Katherine Southwell

Competent and recognized, but communication could be clearer

I engaged Katherine Southwell at Thomson Geer for a complex workplace dispute involving a non-compete clause and allegations of constructive dismissal. Her recognition in Labour and Employment Law by Best Lawyers was a key factor in my decision, and her foundational knowledge of Australian employment standards was evident. She provided a solid, technically sound strategy that ultimately led to a reasonable settlement. However, my experience was mixed. While the legal work itself was proficient, I often found myself waiting days for email responses to time-sensitive questions, which added significant stress. The explanations of legal procedures and potential outcomes, while accurate, sometimes felt rushed or assumed a level of prior knowledge I didn't have. For straightforward matters, her expertise is undeniable, but for clients who need more hand-holding or clearer, more frequent updates, the service felt just adequate. She is a capable attorney who delivered on the core legal result, but the overall client experience didn't fully match the level of her professional recognition.