Law Society Representatives Inspire Future Legal Minds at Tasmanian Careers Expos

The Law Society of Tasmania recently participated in three major student career events: the Launceston Co-Op Schools Careers Expo, and in Hobart, the Hutchins and Collegiate Careers Expo at Hutchins School and the Southern Catholic Schools Careers Expo at Macq02.

The Society was represented across the state by Council President Will Justo, Wallace Wilkinson & Webster, with Society Council and committee members Renee Spencer, Tremayne Fay Rheinberger; Pip Monk, Monk Lawyers; Juanita O’Keefe, Tas Recycle; Julia Higgins, Bishops; Sam Claessens, Douglas & Collins; Olivia Jenkins, Rae & Partners, and Catherine Scott, ConMoto Group. They were joined by early career lawyers: Racquel Ralston and Sydney Lee, Ogilvie Jennings; Sarah Moss, Page Seager; Marisa Gillam, Groom Kennedy; Mathew Isles, Tierney Law; Courtney Bailey, Bishops; and Sophie Barker, Rae & Partners. See here for a few photos taken at the expos.

The Society takes this opportunity to again thank all Society representatives for volunteering.

In their own words – the volunteer experience
The expos provided a valuable opportunity to engage with passionate Year 10 to 12 students about the realities and rewards of a legal career in Tasmania. Racquel and Sydney shared their experiences in litigation, criminal and family law, emphasising the benefits of studying law at the University of Tasmania and remaining in the state for legal practice. A particular highlight was their discussion of the Tasmanian Legal Practice Course, which stands apart nationally by offering real courtroom experience before Judges, Magistrates, and Senior Members of TASCAT – an opportunity they described as instrumental in their own journeys to becoming legal practitioners.

Across the events, a recurring theme was busting the myths perpetuated by shows like Suits, though as one attendee joked, “Racquel and Sydney do dress in style too!”

At Macq02, students’ energy and curiosity shone through. Sarah, Pip, and others engaged with students at all stages of their legal interest, with some already committed to law school, and others just beginning to explore the idea. The students were introduced to the wide array of legal fields available, from employment and corporate law to wills and estates, tax, criminal, and international law.

Students posed thoughtful questions about preparing for law school and navigating early career decisions, with the practitioners offering honest insights into the profession, including the diverse backgrounds law can complement, such as music, history, economics, and art.

Marisa, reflecting on the event, shared how speaking with students renewed her own passion for the law. “Sharing why I chose this career and what it’s like reminded me how much I love it”, she said. Other representatives echoed this sentiment, noting that the expos were not only rewarding for students but also a great way to connect with fellow members of the legal community.

Overall, the Society’s involvement in these events was a resounding success, both in demystifying the legal profession and in planting seeds of inspiration among Tasmania’s next generation of legal professionals.