Toowoomba lawyer Alysha Jacobsen recognised with prestigious Lawyer of the Year award by the Downs and South West Queensland Law Society

The Toowoomba-based Bouchier Khan Lawyers solicitor was humbled by the award. See what she had to say here.

Downs and South West Queensland Law Society’s Lawyer of the Year Alysha Jacobsen simply has a passion for the law and helping those challenged by it.

The Bouchier Khan Lawyers solicitor was presented with the award at the DSWQLS’s annual ball in Toowoomba.

Mrs Jacobsen said the most satisfying part of her job was helping people confronted with charges through the complexities of the law.

“The most satisfying part of the job is not only getting a great outcome for the client but being able to assist them through their most difficult time of their life,” she said.

“Explaining the complicated court processes to them in simple terms and giving them a proper understanding of their options.

“I also enjoy that every single day is different.

Downs and South West Queensland Law Society Lawyer of the Year Alysha Jacobsen who was presented the award by leading Toowoomba barrister David Jones KC at the Law Ball.

“There are always new challenges and it’s about advocating for your client in court.

“I couldn’t just sit in front of a computer all day.”

Mrs Jacobsen covers various areas of the law but works primarily in criminal law, traffic matters and domestic violence cases.

She said the Toowoomba legal fraternity enjoyed a good working relationship between practitioners and others involved.

“The Toowoomba legal fraternity is incredible but I agree that we as criminal lawyers have a special bond,” she said.

“We have all worked alongside each other for a very long time.

“We’ve all seen and dealt with a lot and bonded over our vicarious trauma.

“Some clients can be extremely difficult and we all go through the same issues.

“We are different to other lawyers because defence solicitors rarely go up against each other in the courtroom.

“We also see each other at court every single day and it’s not like other areas of law where most contact is via email.

“Some of us started off at the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) working for the prosecution before moving into the defence side.

“We know what it’s like to be on the other side and that has developed into respect for one another knowing that we all have a job to do for the justice system to work.”

Mrs Jacobsen said the Lawyer of the Year award took her by surprise.

“I was honestly shocked to receive this award,” she said.

“I was up against some incredibly experienced lawyers, Kym Briese from Briese Lawyers and Lynn Armstrong from Best Wilson Buckley.

“I had entirely convinced myself that I had no chance of winning against those amazing ladies.

Toowoomba Courthouse

“It’s still hard to believe that I did receive the award.

“I have been extremely humbled by the acknowledgments and praise I have received from my colleagues and the Toowoomba legal fraternity.

“Unsurprisingly, we don’t often get thanked by our client’s for the work we do, so it’s nice to be recognised by others.

“The award also means a lot to my family.

“It’s extremely hard trying to balance a career working full-time with a husband who has periods of time working away and two young children.

“It was also very special to be nominated by (barrister) Jessica Goldie and then to receive the award from David Jones KC, who are two amazing people and very close friends.”