Hi, I’m Elizabeth.
Growing up I knew I liked to argue & negotiate, and so when it came time to decide what to do career wise, the law seemed like the right fit.
In 2007, I graduated from Bond University with a Bachelor of Laws.
After graduating, I joined a regional law practice in my hometown where I was admitted as a Solicitor and made my first appearances in court. Getting first-hand experience in a regional court is where I’ve been able to hone my skills as a lawyer.
In 2011, my career objectives changed, I wanted to be more present in the court room – this was when I took a position as a civilian prosecutor for the Queensland Police Service in the Whitsunday Region. In this role, I worked with Police to prosecute offenders before the Magistrates Court. It was about weighing up the strength of the evidence against the public interest. This was a challenging role and one which provided me with a wealth of experience in Court and in criminal law.
I finished my role as a prosecutor in 2016 to start a family. After I had my first child, I was looking for a flexible family friendly work role and a role that would allow me to grow my expertise and experience– this was when I found PD Law. I started with PD Law in 2017, focusing on criminal, family and estate planning.
Why Law?
The law is dynamic and fast paced and I get to think on my feet, both in Court and with clients. I enjoy the challenge of criminal & family law, it’s very client focused and there’s a lot of interaction with people from all walks of life. The people you get to meet are the most interesting part and I get to hear some frankly wild stories.
I appear in Court regularly and have had all sorts of matters cross my desk. Nothing surprises me anymore!
I enjoy working as a lawyer, because it allows me to perform a role that helps those in need, who might not have the know-how to deal with matters themselves. My role as your lawyer is to be an advocate and give my clients the best chance at defending them against accusations or charges – whether this is in or out of the court room.
What Areas of Law Do I Work in?
- Family Law
- Criminal Law
- Estate Planning
- Litigation & Debt Recovery
How would you describe your approach?
Anything relating to law is usually time sensitive & private – clients need to feel like they can trust their lawyer, and they can be honest and upfront with them. My approach with clients is to be transparent & direct. My clients appreciate my pragmatic approach. I am interested in helping you move through an often-daunting process whilst staying in control of your circumstances.
Career Highlights
- Managing complex drug trafficking matters with extensive evidence involving recorded intercepted conversations and evidence from undercover police.
- Several applications made to Court for exclusion of evidence on the basis of being unlawfully obtained, resulting in charges either being downgraded significantly or dismissed entirely.
- Numerous trials in the Magistrates and District Courts.
- Successful bail applications in the Supreme Court.
- Assisting a client with a recovery order for her children’s return after her ex-partner absconded with the children.
- Negotiating property settlements with significant property pools and various entities and business interests
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor of Laws – Bond University
- Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice – College of Law
- 15 years industry experience
Contact Elizabeth Smith