated by connection, service, and guiding people through challenging times. As a solicitor, she has witnessed the difference compassion makes. On Council, she’ll bring those same values—listening, collaborating, and advocating to ensure solicitors feel supported and represented.
Craig Chapman
Serving in a leadership role with QLS is a privilege, and an opportunity to give back to the legal profession. I’ve always been among the first to volunteer within community organisations or within our profession. I was appointed to Council in 2024 and would be honoured to be elected as Vice President for 2026. I am currently a member of the Committee of Management and importantly, am Council representative on the Early Career Skills Working Group; a Group tasked with strengthening the competencies of early career lawyers. I was an active participant in Bond University’s research project into job readiness of law graduates. As the father of three law students, I am passionate about improving the skills, training and pathways for early career lawyers. I would welcome the opportunity to continue my focus on early career lawyers and help them have long and fulfilling careers in law, as Vice President.
What special skills, attributes or board experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
I have significant board and leadership experience in private practice including Dentons Head of Brisbane Office since 2020, Dentons Global Advisory Committee since 2022 and Dentons Australia Board since 2022. As General Counsel for Bank of Queensland, I was an observer and participant at Board meetings, on the Bank’s Executive Committee and an Executive Director of all operating subsidiaries.
How will you contribute to QLS's vision? (QLS’s vision: we are for good law and good lawyers serving the public good and we want to be the leading voice in the legal profession, fostering excellence in law, access to justice and the rule of law.)
I have led graduate lawyer programmes at three firms and have been involved in industry efforts to improve the early career lawyer experience. I would use that experience to contribute to QLS’s vision for the sustainable future of its members by focusing my energies on developing better educational and training pathways to improve the transition from law school to practice.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
We are simply guardians of the profession; it is incumbent on us to leave the profession in a better position than we found it. The critical role of lawyers is being challenged by technological advancements, AI and indifferent vocational training. My focus would be on future-proofing the profession. The Society must be at the forefront of innovation.
Rebecca Anderson
Rebecca has been an active member of the Queensland Law Society (QLS) since 2018 and serves as the Chair of the QLS Elder Law Committee since 2020. In this role, she leads state and federal advocacy efforts in elder law matters, policy submissions, and inter-jurisdictional collaboration. Additionally, Rebecca has contributed to various symposiums, and conferences sharing her expertise and insights on legal education, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. Rebecca practices in the areas of disability, elder law, mental health, and supported decision-making and actively participates in state and federal policy engagement. She is an accredited Legal Aid Queensland (LAQ) Practitioner for the Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT). Outside the legal profession, Rebecca is deeply involved in her community. She has served as a board member and president of her local football club, and children’s schools. Rebecca is also a mental health first aid accredited professional.
What special skills, attributes or board experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
I possess strong leadership, advocacy, and collaboration skills. My experience in managing diverse teams, working with stakeholders, and improving client outcomes makes me a standout candidate for Council. Many years' experience on boards as President, Chair, gives me valuable insight into leadership. My expertise in legal education ensures that participants are well-prepared and equipped to achieve objectives.
How will you contribute to QLS's vision? (QLS’s vision: we are for good law and good lawyers serving the public good and we want to be the leading voice in the legal profession, fostering excellence in law, access to justice and the rule of law.)
I will contribute to QLS's vision by leveraging my extensive experience in legal advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and education. My commitment to advancing human rights and improving access to justice aligns with QLS's goals. I will foster excellence in law and support the rule of law through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
I am motivated by a commitment to improving access to justice, which requires positive and productive collaboration with all stakeholders to foster inclusive legal and social frameworks. I will bring these values to Council by advocating for Queenslanders, collaborating with stakeholders, and promoting legal education to ensure equitable outcomes for all.
