The Gold Coast legal community continues to enjoy a strong spirit of collegiality, the Court was reminded at the annual Southport District Court’s Christmas Greeting Ceremony this month.
Gold Coast District Law Association President Anna Morgan extended the solicitors branch’s greetings at the Southport ceremony on 12 December.
“We are fortunate on the Gold Coast to have a thriving legal community – more than 1500 solicitors call this region home. And while that sounds like the beginning of a very long directions list, what truly sets our profession apart is our collegiality. It is the hallmark of practising on the coast,” Anna said.
“But truly, what defines our profession here is not the size; it’s the spirit. Our collegiality is something we’re enormously proud of. When I speak to lawyers from other regions, they often tell me -sometimes quietly, sometimes resentfully – that they wish their profession was as collaborative as ours.
“On the coast, even though we’re technically competitors, we are always ready to support one another, share insights, and celebrate wins. If we can find a way to lift a colleague up, we will. If we can find a way to claim credit for their success … well, only occasionally.
“We firmly believe that the rising tide lifts all boats … and occasionally even a litigant.”
Anna said the spirit of collegiality did not stop at the doors of firms.
“It extends to the judiciary and the courts. In fact, the most highly attended event on the GCDLA calendar is our annual Breakfast with the Judiciary,” she revealed.
“Nothing quite demonstrates the respect and esteem in which the courts are held like over 100 lawyers eagerly lining up for eggs, coffee, and the privilege of your Honours’ company before 7.30am. We look forward to hosting it again in 2026.”
She said another sold-out GCDLA event was a screening of SPIT where actor David Wenham and lawyer Chris Nyst held a Q&A for a cinema full of solicitors.
“For those solicitors that don’t often get to grace the court rooms, they were able to live vicariously through Johnny Spiteri’s adventures in the court room,” Anna joked.
“We also enjoy a famously friendly rivalry among Gold Coast firms, which plays out proudly each year across three hotly contested events: the Barefoot Bowls tournament in January, the Law Week Beach Relay in May, and our trivia night later in the year.
“We warmly invite the Court – Judges, Magistrates, Associates, and staff – to field a team for any (or all) of these events. We can promise good fun, good company, and only occasional bragging rights that last far longer than they should.
“As we approach the Christmas break, the GCDLA extends our heartfelt thanks to the Court for its service, its diligence, and its unfailing commitment to justice throughout the year.
“We wish Your Honours and all court staff a safe, happy, and restorative holiday season – one with ample time to rest, recharge, and enjoy your families and perhaps a short window where the only deadlines are related to Christmas lunch.”
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