Elizabeth Smith

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!

Criminal

I enjoy working in criminal law, as it allows me to perform a role that helps those in need, who might not have the know-how to deal with these 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.

Family

Family law is a difficult matter for people, especially when children or assets are involved. You’re on an emotional rollercoaster, whilst trying to keep everything together and remain calm (most of the time). It’s my job as your lawyer to have empathy, strength, and tenacity to help you navigate a path in a way that works best for you.

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