If you have a preconceived idea of solicitors being bossy, abrupt kind of people, you haven't met Elise Thomson. Elise is the principal lawyer at Thomson & Associates in McLaren Vale, as well as being a mother of four and a keen scuba diver. We are thrilled to introduce you to a quiet, local water baby who set up office in McLaren Vale in 2019 to service the Fleurieu Peninsula.

You are the owner of Thomson and Associates. Please tell us a little more about your business.

Thomson & Associates specialises in Wills and Estate law, Family Law property matters and conveyancing.

We offer appointments in our McLaren Vale office, as well as mobile appointments to service clients throughout the Fleurieu Peninsula, Adelaide, Southern Suburbs and Adelaide Hills.

Up until now we have been a one-person operation, but we’re about to add to our team as the practice has undergone growth over the past 12 months.

Have you always been a solicitor? Please tell us a little about your business life before Thomson & Associates.

My background is in administration in the Commonwealth Government, the mining and resources sector, and even working for a greeting card company.

My first business was a bookkeeping and PA service before I decided to study law.

Thomson & Associates was founded in Kent Town in August 2018 and, after offering a visiting service in McLaren Vale, I decided to open a full-time office in 2019.

What inspired you to set up an office in McLaren Vale?

My family life has often taken me into the McLaren Vale area as my kids used to play t-ball at McLaren Flat. I love McLaren Vale, particularly the wine, and would love to eventually purchase an acreage and move to the area to live, as well as work.

I enjoyed working with the clients I met when offering a visiting service, so it was a natural progression to have an office closer to home in the Southern region.

On a more personal note, tell us a little about Elise and what she loves to do out of work.

Wine, scuba diving, reading and gardening pretty much sums up life outside of work. I’m a sparkling red girl, and try, where possible, to choose South Australian wine.

I love my diving, and there are so many great spots on the Fleurieu and south of Adelaide. I have a special love of the leafy sea dragon and have enjoyed some great dives at Rapid Bay, Port Noarlunga and the Bluff in Encounter Bay.

At home, if I’m not out in the garden, I’m curled up with a good book, usually (surprise, surprise) a crime or forensic novel. My favourite authors are James Paterson, Patricia Cornwell and Jeffery Deaver (I even met him once).

Did you grow up here in the Fleurieu? Please tells us a little more about your background.

No. I grew up in Darlington in Adelaide, but have enjoyed raising my four kids in nearby Clarendon, and spending lots of time in the region for kids sport and, of course, diving.

I know you are very passionate about the outdoors and adventure, please share a little about this.

As I said, I love scuba diving, so when I get the chance I head to the coast. I’ve enjoyed some great dives, including night diving at Porties.

I don’t mind a walk in the bush too, so have been known to head to Deep Creek or Kuitpo Forest to escape civilisation.

What is it that makes you proud to live and work in this special part of the world?

With the global pandemic especially it offers safety and security. SA has done an amazing job of managing COVID-19, so I’m proud to be a South Australian. What’s not to love, really? The climate, the people, the wine … South Australia’s the best.

What is something your co-workers or clients may not know about you (that you are willing to share!)

Most people know I’m the quiet, retiring type, so very few people know I own a set of bagpipes. I was planning to learn to play them before COVID hit. I bought them on a trip to Scotland. I figured it was worth a try as I used to play the saxophone when I was younger.

ELISE'S TOP TIPS

Best place to....

• Grab a quick bite…Taste Banhmi, McLaren Vale
• Taste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere)... D’Arenberg
• Go for a dip… Second Valley
• Explore nature… Kuitpo Forest

When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…

• feel… at home
• always make sure I visit… the Yankalilla Bakery
• stock up on… gin from Kangaroo Island

Best memory of being here: Seeing the leafy sea dragons at Rapid Bay.

My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: Stay at least a week!

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