Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Cheryl Thomson

North Ward

Summary

Dynamic Senior Legal Officer with a proven track record at North Queensland Land Council, excelling in risk assessment and litigation management. Expert in contract negotiation and relationship building, successfully reducing litigation costs through strategic resolutions. Recognized for delivering favorable outcomes while fostering team collaboration and providing comprehensive legal advice.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Legal Officer

North Queensland Land Council
03.2013 - Current
  • Conducted thorough risk assessments to identify potential liabilities and provided proactive solutions to mitigate exposure.
  • Developed strong working relationships with outside counsel to provide cost-effective representation in specialized areas of law.
  • Facilitated internal training sessions to educate employees on relevant laws, regulations, and best practices for maintaining compliance.
  • Provided expert guidance on complex legal matters, resulting in favorable outcomes for the organization.
  • Reduced litigation costs through effective negotiation strategies and alternative dispute resolutions.
  • Led successful litigation efforts that resulted in favorable judgments or settlements for the company.
  • Counseled clients on potential outcomes of legal matters.

Solicitor

Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Servic
09.2007 - 03.2013
  • Built strong relationships with clients, offering tailored advice and guidance throughout legal proceedings.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service by promptly addressing inquiries from both new and existing clients.
  • Participated in continuing legal education programs to stay current on industry trends and maintain expertise in specialized practice areas.

Solicitor

Legal Aid Queensland
01.2005 - 03.2007
  • Built strong relationships with clients, offering tailored advice and guidance throughout legal proceedings.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service by promptly addressing inquiries from both new and existing clients.
  • Participated in continuing legal education programs to stay current on industry trends and maintain expertise in specialized practice areas.

Solicitor

Legal Aid Queensland
05.1997 - 12.2004
  • Built strong relationships with clients, offering tailored advice and guidance throughout legal proceedings.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service by promptly addressing inquiries from both new and existing clients.
  • Participated in continuing legal education programs to stay current on industry trends and maintain expertise in specialized practice areas.
  • Mentored junior associates, enhancing their professional growth and contributing to the firm''s success.
  • Conducted thorough research to ensure accurate interpretation of laws and regulations in support of client cases.
  • Managed a diverse caseload, resulting in successful legal representation for various client matters.
  • Achieved favorable outcomes for clients by effectively managing litigation cases and providing comprehensive legal advice.
  • Developed persuasive arguments for court hearings, resulting in favorable judgments for the majority of cases handled.
  • Coordinated with expert witnesses to gather valuable testimony supporting client positions during trial proceedings.

Education

Bachelor of Law - Law

James Cook University
QLD

Bachelor of Arts - History

James Cook University
QLD

Graduate Diploma of Legal Studies -

Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane, QLD

Skills

  • Legal research
  • Contract negotiation
  • Risk assessment
  • Litigation management
  • Case strategy
  • Alternative dispute resolution
  • Employee training
  • Relationship management
  • Problem solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Effective communication
  • Team leadership
  • Conflict resolution
  • Legal advice
  • Legal analysis
  • Legal writing
  • Dispute resolution
  • Teamwork
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Drafting pleadings
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Relationship building
  • Legal research and review
  • Oral advocacy
  • Legal case management

Timeline

Senior Legal Officer

North Queensland Land Council
03.2013 - Current

Solicitor

Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Servic
09.2007 - 03.2013

Solicitor

Legal Aid Queensland
01.2005 - 03.2007

Solicitor

Legal Aid Queensland
05.1997 - 12.2004

Bachelor of Law - Law

James Cook University

Bachelor of Arts - History

James Cook University

Graduate Diploma of Legal Studies -

Queensland University of Technology
Cheryl Thomson