Gillian McKnight

Gillian McKnight is a Senior Associate at Trilby Misso, where she applies her extensive legal knowledge to support clients through some of their most challenging times. She earned her Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Business with a focus on Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, and Advertising from Queensland University of Technology, supplemented by a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the same institution. Gillian’s practice focuses on personal injury matters involving incidents on the road, in workplaces, and public places. She is drawn to this area of law because it involves practical problem-solving that has a direct, positive impact on clients’ lives. Gillian finds deep satisfaction in guiding clients through the claims process and seeing them reach resolutions that bring them peace and stability after difficult events. Throughout her career, Gillian has contributed significantly to legal practice and is particularly proud of her role mentoring junior lawyers within the firm. She values the opportunity to nurture emerging legal talent, helping them develop the skills and empathy required to serve clients effectively. Gillian believes that Trilby Misso stands out through its genuine commitment to client-focused service. The firm prioritises clear communication and involving clients in every step of their legal journey, ensuring they feel supported and informed. Beyond client care, the firm fosters a respectful and supportive culture that emphasises collaboration over rigid targets, aiming to provide compassionate assistance to those seeking compensation. She takes a keen interest in the ongoing evolution of the legal industry, noting the increasing client engagement in the claims process and the impactful role of technology in making legal services more accessible, especially for clients in rural and regional areas. To those beginning a career in law, Gillian advises cultivating strong emotional intelligence—recognising that effective legal representation requires empathy and understanding as much as legal knowledge. She highlights listening, patience, curiosity, creativity, and attention to detail as key attributes that underpin successful and meaningful legal advocacy. Balancing the demands of her career with motherhood has been a significant personal challenge, one she has managed with the support of her firm’s flexible and understanding environment, which embraces remote work and work-life balance. Outside the legal profession, Gillian enjoys adventurous pursuits and quality time with her two daughters. She appreciates engaging, fast-paced fiction such as the television series Brooklyn 99, and, despite not being sporty herself, she enjoys watching sports—with the exception of cricket. Gillian McKnight embodies a compassionate and thoughtful approach to personal injury law, committed to achieving the best outcomes for her clients while fostering a supportive workplace culture.