Newly admitted lawyer Jessica Betzel thought she was on her way to a career in journalism then along came COVID. The pandemic brought a change of career and study choice leading her to the law.
The Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association (AREEA) Workplace Relations Advisor was one of more than 70 lawyers admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland on 19 October.
While enjoying a gap year, Ms Betzel became fascinated by crime, politics and current affairs so “journalism seemed like a natural fit” and she started her university studies.
“Then 2020 happened, and like many people, I found myself doing a little unexpected life reassessment,” she revealed. “Having relocated from Darwin to Brisbane, I was navigating lockdown in a share house, had lost my job and was trying to make sense of university and life in my early 20s during such an uncertain time.
“Somewhere in the middle of it all, I found myself on my university website clicking ‘change program’, and so, my law school journey began!
“At the time, I was also studying business, majoring in human resources, and saw law as something that could either complement a career in HR or open the door to an entirely different path.
“Fast forward a few years, and I’m now an admitted lawyer working as a Graduate Workplace Relations Advisor at AREEA, having first joined the organisation as a Law Clerk in April 2025.”
Ms Betzel said she felt “incredibly fortunate” to have started her legal career with AREEA.
“From senior leadership through to my fellow colleagues, I’ve been surrounded by people who have welcomed me, supported my development and generously shared their knowledge and experience,” she said.
“There are so many talented and experienced professionals within the organisation whom I look up to, and I hope to carry the lessons I’m learning from them throughout my own career.
“And, of course, a huge thank you to my family, friends, mentors and wonderful fiancé, who have supported me through the late nights, stressful moments and celebrations along the way.
“They say it takes a village, and I’m lucky enough to have the very best one in every corner of my life.”
So when it came to choosing her admission mover, Ms Betzel turned to Katie Carew, Director Workplace Relations Advisory at AREEA.
“Katie is someone I genuinely admire, not only as a legal professional but as a leader and a woman in the industry,” she said.
“She has been incredibly supportive throughout my final year of university, practical legal training and transition into my full-time role at AREEA this year. I’ve been very fortunate to have her guidance and encouragement during such an important stage of my career.
“Having someone who has played such a significant role in my professional development move my admission, and share that moment alongside my family, was incredibly special. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be part of the occasion!”
Ms Carew said it was a real privilege to move Jessica’s admission.
“I’ve watched Jess progress from Law Clerk to Graduate Workplace Relations Advisor while she completed her degree and practical legal training, so seeing it all come together in the Banco Court was a proud moment,” she said.
“Sharing the morning with her family made it even more memorable.
“I’ve moved the admissions of two other graduates I’ve worked with, and each occasion stays with you.
“Seeing someone reach this milestone, with their family there to share it, is one of the great pleasures of leading a team.”
Ms Carew said Jessica had showed a “strong work ethic, genuine curiosity and a willingness to put her hand up for new work” from the start of her clerkship.
“Over the past 18 months I’ve watched her confidence and judgment grow considerably,” she said.
“Developing new lawyers is a priority across the Advisory team. Having spent the earlier part of my own career in private practice, I appreciate how different the experience is at an employer association.
“Our work extends well beyond the law into bargaining strategy, policy and advocacy, and those starting out learn alongside seasoned industrial relations practitioners who are generous with their knowledge.
“For me, mentoring is simply part of leadership. It means giving people meaningful work and responsibility, being available when they need a sounding board, and backing them to trust their own judgement.
“Jess has made the most of every opportunity, and I’m looking forward to seeing where her career takes her.”
Ms Betzel said as she walked into the Banco Courtroom, she could feel the excitement and nerves in the air.
“It was such a special atmosphere, surrounded by proud families and loved ones celebrating years of hard work,” she recalled.
“For me personally, it was signing the Roll of Legal Practitioners where it all really sank in. After years of studying and working towards this milestone, it suddenly felt very real!”
Ms Betzel said she was excited to continue learning, growing and building her career in employment and industrial relations law.
“What draws me to this area is that employment touches almost everyone’s life in some way,” she said.
“We spend such a significant portion of our lives at work, and the laws and relationships that shape our workplaces have a real impact on people and businesses.
“Working with clients across Australia’s resources and energy sector has already given me exposure to some fascinating challenges. It’s a dynamic industry, with evolving legislation, complex workplace arrangements and the people who help keep our country running at the centre of it all.
“I’m still very much at the beginning of my career, but that’s what makes this next chapter so exciting. There is so much to learn, and I’m looking forward to continuing to develop into a knowledgeable, capable and well-rounded legal professional.”
Admitted in Brisbane on 19 October before Justices Boddice, Doyle and Henry were: Kaushal; Brown; Vanderbeek; Jew; Challeen; Cepero; Ward; Gibbons; St George; Fukushige; Ah Boo; Ting; McSweeney; Morgan; Bown; Constable; Cave; Grant; Pradeep; Gillies; Battese.
Friedlander; Grattan; Robinson; Fagan; Egerton; Vett; Shoyer; Khan; Sambanis-Gill; Kandola; Wagemaker; Billing; Anderson; Hall; Pangallo; Deitch; Qiu; Otto; Price; Housego; Meehan; Norris; Lee.
Reddicliffe; McGill; Hollier; Pickering; Betzel; Rowe; Carson; Horn; Clark; Courtice; Kalakoutis; Everding; Brett; Richardson; Doyle; He; Guarino; Barnes; Yung; Penery-Jones; Jennings; Curr.
Towle; Murazak; Reid; Munro; Copley; Hannaford; Santiago; Methu; Luke; Prasad; Potter; Flewellen; McKindley; Van Breemen; Pahor; Cunningham; Lakhani; Knickel; Kotakadeniya; Collingwood; Sauth.
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