Rachel Last has spent her career standing alongside people at their most vulnerable. As a Special Counsel in personal injury law, she handles motor vehicle accident claims, workers’ compensation matters, public liability cases and total and permanent disability claims. But more than the technicalities of the work, it’s the people behind each file that keep her in this area of practice.
A Sunshine Coast Success Story
Rachel was part of the inaugural Bachelor of Laws class at the University of the Sunshine Coast, commencing her studies in 2014. She finished in 2017 and graduated in early 2018 with First Class Honours and a University Commendation for Academic Excellence. She was also awarded the Una Prentice Award for being the highest achieving female law graduate of her class.
It was a strong start, and the years since have done nothing to slow her down.
Why Personal Injury Law? Because the People Matter
Rachel’s path into personal injury law began with an opportunity to work alongside a great mentor. What kept her there was the clients.
“These are people going through one of the worst periods of their lives,” she says. “They’re vulnerable, they’re exposed, and they need help. Few areas of law require such a high level of compassion, empathy, and care.”
That combination of personal stakes and genuine human complexity is what sets this area apart. For Rachel, it’s not just a practice area. It’s a commitment.
Keeping Up in a Constantly Evolving Area
Personal injury law doesn’t stand still, and neither does Rachel. Court decisions are handed down regularly that expand, refine or redefine how the law applies. 2025 was a particularly significant year in the compensation space, with major cases reshaping how practitioners approach their matters.
Rachel keeps a close watch on emerging decisions and legislative developments. The past year also saw procedural reforms aimed at streamlining the pre-court phase of personal injury matters, changes that require practitioners to be both informed and adaptable.
What Drives Her Day to Day
Ask Rachel what she enjoys most about her work, and the answer is straightforward: getting fair compensation for deserving clients.
There’s no complicated version of that. Just a clear-eyed commitment to achieving the right result for the people who have come to her for help.
What Sets Butler McDermott Apart
For Rachel, it comes back to the firm’s history. Butler McDermott Lawyers has been part of the Sunshine Coast community for over 100 years. That kind of longevity isn’t something that can be replicated overnight, and it’s not something clients take lightly.
A Record That Speaks for Itself
Rachel’s achievements outside of daily practice reflect the same standard she holds herself to in it. She has been recognised in Doyle’s Guide as a Rising Star in personal injury (2022), was a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards as a Rising Star in both 2021 and 2022, and was a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards in 2021 as a Wellness Advocate.
In 2022, she was the keynote speaker at the University of the Sunshine Coast Law Students’ Association Wellbeing Breakfast. In 2023, she served as Master of Ceremonies for the Rewired: Youth Mental Health Event hosted by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council. She has also been volunteering with the Suncoast Community Legal Service for over five years.
Beyond the Office
Born in Bundaberg and raised in North Queensland, Rachel is a proud Cowboys supporter, a title she wears without apology. She’s married with a toddler, two chickens and a dog, and most weekends she’s happiest keeping life simple with her family and animals. Except, of course, when there’s a game on.
Rachel Last in a Sentence?
Accomplished, grounded, and genuinely invested in her clients, she brings the full weight of her experience to every matter.
If you’ve been injured and need legal advice from someone who understands what’s at stake, Rachel Last is ready to help.
About Butler McDermott Lawyers
Butler McDermott Lawyers is a Queensland law firm providing legal services across:
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Wills and Estates
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Estate Litigation
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Family Law
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Personal Injury
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Criminal Law
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Commercial Litigation
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Property and Commercial Law
With a strong focus on professionalism, client care and community involvement, Butler McDermott Lawyers proudly supports individuals, families and businesses across Queensland.
