Part of a lawyer’s DNA is a desire to assist those in need, McCullough Robertson’s Pro Bono team Partner Tim Longwill said at the Queensland Law Society Excellence in Law Awards gala on Saturday night.
Tim accepted the 2025 Pro Bono Team of the Year Award on behalf of the firm for its Community Partnerships Program (CPP). McCullough Robertson has a dedicated CPP Committee of 15 staff who identify opportunities, drive engagement and assist with outreach.
“We become lawyers from a range of reasons but one of the things we do share is this desire to assist people who are in need and that is already an opportunity for us,” Tim said.
“I am humbled given the presence of the participation of the other nominees, in particular the LGBTI Legal Service who does an outstanding job.
“This award represents and reflects the firm’s dedication to the area and I’m simply representative of literally hundreds of people who participate and give their time on a pro-bono basis.
“I do want to acknowledge one person in particular – that’s our Chief Operating Officer Kim Trajer whose passion for pro bono legal assistance assists us to drive our contribution.
“We are almost 100 years old, McCullough Robertson, and we have had the privilege of working alongside community legal clinics, not-for-profit organisations and sector leaders across areas including community, housing, health, the arts, education and diversity.
“As we approach this centenary milestone, we will remain focused on furthering our impact.”
Claire McGee received her award from Cullen Hayes
of Legal Home Loans.
The Emerging Leader of the Year Award was also presented at the gala with winner Claire McGee of Gilshenan & Luton saying she would “follow the rules” and keep her speech brief.
The Senior Associate congratulated the all-female list of finalists and said it “is really incredible to see so many female emerging leaders in the law this evening”.
She also thanked her mentors, many from Gilshenan & Luton, for their support.
An accomplished criminal and misconduct lawyer, Claire is a QLS Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law. Her career includes roles in both Australia and the UK, such as work as an Adjudicator with the Housing Ombudsman Service in London and as an Associate at Edmonds Marshall McMahon, specialising in white-collar crime.
Claire is committed to fostering a healthy, inclusive workplace culture and is actively involved in professional organisations, including the Medico-Legal Society of Queensland and the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland.
Keep an eye on Proctor for more award articles.
Share this article