Toowoomba compensation lawyer Katrina Pedersen of Shine Lawyers can remember her admission day clearly even though 25 years have passed.
Katrina was one of four practitioners, including Adrian Hallewell, Chris Sheath and Reagan Wilson, were acknowledged for their 25 years in the profession at the recent Downs and South West Queensland Law Association (DSWQLA) awards and annual night.
Queensland Law Society President Genevieve Dee and CEO Matt Dunn attended the event in Toowoomba on 18 October to present the 25-year silver pins and certificates.
Shine lawyer Christina Strano accepted the pin for Katrina and Holly Wilson accepted the pin on behalf of her father Reagan, as both unfortunately could not attend.
Katrina said after more than two decades in the profession that she still loved the work.
“It seems surreal, I can recall my admission as if it were yesterday. I started out as an admin assistant in a small regional law firm in Gympie and worked my way up the ladder,” Katrina told Proctor after the presentation night.
“I only started studying law at the encouragement of the Partner of the law firm where I was working at the time.
“It was a different era back then, I remember it would often be the case I would often be the only female in the courtroom, particularly as I practised criminal law and there were not many female duty lawyers back then doing the criminal callovers on a Monday morning in the Magistrates Court.
“If you had told me in 25 years’ time, I would be working as a practice manager for a large national law firm and lecturing in law at the University of Southern Queensland I probably wouldn’t have believed you!
“There are not so many people who say they love their job, but I do and it’s a special privilege when someone comes to you and requests your assistance as their lawyer, a real privilege not to be taken lightly.”
Katrina said as a regional lawyer, she had “the best of both worlds” and enjoyed being part of the Toowoomba Shine Lawyers team.
“Practising in an area of law that I love, that I believe does make a difference to those who need it whilst at the same time residing in a city like Toowoomba, which is not only experiencing a surge in growth but also celebrates great diversity, culture but still has that ‘country feel and hospitality’ from the people who reside here; not to mention we have great cafes and coffees without a two-hour commute each day to the office!”
“I like what we stand for as a firm and as a team as a whole here in the Toowoomba office.
“Acting for members of the Toowoomba community means that in my own way I can put something back into the region but assisting those clients who may not otherwise have been able to obtain representation. I also have a great team that I work with who are just as dedicated, passionate, and great fun to work with every day who hold the same values and committed as myself.”
As Legal Practice Manager said she had met “some amazing people in my career over the years who have not only provided mentorship and guidance as a lawyer such as members of the judiciary and other lawyers”.
“I also must thank my family and friends who have supported me all the way throughout my career,” she said.
“But in all honestly, I would have to mostly thank and acknowledge my valued clients that I have met and represented throughout the years who have shown me what true courage, determination, and resilience looks like during some of the most difficult times in their lives.
“To represent these people is not just a job, and I thank them and acknowledge them for their inspiration to become a better version of myself and a lawyer in seeking justice on their behalf.”
Katrina has lived and worked in Toowoomba for more than a decade. Her involvement in the Toowoomba and Darling Downs community includes serving as the regional ambassador for the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland.
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