LGBTI Legal Service

Testimonials

• Polly Richardson

  Lawyer - LGBTI Legal Service - 2023

  It was not until 2020, after more than 14 years as a solicitor, that I came to work for a community legal centre. However, the seeds of my path there were sown early in my legal career and likely prior.

  During my final year at university in Melbourne, I undertook unpaid internships at both the Women's Legal Service Victoria and Victoria Legal Aid (VLA). Despite the work in those organisations being difficult, emotionally and technically, the compassion, kindness, and empathy shown by those I worked with was overwhelming. I first worked as a solicitor for an Independent Children's Lawyer, in Melbourne, funded by legal aid. His technical expertise was matched only by his humility, gentleness and warmth when communicating with both adult clients and children. I strive to honour and reflect these attributes in my own practice of the law.

  After relocating to Brisbane in 2008, a colleague encouraged me to volunteer with Caxton Legal Centre. As well as working as a family lawyer in private practice, I have volunteered at Caxton for more than 14 years including authoring a chapter in Caxton's Queensland Law Handbook.

  I made a difficult but deliberate choice in 2020 to leave private practice and pursue a role in a community legal centre (CLC). I was fortunate to be offered a role as solicitor at the LGBTI Legal Service. I have not looked back. The Service's vision aligns with how I strive to practice law; advise to empower not patronise and to be compassionate without condescending.

  The people who work (and volunteer) for our Service do so by deliberate choice not as a last resort. They are passionately committed to advocating for, supporting and empowering some of the most vulnerable in our community. I describe our Service as the 'little Service that can' as we act for and advocate on behalf of clients where the other party maybe the Queensland Police Service, large corporations, government departments, religious bodies and schools. The work is inspiring and challenging. I wouldn't have it any other way.

  I encourage all students (and lawyers) to actively seek a variety of volunteer opportunities. They are invaluable. You will be exposed to a plethora of practice areas, to the varied ways in which organisations are run and make networks of likeminded colleagues. Be brave and volunteer. You will find your tribe.

• Renea Hart

  Former Director and Principal Solicitor - LGBTI Legal Service - 2019

  Due to our small size (three staff), we are a dynamic service where every day is different. We work closely with other LGBTIQ+ and community support organisations and often meet to discuss projects and identify gaps in our service delivery. We also have a lot of client contact. We speak to different clients every day to provide holistic solutions to their issues, rather than just legal answers.

• Alastair Page

  Volunteer - LGBTI Legal Service - 2019

  I became involved in the LGBTI Legal Services after asking my social circles about any legal volunteering opportunities. Several older students were excited to tell me about a program that they were working on and invited me to be a part of it. After writing an application and completing the introductory seminar, I immediately began assisting with their ongoing projects. Taking part in the organization's goals has led me to some amazing experiences, from meeting fellow ally The Honourable Kirby J and at the time or writing this, helping compile submissions to the Commonwealth Review of Religious Freedoms. The submissions will have my name included among those that worked on the document when they are eventually entered into the federal registry, providing me with an immense amount of pride for the work that I complete with the organisation.

  As the majority of volunteers either study or work full time, organisers provide plenty of time to plan the hours that you will be spend on their projects. I would encourage anyone who is currently thinking about any form of volunteering to put your name forward as regularly as possible for whatever positions you can; gaining experience for your future profession may as well be a part of your reinvestment back into your community.

• Eliza Jane

  Administrative Assistant - LGBTI Legal Service - 2019

  I began volunteering at the LGBTI Legal Service in 2015, at the beginning of my third year at university. I initially volunteered as a Legal Assistant, helping to organise fundraising events and community activities. Over the past few years I have had the opportunity to try out other roles including Evening Coordinator and Law Reformer. I also held the position of Secretary for a couple of years. All of these volunteer positions have given me exposure to different areas of operation within the Service, allowing me to gain and develop various skills while also helping out those in need in the diverse LGBTIQ+ community.

  Currently, I work at the Service as an Administrative Assistant, and also volunteer as Stakeholder Relations Officer. As Stakeholder Relations Officer, I organise and attend events to assist with our community outreach. Working as an Administrative Assistant has been my most fulfilling role so far. I get to work closely with our Solicitor/Coordinator to facilitate the effective operation of the Service, including organising client services/advice and coordinating volunteers.

  For those who want to get involved with community legal centres, volunteering is the best way to start. You should definitely do your research and choose an organisation that you are genuinely passionate about, and make sure that you show your commitment through active involvement.

• Kurt Maroske

  Tenancy Advocate (Tenants Queensland); Policy and Law Reform Lead (LGBTI Legal Service) - Tenants Queensland + LGBTI Legal Service - 2024

  I returned to uni in my late 20s to pursue law as a second degree, after previously working in the community welfare and not-for-profit sectors. I was drawn towards law by my passion for justice, equality and social inclusion, but had misgivings from the outset about finding a career which would align with my values and personality, and which would feel culturally safe for me as a queer person. This uncertainty continued into my final year of study, where most of the placements, internships and career opportunities were pointing towards corporate law firms.

  I was fortunate enough through my previous work in homelessness to have some contacts in the community legal sector, and shortly before graduation I secured a project and policy role in what was then known as LawRight's Homeless Person's Legal Clinic. This provided the perfect opportunity to blend my social science, community advocacy and legal skills, and allowed me to undertake a wealth of rewarding and satisfying projects which aligned with my values. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to appear before Parliamentary Committee hearings relating to poverty and homelessness, to deliver weekly legal outreach to crisis accommodation services during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to supervise and mentor UQ Pro Bono Centre clinic placement students.

  While the funding uncertainties and resourcing constraints of the community legal sector continue to be a challenge, this is balanced by the comradery and supportiveness of my colleagues, and the satisfaction of working together to challenge and reform unjust systems.

  I'm currently splitting my time between two roles in the community legal sector - as a tenancy advocate at Tenants Queensland, and as the policy and law reform lead for the LGBTI Legal Service. Both jobs allow me to reckon with the daily injustices facing everyday Queenslanders, and to advocate for legal and administrative systems which are more accessible, fair, and inclusive.