MinterEllison Senior Legal Consultant Andrew Shute winner’s song, Together in Electric Dreams, harked back to the eighties as he reflected on simpler times at the Queensland Law Society Excellence in Law Awards.
The Dispute Resolution team practitioner, with more than 30 years’ experience in commercial litigation and alternative dispute resolution, was named 2026 Queensland Solicitor of the Year – Large Firm, at the 2026 awards gala.
“So for those of you who are old enough to remember, Julian (emcee Morrow), you might be one. That was a bit of a nod to technology, which is something that’s changed considerably since I started practice about 30 years ago,” Mr Shute joked of 1984 movie soundtrack.
“But it is still a very exciting time to be a lawyer, and especially when critical and creative thinking skills are more important than ever.”
Mr Shute’s expertise in applying technology to improve the efficiency of litigation has recently extended into AI policy development and education for the profession.
“Thank you to the QLS and the sponsor of the award, First Title. I’m not sure how I was nominated, but thank you to whoever nominated me,” he said.
“Thanks to MinterEllison and the partners for the amazing opportunities that I’ve been given this last year.”
Mr Shute also chairs the QLS Litigation Rules Committee and is a member of the QLS AI in Legal Practice Consulting Committee and Innovation Committee.
“Thanks to all the incredibly talented people, particularly at the QLS that I’ve managed to work with and all the various committees that I’ve worked with again over the last year,” he said.
“It’s really been a pleasure to work with you all.”
With dated references intact, Mr Shute’s sense of humour kept the audience laughing.
“And finally, thanks to my family and their continued support and patience, and for reminding me that this is not the Emmys or the Logies. But as they’re not here tonight, I’m going to pretend.”
When Chelsea Baker started Baker Hastings Lawyers, she was just hoping things went well. On Saturday night they went even better with the Legal Practitioner Director receiving the Solicitor of the Year – Sole Practitioner – Award.
“I actually didn’t expect that,” she said. “So I would like to say thank you so much to the Queensland Law Society and to the judges for this incredible honour.
“I started my firm last year in November within three weeks and really just hoped that it would go well and it has.
“So I just want to say growing up I had a teacher once told me that empty vessels make the loudest noise and I was certainly the noisiest in the room back then.
“So I’ve learned to channel that energy into this practice and that’s taken some time, some hard lessons and a lot of growing up.”
Ms Baker acknowledged the support from the profession.
“But I wouldn’t be standing here today without the incredible mentoring of a lot of incredible solicitors and barristers in this room and within the broader community of the legal profession.
“So I just want to say thank you to my clients, my mentors, my friends and fellow nominees.
“Sole practice is really tough, but really more rewarding as well.”
Solicitor of the Year – Small Firm winner George Sourris, who was enjoying a trip to Greece, was unable to attend the awards but the Legal Practice Director had a similar message about self-belief.
Empire Legal co-founder Abi Wright read his message, which he prepared “just in case he won”:
“To be recognised for my contributions to the profession after only such a short time of practising truly is an honour.
“A lot can happen in a short amount of time. We underestimate our ability to achieve.
“You really do have to back yourself and believe.
“If I believed all the people that told me I was too young or growing the business too fast was a mistake, I wouldn’t be receiving this award today.
“I’m grateful for the amazing team we have at Empire Legal.
“It’s been nine years of lessons, refinement, more lessons, grinding and sweat to land where we are today.
“Through the use of technology and innovation, myself and our amazing team will continue to work at the cutting edge, continually improving and enhancing the experience for all involved with Queensland conveyancing and property.
“Thanks again everyone, have the best night.”
Empire Legal is a property law firm with offices in Brisbane’s CBD and bayside, and the Gold Coast.
Mr Sourris has been a solicitor for nine years and hosts Raising the Bar, a property podcast. He sits on the boards of several charities, and is in his third year on the Queensland PEXA Practitioner Advisory Council.
Proctor will feature all QLS Excellence in Law Award winners this week.
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