MOLLY LUSCOTT

I started my legal career as a paralegal/receptionist at 31 Sturt Chambers (then known as RJ Douglas Chambers) when I was in the fourth year of my law degree at James Cook University.

The barristers welcomed me and I gained invaluable experience working with them in different areas of law. The practical experience opened my eyes to areas of law I had not considered or known about!

One year later I moved to a boutique criminal defence firm. As a practising solicitor I maintained my close association with the barristers at 31 Sturt Chambers and briefed them with my client’s matters. At the firm I was involved in many jury trials and learned the skill of negotiating outcomes in writing (which I learned was my favourite type of work!).

After enjoying nearly three years as a criminal defence solicitor I decided it was time to see the world. I moved to London and secured a job in the United Kingdom's largest independent public statutory inquiry.

I am grateful for the opportunities in my legal career which all started with 31 Sturt Chambers taking a chance on a small town Bowen girl!

LACHLAN CARROLL

At the beginning of 2017, I joined 31 Sturt Chambers as a fourth (and final) year law student as one of the resident paralegals / legal receptionists, working alongside Julia Braddick (now a successful solicitor in her own right).  I took over from Molly Luscott, who at this stage had become a 31 Sturt Chambers living icon.     

My time at 31 Sturt Chambers as a student was an incredible career springboard.  The barristers gave me their time and insights, and from there my career aspirations grew to match.  Following this year, I moved to Brisbane to work as a Judge’s Associate in the District Court of Queensland.  In this role, I was thankful for the research experience and procedural knowledge obtained through working in a barristers chambers. 

In February 2019, I entered the graduate program at an international firm, King & Wood Mallesons in Brisbane.  I was a solicitor in the Construction team, focusing on major infrastructure disputes. Most notably, I was a member of the legal team acting on behalf of the Special Purpose Liquidator in proceedings brought against Mr Clive Palmer and his corporate entities following the collapse of the Queensland Nickel refinery. I currently practice as a Lawyer at Australian Government Solicitor.

Although I may have moved on, I am forever grateful to have been given the opportunity to answer the phone, and have a chat with the barristers, at 31 Sturt Chambers.

MITCHELL LOCKE

I secured a paralegal position with 31 Sturt Chambers in 2017 after my second year of law. I remained there until I finished my law degree at the end of 2019. The role not only allowed me to develop practical legal skills such as research, but it also allowed me to explore what areas of the law I may or may not be interested in, thanks to the broad practices between the 5 barristers. I was able to narrow down a particular interest in commercial law, which is reflected in my successive graduate jobs.

After completing my law degree, I gained a position as Judge’s Associate in the District Court of Queensland, beginning in 2020. I am pleased that I have been able to implement the legal research skills obtained at chambers in my year as an associate. I have also secured a graduate job after my associateship year at Clayton Utz in their Melbourne office for 2021. This was the result of completing a clerkship at the firm in 2018, which the barristers were fully supportive of. 

I am grateful for the opportunities provided to me by 31 Sturt Chambers, and admire their continued investment in JCU law students. The graduate positions I have been fortunate enough to obtain would not have been possible without the experience I gained working as a paralegal. Safe to say I will always be proud in knowing that my legal career started at 31 Sturt Chambers.

TESSA WEBSTER

I began working as paralegal/legal receptionist at 31 Sturt Chambers at the end of 2018 as a third year law/business student at James Cook University. The barristers have provided me with invaluable experience and advice and have been incredibly flexible and supportive of my study commitments. I have had the opportunity to act as a clerk and research assistant to all five barristers in many areas of law including criminal law, personal injuries, succession, family law, commercial litigation, equity, administrative law and building and construction law.

I will graduate at the end of 2020 with a Bachelor of Laws(Hons)/Bachelor of Business(Financial Management) and will then make the move to Brisbane to begin my position as Judge’s Associate in the District Court of Queensland in January 2021. This is an opportunity that would not have been possible without the research skills and experience gained at chambers.

Observing the barristers at work has been a unique and rewarding experience and has inspired me to follow the same path. Following my year as associate I aspire to work as a solicitor in Brisbane before one day joining the Bar myself.

Although I am regretful to conclude my chapter at chambers at the end of 2020, I am eager to take the next step in my career and I am forever grateful for the barristers at 31 Sturt Chambers for their ongoing mentorship and support.

HANNAH McNEALE

I was welcomed into the 31 Sturt Chambers family in 2019 as the first legal secretary to Mrs Claire Grant. By 2020 I was entering the final year of my law degree and was invited to expand my role to also work alongside Tessa Webster and Rachel McCulloch as a resident paralegal/legal receptionist for the general chambers.

