The ‘special qualities’ of the Sunshine Coast legal profession were celebrated recently along with four extra-special practitioners who were marking 25 years of service.
Peter Arthur (Mooloolaba Law), Tove Easton (Easton Lawyers), Andrew Ellison (Gardiners Lawyers) and Tim Hishon (ATSILS) were recognised by the Queensland Law Society at the Celebrate Recognise Socialise event at Mooloolaba last week with silver membership pins and certificates.
Maroochydore-based QLS Councillor Samantha Bolton, who gave the toast to the profession, said the Sunshine Coast legal community was “something special”.
“We’re big enough to have depth and expertise, but small enough to still care about each other – to share a coffee, a file, or the occasional whispered “good luck” outside the courtroom doors – to know each other by name, to collaborate rather than compete, and to uphold a genuine sense of collegiality,” Samantha said.
“It’s a community where professional respect and personal kindness often go hand in hand, and that is something to be proud of.
“There’s a closeness here that sets us apart – maybe it’s the salt air, maybe it’s the lack of parking near the courthouse, or maybe it’s just that coastal balance we all try to keep between doing serious work and still catching a wave, a sunset, or a glass of something cold at the end of the day.”
She said the attendees were not just celebrating years of service but “decades of integrity, collegiality and community”.
“To our honourees – thank you for the mentorship, the advocacy and the steady hands you’ve lent to this profession. You have helped shape not only the law, but the collegial spirit we’re proud of here on the Sunshine Coast,” Samantha said.
“The legal profession – our profession – is not an easy road. It asks for intellect, compassion, integrity and, at times, a sense of humour strong enough to survive an email chain gone wrong.
“It’s a calling that can be demanding, but also deeply rewarding – for at its heart, the law is about people, fairness, and the fabric that holds our community together.
“Twenty-five years is a testament to dedication and resilience – and long enough to have seen fax machines come and go – and, hopefully, a reminder that the best chapters are still to come.”
Sunshine Coast Law Association President Mala Heffernan also reflected that the evening was about celebrating the legal community and “to honour the longstanding dedication, loyalty, and contributions of some of our colleagues”.
“Reaching 25 or 50 years of QLS membership is no small achievement. It represents decades of perseverance and commitment not only to clients and colleagues, but to the broader community we serve,” Mala said.
“The consistency and adaptability shown over decades of practice is something truly worth celebrating. These qualities are what keep our profession strong, no matter the challenges we face. Each recipient tonight has left a mark, both on the profession and on the people whose lives they’ve touched.
“Your dedication to the legal profession, to your clients, and to the community is truly inspiring, and we are privileged to witness this milestone in your careers.
“In addition to celebrating these important achievements, tonight is also about recognising the many other contributions that make our legal community on the Coast so strong.
“It continues to thrive because of those who share their time, compassion and experience with others. Each of you here tonight has played a role in building a collegial legal community on the Coast and I would also like to thank so many of you who continue to play an active role in the SCLA.”
QLS President-elect Peter Jolly presented the pins and certificates to the 25-year practitioners.
Andrew Ellison
Originally from Brisbane, Andrew graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Applied Science (with a major in Geology). Andrew finished his Articles of Clerkship in 2000 and became a Partner in the firm of John Crossan & Company in 2001. Andrew spent nine years in Emerald before relocating to the Sunshine Coast and becoming the Director of Gardiners Lawyers in 2007.
Tim Hishon
Tim is currently the Regional Manager at the ATSILS Maroochydore Office. Tim has dedicated himself to serving his community and the profession for more than two decades. He is a former member of the QLS Criminal Law Committee on which he served for more than 10 years and earlier this year, Tim received Sunshine Coast Law Association Life Membership. This award is a testament to his significant contributions not just to the SCLA, but to the broader community.
Tove Easton
Tove is the principal lawyer of Easton Lawyers. She has been a solicitor since 2000 and practises in a wide range of areas focusing mainly on commercial law, conveyancing, wills and estate and estate litigation. As well as running her legal practice, Tove is also a keen musician playing the violin as first violinist in the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra since 2004 and also playing the piano. Tove hails from Norway but has called Australia home since 1988. She speaks, reads and writes Norwegian, Danish and Swedish.
Peter Arthur
Peter is the Director of Mooloolaba Law and an Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation. Peter has worked at several Australian firms including Phillips Fox Lawyers and Clayton Utz Lawyers and UK firm Bevan Ashford. Returning to Australia, Peter joined Wallace and Wallace in Mackay, making partner before moving to the Sunshine Coast with his wife and four children.
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