Lisa Kinder
Toowoomba,QLD
Summary
Compassionate legal professional with extensive experience in trauma-informed communication and complex case management. Over 30 years' experience in communication-heavy roles requiring empathy, confidentiality, organisation, attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to lead teams, mentor junior lawyers, and achieve favorable outcomes for clients.
Currently seeking to contribute to community literacy, engagement programs and library services.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Volunteer
The Lighthouse
, Toowoomba
2026 - Current
- Supported children's literacy activities and community reading programs to enhance reading engagement.
- Acquired Working With Children Card to maintain safety and compliance in all interactions.
- Collaborated with staff and volunteers to foster a supportive environment for promoting children's literacy.
Special Counsel
Donaldson Law
Toowoomba, Qld
08.2017 - 01.2025
- Assisted abuse survivors using a trauma-informed, collaborative model.
- Managed sensitive client interactions requiring empathy, patience, and clear communication.
- Advised clients on complex legal matters and litigation strategies.
- Represented clients in negotiations, mediations, and court proceedings.
- Led a team of nine lawyers and paralegals, meeting productivity and financial targets.
- Mentored junior lawyers, providing guidance on legal practices and procedures, and strategy.
- Drafted and reviewed legal documents for accuracy and compliance.
- Maintained accurate records, documentation and case tracking.
Partner/Special Counsel
Shine Lawyers
Toowoomba, Qld
10.1993 - 08.2017
- Long-term client-facing role at a national law firm requiring strong communication and organisational skills.
- Supported clients pursuing compensation for serious and catastrophic injuries from motor vehicle accidents and childhood sexual abuse.
- Negotiated settlements effectively to achieve favorable outcomes for clients.
- Supervised teams, coordinated workloads and ensured timely results delivery.
- Managed complex information, documentation and confidential records.
- Developed and delivered training programs for junior lawyers.
- Documented processes to ensure consistency and efficiency across the practice areas.
Articled Clerk
Cooper Grace & Ward
Brisbane, Qld
01.1992 - 10.1993
- Early career experience in client service, professional communication and document management.
Education
Certificate IV in Training And Assessment -
TAFE QLD
QLD01-1998
Bachelor of Laws (Hons) -
Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane, QLD01-1991
Accredited Special in Personal Injuries 2002 - 2025 -
Queensland Law Society
BrisbaneSkills
- Legal advising
- Legal documentation
- Written communication - statements, legal documents, correspondence
- Oral communication - daily interaction with clients, colleagues and adversaries
- Trauma informed communication and client care
- Complex case management
- Customer service across diverse populations
- Digital literacy - Microsoft Office, practice management systems
- Strategic thinking
- Problem-solving
Affiliations
- Competent with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, Powerpoint) and legal practice management software.
- Strong ability to learn new systems quickly
- First Aid Certificate
- C-class licence
- Interested in community literacy, public programs, and supporting inclusive library usage.
- Career break since 2025
Timeline
Special Counsel
Donaldson Law
08.2017 - 01.2025
Partner/Special Counsel
Shine Lawyers
10.1993 - 08.2017
Articled Clerk
Cooper Grace & Ward
01.1992 - 10.1993
Volunteer
The Lighthouse
2026 - Current
Certificate IV in Training And Assessment -
TAFE QLD
Bachelor of Laws (Hons) -
Queensland University of Technology
Accredited Special in Personal Injuries 2002 - 2025 -
Queensland Law Society