ATSILS lawyer Tim Hishon’s dedication to his work is “legendary”, according to colleagues and peers who were celebrating his Sunshine Coast Law Association life membership this month.
The Regional Manager of the Maroochydore office was presented with the honour at the tenth annual Justin Crosby Memorial Gala Dinner and Bursary event at Twin Waters on 17 May.
Tim receiving his award. Photo: RAW LENS
“It means the world to me for such acknowledgment by my professional peers whom I’m dealing with year round,” Tim said of the honour.
“The Memorial Gala dinner is important as it’s the local legal profession’s ‘event of the year’ and as such brings more people together than any other social function.
“As we practise in different legal jurisdictions, it’s often the one time of the year we get to catch up with some practitioners we don’t otherwise see and it happens to be in a wonderful social setting.
“Justin would be especially touched the bursary that bears his name that has helped many young people in difficult circumstances study law and will continue to.”
Tim recalled his connection to Justin, whose outstanding legal service to the Sunshine Coast community is recognised through the bursary and dinner.
“I first met Justin in January 2000 when I was at Gardiners Lawyers, and amongst other things I looked after as duty lawyer five days a week the Maroochydore Court House and Watch House,” Tim said.
“It was quite rare for Justin and I not to cross paths a few times each week.
“Justin had a very relaxed casualness whilst always maintaining complete professionalism. Justin’s practice up to his passing in 2013 assisted legally aided clients in addition to the many people he acted for in a pro bono capacity.”
ATSILS was thrilled with Tim’s CLA Life Membership Award 2025, posting on social media: “What makes Tim’s achievement even more remarkable is that he is only the 10th person in the SCLA’s history to receive this esteemed recognition.
“Furthermore, he is the first recipient not from private practice, breaking new ground for the award. His nomination garnered widespread support, with endorsements from ATSILS staff, LAQ staff, and colleagues across the private sector – a true reflection of his impact.
“The entire ATSILS team is incredibly proud of Tim and extends our warmest congratulations on this truly well-deserved honour!”
Tim addressing the gala dinner, which
is a profession highlight.
Photo: RAW LENS
The SCLA published a tribute video from members of the profession to congratulate and recognise Tim’s efforts in growing the office from two solicitors to 12, along with tireless work with some of the most vulnerable clients.
ATSILS solicitor Rod Morgan said Tim was “well known to everyone” as he “takes the time to build relationships with respect and humour”.
“Tim Hishon is a lawyer who goes out of his way to assist clients with professionalism and compassion,” Rod said in the tribute.
“If you know Tim, you’ll know what I mean. I’ve also had the privilege to work with Justin Crosby and it is fitting that Tim is recognised for his contribution tonight as he epitomises the same selfless approach to working with vulnerable clients as I observed with Justin.
“Congratulations Tim, you are one of a kind in the best possible way. You deserve this award for your tireless contribution to the Sunshine Coast legal profession over so many years.”
Another ATSILS colleague Luke Bell said Tim was “truly deserving” of the award as a “great mentor” and as he worked for clients daily all the way from Noosa to Caboolture.
“He achieves great results and often gets little praise.”
Ben Rynderman, Director of Lumme Rynderman Legal, said he had been fortunate to see Tim in action.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to witness his advocacy, to be the beneficiary of his knowledge and to have gained an understanding of that which is achievable as a defence advocate,” Ben said in the video.
“We have an opportunity to create outcomes and advocate for outcomes that create a benefit to the community and Tim’s career over a very long time is testament to that which is possible and he’s a shining example of helping those who are less fortunate in the community.”
ATSILS solicitor Sarah Bennett, who has had Tim as a manager for almost 16 years, said Tim had been paramount to the office’s growth, and that the recognition was “not just well deserved but inevitable”.
“I’ve seen firsthand how hard he works each and every day,” she said.
LAQ solicitor John Blayney acknowledged Tim’s many years of service to the profession, including his membership of the Queensland Law Society Criminal Law Committee and “contributing so much there from the time it was founded for many years thereafter”.
“You have stood up against bad practices in the legal profession, you have changed things for the better for our most vulnerable. You continue to serve your community and vulnerable indigenous people every day,” John said.
Stan Rafty, a solicitor at Lever Law and former Gardiners colleague, said Tim was a “credit to the profession which doesn’t always get a lot of credit when it’s deserved. You’re one of the type of people in our profession keep all our heads above water.”
Kylie Anderson, Senior Principal Lawyer LAQ, acknowledged Tim’s guidance and advice to less experienced practitioners.
Cec O’Dea, Special Counsel at Kruger Law, said the life membership was “some recognition of the countless hours you’ve spent in serving the profession and the association”.
He said the honour reflected Tim’s time at ATILS, time volunteering in the community and on committee over two decades. Cec said the membership was a “tremendous reflection” of the type of person Tim was as he went about his work in his own quiet way and “selflessly goes that extra mile”.
He recalled Tim driving a client home late on a Friday night – a round trip of three to four hours – after finding out they had no way home.
SCLA President Mala Heffernan, who attended the gala, said in a social media post: “This annual event is not only a chance for our legal community to come together, but a powerful reminder of Justin’s lasting impact. The evening raises important funds for the Justin Crosby Memorial Bursary, which supports local law students pursuing their legal education.
“Congratulations to Tim Hishon who was awarded a life membership of the SCLA and to Nicole Chee who was awarded the bursary. A heartfelt thank you to the organising committee Jessica Popple, Emma Middleton and Maddison Veivers for putting together such a wonderful event.”
One Response
Tim is a brilliant person and a great “peoples” lawyer. He is one of a kind. I have been honoured to know him since our university days. Congratulations Tim.