It was a night of mixed emotions for Lawyer of the Year winner Jon Wiedman at the 2025 Downs and South West Queensland Law Association (DSWQLA) Awards and annual ball in Toowoomba recently.
The Director at Hede Byrne & Hall Lawyers opened the evening by paying tribute to Paul Hede, who passed away earlier this year, before going on to receive the award.
Jon, who said he was “very humbled and honoured” to accept the award, began his career with the firm in 1992 and paid tribute to his mentors.
“I see the award as being a recognition of my career in law, rather than any particular achievement in the past year,” he said.
“I have practised in Toowoomba for over 30 years, including my time as an articled clerk. As an article clerk, I was fortunate to be mentored by two great lawyers in the late Paul Hede and Bill Byrne.
“I have enjoyed my time in practice in Toowoomba. It is an area with a wealth of experienced and competent solicitors and counsel. It is a great region in which to practice law.
“I am very appreciative of the support of, not only my partners and staff and all those who I have worked with in my time at Hede Byrne and Hall, but my fellow practitioners on the Downs.”
As well as practising in succession and estate matters, Jon is currently the DSWQLA Secretary, sits on the Queensland Law Society’s Succession Law Committee and is a QLS Councillor.
QLS President Genevieve Dee said: “A special congratulations to the award winners, who exemplify the spirit of service and professionalism in legal practice.
“Their achievements highlight the talent that thrives outside of metropolitan centres and remind us how important regional legal practice is to our profession.”
Emerging Lawyer of the Year 2025 was Audrey Akenson.
Audrey is a senior family law solicitor at Wilsons the Family Lawyers and a Toowoomba local.
DSWQLA said: “Both are extremely deserving winners. On behalf of the DSWQLA we extend our congratulations to them both as well the other highly regarded finalists Adelaide Donaldson, Ben Fudge, Johnathon Althaus and Lyrene Wiid.”
About 130 people attended the Alice in Wonderland themed event at the City Hall Annex on 18 October.
His Honour Judge Lynch KC delivered the light-hearted keynote speech.
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