Our People

Gillian Bristow

Gillian has been involved with the Australian heavy vehicle industry for 30 years. The industry focus of her practice gives her an appreciation for the specific legal and compliance issues facing transport and warehouse operators. She regularly speaks at industry events, contributes to publications and acts for industry associations. Gillian represented NatRoad in the challenge to the RSRT in 2016. She also recently co-authored an article in the Australian Business Law Review entitled ‘Fair Enough? Use of Exclusions and Limits of Liability in the Australian Logistics Industry’ (2023) 51 ABLR 308. 

This wide ranging experience allows Gillian to assist transport and warehouse operators and their advisors with contract negotiations, contractual and insurance disputes and chain of responsibility issues. She also advises on other issues affecting logistics businesses including liens, dangerous goods legislation and owner driver legislation. 

By offering clear and straightforward training options, including seminars, webinars and short courses, Gillian also assists directors and managers to confidently navigate the complex federal and state legislation that affects Australian transport businesses.

Gillian believes in partnering with her clients to achieve commercial and cost effective solutions. She answers her phone, replies to emails and explains issues in a straightforward way. 

Outside of legal practice, Gillian is a passionate cricket supporter and spent many years in various voluntary roles with Valley District Cricket Club in Brisbane. She also served for many years on the school council of Queensland’s largest independent school. In her spare time she haunts art galleries and loves Renaissance and Impressionist art.

Qualifications and memberships:

  • Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours & University Medal) – University of Queensland
  • Master of Laws – Queensland University of Technology
  • Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
  • 2018 Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards Finalist – Special Counsel of the Year
  • Listed in Best Lawyers in Australia for Transportation Law
  • Solicitor – Supreme Court of Queensland and High Court of Australia
  • Member – Women in Insurance
  • Member – Queensland Law Society Competition and Consumer Law Committee
  • Member – Maritime Law Association of Australia and New Zealand
  • Member – Australian Insurance Law Association (Queensland)
  • Member – Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association
  • Member – Transport Women of Australia Limited

 Georgia Paterson

Georgia is a lawyer with a strong interest in regulatory and commercial law. She began her legal career as a Judge’s Associate at the High Court of Australia and since then, has gained a breadth of experience working at a corporate law firm, as a consultant in an accounting firm and an in-house legal counsel at a superannuation fund. Through this experience, Georgia has developed a passion and skill for providing practical, sound, and clear advice to clients.

As a keen home cook, Georgia loves to discover and try new recipes in her spare time. She loves using her own fruit and vegetables and is constantly on the hunt for different varieties to grow in the veggie patch. Georgia also loves spending time with her family and taking her young children on outdoor adventures.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Laws (Hons)/Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) – University of Queensland
  • Diploma of Legal Practice
  • Solicitor – Supreme Court of Queensland and High Court of Australia

Sidonie Wood

With over 17 years of experience as a lawyer, Sidonie has gained her knowledge, skills and expertise in areas of law including misconduct & criminal law, administration law and compensation/negligence law. She has gained her experience at a private law firm and various government regulatory bodies in Queensland. In 2011, she was admitted as a barrister.

Previously, Sidonie has worked for clients appearing before various commissions of inquiries and coronial inquests. She also has experience in the Supreme Court Applications jurisdiction. Sidonie was also a teacher before she was admitted as a lawyer in 1999.

Outside of law, Sidonie spends time with family and relishes the daily walk with their Portuguese water dog, Izzy. She also enjoys diving and snorkelling and is an avid traveller. Her favourite spots are Morocco, Egypt, Chile, Nepal, South Africa and wonderful corners of Australia.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Laws (Hons) – QUT
  • Bachelor of Arts (Hons) – UNE
  • Solicitor- Supreme Court of Queensland; High Court of Australia

Brooke Parker

Brooke is a second-year law student at the University of Queensland. She has a strong social conscience and extensive volunteer experience, participating in projects supporting animal welfare, individuals with disabilities and community legal aid. Brooke is currently involved in the UQ Pro Bono Centre Vulnerable Persons’ Project and employed as a disability support worker. She also has past experience in the hospitality and aged care sectors. Through these pursuits, she has learned the value of hard work and attention to detail. Brooke was a recipient of the University of Queensland Merit Scholarship and has competed in UQ negotiation. 

Brooke’s leisure interests include playing badminton, spending time with family and friends, travelling, and listening to live music.

Constance Gentner

Constance is in her third year of studying a dual Law/Commerce (Finance) degree at the University of Queensland.  She has previously worked in a myriad of areas, including commercial law, tennis coaching and within a residential college environment.  Through her diverse experiences she has developed strong organisational skills and an appreciation for attention to detail.  Constance has received several academic awards throughout her studies including the Dean’s Commendation for Academic Excellence.

In her spare time, Constance loves to play tennis and has recently taken up bouldering.  She also enjoys going on day trips to the beach and spending time with her dog Raffey.

 

Xeniya Girs’ka

Xeniya is currently in her fourth year of Laws/Advanced Humanities studies, majoring in Western Civilisation. She is a person-oriented problem solver, and actively uses the interpersonal skills and knowledge gained from her extensive volunteering experience and work for NGOs to build strong working relationships with clients. She is a hard worker and a keen learner, achieving numerous awards and prizes throughout her studies, including UQ Ramsay Undergraduate Scholarship.

Xeniya loves art and music: in her spare time, she paints portraits with oils, and has recently begun learning to play the harp.

 

Lucy Johnson

Lucy is a current law student at the University of Queensland. She is in her third year, and during her time at university has participated in several extracurricular activities through the law school, including volunteering through the UQ Pro Bono Centre and competing in mooting and client interviewing competitions. In addition to this, Lucy has previously worked as a legal secretary, a disability carer, and a piano teacher. Through these diverse experiences, she has developed organisational skills and a keen attention to detail.

Lucy plays piano and listens to music in her spare time. She also loves to read.

Eliza Kingston

Eliza is currently in her second year of a dual degree in Law/Science (Biomedical Science) at the University of Queensland. She has worked in a broad variety of industries, including in healthcare, performance music and as a music tutor. Through her diverse experience, Eliza has learnt to value hard work and excellence, and appreciates the importance of forming strong and genuine client relationships. She has received several awards and scholarships throughout her studies, including the TC Beirne School of Law Scholarship and Grand Champion and Best Speaker of legal mooting competitions.

In her free time, Eliza enjoys reading, running, or going for walks with her dog, Miffy.

Matilda Hockey

Matilda is in her second year of studying a dual Law/Journalism degree at the University of Queensland. She has experience in a broad variety of fields including working in hospitality, maths tutoring and volunteering in youth programs and camps. Matilda has competed in mooting at university and advocated for womens’ health through her writing and speaking events to endorse programs in high schools. Through these experiences she has developed an appreciation for hard work, organisation, and the importance of building relationships.

In her free time, Matilda loves hiking, reading and hanging out with her cats, Pickles and Nutmeg.

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