MEET THE LEGAL DOG MELTING HEARTS IN QUEENSLAND COURTROOM

Cairns Partner Beth Rolton with Charlie, who clients often request to accompany them to meetings. Photo Blueclick Photography

At a Queensland law firm, justice isn’t just blind — it has a wagging tail and a calming presence.

Travis Schultz & Partners (TSP) has welcomed a new team member to its Cairns office — and she’s already making an undeniable impact.

Charlie, a gentle Groodle, is the firm’s resident therapy dog, providing emotional support to clients navigating the often overwhelming process of compensation claims.

While most law offices focus purely on the facts, TSP is betting on something softer: comfort, calm, and compassion. And it’s paying off.

“Charlie helps make the legal process feel safer, softer and less confronting,” said Partner Beth Rolton.

“Clients are now actively asking if she’ll be in the room during meetings. It’s a clear sign that her presence offers something our clients truly need.”

One client described how Charlie helped her through the emotional fallout of a traumatic injury: “When I got bad news during one meeting, Charlie climbed into my lap and snuggled in. There was no judgement — just calm and love. It made a bitter pill easier to swallow.”

That comfort, she says, extends far beyond one moment. “The moment I walk into the office and see Charlie’s wagging tail and her ‘I’m so happy to see you’ energy, I feel like I’m not alone. It’s the little things — a nudge, a paw, a cuddle — that ground you when your emotions are running high.”

Nikki Bignell, founder of Therapy and Support Animals Australia

Charlie joined the team in late 2024 and completed a five-week live-in training program with Therapy and Support Animals Australia. She’s on track to receive formal therapy dog certification after her first birthday.

Nikki Bignell, founder of the training organisation, said dogs like Charlie are becoming vital assets in trauma-informed environments.

“In a legal setting, where many clients are dealing with complex trauma, a dog’s presence can help regulate emotions, reduce anxiety and ease symptoms of PTSD,” she said.

“They create a safe space, especially for people who struggle to put things into words.”

Therapy dogs have appeared in courtrooms and hospitals, but their presence in law firms remains rare, something Bignell believes is ready for change.

“Charlie is an incredible example of how a legal office can support clients in more human, compassionate ways,” she said. “She reminds us that connection doesn’t always have to come through conversation.”

Managing Partner Travis Schultz agrees, and says her impact in Cairns could soon see her four-legged colleagues pop up in other offices too.

“Charlie may not be a lawyer, but she plays a powerful role in helping people feel seen, safe and supported,” he said.

“She’s even got her own profile on our website. She’s part of the team — and part of what makes the experience better for our clients.”