My journey to practice law has not been conventional.

I grew up in country Victoria and completed an Associate Diploma in Welfare Studies which lead to my work with Community Services Victoria.

Back then, a child protection worker incorporated the role of a parole officer for people under the age of 21 years. I visited Pentridge Prison a few times to meet with a young man prior to his release into the community. We were the same age on opposite sides of a metal table. For me, this was a salient experience which pushed me to better engage and understand the structural differences and inequities of our community and how those differences could dictate and influence outcomes for many people.

I was fortunate to continue my study and completed my Bachelor of Arts. When my now husband graduated university we drove the road west, landing in Kalgoorlie. This is where I came to work at the now defunct government department, the Disability Services Commission. I was fortunate to work alongside and with the most amazing families across the Goldfields. During this time, the diagnoses of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder were entering the public domain. The support needed for these individuals was complex and difficult to secure. Some families could fund additional services for their children, others could not. It was difficult to see individuals go without much needed supports and to again see the inequity between members of my community. It was difficult to see how I could make a difference.

After 10 years, we left Kalgoorlie with 3 children (and a lot more boxes) and continued our journey west to Perth.

It was here in that I returned to study. It was a juggling act but with the encouragement of my family and friends, I graduated in 2012 with a Juris Doctor. I began work as a civil lawyer with a focus on industrial relations.

In all honesty, the practice of law itself was not quite what I expected and the demands on my time and attention were intense. I moved to a community legal centre (CLC) and found a better balance for me and my family. I was incredibly fortunate to work for migrant women experiencing family violence. The strength of the women I worked with appeared limitless. I know it was not. It was a long slow process to secure them the right to stay in Australia. I found this work simultaneously humbling and rewarding.

I continued to work in the CLC sector and government with street present individuals, members of the disability community and those experiencing significant mental health issues. Throughout this time the disparity of access to justice for those who were focused on finding accommodation or making their medical appointments was palpable. The impact of the justice system on people who live unseen in our community was and continues to be profound.

Following almost two years as a prosecutor it was time for a rest. Following a diagnosis of neurodivergence that flowed through my family, it was clear to me I needed to find my own way to practice law.

After some great discussions with colleagues and mentors, I began the process of exploring what my own practice of law could look like.

In my law firm, I will continue to keep an eye out for issues of inequality and assist where I can, however my focus will be on delivering criminal defence work within WA.