In a profession which can make flashy headlines with high-profile decisions, it’s easy to overlook the quieter advocacy and committee work that keeps Queensland’s legal system just and progressive.
For Connie Seeto, who recently retired from the profession after a four-decade legal career, that quieter work on the Queensland Law Society Government Lawyers Committee was an important part of her professional life.
For almost 13 years, Connie has been one of the Society’s most dedicated committee contributors. After more than 40 years in legal practice, she recently retired as General Counsel at the University of Queensland, having spent the past decade in the tertiary education sector.
Her career has spanned private practice, government, and higher education. Connie began in private practice before moving into government, where she served as General Counsel to the Coordinator-General and the Queensland Department of State Development and Infrastructure. She then took on the role at UQ.
Her departure marks the end of an era for the committee, but also an invitation. The Government Lawyers Committee, along with a few others, is ready for new voices. A recent QLS strategy planning day for several committees, including the Government Lawyers Committee, reflected on work already achieved and set key priorities for the next 12-18 months.
Proctor caught up with Connie after her final committee meeting to discuss her career, retirement and the importance of committee work.
Why did you choose law as a career?
“I started out studying a business/accounting degree, but found that numbers were not my strength. I had done well in the legal subjects and my brother was also studying law at the time, which influenced my decision to change paths.
“My brothers and I were the first generation in our family to attend university. Ours is the familiar migrant story – my parents worked very hard to give us all the opportunities they could, and they placed a high value on education. As a second-generation Australian, I was fortunate and privileged to attend university at a time when higher education was free.
“That experience instilled in me a strong sense of the importance of contributing and giving back.”
Can you share some highlights of being part of the QLS Government Lawyers Committee and why it is important to contribute?
“I joined the QLS Government Lawyers Committee during my time in the Queensland Government and continued my involvement while at the University of Queensland, which, as a statutory body, is subject to largely the same regulatory and governance structures as government.
“Being part of the committee provided an important opportunity to connect with colleagues across the public sector, to contribute my experience and flag current legal practice issues, and to stay engaged with broader issues affecting government lawyers.
“It also reinforced the value of contributing to our legal community. It was a rewarding experience and I’d encourage lawyers to contribute by joining a QLS committee, if they are not already involved.”
What are your happiest memories as a practitioner and your plans for retirement?
“What I have most enjoyed throughout my career is working in-house to build and lead high-performing legal teams. It is challenging work, and things do not always go to plan, but it is deeply satisfying when a team comes together to deliver strong outcomes for their organisation.
“I particularly valued my time at the University of Queensland and will always look back on my wonderful legal team and my colleagues with great affection and respect.
“As for retirement, I am looking forward to this next phase – learning to take life at a more leisurely pace, doing some travel and taking on some (minor) renovations.”
What is the biggest change you have seen in your time in practice?
“There are two big changes. The most significant disruption to legal practice during my career has been the emergence of Generative AI.
“When I began practising in the mid-1980s, the facsimile machine was considered cutting-edge technology and the telex was just being phased out! Today, Generative AI is rapidly evolving and will drive systemic change across the profession, particularly for early career lawyers.
“That said, AI cannot replace the core skills that clients value most in their lawyers – sound professional judgment, human insight, integrity and strategic thinking.
“Another major shift has been the pace and volume of regulatory change. In the university sector in particular, the growth in regulation and compliance requirements over the past four to five years has been extraordinary.
“While generally well intentioned, the volume of overlapping red tape and often tight timeframes, is making it increasingly difficult for public institutions to deliver on their core functions and purpose.”
What advice would you give lawyers entering the profession in 2026?
“In an environment increasingly shaped by AI, it is essential for young lawyers to focus on developing critical thinking, sound judgment, and a strategic outlook.
“Be visible and available – willing to take on work, and where possible, seek opportunities to learn from experienced practitioners – there is no substitute for observing good judgment in practice.
“Above all, integrity and reputation are fundamental. While it is important to adopt a commercial and risk-based approach in advising clients, this must always be balanced with your professional and ethical obligations as a practitioner. Recent high-profile cases in Australia serve as timely reminders of the importance of maintaining those standards.”
Connie’s advice will be missed by her committee colleagues. Hopefully though others will follow her example and realise that committee work is not an obligation but rewarding personally and for the profession.
QLS is seeking EOIs for committees. Practitioners can submit their nominations via: Committee – Expression of Interest Form
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