Presenters

Michael Thomson, Barrister, Fullagar Chambers
Michael Thomson practises as a barrister in Queensland, Australia and advises and appears in commercial litigation, property disputes, personal injury claims, family law matters, and employment law matters. He has appeared in both federal and state courts and provides advice for matters in both jurisdictions. In addition to court processes, Michael is also committed to alternative dispute resolution options including mediations and other forms of negotiated settlements. In mediations, he is experienced in both representing clients and conducting the session as the mediator. Michael is based in Brisbane City at Fullagar Chambers but is available to appear on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, other parts of Queensland, or via telephone or video link. Michael comes from a mixed cultural background and is equally proud of his Australian and Japanese heritages. Michael speaks both English and Japanese natively. He is interested in cultural diversity in the legal profession and society generally. Michael is a current committee member of the Queensland Branch of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association. He is also an active member of the Australia Japan Society Queensland. Michael studied journalism and arts before turning to law. He holds bachelor and master degrees in law and before being called to the Bar, gained experience in commercial dispute resolution and litigation as a solicitor at firms in Australia and the United Kingdom. Michael does not accept direct access briefs (i.e. instructions directly from clients). He only accepts briefs from solicitors.


Jennifer Sheean, Barrister-at-law, Nationally Accredited Mediator
Jennifer was admitted in 1992 as a solicitor in the New South Wales Supreme Court and the High Court of Australia. In 1991 and 1992, she was Associate to the late Mr Justice R.P. Meagher of the New South Wales Court of Appeal. After moving back to Brisbane in 1997, she was in general practice as a solicitor before joining the College of Law as a Lecturer in 2006. Jennifer was called to the Queensland Bar in 2011. Jennifer is a member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), current chair of the STEP Australia Policy and Advocacy Committee, a past member of the QLD STEP Committee, a past Board Member of STEP Australia and is the Chair of the Appeals Panel of Virginia Golf Club, Brisbane. In 2017, she undertook the Advanced Certificate in Cross Border Estates course through STEP and received a distinction. Jennifer is also a sessional member at the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) sitting primarily in the Human Rights Division. She is a NMAS accredited mediator. She is able to provide advice, draft documents, and appear in Courts and Tribunals (excluding QCAT) and at mediations and conferences as well as conduct mediations.

Presenters

Michael Thomson, Barrister, Fullagar Chambers
Michael Thomson practises as a barrister in Queensland, Australia and advises and appears in commercial litigation, property disputes, personal injury claims, family law matters, and employment law matters. He has appeared in both federal and state courts and provides advice for matters in both jurisdictions. In addition to court processes, Michael is also committed to alternative dispute resolution options including mediations and other forms of negotiated settlements. In mediations, he is experienced in both representing clients and conducting the session as the mediator. Michael is based in Brisbane City at Fullagar Chambers but is available to appear on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, other parts of Queensland, or via telephone or video link. Michael comes from a mixed cultural background and is equally proud of his Australian and Japanese heritages. Michael speaks both English and Japanese natively. He is interested in cultural diversity in the legal profession and society generally. Michael is a current committee member of the Queensland Branch of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association. He is also an active member of the Australia Japan Society Queensland. Michael studied journalism and arts before turning to law. He holds bachelor and master degrees in law and before being called to the Bar, gained experience in commercial dispute resolution and litigation as a solicitor at firms in Australia and the United Kingdom. Michael does not accept direct access briefs (i.e. instructions directly from clients). He only accepts briefs from solicitors.


Jennifer Sheean, Barrister-at-law, Nationally Accredited Mediator
Jennifer was admitted in 1992 as a solicitor in the New South Wales Supreme Court and the High Court of Australia. In 1991 and 1992, she was Associate to the late Mr Justice R.P. Meagher of the New South Wales Court of Appeal. After moving back to Brisbane in 1997, she was in general practice as a solicitor before joining the College of Law as a Lecturer in 2006. Jennifer was called to the Queensland Bar in 2011. Jennifer is a member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), current chair of the STEP Australia Policy and Advocacy Committee, a past member of the QLD STEP Committee, a past Board Member of STEP Australia and is the Chair of the Appeals Panel of Virginia Golf Club, Brisbane. In 2017, she undertook the Advanced Certificate in Cross Border Estates course through STEP and received a distinction. Jennifer is also a sessional member at the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) sitting primarily in the Human Rights Division. She is a NMAS accredited mediator. She is able to provide advice, draft documents, and appear in Courts and Tribunals (excluding QCAT) and at mediations and conferences as well as conduct mediations.