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.


Allison Caputo, Head Of Family Law And Dispute Resolution, Michael Lynch Family Lawyers
Allison Caputo is Head of Family Law and Dispute Resolution at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers. Allison is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and an Accredited Mediator. Having practiced exclusively in family law since her admission in 2006, Allison has over 20 years experience working in both private practice as a solicitor, with Women’s Legal Service as Practice Director and more recently was appointed to the role of Judicial Registrar in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Allison returned to private practice in 2024 to build a mediation practice with Michael Lynch Family Lawyers. Allison heads up a team of very skilled family lawyers and balances her client work with running mediations for colleagues in other private firms.