Northern lawyers were honoured and congratulated for their range of skills and dedication at the Queensland Law Society Celebrate Recognise Socialise (CRS) event in Cairns recently.
Far North Queensland Law Association President Lynette Lyons spoke at the CRS where four practitioners – Julie Bosel, Kevin Duffy, David Anthony and John Hayward – were recognised for 25 years in the profession on Wednesday night. His Honour Judge Dean Morzone KC also spoke at the function.
“Reaching 25 years in practice is no small milestone. It reflects not only thousands of hours of legal work, but also decades of resilience, dedication and service to clients and the community,” she said.
“Along the way, our recipients have guided people through some of their most challenging moments and no doubt mentored and encouraged junior practitioners. It is a true testament to dedication, perseverance and to the enduring value of our profession.
“Practising in the regions often means wearing many hats – not just as lawyers, but as colleagues, friends, and community leaders. The contributions our recipients have made over the past 25 years have extended well beyond their offices.”
Lynette said the four recipients, although unable to take part, had set examples for the profession.
“It is about facing the inevitable challenges of practice and still showing up with professionalism and care. The consistency and adaptability shown by our recipients are qualities that make the Queensland profession strong. Each of their contributions has left a lasting mark on the profession and the people in our community,” she said.
“In the Far North, we see these qualities reflected in our values of collegiality and mentorship. They remind us that the practice of law is not just an individual pursuit, but a collective effort. When experienced practitioners share their knowledge and experience, they inspire early career and junior lawyers and ensure that integrity, professionalism, and justice continue to guide us into the future. Our four recipients exemplify this tradition.
“On behalf of the Far North Queensland Law Association, I extend our warmest congratulations to this years’ recipients Julie, Kevin, David and John. Thank you for their dedication to the legal industry.”
The FNQLA President also thanked Queensland Law Society for hosting this evening.
“Events like these remind us that no matter where we practice across the state, we are all sharing the same values, challenges and achievements,” she said.
The CRS event was followed by the QLS Connect CPD breakfast on Thursday.
QLS President Genevieve Dee said QLS Connect events were important.
“Today presents a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow practitioners from Cairns and surrounding regions and gain insights from an engaging session covering key legal updates across multiple practice areas,” the President said.
“Events like this are designed to connect directly with practitioners in rural and remote areas, as we’re keen to ensure you are seen, heard, and supported.
“It’s an opportunity to highlight the ways the Society can assist, support, and educate members across the entire state, not just in metropolitan areas.
“We want to encourage more regional voices to get involved in the work of QLS, whether that’s through joining committees, contributing to education content, or presenting at events.
“It is a great follow up from last night’s Celebrate, Recognise, Socialise event. It was also a valuable opportunity to connect in person with representatives from the Far North Queensland Law Association.
“We deeply value our strong working relationship with them and appreciate the ongoing partnership that continues to support and strengthen our shared goals.”
Some of the issues addressed at QLS Connect included anti-money laundering compliance, seller disclosure obligations, recent court updates and digitisation projects, the evolving role of AI in the legal profession and new educational resources for domestic and family violence matters.
Cairns 25-year pins will be awarded to David Anthony, Julie Bosel, Kevin Duffy and John Hayward.
Julie Bosel – Peters Bosel Lawyers
After graduating from James Cook University, Julie has worked in her chosen field since 1999, leading the employment and workplace relations team as a partner at MacDonnells Law before joining Mark Peters to establish Peters Bosel Lawyers in July 2011.
Julie practises primarily in employment law and commercial litigation matters.
Kevin Duffy – Gayler Cleland
Admitted as a solicitor of the Queensland Supreme Court in 1992, Kevin is a born and bred Cairns local with more than 30 years’ experience as a solicitor.
He practises mainly in wills, deceased estates and personal injury claims.
Kevin also acts for seriously injured plaintiffs in personal injury claims as a result of motor vehicle or work accidents.
He is a life member of Rovers Cricket Club and Manunda Hawks Australian Football Club.
John Hayward – WGC Lawyers
For 25 years, WGC Lawyers Director John Hayward has carved out a career helping employers and employees.
John started his legal career as an Associate to the Honourable Justice Stanley Jones AO of the Supreme Court of Queensland at Cairns. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, John enjoys working with boards and committees on governance and management matters. He is actively involved with the AICD and the Queensland Law Society and assists many not-for-profit and charitable organisations.
John has been involved with the following committees – Management since 2020, Ethics Advisory since 2020 and Litigation Rules since 2022. He has been a QLS Senior Counsellor since 2019.
David Anthony – David Anthony Solicitors
Based in Mareeba, David sponsors the local league team, Mareeba Gladiators.
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