Carter Newell graduate Eliza Burke has combined her two passions – science and law – by pursing a career in the planning and environment area.
The newly admitted solicitor also chose her December admission to the Supreme Court of Queensland to be moved by her mentor in this area, Hannah Riggs, who is General Counsel at Sinopec Oil & Gas Australia and a member of the Queensland Law Society Planning and Environmental Law Committee.
Eliza with her admission mover Hannah Riggs.
“I’ve always enjoyed research and reading. After completing both a Science and Law degree, I decided to pursue my interest in law and subsequently commenced a graduate program with Carter Newell Lawyers,” Eliza said.
“This path has allowed me to combine my analytical skills with my passion for problem-solving and advocacy, which makes a career in law both intellectually challenging but also highly rewarding.
“I asked Hannah to move my admission because of the mentorship and guidance she provided while I commenced my career. Hannah was the Partner of Planning and Environment, the practice area in which I commenced my graduate year and am continuing to practise in.
“I am so grateful to have started my journey with someone who exemplifies hard work, commitment, organisation, and integrity. Hannah introduced me to both the legal profession and the field of planning and environment, so it felt only fitting for her to officially move my admission to the legal profession. I hope to one day embody the values and skills that Hannah exemplifies as a legal practitioner.”
Hannah said it was always a “huge honour to be asked to move a graduate lawyer’s admission”.
“It is such a significant milestone in their career and to be asked to participate in that is very special. For Eliza it was even more significant as she has a number of close family members who are solicitors, so to be the person she asked to move her admission was truly flattering,” Hannah said.
“Being admitted as a solicitor is the culmination of many years of hard work and those who achieve this should be exceptionally proud of themselves. Congratulations to all of those graduate lawyers who were admitted but especially to Eliza who is an excellent young lawyer and has a long and promising career ahead of her. I am very proud to have played a role in her career and her admission.”
Admission sittings were held over two days in Brisbane last month and Eliza was admitted alongside fellow Carter Newell graduate Finley Kettle.
Finley had an interest in law since from his teenage years.
“Funnily enough, my initial introduction to the legal sphere was through media such as the popular TV show Suits and the movie Primal Fear starring Edward Norton,” he said.
“Although they do not accurately reflect the legal profession, they piqued my interest regarding a potential career in such a field. I have always regarded myself as a ‘people person’ and someone who wants to do what’s right and just for the society of which I’m a part of.
“I also admired the Australian legal system and its concepts, alongside the complexities which are enshrined throughout. Ultimately, I always knew that I wanted to be a part of that system, to aid in the resolution of disputes and uphold justice. To make a difference in society and people’s lives.”
Finley chose Bronwyn Clarkson, Partner at Carter Newell Lawyers, to move his admission.
“Since I commenced my role as a law graduate at Carter Newell, I have held only respect and admiration for her. She is a phenomenal legal practitioner, treating her team and clients alike with the utmost compassion and integrity,” he said.
“Bronwyn is truly a role model, and I aspire to become as exceptionally skilful as her. It was an honour to have her move my admission.”
Bronwyn said it was “such a pleasure and privilege” to move Finley’s admission last month.
“I am always moved by the gravity and formality of the admission ceremonies, the sense of the profession, the efforts and process required to join the profession,” she said.
“It does bring a moment of reflection about being part of something that is beyond personal career ambition and progression, but part of something that is important for our society and community – to have legal practitioners of integrity and subject to oversight of the court, the board and the Law Society is such a fundamental pillar of good order for our democracy. It is easy to take it for granted. The address of Chief Justice Bowskill at the admission ceremony hit the mark.”
Bronwyn said it was such a joy to see Finley develop professionally over the past year, and to see him achieve this milestone.
“It is so energising to work with young practitioners starting out, and really is one of the favourite things for me, and one of the greatest motivations in practice is to be part of helping the careers of others and see how they grow and develop expertise over time,” she said.
“And as a practitioner approaching 30 years’ experience, I absolutely recognise we all continue to learn every day, and new practitioners can definitely teach us and contribute in a whole range of ways which we hopefully keep improving from!”
Eliza’s focus is on planning and environment.
Eliza said the admission ceremony was “a blend of tradition and formality, which made the occasion feel particularly significant”.
“Standing in the courtroom, surrounded by peers, friends, family, and legal professionals, was a very special and surreal feeling,” she said. “The significance of the occasion reminded me of the responsibility that comes with joining the legal profession, but also filled me with excitement for the future ahead.”
Finley said his most memorable moment was “the proud look on my parents’ faces as my admission to the legal profession was confirmed”.
“They have been the most supportive people in my life since I started my journey in law, and I couldn’t have achieved this feat without them. After almost seven years of studying and working within the legal field, I had finally become a solicitor. The smiles on their faces will forever be immortalised in my mind.”
And Eliza’s focus for the immediate future is building her skills and gaining as much experience as possible.
“I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge of the law overall, while also diving deeper into planning and environmental law. In the long term, I hope to establish myself as a trusted solicitor and make a real impact at the intersection of law and science.”
Finley said he hoped to continue to expand his skillset and knowledge “to provide the most diligent legal services to those in need of guidance”.
“As I’m surrounded by an excellent team of professionals at Carter Newell, I have no doubt that my expertise will grow exponentially in time.”
Proctor celebrates all newly admitted solicitors and congratulate them on this significant achievement. Please email details to proctor@qls.com.au. Ensure you include some details of your current role, along with a quality head-and-shoulders image or images from your admission sitting.
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