Luca Sawyer, a proud Wiradjuri woman, has joined the JEC as the fifth early-career lawyer to participate in the First Nations Social Justice Graduate Program.
The program is an initiative of the JEC and HSF Kramer and offers an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lawyers to hone their skills at two social justice law centres: the JEC and the Shopfront Youth Legal Centre. Graduates gain the experience, confidence and expertise that form the foundation of a successful social justice legal career.
Luca has recently completed a year immersed in criminal law and legal education for young people at The Shopfront. She was recently admitted as a lawyer, and is now working in the JEC’s Strategic Litigation team and Homeless Persons’ Legal Service (HPLS), where she focuses on First Nations justice, police accountability, protecting human rights in prisons and detention, and tackling the drivers of homelessness.
Here, Luca reflects on her time at the Shopfront, and what she’s achieved so far at the JEC.
‘At the Shopfront, I gained huge respect for defence lawyers, specifically those offering free legal help to vulnerable people. There were high numbers of clients, with limited capacity in the legal service, but we worked as a team to get their matters finalised. It was a small but dedicated team, passionate about helping in any way we could. I enjoyed working in a holistic way alongside Shopfront’s social worker and intake and engagement worker.
‘One highlight was helping to deliver legal education to a group of young people at transitional housing. We covered topics such as fines, police powers, online safety, and used role-play activities to make the session engaging and interactive. It was rewarding to see the young people participate and gain a better understanding of their rights.
‘No day was ever the same at The Shopfront. I got to do tasks including client intake, interviews, legal drafting and assisting in court. I helped with legal education and drafting submissions to government and parliamentary inquiries. Most importantly, I gained confidence and learnt a lot about the type of lawyer I hope to become.
‘At the Justice and Equity Centre, I’m expanding my skills in different areas, in a culturally safe and supportive environment. The JEC aligns with my values, which is super important to me.
‘Now I’m a lawyer, I have my own caseload and clients in HPLS. I’ve been helping with tenancy issues where people are at risk of becoming homeless due to evictions or rent arrears. There is a massive housing crisis, and it shows in our day-to-day work.
‘I also help clients get fines written off, when they cannot afford to pay or are unable to do a Work and Development Order. In the Strategic Litigation team, I’m working to maintain oversight and accountability of increasing police surveillance technology, including the drone trial in Moree.
‘My family are very proud of the progress I’ve made in my law career. They know how long and hard this journey has been. Starting university at seventeen and living so far away from them was challenging. I wouldn’t have made it this far without their unwavering support. There were many times I wanted to quit, and they have helped me continue my path.
‘Of course, it can also be challenging regularly being asked legal questions by family members that I do not always know the answer to!
‘We need more First Nations representation in the legal sector. There are many barriers that make that difficult. Often First Nations law students will have to leave Country, family, their cultural network, choosing between sorry business and study, or be stereotyped as a “big noter”. There is also this ethical dilemma of becoming part of a system that oppresses our people every day. Not to mention, it is also a very expensive profession to join.
‘This program is fundamental to assist new First Nations law graduates, give us valuable experience that we can use for future jobs and ensure our voice is present in a profession that has a profound impact on our communities.’
