Therese Tonkin

Therese Tonkin, a seasoned solicitor admitted in Queensland in 1998, has built a distinguished legal career marked by extensive expertise in legal costs. Following her admission, she relocated to Victoria, where she engaged in private commercial practice before refining her focus on legal costs. Since 2001, Therese has successfully operated her own practice in Melbourne’s vibrant legal precinct, serving top-tier Melbourne firms, interstate government bodies, and boutique practices alike. Her esteemed role as a cost consultant on the Law Institute of Victoria panel and her appointment as Cost Lawyer for the ACT Government Solicitor exemplify her notable contributions to the field, including interstate appearances in the Supreme Court of the ACT. Between 2001 and 2005, Therese also shared her knowledge as a sessional lecturer in legal costs at the Leo Cussens Institute in Melbourne. Her frequent appearances in the taxing jurisdictions of the Supreme, County, and Magistrates Courts of Victoria, along with the Supreme Court of Queensland, the Supreme Court of the ACT, and Federal Court jurisdictions, underscore her adept litigation skills. Prior to her focus on legal costing, Therese's legal career encompassed general and commercial practices involving general practice, commercial undertakings, and litigation. Her successful completion of the Scotwork Negotiation Skills workshop further highlights her aptitude in negotiation. Now based in Brisbane, Queensland, Therese continues to provide comprehensive legal services to local, intrastate, and interstate law firms. Her legal expertise extends to a range of areas, including advocacy in contested matters, the resolution of costing disputes, and the provision of legal advice regarding specific legal issues and prospects. With a strong focus on relationship-building, Therese excels in interpreting complex legal matters within the context of a client's business, ensuring effective communication and advocacy. Therese holds qualifications as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court of Queensland, Victoria, and the High Court of Australia, with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New England. Her commitment to the legal community is further reflected in her memberships with the Queensland Law Society, Morningside Australian Rules Football Club, Sunshine Coast Law Association, Sunshine Coast Hockey Association, and as a Court Appointed Costs Assessor in Queensland.