“Kathleen Simpson has devoted her legal career to protecting individuals affected by domestic and family violence, providing determined advocacy and compassionate guidance at moments when clients need it most. As Principal Director of DV LAWYER on the Gold Coast, she leads one of Australia’s few law firms dedicated exclusively to domestic violence matters, assisting clients across protection orders, family law proceedings involving children and property settlements following separation. Widely recognised for her leadership and community advocacy, Kathleen combines strong legal strategy with an unwavering commitment to victim safety, empowering survivors to leave harmful relationships and rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial 2026

Kathleen Simpson is an Australian family lawyer and the Principal Director of DV LAWYER, one of the few specialist law firms in Australia dedicated exclusively to domestic and family violence matters. Based in Southport on the Gold Coast, Kathleen is widely recognised for her advocacy on behalf of victim-survivors and her commitment to holding perpetrators accountable through the legal system.

Since being admitted as a lawyer in 2008, Kathleen has built a practice focused on supporting individuals experiencing domestic and family violence. She assists clients throughout Australia, guiding them through the legal process of leaving abusive relationships safely and securing the legal protections they need to rebuild their lives.

What Kathleen Simpson Actually Does

Kathleen specialises in assisting clients affected by domestic and family violence across a range of related legal matters, including:

• Domestic violence protection orders
• Family law proceedings involving children
• Property settlements following separation
• Safety planning and legal protection strategies
• High-risk relationship breakdowns involving abuse
• Legal advocacy for victim-survivors of domestic violence

Her work focuses on helping clients safely exit harmful relationships and navigate the legal process with clarity and support. Kathleen works closely with clients from the earliest stages of leaving a relationship through to resolving parenting and property matters following separation.

Advocacy and Recognition

Kathleen is widely respected for her work advocating against domestic and family violence and for her leadership within the legal profession and wider community.

Her achievements have been recognised through a number of awards and honours, including:

• Gold Coast Bulletin – Woman of the Year (Professionals), 2024
• Queensland Law Society – Queensland Solicitor of the Year (Small Firm), 2022
• Inducted onto the Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Honour Roll
• Finalist in the Domestic Violence Prevention Advocate Award – Queensland Law Society
• Domestic Violence Prevention Award, 2019
• Winning team member in the Women of Influence Great Debate

Commitment to Community

Beyond her legal practice, Kathleen is deeply committed to community advocacy and prevention initiatives. She regularly provides pro bono legal support to community organisations and domestic violence services, helping individuals access the legal protections they need.

Her work reflects a broader mission to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and to strengthen legal responses that prioritise victim safety and accountability.

Client Approach

Kathleen is known for her compassionate yet determined approach to representing victim-survivors. She combines strong legal advocacy with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals leaving abusive relationships.

Her priority is always to ensure her clients feel supported, protected and empowered as they move forward with their lives.

Contact

• Firm: DV LAWYER
• Location: Marine Parade, Southport, Queensland, Australia
• Principal Lawyer: Kathleen Simpson