James (Jim) Conomos
Jim is the Managing Director and Founder of JCL Law Partners (previously James Conomos Lawyers) in Brisbane and has served as a QLS Councillor since April 2023. With almost 40 years of experience in the legal profession, Jim specialises in commercial litigation, dispute resolution, commercial advice, personal and corporate insolvency and contract law. Since 2012 Jim has been recognised in Doyles Guide. He was most recently recognised in the 2025 Doyles Guide as a Preeminent Lawyer in Insolvency and Reconstruction and a Leading Lawyer in Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution. He is also recognised in Insolvency and Reorganisation Law by Best Lawyers. Jim has published on numerous topics including insolvency, negotiation, liability and reform in IR Global and Corporate LiveWire. Jim is a member of the LCA Insolvency and Reconstruction Law Committee and has been the previous Queensland State and National Chair of the LCA Insolvency and Reconstruction Committee.
What special skills, attributes or board experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
I consider the notion of service to be of utmost importance. The very basis of the legal system is that lawyers serve the needs of their client in order to exceed expectations and achieve the best result possible. It is this desire to contribute to the Queensland legal profession which prompted me to express interest in a seat on Council.
How will you contribute to QLS's vision? (QLS’s vision: we are for good law and good lawyers serving the public good and we want to be the leading voice in the legal profession, fostering excellence in law, access to justice and the rule of law.)
I resonate with QLS’s 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 the QLS to make a positive difference in the community.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
Having established my firm with a commitment to service, I am passionate about mentoring lawyers and supporting professional growth. I seek to make a broader contribution to the legal community, voicing the profession’s concerns and championing increased access to justice, while representing the interests of solicitors across Queensland with integrity and dedication.
Sarah Grace
I’ve dedicated my career to serving both the legal profession and the community, with a strong focus on fairness, access to justice, and sustainable policy reform. As past President of the Australian Lawyers Alliance (QLD), I’ve worked with government, industry, and community stakeholders to protect the rights of injured people and strengthen our compensation schemes. Practising in personal injury law allows me to walk alongside people during some of their toughest times—and that’s shaped my passion for advocacy, innovation, and reform. I’m also a proud mum of two amazing kids, which fuels my drive to mentor junior lawyers and help build a profession that’s ready for the future.
What special skills, attributes or board experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
ALA QLD Past President, QLS Innovation Committee member and Kindergarten President and School P & C's, I bring visionary leadership, governance expertise, and a passion for progressive change. My experience spans legal, and community sectors—driving inclusive, transparent decision-making and future-focused policy. I champion collaboration, sustainability, and bold ideas that serve and uplift our diverse community.
How will you contribute to QLS's vision? (QLS’s vision: we are for good law and good lawyers serving the public good and we want to be the leading voice in the legal profession, fostering excellence in law, access to justice and the rule of law.)
I will champion innovation, inclusion, and integrity—advancing good law and empowering good lawyers. With ALA presidency and QLS Innovation Committee experience, I bring strategic insight to foster excellence, uphold the rule of law, and expand access to justice. I’m committed to amplifying QLS’s voice as a trusted leader serving the public good.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
- Support and guide the profession
- Lead with integrity and innovation
- Advocate for access to justice
- Collaborate across the legal community
- Embrace the future—including AI and sustainable practice
Ashleigh Harrison
I am a Cairns based lawyer and QLS Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law. I was recently recommended in the 2025 Queensland Doyle's Guide for Motor Vehicle Compensation Lawyers. I have over a decade of experience and I currently practise locally in a boutique firm, FNQ Legal. I enjoy being able to offer quality representation and personalised service to my clients. I have previously worked in a large national firm and over my career have represented people from across Far North Queensland and beyond. I am passionate about representing the profession in North Queensland and was part of the NQLA committee for almost 10 years, serving as President in 2022.In my spare time, I try and get out to the reef and stock the freezer with fish.
What special skills, attributes or board experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
I was a committee member of the NQLA for almost 10 years, holding various executive positions including President in 2022. Being a Cairns local, I am well known and regarded locally by the profession. I am aware of the issues that regional practitioners face in North Queensland and am well placed to act as a voice for them.
