Her story

Kara Thomson is a Consultant at Hughes and Lewis, practising in insurance – personal injuries. Kara works on complex and major claims with a particular focus on alternative dispute resolution processes, to ensure that all issues are identified and dealt with quickly and at a minimum of expense.In recognition of her dedication to giving back to the legal profession, Kara was awarded the 2023 Women Lawyers Association of Queensland Leneen Forde AC Woman Lawyer of the Year award. Kara was the President of the Queensland Law Society in 2022, and currently serves as a Councillor. Kara was recognised in the Australian Financial Review Best Lawyers List for 2020 and 2021 in Insurance Law, was a finalist for the 2019 Women in Law Mentor of the Year award and was also named in the 2020 WLAQ Inspiration list.

Without mentioning your job title, how would you describe what it is you do now (whether at home, work, in the community, etc.)?

I navigate problems to find solutions and support others to achieve their goals.

What are the first three words you think of when you hear the word ‘diversity’?

Perspective; collaboration; reflection.

What do you think it will take to develop truly diverse thinking within the legal industry?

Strong leadership and normalisation of diversity, across gender, ethnicity, neurodiversity and disability. Encouraging others to share their lived experience to break down barriers.

What was your main driver to enter the legal industry?

Passion for a just society.