Kathryn MacDonell

Kathryn MacDonell is the Chief Executive Officer at Trilby Misso and brings a wealth of experience in compensation law. Inspired early on by her mother’s involvement in the legal profession, Kathryn initially pursued a decade-long career in hotel management before returning to university to study law. She holds tertiary qualifications in Law from Queensland University of Technology and in Business from the University of Queensland. Kathryn is admitted to the Roll of Legal Practitioners in both the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia, and she has completed the Queensland Law Society’s Practice Management Course. Kathryn's legal practice focuses on compensation law, where she advocates for individuals impacted by workplace injuries, road accidents, and public space incidents. Her interest in tort law, ignited by the human stories behind legal principles of negligence, aligns with her strengths in client engagement and problem-solving rather than routine paperwork. Early in her career, Kathryn had the rare opportunity to appear in the District, Supreme, and High Courts of Australia in a complex claim, marking a significant professional milestone. Kathryn values Trilby Misso’s longstanding reputation and the strong sense of trust the firm has built with Queenslanders over more than sixty years. She is proud of the collaborative culture within the team, united by a shared commitment to assisting clients. Her advice to emerging lawyers includes fostering a solid foundation of knowledge, seeking mentorship, and maintaining curiosity by asking questions. Importantly, she emphasises the need to listen closely to clients as a vital source of learning. Kathryn believes that an effective lawyer combines competence and efficiency with compassion and a commitment to continual growth. Balancing a demanding professional role with motherhood and rural life, Kathryn enjoys spending time supporting her children’s activities, caring for her dogs and horses, and relaxing with music. She is currently enjoying the television series Outlander in her leisure time.