Over 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students from universities across South East Queensland sat down with Indigenous leaders in the legal sector during Law Week.

A panel of impressive Indigenous law graduates from Griffith, Bond, UQ and QUT shared their stories and career advice with the next generation of lawyers in the Supreme Court Library of Queensland.

Panellist and Griffith law graduate Rebecca Price said it was encouraging to see more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders working in the legal profession.

“You cannot be, what you cannot see,” she said during a wide ranging discussion about the challenges that Indigenous law students face.

Panellists encouraged students to take up career opportunities that interested them and to find dedicated mentors that could guide them.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Law Students Meet the Profession event aims to promote diversity and increase career pathways for Indigenous students.

The inaugural networking event was led by Griffith Law School and co-organised with Bond, UQ and QUT.

The annual event will rotate, giving each university a chance to host aspiring Indigenous law students and connect them to the legal profession.

Panellists

– Avelina Tarrago (Barrister and President of the Indigenous Lawyers Association of Queensland, QUT graduate)

– Cameron Costello (Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, UQ graduate)

– Emily MacDonald (MinterEllison, Bond University graduate)

– Rebecca Price (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Griffith graduate)

Hosted by Griffith law graduate and barrister Joshua Creamer.