Law graduate Leanne Moulakas was worried nerves would get the better of her at a recent Rockhampton admission sitting but it all went well with just a minor hiccup.
The Kingdom Lawyers paralegal was one of six new lawyers admitted to the Supreme Court in a sitting this month.
Leanne said the admission ceremony was an incredible experience.
“It still feels a little surreal that I am now a lawyer,” she said.
“My strongest memories of the day are the nerves and worry that I was trip on the slope in the courtroom or say ‘hairs’ instead of ‘heirs’ when saying my oath.
“When in fact, I went to walk back without signing the roll or receiving my certification.
“I also remember the feeling of pride standing before my peers and my family as Justice Copley congratulated us on our achievements and told us that our learning starts now.”
Leanne’s learning started back in high school when she became interested in the law but doubted her abilities at the time.
“It wasn’t until 12 years later that I would decide to commence studies. I was working as a legal assistant /paralegal supporting my lawyer, Meghan Rothery, and inspired by her to finally pursue my studies in law in 2015.
“Through changing circumstances, grief and loss, and birthing two children it wasn’t until late 2024 that I was able to complete my degree and finally apply for admission in December 2025.”
So the choice of admission mover was an obvious one for Leanne.
“In a full circle moment, I asked Meghan Rothery, now a Barister, to move my admission,” she said.
“It felt fitting that the person to move my admission would be the very person that inspired me to pursue my legal studies. I was honoured that she was agreeable to do so and touched by her moving submissions to His Honour recalling our time together all those years ago.”
Meghan said she and Leanne worked together for about five years in a busy personal injury practice when she was a solicitor.
“She was an outstanding performer and I have always been grateful for the support she provided to me professionally. I feel we really delivered for our clients together as a team,” Meghan said.
“I’d like to think that if I taught Leanne anything, it is that the quality of the work always matters and that good work, delivered within the confines of the law, generally produces good results – for clients and the business alike.
“I have had the pleasure of moving the application for admission for several young practitioners now. Each time, it is clear it is a significant occasion, not only for the new practitioner, but their family and for those working in local law firms, the firm also.
“In Rockhampton, we are fortunate to have the indulgence of the Court in allowing the mover to inform the Court of the applicant’s journey to becoming a legal practitioner, really personalising the hearing.
“With the applicant’s family present in the court room, as well as many local practitioners, it is a very special moment, as though the applicant is being introduced to those who practice in the law, as well as being admitted. In that sense, I was very pleased to introduce Leanne as someone who I feel confident will make an excellent addition to our regional profession.”
Leanne’s immediate future plans are to start full-time employment with Kingdom Lawyers in 2026 working within the scope of conveyancing and wills with Joshua Morgan.
Kingdom Lawyers Director Joshua Morgan said Leanne joined the firm a few months ago for her practical legal training and quickly demonstrated her excellence.
“Since then, we’ve been grateful for her help on a part-time basis and are excited to have her commence practice as a lawyer at our firm full-time next year,” he said.
Admitted before Justice Copley on 5 December were Leanne Moulakas, Caitlin Kruger, Ryan Crosisca, Catherine Purcell, Harry Betts and Danielle Cruickshank.
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