MURPHYSCHMIDT - Key Persons
Gerry Murphy AM is a highly respected member of the legal profession throughout Australia and is currently one of the longest serving solicitors in Queensland. Prior to accepting his appointment as Special Adviser, Gerry was the Senior Partner of the firm and, together with Tricia Schmidt, was one of the founding partners of Murphy Schmidt in 1998.
Gerry's past presidency of the Queensland Law Society, Law Council of Australia and the Australian Council of Professions, and his participation as chairman or member of numerous committees and boards for the QLS and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane are testament to his willingness to contribute to the profession and community generally.
Gerry is recognised for his legal knowledge, his practical approach and his sensitivity to his clients' perspective.
In addition to being awarded the Order of Australia Medal, Gerry has received an Honorary Doctorate from the Queensland University of Technology.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Senior Administrative Assistant
Qualifications
Bachelor of Laws (Hons)
Bachelor of Arts
Memberships
Queensland Law Society
Qualifications
Bachelor of Laws
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
Memberships
Queensland Law Society
Queensland Law Society Professional Conduct Committee
Job Titles:
- Managing Principal
- Managing Principal at Murphy Schmidt
Joanne Rennick is an experienced, pragmatic and results-oriented lawyer who is well known and regarded for her professional approach and her concern to achieve the best outcome for her clients. Having worked exclusively in personal injuries since her admission in 1991, Joanne has established a reputation for being a determined litigator with the ability to analyse and apply legal principles, ensuring an impressive track record of successful outcomes.
As the Managing Principal at Murphy Schmidt, Joanne is able to combine her legal knowledge with management and leadership skills to help inspire and encourage other lawyers within the firm. She maintains her focus on assisting clients and supporting the team to deliver outstanding service and results.
Fluent in German, and with a working knowledge of Spanish, Joanne is very approachable, personable and understanding of different cultures. She is also committed to maintaining the firm's pro-bono and volunteer programs and to giving back to the local community. Joanne is a life member and former president of Lawright (formerly the Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House) and continues to be an active participant in professional, community and pro bono activities. She is currently Chair of the University of Queensland Pro Bono Centre Advisory Board.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Laws
Memberships
Queensland Law Society
Luke Murphy has been a legal practitioner since 1989. His reputation for achieving successful outcomes is based on the considered, practical advice he gives clients which enables them to make informed decisions about their claims.
Luke is a personable, empathetic and warm lawyer who genuinely wants the best outcome for his clients. He is highly-respected within legal profession for the quality of the advice and service he provides.
He also sets an example to all lawyers through his commitment and his contribution to the legal profession. He has served on the boards of various organisations, including the Royal Life Saving Society of Queensland, Holy Spirit Care Services Pty Ltd, The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Committee, Eastern Districts Rugby Union Football Club and the St Joseph's College Gregory Terrace Old Boys' Association.
Luke was President of the Queensland Law Society (QLS) in 2020, having been elected to the QLS Council in 2017, and has been an integral member of Queensland Law Society's policy committees for over two decades. He is the Past President of the Law Council of Australia, having been director since 2020, a member of the executive in 2021, and President-Elect in 2022.
Luke is actively involved in government consultations and law reform initiatives on behalf of QLS. In 2016 he was appointed by the Office of Industrial Relations as one of six members of the Section 193A Review Panel under the Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Assistant
Qualifications
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning)
Diploma of Leadership and Management
Dux, Royal Australian Naval College
Memberships
Queensland Law Society
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Laws (Hons)
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
Memberships
Queensland Law Society
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Assistant
Qualifications
Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Laws (Hons)
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
Memberships
Queensland Law Society
Australian Law Council
Sebastian is a strong advocate and enjoys the challenge of court work, as well as being an enthusiastic volunteer in the firm's programs with Anglicare and formerly with the LawRight Self Representation Service of the District and Supreme Courts and the Self Representation Service of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal. He is a guest lecturer at the Queensland University of Technology School of Law and former Independent Director of Rugby League Brisbane Limited.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Assistant
Qualifications
Bachelor of Applied Science
Bachelor of Laws
Memberships
Queensland Law Society
Job Titles:
- Senior Principal
- Deputy Chair and Chair of the Queensland Law Society Professional Conduct Committee
- Member of Numerous Boards
Tricia has served as Deputy Chair and Chair of the Queensland Law Society Professional Conduct Committee, a body that assists in ensuring the maintenance of standards of excellence by members of the legal profession, and Chair of the Queensland Law Society Committee of Management, involving consideration of claims against the Legal Practitioners' Fidelity Guarantee Fund, which exists to provide compensation for defaults in the payment or delivery of trust monies (arising from dishonesty or fraudulent dealings) by law practices.
Tricia has been a member of numerous Boards including the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association of Queensland, the Catholic Education Council, the Appeal Costs Board and as Member of the Board and of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee of Cancer Council Queensland. She currently sits on the board of Lexon Insurance Pte Ltd as Non-Executive Director and chairs Lexon's Underwriting and Risk Committee. Tricia also sits on the board of Cancer Council Australia and CCA's Finance, Risk and Audit Committee.