Katrina Dawson was a barrister, friend and colleague of other hostages but most importantly was a mother of three young children
THE mother of three, 39, sister of well-known media lawyer Sandy Jr, died on her way to hospital after the Lindt Cafe siege ended in a hail of gunfire.
NSW
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A BARRISTER and mother of three was one of the victims killed in the Lindt Chocolate Café siege in Martin Place.
Katrina Dawson, 38, a barrister with 8 Selborne Chambers, was one of two victims confirmed to have died as the 16-hour siege finally came to an end about 2am.
It is understood Ms Dawson, who was admitted to the Bar in 2005, died on the way to hospital after being removed from the cafe when the siege concluded in a hail of gunfire.
The Telegraph understands she died as a result of cardiac arrest.
The Telegraph has been told Ms Dawson was getting a coffee with at least one of the survivors, barrister Stefan Balafoutis when they were caught in the siege.
She was also friends with Julie Taylor, another barrister caught in the siege who worked in the same chambers as Ms Dawson.
Her husband Paul Smith is a partner at high profile law firm King & Wood Mallesons.
She was the sister of high profile defamation barrister Sandy Dawson Jnr and daughter of former Arnotts boss Alexander Dawson.
Sandy Dawson was not available for comment this morning but last night told The Telegraph the family was struggling with the circumstances.
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She was admitted to work as a lawyer in 2000 and leaves behind three children aged under 10.
The news has left the legal fraternity in shock and NSW Bar Association President Jane Needham SC released a statement on the tragedy.
“Katrina was one of our best and brightest barristers who will be greatly missed by her colleagues and friends at the NSW Bar,” Ms Needham said. “She was a devoted mother of three children, and a valued member of her floor and of our bar community.”
“Our thoughts are with her family at this time, including her brother, Sandy Dawson of Banco Chambers.”
Ms Dawson topped the state in the 1994 HSC with a 100 TER at Edgecliff’s Ascham School.
She was one of three barristers held hostage.
Ms Needham said it was “with a heavy heart and deep sorrow” that she informed members of the bar that Ms Dawson had passed away in the early hours of the morning.
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