How will you contribute to QLS's vision? (QLS’s vision: we are for good law and good lawyers serving the public good and we want to be the leading voice in the legal profession, fostering excellence in law, access to justice and the rule of law.)
Too often, regional lawyers only make their voices heard when urgent problems become crises. I want to bring a steady, practical regional perspective to QLS decision making. I will bring a clear voice to the QLS and will push for pragmatic, fundable solutions.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
Access to justice and to fair and equitable representation should not depend on where a person lives. I intend to be a voice for regional practitioners tonsure that hey have access to and are equipped with the training, skills and connections they need in order the thrive, including affordable CPD, recruitment and retention.
Chloe Parsons-Pope
I work in Commercial Litigation as a fierce litigator, and I stand for good governance, next-generation advocacy, and the betterment of lawyers in Queensland. I hold the GAICD accreditation from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and am a Master of Laws Candidate (LLM) at the University of Melbourne. My unwavering commitment to the profession includes serving as a Member of the QLS Ethics and Diversity Committee, QLS Liaison for the BAQ Equal Opportunity & Diversity Committee, Assistant Treasurer of Women Lawyers Association Queensland (WLAQ), Treasurer of Queensland Young Lawyers (QYL) and Committee Member of Women in Finance Queensland. As QLS Councillor, I will create opportunities for, and build, a future-ready legal profession, champion and be a strong voice for practitioners at every stage in their legal career, and help shape an inclusive, future-facing and supportive profession.
What special skills, attributes or board experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
I bring significant corporate governance experience, backed by the GAICD and executive positions across multiple organisations. What sets me apart? A sharp strategic mindset grounded in risk, governance and results. Driven by a strong ethical compass and a passion for advocacy, like in Commercial Litigation, I thrive on complexity, and I never shy away from a challenge.
How will you contribute to QLS's vision? (QLS’s vision: we are for good law and good lawyers serving the public good and we want to be the leading voice in the legal profession, fostering excellence in law, access to justice and the rule of law.)
Leading with intention and by example, I am contactable, approachable, and always open to hearing your views. I am committed to representing the profession with integrity and will always act in its best interest. As QLS Councillor, I will work hard to ensure QLS remains a trusted, leading voice for good law, good lawyers and public good.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
What really drives me is ‘heart and horsepower’ along with integrity, fairness and community spirit. Bringing a strong, solutions-oriented voice to Council, I am focused on supporting legal practitioners at every stage of their career, whether you're just starting out, transitioning from another profession, or require advice and guidance along your legal journey.
Mark Rowbotham
My career focus has always been on serving the community and the legal profession with expert legal advice and a strong emphasis on access to justice. I have worked closely with various government bodies and board's to advocate for injured people whose lives have been affected by circumstances outside of their control. That said I feel my career has also been a balanced one having experience representing both the injured and the insurer. In my home life, I am a father of 3 boys, who are now young men. They motivate me to actively lead and shape the future of society and the future of the profession.
What special skills, attributes or board experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
Barristers and Solicitors board student (1994-1999), Admission to the bar 2000, Admission as solicitor 2003, UK Personal Injury experience 2000 - 2003, PMC Principal Practicing Certificate, Member of the Board Wynnum Manly Seagulls Rugby League Football Club Limited (November 2014 to November 2016), Director LHD Lawyers (June 2014 to July 2024).
How will you contribute to QLS's vision? (QLS’s vision: we are for good law and good lawyers serving the public good and we want to be the leading voice in the legal profession, fostering excellence in law, access to justice and the rule of law.)
I’ll work closely and collaboratively with legal profession members and the community to support the QLS vision whilst expanding on access to justice through innovation and change. I bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills to be in a position to be a respected, trusted leader to serve our community and profession of existing and future generations of lawyers.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
Collaborate with the profession and the community – advise, support and guide the profession – Advocate for access to justice – Commitment to the profession – lead with honesty and integrity for the good of the profession and the community – Advocate and support change – Support members – Unite the profession.
