Can You Be a Progressive Lawyer?
Many law students start law school with hopes of making the world a better place. But what role, if any, is there for lawyers to support transformative agendas for economic equality, ecological flourishing and social justice? Given the wealth, status and corporate clientele of many lawyers, are lawyers part of the problem rather than the solution? Is it actually possible to be a progressive lawyer?
This panel event will explore the possibilities for and challenges facing progressive lawyering. The panellists - all graduates of UQ Law School - will share the insights they have gleaned from years of experience across an array of progressive movements, both inside and outside legal practice.
Panellists
Bri Collins
Bri Collins is a Meanjin-based lawyer currently practicing in criminal defence, with a background in environmental law, climate change litigation, protest and human rights. She is currently working at Kilroy & Callaghan Lawyers, a firm led by Debbie Kilroy that works closely with abolitionist support organisation, Sisters Inside. Previously she worked as a litigator for the Environmental Defenders Office, and represented Youth Verdict and the Bimblebox Alliance in their successful challenge to Clive Palmer’s Waratah Coal Mine. Outside of work, Bri volunteers with Action Ready - a collective of law students, lawyers and community members who provide legal observation of police at protests, deliver basic legal training on police powers and responsibilities, and monitor police practices related to public assembly.
Jonathan Sriranganathan
Jonathan Sriranganathan is a writer, musician and events organiser who served for seven years as the first ever Greens councillor on Brisbane City Council, and ran for Mayor of Brisbane in 2024. He studied law and arts at UQ, and currently raps with his hip-hop band Rivermouth, as well as performing with various other musical projects. Jonathan has been actively involved in a range of campaigns and movements for social change, from local advocacy around improving public transport, bike lanes and green spaces, to broader struggles for housing justice, land rights, refugee liberation and climate action.
Juliana Virine
Juliana Virine is a Principal Solicitor at the Brisbane office of Hall Payne Lawyers in the occupational discipline law and employment law team. For almost a decade before joining Hall Payne, Juliana worked for different unions in employment and industrial law. Passionate about ensuring equal access to the law, Julia is a member of the trade union aid foundation APHEDA and volunteers her legal skills to assist community organisations.
Event Details
Thursday, 14 August | 12 - 1pm
UQ Law School Boardroom (W353)
Forgan Smith Building, The University of Queensland Saint Lucia, QLD 4067
Free event, but please register your attendance