Over my years at chambers I have been touched to experience the encouragement and support of the barristers, each of whom nurtured my budding interest in the law and gave generously of their time to offer mentorship and career guidance. The warm and collegial work environment has also forged life-long friendships with many of my fellow chambers’ alumni.

This opportunity has allowed me rare and direct exposure to legal procedures at an early stage of my career and has honed my legal skillset. The breadth of exposure to an array of practice areas eventually helped me to decide the direction of my future practice and sparked a keen interest in advocacy and criminal law.

I graduated at the end of 2020 with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts. In January 2021, I was thrilled to commence my first graduate position in Cairns as an Associate of the Supreme Court of Queensland. In January 2022, I began working as a Legal Support Officer with the Cairns Department of Public Prosecutions. I have no doubt that my appointment in these roles is attributed to the skills and mentorship I received as a young law student at 31 Sturt Chambers. I aspire to continue along this trajectory and hope to one day join my mentors at the Bar.

Safe to say I am indebted for this invaluable experience and will always be proud to declare that my legal career started at 31 Sturt Chambers.

RACHEL WELLER

I began working as legal secretary/paralegal to Justin Greggery KC in February 2019.  I had taken over the position from dearest long-time chambers member and former legal secretary, Sheryl Moore who had recently retired.  To say I had big shoes to fill is an understatement. 

I started studying a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) at James Cook University in 2014 and worked full-time and studied part-time throughout my degree.  I expect to graduate at the end of 2020 and have recently been appointed as a District Court Judge’s Associate to commence in 2021.  I consider myself extremely lucky to have been given this opportunity to learn from, and be mentored by, Mr Greggery KC who is significantly experienced in his field. I have gained an insight into the profession that I would not have been fortunate enough to receive had I not worked in chambers.  

Although I was employed directly by Justin, the chambers itself is a supportive and friendly team environment.  I worked closely with the administrative team, Tessa Webster and Hannah McNeale, and assisted the four other barristers if/when needed who likewise offer their support and knowledge when needed.

Highlights of my role include researching various legal matters, reading different advices, submissions and claims, and on some occasions attending court and observing Justin’s advocacy for his clients. After completing my Practical Legal Training, I secured a position at Wilson/Ryan/Grose where I currently practice as a Solicitor, focusing on Estate Administration, Estate & Trust Litigation, Estate Planning and Superannuation. My long-term goal is to sit the bar exam myself and potentially end up working back at 31 Sturt Chambers… in a different capacity of course!

RILEY MILTON

I began working at 31 Sturt Chambers in 2021 as a receptionist/paralegal in my final year of a Bachelor of Laws degree at James Cook University. In this position, I was given the opportunity to conduct legal research and assist the barristers in their various areas of law including building and construction law, commercial litigation, criminal law, equity, succession law and family law.

My time at 31 Sturt Chambers allowed me to expand my legal skills and knowledge in a practical setting. Being exposed to many different branches of law gave me the opportunity to learn about areas that I was not familiar with prior to being employed at the Chambers. The invaluable experience I was fortunate enough to acquire at the Chambers enabled me to commence my graduate employment at one of Townsville’s reputable law firms working in litigation law.

I will always be grateful for the experience I had working for and with the barristers of 31 Sturt Chambers. I am confident that their ongoing mentorship and support will continue professionally and remain an integral part to the start of my legal career.

BIANCA RAPISARDA

I commenced my legal career at 31 Sturt Chambers as Mr Justin Greggery KC’s legal secretary in 2021, during my final year of my dual degrees of Bachelor of Business (Accounting)/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Class I at James Cook University. During my first year in the position, I completed my degrees alongside my practical legal training through Bond University. On 17 March 2022, Justin moved my admission to the legal profession and I was appointed Judge’s Associate in the District Court of Queensland at Brisbane for 2023.

My time at 31 Sturt Chambers was what I could only describe as the best kick start to my career possible. Justin is a brilliant mentor and taught me all that I know. In the course of my role, I was fortunate enough to observe Justin’s court appearances, draft advices on statutory construction, prospects of success, liability and quantum, draft submissions to discontinue, on sentence and various applications, draft pleadings and court forms, conduct legal research, review and proofread Justin’s written work and liaise with members of the profession on Justin’s behalf. I am beyond grateful for the time I spent as Justin’s secretary and the invaluable experiences, lessons and opportunities he provided me during my time in this position to foster my future endeavours in the law.

