6-8 William Street, Nambour, Sunshine Coast

Meet Cheney: Advocating for the Injured with Compassion and Determination At Butler McDermott Lawyers

Personal injury law is a demanding and highly specialised area of legal practice, requiring not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of the human impact of injury and loss. At Butler McDermott Lawyers, Cheney plays a key role within our Personal Injuries Department, assisting clients through what is often one of the most difficult periods in their lives.

With a solid academic background and a growing practice in both personal injury and civil litigation, Cheney is committed to delivering clear, compassionate legal guidance and achieving meaningful outcomes for individuals affected by injury, negligence, or accident.

 
A Solid Educational Foundation

Cheney began her legal studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2018, undertaking a dual degree in Law and Criminology and Justice. This unique combination gave her a strong foundation not only in legal principles but also in the broader context of the justice system. After completing her studies in 2022, she graduated in 2023 and commenced her career in legal practice.

 
Focused on Personal Injury and Civil Litigation

Cheney works primarily in the area of personal injuries and is also expanding her experience in civil litigation. Her decision to work in personal injuries was driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. She understands how a serious injury, whether caused by a motor vehicle accident, a workplace incident, a public liability matter, or medical negligence, can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on individuals and their families. Her work allows her to guide clients through what can be a very complex area of law, helping them seek the compensation and closure they need to move forward.

 
Evolving with the Legal Landscape

Throughout her career, Cheney has observed a significant shift in the way personal injury matters are resolved. Increasingly, claims are being settled during the “pre-court phase,” which occurs once a client reaches medical maximum improvement and the necessary medical expert evidence is gathered. At this stage, a compulsory conference is held, and it is estimated that around 85% of matters are resolved during this process. This shift has helped reduce the strain on the courts and has also allowed clients to reach outcomes more efficiently and cost-effectively, helping them to find closure sooner.

 
Making a Difference for Clients

Cheney takes great pride in supporting injured individuals and their families through what is often one of the most difficult times in their lives. Many of her clients are unable to return to work due to physical or psychological injuries, and the compensation she helps them obtain plays a crucial role in supporting their quality of life and financial stability well into the future. For Cheney, the most rewarding part of her work is knowing that she is making a real and lasting impact.

 
A Proud Member of the Butler McDermott Team

Cheney is proud to be part of Butler McDermott Lawyers, a firm with over 100 years of history in the Sunshine Coast region. As a small general practice firm, Butler McDermott is deeply rooted in the local community. The team actively supports initiatives like Wishlist and the Keeper Project in Nambour, reflecting a strong commitment to giving back and making a difference beyond the legal sphere.

 
Looking Ahead

Cheney has already built a strong foundation in her legal career and is excited about what lies ahead. She is actively expanding her expertise and is working toward her long-term goal of becoming an accredited specialist in personal injuries law. Her dedication to professional growth and excellence reflects the forward-thinking approach and client-first values that define the team at Butler McDermott Lawyers.

If you’re seeking advice on personal injury, Cheney and the team at Butler McDermott Lawyers are ready to assist you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your legacy.

More news from Butler McDermott Lawyers

Peter Boyce

Consultant

Peter has been practising as a Nambour Solicitor since 1977 and joined Butler McDermott Lawyers the same year.

With over 40 years practicing as a Sunshine Coast lawyer, Peter has extensive knowledge of various facets of law.

He has practised in all areas of litigation and has special interests in:

  • Criminal law
  • Civil and Commercial litigation
  • Retirement Village matters
  • Sports law
  • Resumption of land and compensation claims

 

Peter has specialised knowledge of and experience with resumption matters as a result of the Traveston Dam project, road corridors, Main Roads and water pipeline. He is renowned for his professional approach and is an experienced and determined advocate.

Brent King

Solicitor/Director

Brent works as a litigation lawyer, providing litigation legal advice in relation to both civil and criminal law matters, including:
  • Defamation Claims
  • Contract and Debt Disputes
  • Building and Construction Disputes
  • Planning Matters
  • Criminal Law and Traffic Legal Matters
Having grown up on the Sunshine Coast and joining Butler McDermott after the completion of his studies, Brent appreciates the needs of our clients, and brings a particularly commercial approach to litigation. Brent is a member of the Queensland Law Society and the Sunshine Coast Law Association, and has litigated a wide variety of matters in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts.

Al Upton

Solicitor/Director

After arriving at Butler McDermott Lawyers in 2016, Al quickly progressed to running our Wills and Estates section and has successfully litigated disputes in the Supreme and District Courts of Queensland in the early stages of his career.

In the years that followed Al has now moved to assist our clients with commercial and property matters having achieved positive outcomes in that area as well as general litigation. Al’s experience has him uniquely placed to provide quality advice in the areas of property, commercial, wills and estates and general litigation.

Al is involved in giving back to the community, sitting on the board for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation and Sundale Community Foundation. He otherwise became a director of Butler McDermott Lawyers in November 2021.