What first inspired you to pusue a career in this field?

I was inspired to be a lawyer after I was selected as Australia's female Indigenous Youth Delegate to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York. There I met many influential Indigenous people from around the world, including Professor of Law, Megan Davis now Pro- Vice Chancellor Indigenous UNSW, who encouraged me to consider a career in law. At that time I was a high school PE teacher interested in developing my advocacy skills and understanding of the law. When I returned home from New York in 2010, I set myself short-term and long-term goals to transition from teaching to lawyering and was fortunate to obtain my postgraduate Juris Doctor from UNSW Law. 

What is biggest challenge you have faced in your career, and how did you overcome this?

There are many challenges that come with being not only being a lawyer, but the fact I am both a woman and black. This intersection of gender and race in the legal profession makes navigating the world of law challenging and overwhelming in a field historically dominated by white men. Feeling like an impostor is a real challenge because despite having the knowledge and qualifications to do my job, it is exhausting and I have experienced feeling as though I need to work twice as hard to prove myself. For instance, I have been mistaken as the client in court and I have been told 'I dont want an Aboriginal lawyer'. That said, I have a built a brilliant support network of mentors, Judges and experienced lawyers who are always willing to provide me with realistic and practical advice. Have the perserence ti push through these challenges and show resilence are qualities I have learned to develop in order to simply to my job. 

How did your time at UNSW Sydney prepare you for this?

UNSW Law provided me with an excellent legal education. I graduated with the freedom to choose my own career path and had multiple work opportunities. Whilst at UNSW Law, I participated in a mock trial, was elected Vice- President (Social Justice) of the UNSW Law society and established the UNSW Law First Peoples Mooting competition and I also worked as a paralegal at Gilbert + Tobin, a top tier corporate law firm. All these opportunities provided me with insight and the experience to practice law in the real world.

What do you love the most about your role?

I love my role because as a lawyer,I am able to defend the rights of those most vulnerable. As a lawyer, I understand I am in a position of privilege by providing legal advice to those whom the laws bear most harshly ensure they have the opportunity to access justice. 

Name a woman or women you look up to most – why do they inspire you?

I have been inspired by two very important groups of incredible women in my life: those in my family and those in the legal profession. First, my mother, aunties and grandmother instilled me with a very strong sense of resilence that has given me the determination to pursue my passion even in the face of discrimination. Second, I have also been inspired by three important women in the legal profession; Justice Lucy McCallum whom I was I was appointed tipstaff, barrister Sophia Beckett (Public Defender) whom mentored me throughout law school and Professor Megan Davis who saw my potential as a lawyer and encouraged me to pursue a career in the profession. 

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

My advice for the next generation of female leaders is simple; Do not compromise your own values and integrity to fit into the mold of what is expected of you in any profession. Carve your own space, create your own path and do not settle for other peoples low expectations of you. 

 

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