Newly admitted lawyer Amy Rose has found her place at DV Lawyer where she hopes to reshape the law rather than just respond to it.
Working at a specialist firm focused on domestic and family violence, Amy was one of more than 80 new lawyers admitted in Brisbane at the Banco Court sittings on 17 November.
“My future with DV Lawyer is dedicated to transforming domestic violence response legally, systemically, and socially,” she said.
“I hope to build a career that empowers survivors, strengthens advocacy pathways, and closes the gaps in the legal system where too many fall through.
“My long-term vision includes law reform, education, community support pathways, and expanding accessible legal services tailored specifically to survivors and frontline workers.
“I want to contribute to a future where navigating the legal system does not retraumatise, where protection is not conditional, and where survivors feel supported not just legally, but holistically through every step.
“My goal is to be part of a movement that shifts domestic violence law from reactive crisis management to early intervention, accountability, and long-term rehabilitation of systems and not just people. Ultimately, my hope is not just to practise law, but to reshape how the law responds to domestic violence.”
Amy said she was fortunate that she knew early in her career what she wanted to focus on.
“I had tunnel vision from the start heading down domestic and family violence, safety, and advocacy path,” she said. “Being a mature-aged student, I’ve seen first-hand how survivors are silenced by systems, processes, fear, and power imbalances.
“The law when used well, can be a voice when someone has none. I decided on law because advocacy for survivors of domestic and family violence is a passion for me.
“The law gives me the platform, the language, and the authority to help change outcomes for those who are too often ignored, doubted, or dismissed. I chose this profession because justice should never depend on someone’s confidence, income, fear, or trauma.”
And Amy chose someone who shares her goals and passion to move her admission – DV Lawyer Principal Kathleen Simpson, who was awarded the Dame Quentin Bryce Domestic Violence Prevention Advocate Award in 2023.
“She represents the exact combination of courage, compassion, and capability that I aspire to embody as a lawyer,” Amy said.
“I researched her (in what I promise was a non-creepy level of professional admiration) and quickly discovered that she wasn’t just a lawyer, she is a leader, an advocate, and a force for systemic change in the domestic violence legal space.
“What she stands for resonates deeply with me. A survivor-centred practice, humanised legal representation, and a belief that the legal profession can do better.
“Her achievements, impact, and direction in the domestic violence arena align with the future I envision for myself. It felt meaningful, symbolic, and grounding to have someone who has helped change the narrative and culture around domestic violence law stand with me as I formally enter the profession.”
Kathleen, who has been inducted by the Queensland Government onto the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Honour Roll, said it was an “absolute privilege” to move Amy’s admission.
“There’s something deeply meaningful about standing beside someone at that threshold moment, when years of study, sacrifice, and purpose crystallize into a single, powerful ‘yes’ from the Court,” Kathleen said.
“Amy has been a standout from the moment she joined DV Lawyer. She brings intellect, empathy, and a quiet strength to her work, qualities that are essential in a profession that demands both rigour and heart.
“Watching her grow into the role, and now step into the profession with such integrity, has been a joy.
“This wasn’t my first time moving an admission, but it never loses its impact. Each one is a reminder of why we do what we do, and of the future we’re helping to shape. At DV Lawyer, we’re committed to mentoring lawyers who not only know the law but understand the people it’s meant to protect. Amy embodies that vision, and we’re so proud to have her on the team.”
And for Amy, the admission sitting had meaning on several levels.
“The admission ceremony was a milestone that represented years of sacrifice, hard work, personal growth, and moments of doubt followed by determination and persistence,” she said.
“I will remember not just the formalities or tradition, but the shift from learning the law to being trusted to practise it.
“It sounds cliched, but listening to the Honourable Helen Bowskill reminded me that to practise law is an absolute privilege and a privilege that carries the weight of people’s lives, vulnerabilities and future.”
Admitted on 17 November before the Chief Justice, Justice Boddice, Justice Henry and Justice Sullivan were: Rudz; Frampton; Wang; De Graaf; Elphinstone; E Low; Van Gemert; Grauf; Steers; Shetty; Skourmallas; K Wilkinson; Adames; Simons; O’Sullivan; Holt; Prins; Chadha; Philp; Allardyce; Perera.
Punj; Armstrong-Smith; Peddibholta; Roiter; Boland; Rosemond; Jones; Radulescu; McKenzie; H Gambling; Rowe; Jancic; Potts; Dallaston; Demir; Whitaker; Tewson; Robba-Colley; Watson; Karira; Bajwa.
Boyd; Perkins; Rose; Bradley; Openshaw; Pincus; Harrison; S Low; Grosser; Park; Ede; Roosen; Seerey-Lester; Hamilton; Derrick; Kleine; George; Allan; Montgomery; Anderson; Gray.
Kelly; Pattinson; Naylor; Garraway; Sran; Brown; Dashwood; Erratt; Fitzgerald; Lo; Bashir-Elahi; Papa; McLennan Bird; Ryan; Rogers; Sadi; Ligsay; E Wilkinson; Mafambane; Pontigon.
Proctor celebrates all newly admitted lawyers and congratulates them on this significant achievement. Please email details to proctor@qls.com.au. Ensure you include some details of your current role, your admission mover, along with images from your admission sitting.
Share this article