Phil Ware
Phil Ware LLB (Hons), LLM, MBA, GAICD is a highly experienced lawyer and governance executive with notable contributions to the QLS. Phil commenced in private practice at Feez Ruthning, now Allens, in 1988.
He has been the General Counsel at a government owned energy entity for the last 25 years, and is a second term QLS Councillor serving on numerous QLS committees.
Phil has been a member of the QUT Alumni Board and is currently on the Board of the Camerata Chamber Orchestra. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and Resolution Institute member, and an accredited probity adviser/auditor.
He is currently learning the double bass and is the father of a delightful 4yo.
What special skills, attributes or board experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
- QLS Member 35 years.
- Extensive experience in law, governance and executive management within complex policy and regulatory environments.
- QLS Councillor (Second Term)
- Extensive experience of the QLS's operations and regulatory responsibilities.
- Fidelity Fund Committee (Chair)
- In-house Counsel Committee (Chair)
- Finance and Risk Committee
- Professional Conduct Committee
- Governance Committee
- ADR Committee
- Wellbeing Working Group
- Mining and Resources (Previous)
How will you contribute to QLS's vision? (QLS’s vision: we are for good law and good lawyers serving the public good and we want to be the leading voice in the legal profession, fostering excellence in law, access to justice and the rule of law.)
“Good Law, Good Lawyers, For the Public Good" is a longstanding, but enduring and dynamic, vision which encapsulates the work of the QLS as a professional membership organisation, co-regulator, professional indemnity insurance provider and respected voice in law reform.
I relish the prospect of continuing my support for this vision, especially regarding rural/regional/remote; early career; and inhouse practitioners.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
I believe strongly in professionalism, competency, client service, good governance, strict probity, mentoring and collegiality and have promoted these values at every opportunity throughout my career, including on Council.
In a world where laypeople will be tempted to resort to ChatGPT and, so-called, AI for uncurated legal “advice", these traits become even more important differentiators of credible legal expertise.
Jon Wiedman
I am one of five directors of Hede Byrne and Hall a regional practice in Toowoomba, Warwick and Roma, employing about 40 staff in Toowoomba, Warwick and Roma. I joined the firm as an article clerk in 1992, becoming a director in 2000. I now practice almost exclusively in succession law and related areas including drafting wills and powers of attorney, estate administration, trusts and related litigation. I am the Secretary of the Downs and South West Queensland Law Association and sit on the QLS Succession Law Committee. Outside of law, I have qualifications in sports medicine and sports massage, and I am active as a trainer with the Coolaroo Australian Football Club in Toowoomba.
What special skills, attributes or board experience do you possess that makes you stand out as a candidate for Council?
As a director in my legal practice I set strategic vision and direction and provide leadership to produce a collegiate and collaborative workpIace. I am a board member of the Toowoomba Catholic Diocese Finance Board and Toowoomba Schools Office, and a director of Sunrise Way Rehabilitation Limited, which operates a rehabilitation facility in Toowoomba.
How will you contribute to QLS's vision? (QLS’s vision: we are for good law and good lawyers serving the public good and we want to be the leading voice in the legal profession, fostering excellence in law, access to justice and the rule of law.)
After being in legal practice for some 30 years, including time as an articled clerk, I enjoy the opportunity to give back to the profession and the community. I see service as a Councillor as an opportunity to be an advocate for the profession particularly in regional communities, so that all regions continue to be serviced by good quality lawyers.
What ideals or values motivate you as a solicitor and how will you bring those to Council?
Acting honestly, ethically and truthfully maintains trust and upholds the reputation of the profession. A recognition that the community expects the highest standard of integrity from those who are entrusted to practise law. A commitment to represent the QLS and it's members to continue to maintain the trust and confidence of the community that we serve.