Katina Kyreakou’s Queensland Law Society 25-year recognition pin was an opportunity for the Central Queensland profession to celebrate a familiar combination of sound judgment, fierce conviction and unmistakable laughter.
Presented during the CQLA Profession Dinner by QLS Deputy President Sarah-Jane MacDonald, the pin recognised a milestone in a career that began with Ms Kyreakou’s admission in 1998.
Ms MacDonald reflected on Ms Kyreakou’s career and honoured her service to the law.
Now Special Counsel at Life Law Solutions, Ms Kyreakou has practised with several of the region’s firms, including Grant & Simpson Lawyers, Colin Fleming & Company, Maddens Lawyers and Swanwick Murray Roche.
Her work has encompassed private and legally aided family law matters, including appointments as an Independent Children’s Lawyer and Separate Representative. Colleagues know her as an advocate who understands the people behind a dispute and can tell their story persuasively, while remaining clear about a lawyer’s obligations to the court and the need to give candid advice.
That candour is part of her care for clients. Ms Kyreakou believes in telling people what they need to hear, including when their position is difficult or their expectations need to change.
Her contribution also reaches beyond individual matters. She was among those who advocated for a resident federal family law judge in Rockhampton, an effort that helped secure the appointment of Anne Demack. She has long made herself available to junior practitioners seeking collegiate advice and continues to contribute to CQLA’s work.
When organising the 2026 conference, Ms Kyreakou needed no formal invitation to help. Before being asked, she was checking whether conference dates had been settled and identifying speakers for the family law stream. Her earlier intention to take a break from association duties did not survive a colleague needing a hand.
Her former principal, Ross McLellan, once observed that when Ms Kyreakou becomes passionate about something, the sensible course is to let her go and catch her on the way back down. Those who have worked alongside her will recognise the advice.
The pin provided a welcome occasion to acknowledge the years of service behind that energy, and the many clients and colleagues who have benefited from it.
A conversation with Katina Kyreakou
What has kept you committed to family law over such a long career?
The people. Family law involves people making important decisions at a very difficult time in their lives. You need to understand their circumstances and what matters to them, then help them work out a practical way forward. The law gives you the framework, but you still have to listen.
What professional principle matters most to you?
Giving honest advice, even when it is not what a client wants to hear. Our duty to the court comes first, and doing a proper job for a client includes telling them when they are wrong or when a proposed course will not help them. Those conversations are part of the work.
What do you value about practising in Central Queensland?
The relationships. You know the people you work with and you can pick up the telephone. We can disagree strongly about a matter and still treat each other with respect. That makes practice better for us and for the people we represent.
What would you say to a practitioner who is reluctant to ask a senior colleague for help?
Make the call. Do your preparation and think about the question, but do not sit there struggling because you think you should already know everything. Experienced practitioners ask questions too. Most of us are very happy to help someone who is learning.
Your colleagues say you are quick to volunteer when someone needs a hand. What draws you back to CQLA?
Knowing the people involved and caring about what we can do together. A conference or a good family law session only happens because someone puts time into organising it. If I can help bring the right people together, I am happy to contribute.
How do you make room for life outside practice?
Family, friends, a good meal and travel when I can manage it. I have enjoyed visiting places as different as New York, Japan and Peru. There is plenty happening at home, too. I like having people around me and making the most of opportunities when they come.
Is there a phrase your clients or colleagues would recognise immediately?
“Matter for you.” My job is to explain the position and give clear advice. Once someone understands their options and the consequences, the decision is theirs. I suspect a few colleagues could finish that sentence for me.
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