Former electrician Elijah Brown admitted after interest sparked in law

Lander & Rogers law graduate Elijah Brown’s interest in the legal profession was sparked while working as an electrician.

The former sparkie was among more than 90 new lawyers admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland at Brisbane’s Banco Court sitting this week.

He explained that his journey to law was “somewhat unconventional”.

“My interest in law was first sparked while I was working as an electrician, where I began to develop an interest in tax,” Elijah said.

“At that time, I was contemplating a career change, as I wanted to work in a field that challenged me, aligned with my interests, and allowed me to help others.

“Without any prior connections to the legal profession, law was not initially on my radar. Instead, I began studying business with the intention of pursuing a career in accounting or finance.

“It was only when I undertook a law subject as part of my business degree that I realised how strongly the discipline resonated with me. From that point, my interest in law quickly grew into a genuine passion.”

Elijah went on to study law and started in the profession as a clerk the following year.

“As I gained more experience through both study and practice, my appreciation for the role of lawyers deepened,” he said.

“I came to understand that being a lawyer is not just about arguing cases or applying legal principles, but about guiding and supporting people through what can often be some of the most challenging periods of their lives. It was ultimately these experiences and reflections that confirmed my decision to pursue a career in law.”

The years of study culminated on Monday when Elijah was admitted to the profession at one of four sittings before the Chief Justice, Justice Bond and Justice Wilson.

“The moments I remember most from the admission ceremony were swearing the oath and the conclusion of the ceremony itself,” he said.

“It was at that point that it truly set in that I was finally a lawyer after many years of hard work and commitment.

“Being able to share that moment with my family, as well as some close friends and colleagues, made the experience even more meaningful.

“Having the people who supported me throughout the journey there to celebrate such an important milestone is something I will always remember.”

Elijah asked Lander & Rogers Special Counsel Niki Schomberg to move his admission.

“Niki was my supervisor during my family law rotation at Lander & Rogers. I asked Niki to move my admission because she is someone I have learned a great deal from and whose opinion I respect deeply,” Elijah said.

“She is the kind of lawyer I hope to emulate throughout my career, and it was very important to me to have her share in such a meaningful milestone.

“Niki is an exceptional mentor whose guidance, support and feedback I greatly value. I have learnt a lot from her she is a highly skilled practitioner with a strong work ethic, and she consistently demonstrates professionalism, empathy and attention to detail in everything she does.”

Niki, who received the Highest Achiever Award at the recent QLS Specialist Accreditation event, said it was a pleasure to move Elijah’s admission and her first time moving an admission.

“It is a momentous day to celebrate the start of a career in the law,” she said.

“The formality of the ceremony reminds us practitioners of the responsibility we hold to the Court when we become part of the profession.  It’s moments like these that help us reconnect with the values that underpin our work – integrity, respect for the rule of law and justice.

“It’s always rewarding to help a graduate you have mentored be admitted into the profession and see their hard work pay off.

“I was lucky to have mentors that were smart, compassionate and enthusiastic about the law when I was starting out, so I try to offer the same encouragement to any young lawyer I work with.”

Elijah said his immediate focus would be on learning as much as he could and developing a strong foundation in his chosen area of practice.

“I am looking forward to navigating the complexities and challenges that come with that area of law, and to continuing to build my skills under the guidance of the incredible practitioners at Lander & Rogers,” he said.

“I know the path ahead will not always be easy, but I am motivated by the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.

“Ultimately, I hope to have a long and fulfilling career in the law and at Lander & Rogers, one where I am able to make a meaningful contribution through the work that I do.”

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.