In 2005, McCullough Robertson Senior Associate Kristan Conlon watched as the Agnes McWhinney Award was presented, never imagining she would one day receive the honour herself.
But on Saturday night, the award finalist and now Chair of Partners, Ms Conlon received the Queensland Law Society honour, admitting she had little confidence she would win.
The award, one of 12 presented at 2026 QLS Excellence In Law Awards, recognises female lawyers who have forged new pathways and demonstrated a commitment to equity, professionalism and service to the community.
“To receive an award bearing Agnes McWhinney’s name is an extraordinary honour,” Ms Conlon, co-lead of the firm’s Community Housing industry group, said.
“Agnes was a pioneer, as you heard. She changed what was possible for women in the legal profession.
“She opened doors that generations of women, myself included, have been fortunate enough to walk through. To be recognised in her name is something I never imagined.
“I still remember attending these awards, probably 2005 actually, and thinking that I would never be recognised in that way and the accolades of the women that have achieved this award.
“So standing here and accepting it myself, feels extremely special.”
She did not expect to be standing on the stage and only prepared an acceptance speech at the urging of her colleagues.
“I am prepared because others at my table had supreme confidence apparently and forced me to prepare,” she revealed. “So thank you very much everyone.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to spend my career at McCullough Robertson. It’s a sad joke that I say I was born there, but literally from uni I went to McCulloughs.
“This recognition belongs as much to them as it does to me, including all of my colleagues on table 35. Thank you for coming here this evening.
“Your confidence definitely outweighed mine.”
And 2026 was already a special year for Ms Conlon as McCullough Robertson is celebrating its centenary. So Saturday night’s award became a second milestone for the property lawyer, who is passionate about social and affordable housing projects.
“Our firm celebrates 100 years this year, and our partnership is built on generosity, where people invest in one another, where opportunities are shared, and where leadership is measured not only by what you achieve yourself, but by the success you help others create,” she said.
“One of those opportunities changed the course of my career in 2007.
“I was appointed a Partner on, well it was called maternity leave then, I think it’s on like parental leave now, but I was 31 years old and at the time appointments like that were still rare.
“That decision sent a powerful message to me that women should not have to choose between building a family and a career.
“And yes, I was still committed to breastfeeding and I think there’s still some scarred men that found those bottles in the kitchen fridge.
“In any event, I did commit and the firm supported me all the way through that.
“Looking back, I can see how much has changed since then.
“I’ve had the privilege of leading one of the firm’s largest practices, serving on the executive committee, and eventually becoming the first female chair of partners.
“But more importantly, I’ve seen many talented women build successful careers and leadership roles while doing things their way.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to work alongside exceptional partners, colleagues, clients, many of whom are here tonight, friends, some who have challenged me, supported me and trusted me with opportunities throughout my career.”
Under her leadership, McCullough Robertson has committed $1 million in pro bono legal services to the housing sector as part of the firm’s centenary year initiative. Ms Conlon is also Chair of the Community Housing Industry Association Queensland, where she has played a key role in advocacy and industry reform, including the development of Queensland’s Community Housing Master Agreement.
“One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that success in our profession has never been just about the law,” she said.
“It’s about relationships, service and using whatever influence we have to leave things in a better way than we found them.
“This belief has shaped my career, whether it’s been mentoring the next generation of lawyers, helping create more supportive pathways for working parents or working with the community housing sector to help deliver safer and affordable homes for Australian families.
“I hope that in some small way, my career reflects the values that Agnes McWhinney stood for and encourages women in the profession to believe that there is no single pathway to leadership and that it’s possible to build a fulfilling commercial career while also making a meaningful contribution to community.
“Thank you to the Queensland Law Society, to the judging panel and congratulations to the finalists, Jillian Barrett, Leah Cameron, Caroline Snow and Sara Sugars.
“It’s a privilege to stand among such remarkable women.”
The winners of the Queensland Law Society Excellence in Law Awards 2026 are:
Graduate Lawyer of the Year (Award partner College of Law): Ishita Punj, Jones Day
In-house Counsel of the Year (Award partner Day One Recruitment): Theresa Jennings, Cancer Council Queensland
First Nations Student Award (Award partner Indigenous Lawyers Queensland Inc): Indi McKeown, The University of Queensland
Access to Justice Award (Award partner Bond University Faculty of Law): Sam Tracy, Basic Rights Queensland
Pro Bono Team of the Year: Lander & Rogers
Pride in Law Award: Julie Howes, LGBTI Legal Service Inc
Queensland Solicitor of the Year – Sole Practitioner: Chelsea Baker, Baker Hastings Lawyers
Queensland Solicitor of the Year – Small Firm (Award partner Westpac): George Sourris, Empire Legal
Queensland Solicitor of the Year – Large Firm (Award partner First Title): Andrew Shute, MinterEllison
Regional Practitioner of the Year Award (Award partner PEXA): Linda Adcock, Legal Aid Queensland
Emerging Leader Award (Award partner ANZ): Kiarah Kelly, Bloom Law
Agnes McWhinney Award: Kristan Conlon, McCullough Robertson.
The Event Partner was Motorline BMW with the gala being held at The Star Brisbane for the first time.
Share this article