Pathways to progress
Connected and inspired for law career success
Offering mentoring and career opportunities as well as financial assistance, the First Nations Excellence in Law scholarship has been offered to female First Nations law students at Griffith University since 2022. Recipient of the inaugural scholarship, Alicia George, shares her story of how the scholarship has set her on a career pathway that her education alone could not provide.
As one of the top-ranking universities in Australia for law, students come from far and wide to join the Griffith program. Driven by a passion for justice and representation for First Nations peoples, Alicia George travelled from her home-town of Rockhampton to study for her Bachelor of Laws (Hons) at Griffith. “I want to become a respected advocate who not only achieves positive outcomes for clients but also contributes to improving access to justice and supporting First Nations peoples within the legal profession and broader community,” says Alicia. “Over time, I aspire to help create a profession that is more inclusive, representative and culturally safe for future generations.”
In 2022, Alicia was the first Griffith law student to be awarded the First Nations Excellence in Law annual scholarship. Offered in partnership with Griffith University, with contributions from Mallesons and other firms, the annual scholarship offers a female First Nations law student up to $10,000 towards living costs during their studies, which Alicia put towards her rent, textbooks and a replacement laptop. “Beyond the recognition itself, the opportunities to connect with accomplished legal professionals have been incredibly valuable,” she says. “Seeing the diverse paths they have taken has inspired me and broadened my perspective on what is possible.”
Griffith law graduates Kara Cook MP and Joshua Creamer have inspired many students with their career success and focus on inclusive communities and justice. A descendant of the Waanyi and Kalkadoon people, Joshua is a barrister specialising in human rights, class actions, and native title. Kara has served as Brisbane City Councillor and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Queensland and is currently Federal Member of Parliament for Bonner.
Just like Alicia, Joshua and Kara were both the first in their families to go to university. They wanted to establish a scholarship that would offer both financial and social support for First Nations women to advance their law careers. “We didn’t have lawyers or judges or barristers in the family,” says Joshua. “For us, it was really important to have a component of the scholarship that was about providing mentorship and connecting like-minded people so that they can achieve great things in their career.”
Josh and Kara’s generosity in sharing their experiences, offering practical guidance, and encouraging me to back myself has given me greater confidence as I navigate the early stages of my career.
Alicia George, 2022 First Nations Excellence in Law Scholarship recipient