Phoebe Kahlo
Summary
Experienced lawyer with over 18 years specialising in family and domestic violence law, including more than a decade in the community legal sector. Skilled in complex casework, supervision, program design and delivery, stakeholder engagement, law reform, and community legal education. Seeking to contribute leadership and expertise as Supervising Solicitor – Domestic Violence Units and Health Justice Partnerships at WLSQ.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lawyer
Women's Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ)
06.2013 - Current
- Provision of high quality legal services in various roles including Health Justice Partnership Lawyer, Acting Principal Solicitor, Regional Rural & Remote Lawyer, Community Legal Education Lawyer, Helpline Supervisor, Acting Evening Advice Supervisor, Advice Solicitor, DV Duty Lawyer
- Provide trauma-informed, client-centred legal advice and representation, act as solicitor advocate in court proceedings across family law, domestic violence, child protection, and child support matters, and brief counsel in complex cases.
- Supervise and support solicitors, paralegals, legal service officers, volunteers, and administrative staff, including mentoring, file reviews, professional development, and risk management.
- Contributed to the design and implementation of the Domestic Violence Units and Health Justice Partnerships and have led ongoing HJP management for eight active partnerships across Greater Brisbane.
- Developed and delivered WLSQ’s award-winning Regional, Rural & Remote program, building state-wide stakeholder engagement and sustainable prioritised service delivery.
- Deliver extensive community legal education and professional training across Queensland.
- Contribute to law reform submissions, systemic advocacy, and support organisational initiatives related to risk management and compliance.
Lawyer
Harrington Family Lawyers
12.2009 - 06.2013
- Provided advice and legal representation in family law matters, including domestic violence, child protection, child support, and adoption.
- Acted as solicitor advocate in court proceedings and briefed counsel for complex matters.
- Drafted and settled court documents, submissions, and legal briefs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support clients’ needs and outcomes.
- Delivered training workshops for professionals and community groups.
Paralegal
Harrington Family Lawyers
01.2005 - 12.2009
- Supported principal lawyer with legal research, drafting, case summaries, and court preparation.
- Assisted with litigation strategy and client advocacy; appeared in court with leave.
- Administrative duties.
Education
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment -
Plenty Training
01.2013
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice - undefined
ANU
01.2009
Bachelor of Laws (LLB, Hons) -
Griffith University
01.2008
Bachelor of International Relations (BIntRel) - Int. Political Economy
Griffith University
01.2008
Skills
- 15 years post-admission experience with current unrestricted practicing certificate
- Specialist practice in family law, domestic violence, child protection, child support
- Management and supervision of solicitors, paralegals, volunteers, and support staff
- Program design, development, and ongoing delivery, including award-winning Regional, Rural & Remote (RRR) program, Domestic Violence Units, and Health Justice Partnerships
- Trauma-informed, culturally safe, and intersectional feminist client service
- Law reform and policy advocacy: submissions, campaigns, and legislative engagement
- Strong stakeholder engagement across health, legal, government, and community sectors
- Skilled advocate in Family Court, Federal Circuit Court, Magistrates Court, and Children’s Court
- Development and presentation of community legal education and continuing professional development
Certification
- Legal Aid DV Duty Lawyer Accreditation (2018 – present)
- Mental Health First Aid Accreditation (2021 – present)
- Accidental Counsellor Training (2023)
- De-escalation and OVA Training (2023)
- Managing Wellbeing & Recognising Vicarious Trauma (2023 and 2025)
Admissions
- Supreme Court of the ACT (2009)
- High Court of Australia (2010)
- Current unrestricted practising certificate, Queensland Law Society
Awards
National Rural Law & Justice Award – Innovation in Rural & Regional Law Practice (2015), Governor-General’s Bravery Medal (2016)
Timeline
Lawyer
Women's Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ)
06.2013 - Current
Lawyer
Harrington Family Lawyers
12.2009 - 06.2013
Paralegal
Harrington Family Lawyers
01.2005 - 12.2009
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice - undefined
ANU
Bachelor of International Relations (BIntRel) - Int. Political Economy
Griffith University
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment -
Plenty Training
Bachelor of Laws (LLB, Hons) -
Griffith University