Jemma Barnard, one of the state’s most promising young legal minds, was today named Rising Star for Injury & Compensation Law in the Queensland rankings of the industry trusted Doyle’s Guide 2024.

In an exciting double triumph, Ms Barnard is also set to be appointed Partner at Travis Schultz & Partners (TSP), rising from Senior Associate to become the newest member of the firm’s leadership team.

Inclusion in Doyle’s annual rankings is one of the most sought-after accolades across all sectors of the legal profession, determined through peer-review surveys, as well as extensive telephone and face-to-face interviews with clients, peers, and industry bodies.

With several team members named Rising Stars over the years and the firm being recognised 20 times in this year’s Doyle’s rankings, TSP Managing Partner, Travis Schultz, shares the significance of Ms Barnard’s impending promotion and what distinguishes this award-winning breed as future leaders.

“Jemma exemplifies everything we stand for at TSP – talent, hard work and initiative. In our firm like ours, we nurture those who stand out for their contribution and competency, and we promote those who have earned it,” Mr Schultz said.

“That means we don’t follow the old-fashioned rules of corporate advancement. I was promoted to Partner at 26 and Managing Partner at 28, so I know firsthand that age should never be a barrier to career advancement.

“Jemma’s started with us as an administrative assistant, studying while working at the firm. She stood out as raw talent, embracing challenges and learning from her mentors. Her career has accelerated rapidly, culminating in her upcoming promotion to Partner at just 28.

“Experiences like Jemma’s prove it’s time we challenge outdated notions of how long it takes to rise to the top – progress should be based on skill and merit, not years served.

“Jemma’s exceptional talent and dedication have earned her a place among the legal elite in today’s Doyle’s rankings, reinforcing how highly she is regarded by her peers and clients.

“All of our lawyers recognised in today’s Doyle’s Guide bring a powerful mix of initiative, resilience, and collaboration – proof that our approach to career progression opens doors to success, unshackled by dated practices.”

Ms Barnard shares her gratitude for the recognition and offers valuable advice to early career lawyers wanting to thrive in their own careers.

“Being professionally recognised by my peers in this year’s Doyle’s Guide is a tremendous honour,” Ms Barnard said.

“The legal profession can be demanding. We all work hard to achieve the best outcomes for our clients and so there can be no greater compliment than to have this effort acknowledged by your peers. I would like to thank everyone who supported me, and in particular the TSP leadership team for the wonderful opportunity to grow into a partnership role – I cannot wait to see what the future holds.”

She adds that importantly, mindset is key for lawyers wanting to advance.

“Find your people – those who share your values, are passionate about professional development, and love what they do – and, say yes to opportunities, especially those out of your comfort zone – from discomfort, comes true growth,” she said.

With the partnership group now ten strong heading into 2025, Ms Barnard will join existing Partners Tim McClymont, Emma Davidson and Trent Johnson in Brisbane,Beth Rolton in Cairns, andGreg Spinda, Hugh Powell, Kane Stegeman, Travis Schultz and Kelly Phelps, the CEO and Director, in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast.

TSP performed remarkably well in the 2024 Doyle’s Guide as the only firm in Queensland whose lawyers were recognised a total of 20 times in; Work Injury Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff), Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff), Public Liability Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff), and Medical Negligence Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff), Rising Star Injury & Compensation Law.

TSP was also recognised as a Leading Law Firm in three categories including Work Injury Compensation, Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation and Public Liability, as well as Recommended in Medical Negligence.

Travis Schultz once again achieved the honour to be recognised in all four compensation law categories with Market Leader, Preeminent and Leading rankings, while Greg Spinda was ranked Preeminent for the first time.

Beth Rolton and Jemma Barnard make their debut in the list, making a total of eight TSP Plaintiff lawyers who ranked highly in the Queensland Guide.

• Travis Schultz –
  • Preeminent in Public Liability Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)
  • Preeminent in Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)
  • Market Leader in Work Injury Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)
  • Leading in Medical Negligence Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)

• Jemma Barnard –
  • Rising Star in Injury & Compensation Law

• Beth Rolton –
  • Recommended in Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)

• Greg Spinda –
• Preeminent in Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)
  • Recommended in Work Injury Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)
• Recommended in Public Liability Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)

• Tim McClymont –
  • Leading in Work Injury Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)
  • Leading in Public Liability Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)
  • Leading in Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)

• Trent Johnson –
  • Leading in Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)
  • Recommended in Work Injury Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)
  • Recommended in Public Liability Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)

• Hugh Powell –
  • Leading in Work Injury Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)
  • Recommended in Public Liability Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)
  • Recommended in Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)

• Kane Stegeman –
  • Recommended in Public Liability Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)
  • Recommended in Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)

The Queensland and Australian Doyle’s Guide is an annual listing of the best lawyers based on peer surveys with rankings determined on ability and the quality of positive feedback. More information about the 2024 Doyle’s Guide rankings can be viewed at www.doylesguide.com

To learn more about Travis Schultz & Partners, visit www.schultzlaw.com.au

Jemma Barnard: https://www.schultzlaw.com.au/meet-your-team/jemma-barnard/

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Media contact: Trudie Abel, Fresh PR & Marketing | 0408 119 443 | trudie@freshprm.com.au

About Travis Schultz & Partners 

Travis Schultz & Partners (TSP) was established by founding Managing Partner, Travis Schultz in 2018, based on the guiding values of fairness, respect and expertise. The award-winning, nationally recognised compensation law firm services all of Queensland and has a team of more than 70, with offices in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and Cairns.