Cairns dentist turns lawyer as Hannah Treston joins third generation at family firm

Newly admitted Cairns lawyer Hannah Treston has gone from pulling teeth to pulling files.

The dentist was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland in the April sitting, not only changing her profession but becoming the third generation of Treston to work at Murray & Lyons Solicitors.

Hannah said she re-evaluated her dentistry career during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was tools down for a few months, which gave me a lot of time to reflect on my life,” she recalled.

“In all honesty, the emotional toll of dealing with people’s pain every day had worn me out since graduating in 2017, and I knew I had to make some big changes to fill my tank again.

“After the time off and a move back home to Cairns, I felt excited by the idea of studying law and helping in the family business.

“When I started my second degree (Bachelor of Laws) at JCU Cairns, I was working as a dentist and paralegal at Murray & Lyons Solicitors. I was, and still am, way more excited to go to work at Murray & Lyons Solicitors compared to pulling out teeth, so I think I’ve made the right move!”

A Cairns local since birth, Hannah also worked as an Associate to District Court Judge Morzone KC, who attended her admission ceremony.

“I remember being so surprised by how many people were in attendance. His Honour Justice Henry and the Registry really go to a lot of trouble to make admissions in Cairns feel special,” she said.

“I was so grateful to see so many of my legal mentors there, including local Counsel Rachelle Logan and His Honour Judge Morzone KC.”

And when it came to asking a mentor to move her admission, Hannah did not need to look further than her father Martin, the commercial partner in the firm.

“Martin is a very humble man, coming from a long history of lawyers admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland, including his cousin, the Honourable Justice Treston,” she said.

“I wanted Dad to enjoy this admission ceremony as much as I would, and it meant a lot that he could thank my beautiful mother (his wife of 30 years) for all her support on my behalf.”

For Martin Treston, the opportunity to move his daughter’s admission “would be near the pinnacle event of my legal career”.

“I did not imagine (until very recently) that is something Hannah would do with her life,” he said.

“Many years ago, I was admitted to the Supreme Court at Townsville (before admissions occurred in Cairns).  Hannah was about 14 months old then. 

“Almost right on cue, when the big moment arrived, Hannah kicked up a stink, and her mother had to take her outside to avoid any disruption to proceedings. Both missed the event. 

“Thankfully, her mother was present for the entire event this time and was very proud of Hannah’s great achievement. She has endured the most suffering in both our legal careers to date.”   

And the transition to colleagues has been much smoother than the Townsville admission ceremony.

“Hannah is a pleasure to work with and to teach the tricks of the trade.  Rarely does she need to be told something more than once,” Martin said.

“She worries about her clients and getting results.  She is going to be a well-rounded commercial solicitor.  It is a long apprenticeship and will take time, but she will carry with her the many lessons (good and bad) from myself and my business partner Chris Wright.” 

And in keeping with the firm’s family ties, Martin moved Chris’s son’s admission.

“I have trained and mentored several junior solicitors in my career,” Martin explained.

“I most recently moved the admission of the son of my business partner, Matthew Wright, about two to three years ago, and it was an honour to train Matthew and get him admitted.  At every admission I attend, I certainly reflect about your own and the hard road travelled.”

Hannah is hoping for a smooth journey ahead in her legal career. 

“After over 10 years of study, I really just want to relax into my role as a solicitor,” she said.

“I hope to continue our family legacy as a third-generation Treston at Murray & Lyons Solicitors, working in family law, estate administration and property law. My year in the District Court of Queensland as Judge Morzone KC’s associate turned me off criminal law forever.

“I am enjoying making genuine connections throughout Queensland, both in the legal and political arenas, so I am excited and grateful to see where this next chapter takes me.”

Admitted on 24 April 2026 in the Cairns Supreme Court: Jonathan Hanley, Hannah Treston, Joseph Teague, Simaema Wickham, Angelina Wavuri, Morgan Currie, Charles Austin.