Get to Know Your Council Members – Luke Taylor

From aspiring zoologist to respected barrister and Society Council Vice-President, this legal practitioner’s career has been shaped by curiosity, advocacy and a genuine commitment to the profession. With experience spanning both private practice and government, they have developed a broad perspective on the law and the challenges facing practitioners in Tasmania. A long-standing contributor to the Society through committee roles, they remain passionate about supporting the profession and fostering meaningful engagement within it. In this profile, Luke Taylor reflects on his career journey, the importance of empathy and humour in legal practice, and the value of staying curious throughout one’s professional life.

What first drew you to the law?
Well, I originally wanted to be a zoologist, but a frank conversation with my mother ultimately steered me towards a career in law.

Could you share a little about your career journey so far and any key milestones along the way?
My legal journey has taken me between private practice and government roles, which has provided valuable exposure to different perspectives within the law and a wide range of legal challenges. Those experiences have been incredibly rewarding and have helped shape me as a practitioner.

Heading to the Bar was not a specific early career goal, but rather something that evolved over time. As I increasingly took on managerial responsibilities, I found there were fewer opportunities to appear in court and undertake advocacy work – which is the aspect of the work that I enjoy most.

What motivated you to join the Law Society Council?
I joined the Society Council because I wanted to contribute to the legal profession in Tasmania. As a small State with a relatively small profession, the Society and the profession face a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

Early in my career, I volunteered as Co-President of the then Southern Young Lawyers Committee, which was both enjoyable and a great introduction to committee work and professional service. Since then, I have continued to serve on a number of Society committees, and working groups including the Litigation Committee, where I am now serving my third term as Chair. Additionally, my participation on Council has led me to Executive positions as Treasurer, and now Vice-President.

How can members best engage with or support the work of the Council?
Engage directly with your Council members – call them, email them, or catch up for a coffee. In my experience as a Society Council member, we often initiate conversations with members of the profession, but people can sometimes hesitate to come forward themselves.

As cliché as it may sound, we are here to serve the profession. One thing I have learned is that there are very few issues in the legal profession where there is a single, consensus view. Even within Council itself, everyone brings a different perspective, and every opinion is worth hearing.

What’s your top tip for early career lawyers just entering the profession?
Be curious and ask plenty of questions.

Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self when you were starting out?
When it comes to your career path, don’t be afraid to make difficult decisions.

How do you maintain balance and wellbeing in what can be a demanding profession?
Exercise, as challenging as this is increasingly becoming as I get older! Making time for it remains worthwhile for both my physical and mental wellbeing.

Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self when you were starting out?
Have empathy and maintain a sense of humour. It is important to remember that clients, colleagues, business partners, members of the judiciary and tribunal members are all human. Everyone experiences difficult days from time to time, and everyone is simply trying to do their jobs well.

Do you have a favourite book, podcast, or quote that inspires you professionally or personally?
Two podcasts: Lawyers Weekly, because it gives a really good look at what’s happening in the profession nationally, and also The Imperfects.

Coffee or tea? Morning person or night owl?
Coffee, always. And these days, I’m a reformed night owl.

May 2026

Luke Taylor
Old Mercury Chambers