I also received much mentorship and guidance from each of the other barristers in Chambers which I am equally grateful for. Every one of the barristers at 31 Sturt Chambers really took a keen interest in my progression and career.

In the latter half of 2022, whilst I was working with Justin, he was appointed Senior Counsel Assisting in the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme. As a result, I moved to Brisbane ahead of my commencement with the Judge and accepted a position on the Royal Commission myself. Upon completion of my year as an associate I plan on gaining some experience as a solicitor in the field I choose to practice before joining the Bar.

PARIS REEVES

I commenced my legal career at 31 Sturt Chambers at the beginning of 2021 as secretary/paralegal to Claire Grant whilst entering the final two years of my law degree.

The knowledge and skills I gained during this role were absolutely invaluable. I could not have asked to be guided by a better mentor during the initial stages of my career than Claire. During my role, I was able to attend and observe Claire’s appearances in court, assist with drafting of advice and legal documents, proof-read written work, conduct legal research and liaise with members of the legal profession. This experience fostered my interest in the law, specifically crime and honed a legal and interpersonal skillset I would otherwise not have been exposed to as a university student.

Although I was employed directly by Claire, the shared knowledge of the barristers across a wide range of practice areas and their support and encouragement benefited me greatly throughout my university studies. The collegial workplace also fostered lifelong friendships between myself and fellow chambers alumni I was fortunate to work alongside.

I recently completed my degree at the end of 2022 and have relocated to Brisbane to commence a position as Associate to His Honour Judge Smith of the District Court in Brisbane. I have no doubt my appointment to this role is attributed to the skills I gained working at 31 Sturt Chambers. I hope to gain some experience as a solicitor following my Associateship and possibly one day move to the Bar also.

I will be forever grateful for the experience I have gained during my time at Chambers and the doors it has opened for me as a result.

HOLLY REINCASTLE

At the beginning of 2021, I commenced my legal career as a paralegal/legal receptionist at 31 Sturt Chambers as third year Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Business student at James Cook University.  I remained in this role for three short years until the competition of my degree. 

Through this position, I was able to gain the practical skills necessary to enter the legal profession with confidence.  This included conducting legal research, proof-reading advices, constructing briefs and liaising with other members of the profession.   

Working at 31 Sturt Chambers provided me with the unique opportunity to experience a variety of different practice areas early on in my legal career.  I am grateful for each barrister being so generous in sharing their knowledge and for showing me the intricacies of legal practice.  It cannot go without saying that I have greatly benefited from the barristers continued support and investment in my professional development.

Another highlight of this role was the opportunity to connect with like-mind students. The collegiate work environment allowed me to forge strong relationships with my fellow with Chambers alumni that I no doubt will carry with me throughout my life and career.

In January 2024, I commenced full-time work as an Associate to a District Court Judge.  This is an opportunity I would not have received if not for my employment at 31 Sturt Chambers.  I realise how fortunate I am to have worked for such experienced advocates who I can only hope to one day emulate in seniority and career success.

Although I have now moved on, I will forever be indebted to the barristers for providing me with the best possible start to my career and I hope to make them proud of my future endeavours in the law.

JOSHUA PETHER

I began my legal career at 31 Sturt Chambers as a receptionist/paralegal at the beginning of 2022, during my final year of my Bachelor of Law degree at James Cook University. While employed at 31 Sturt Chambers, I completed my degree as well as my practical legal training through the College of Law. I was privileged to have one of the barristers, Anthony Collins, move my admission to the legal profession on 20 October 2023.

The knowledge, guidance and support that I have received from all the barristers has been invaluable. My role as a receptionist/paralegal to the barristers has not only helped me to develop essential legal skills, such as in-depth legal research, legislative interpretation, and drafting, formatting and proof-reading legal documents, but, it has exposed me to a variety of areas of the law. The opportunity to complete legal tasks for all the barristers has allowed me to develop a fundamental understanding of these areas of the law, which will no doubt assist me with my future employment in the legal profession.

The barristers also took a keen interest in my life outside of work, whether it related to my own studies or personal life. This helped to create an environment where I could approach any of the barristers for any guidance or advice, whether work related or not. As such, I can safely say that this workplace has fostered lifelong friendships with the barristers as well as my fellow chambers alumni.

In March 2023, I was appointed as a Judge’s Associate in the District Court of Queensland in Townsville for 2024. I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to have secured this position, which I have no doubt is attributed to all the skills I acquired while working at 31 Sturt Chambers. I am, and always will be, grateful to have commenced my legal career at Townsville’s most pre-eminent barristers’ chambers.