As a former member of the Downs and South West Queensland Law Association, Sarah-Jane MacDonald remembers when the DSWQLA awards were first established.
So the current Queensland Law Society Deputy President was delighted to see the awards, presented on 31 October, continue to grow in recognition and significance.
Leanne McDonald of Marlo Legal Consulting was named the 2026 Lawyer of the Year and Lailah Flett from VM Family Law won Emerging Lawyer of the Year.
A third new award – Legal Support Professional of the Year – went to Cassandra Bate from Best Wilson Buckley Law.
Ms Bate thanked DSWQLA for recognising the role of legal support staff members.
“Whether it be reception, admin, finance, paralegals, law clerks, it’s lovely to see our contribution to the success of our firms and to our clients’ wellbeing recognised,” she told the audience.
“I’ve always said that I like supporting people, whether it’s supporting lawyers to make their jobs easier, or supporting clients to feel safe and comfortable, so this award is testament that I’m in the right place and doing the right thing.”
Ms Bate’s firm congratulated her on the award, posting: “This is an outstanding and thoroughly deserved achievement. Cassandra’s commitment, professionalism and dedication to supporting both her colleagues and our clients are a reflection of the high standards she brings to her role every day.
“We are equally proud of Natalia (Hutchinson) and her recognition as a finalist for Lawyer of the Year. Her contribution to the profession, commitment to her clients and ongoing leadership within our firm make this recognition incredibly meaningful.
“At Best Wilson Buckley Family Law, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. Seeing their hard work, talent and contributions recognised by the wider legal community is something we take immense pride in.
“Our sincere thanks to DSWQLA for delivering another exceptional event. The Halloween themed celebrations provided a wonderful backdrop for an evening of connection, recognition and celebration.
“We also give our heart felt congratulations to all finalists and award recipients, how fortunate we are to such exceptional people within our industry.”
Ms MacDonald also congratulated the finalists, saying: “You represent the very best of regional practice and the dedication, professionalism and service that define our profession. Thank you for continuing to represent this region so well.”
She also recognised and congratulated “a remarkable member” of the region’s community, Frank Martin, who was celebrating 50 years at the Bar.
“Across five decades, countless solicitors throughout the Darling Downs and South West have turned to Frank for his advocacy, judgment and counsel. Many of us in this room have briefed him, appeared with him, learned from him, or simply benefited from his steady presence in our profession,” Ms MacDonald said.
“Reaching 50 years in practice is an extraordinary achievement. Doing so with the respect and admiration of generations of colleagues is even more remarkable.
“Frank, thank you for your contribution to the law, to this community and to the profession we all value so highly. Congratulations on this significant milestone.
“Recognising milestones like Frank’s, and celebrating the outstanding practitioners honoured here tonight, reminds us of something important about our profession.
“Success in the law is rarely achieved alone.
“As I look around this room, I see people who have appeared against one another in court, negotiated across mediation tables, and occasionally exchanged some strongly worded correspondence.
“But what I see is not just a profession.
“I see a profession that understands the importance of collegiality. I see practitioners who answer the phone when a colleague needs guidance, who mentor young lawyers finding their feet, who give their time to community organisations, and who understand that the strength of our profession ultimately depends on the way we treat one another.”
Ms MacDonald said she had been the beneficiary of that generosity throughout her career.
“That spirit is one of the great strengths of the legal profession on the Darling Downs,” she said.
“Regional practice is different. Our clients are not anonymous names on a file. We see them at school assemblies, football games, community events and occasionally in the supermarket on a Saturday morning, whether we were expecting to or not.
“We celebrate their successes and support them through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
“In regional communities, the impact of our work is visible. We see every day the difference that sound advice, effective advocacy and good judgment can make.
“That is something we should all be proud of.”
QLS also recognised three practitioners celebrating 25 years of service to the profession at the event: Shane Charles, Damian Black and Philip Stainton.
“Although they are unable to join us this evening, twenty-five years of service represents an extraordinary commitment to clients, colleagues, the rule of law and our local community,” Ms MacDonald said.
She said events such as the DSWQLA Ball and Awards in Toowoomba were a reminder that “while the law is our profession, it is also our community”.
“To celebrate the achievements of the year behind us, the friendships that sustain us, the mentors who guide us, and the future of a profession we are privileged to serve,” she said.
“Next year I will have the privilege of serving as President of the Queensland Law Society.
“It is an honour I do not take lightly.
“While the role is statewide, I will never forget the community that shaped me professionally and personally.
“I learned my profession in regional Queensland. I built my career here. The opportunities and challenges that matter to lawyers across the Darling Downs and South West Queensland matter to me because they are mine too.
“I understand the realities of attracting and retaining practitioners in regional communities. I understand the importance of strong local courts, access to legal services and professional networks that support practitioners throughout their careers.
“But I also know the extraordinary opportunities that regional practice offers.
“We know that regional practice provides meaningful work, genuine responsibility, strong mentorship and a real connection to community. These are qualities many young lawyers are seeking, and they are qualities we should continue to champion.”
She said her commitment as President would be to ensure that regional voices continued to be heard “loudly and clearly”.
“That commitment is reflected in the establishment of QLS’s Regional, Rural and Remote Committee this year,” Ms MacDonald said.
“The committee is providing practitioners outside Brisbane with a stronger voice in the Society’s work and helping to ensure that regional Queensland remains front and centre when QLS develops policy, advocates on behalf of the profession and supports its members.
“Importantly, its work is not only about addressing challenges. It is also about celebrating and promoting the strengths of regional practice and ensuring that the next generation of lawyers sees regional Queensland as a place where they can build rewarding and fulfilling careers.”
Keep an eye on Proctor for a photo gallery from the Halloween event.
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