When it comes to pressure on early career lawyers, new Queensland Law Society Future Leaders Committee President Emma Kearney has experienced it first hand.
The QLS Accredited Specialist in criminal law built the foundation of her career in the Beenleigh registry – one of the busiest in the state – learning resilience in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment.
She took up law clerk roles at two different firms in Southport while studying for her double degree before landing a graduate position in 2018 at Ide Lawyers in Beenleigh, under now-Acting Magistrate Jon Ide.
“I cut my teeth there, running files for serious crimes that were so wild and outrageous you couldn’t make it up,” she shared of those foundational days.
“Working in Beenleigh was like working on another planet, and I grew up quickly. The clients were difficult, and there were many days where I couldn’t believe what was happening in front of me.
“I was charged at by a naked defendant in the watchhouse, chased by a client with a raised fist in the court foyer, and called every name under the sun. I had over 100 files at all times, plus duty lawyer days.”
It was a baptism of fire but despite the other-worldly experience, Emma had strong support from her colleagues which kept her focused and moving forward.
“The one constant was the exceptional support I had from not only my boss, but the community of solicitors in Beenleigh at the time,” she said.
“I was incredibly sad to leave that jurisdiction, but a move into the city to Bell Criminal Lawyers has had me level up time and time again when running my practice.
“I am so lucky to work in a tight-knit firm where everyone’s door is open for discussion and socialising, where there are no stupid questions, and where we encourage each other to grow at every opportunity.
“Notwithstanding how much I love the profession, being a lawyer is incredibly taxing, and we must look after ourselves. I maintain a strong work-life balance through prioritising exercise (including by teaching spin classes at a local studio), socialising with friends, spending quality time with my family and unwinding with a good book or movie and a bit of chocolate!”
Emma has also been giving her time to the QLS Future Leaders Committee the past two years, helping others who may have questions about which path to take and making sure there is support readily available.
From tomorrow – 1 July, Emma takes over the President’s role from Senior Associate at Connolly Suthers Lawyers Mathai Joshi, the first regional FLC president. Jordan Roles has been named Vice President.
The former Gold Coaster took out time to talk with Proctor about her involvement with the FLC.
Why did you decide to become involved in the FLC?
“Throughout my career, I have fortunately landed in law firms that invest in their clerks and junior practitioners by providing essential education and guidance. When you leave university and commence working, it’s easy to think that everyone is having the same experience, but it became clear to me very quickly that I was on a great wicket, while some of peers were completely lost and trying to find their way in the dark.
“The reality is that new practitioners don’t know which firms foster a supportive learning environment when they enter the profession, and many land in workplaces where the boss’s door is always shut and the staff underneath them are too busy to provide any form of guidance or mentorship.
“Further to that, newer practitioners are often expected to earn their stripes through very traditional practices, like working 80-hour weeks with little to no supervision. As time has passed, I have noticed the gaps in support offered to early career lawyers and have always felt that as a profession, we can do better. I joined the FLC two years ago with a desire to increase educational support for early career lawyers, as well as providing accessible resources and events with a focus on mental health, connection and opportunity.”
What have been the highlights/benefits of being involved in the committee?
“A key highlight during my time on the committee so far has been organising and hosting the Acing Advocacy event, which took place at the Brisbane Magistrates Court in August last year. The event was targeted at law clerks and early career lawyers, and included a panel discussion with members of the bench and King’s Counsel around the skills and etiquette required to succeed in Court.
“It was fantastic to deliver an event that filled a gap in education for law clerks and junior lawyers. It was also wonderful to network with attendees after the event and hear about their experiences in practice, which have informed further initiatives the committee is working on.
“Mathai Joshi, our outgoing FLC President but continuing committee member, is hosting another Acing Advocacy event up in Townsville in August, and I expect it will be absolutely excellent.”
Why should lawyers become involved?
“The FLC is comprised of such driven, intelligent lawyers across numerous areas of law, and a real highlight has been simply working with such wonderful, like-minded professionals. It is a good opportunity to broaden your network and work in a team that is passionate about every project it runs. It is incredibly rewarding to feel as though you are creating change for those coming after you.
“I’m sure all of us can think back to a time when we were a junior practitioner, struggling with a matter or office dynamic or work/life balance, where some guidance and support would have been much needed. It is really fulfilling to be a part of a committee that passionately works toward creating resources and events for new members of the profession to lean on in times that are difficult.”
What are you hoping to achieve during your presidency?
“For the 2026-2027 year, the committee has a strong focus on improving education and guidance for early career lawyers, in the hope it will grow their confidence and ability as practitioners. We hope to achieve this through a multi-faceted approach which prioritises delivering more frequent, accessible and informative support to new lawyers.
“Early career lawyers can expect regular publications to The Hub with helpful guides and CPD content, as well as more frequent, casual events with a split focus on education and networking. These initiatives will bring immediate education and upskilling to the profession, as well as frequent opportunities to connect with like-minded peers and potential mentor candidates.
“We are very cognisant to the fact that mentoring is a significant gap in the support offered to early career lawyers, and it is a long-term goal of ours to firmly establish mentoring opportunities for new additions to the profession.”
Early career lawyers will have the chance to meet Emma and other committee members, Eloise Turnbull, Gemma Kruger and Caitlin Littleton, at the upcoming Meet. Greet. Repeat. event.
The 22 July event is an opportunity to network with young and early career professionals across law, accounting, engineering, property, business and international affairs.
If you are interested in becoming part of the FLC or another committee, QLS is currently seeking EOIs. Practitioners can submit their nominations via: Committee – Expression of Interest Form
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