Today marks 25 years since my admission as a solicitor and barrister of the Supreme Court of South Australia—a milestone that brings both gratitude and reflection.
Back in 2001, I set three simple objectives:
- Seek justice in the practice of law.
- Continually develop my legal knowledge and skills.
- Earn the respect of my peers.
I reckon they’ve served me—and my clients—pretty well.
Across these 25 years, I’ve seen firsthand that the stereotype of lawyers in the media bears little resemblance to the profession I know. Pro bono work and community responsibility have been embedded in every firm I’ve been part of. One of the great privileges of practicing law in South Australia is the generosity and collegiality of the profession—barristers, academics, and peers who have willingly shared their insights for the benefit of clients.
While it’s been disheartening to see the rising cost of litigation reduce access to justice, alternative dispute resolution has created new and often better pathways for people to resolve their differences. With the rise of AI, I’m hopeful these resources will become even more accessible.
I’ve been fortunate in my career. Landing my first role with a brilliant employment law team set the tone for the decades that followed. Aside from a brief diversion running a community legal centre, employment law has been my professional home—and I’ve loved it.
It has given me the joy of being a law nerd analysing High Court cases, the privilege of helping people through some of the most stressful moments of their lives, and a front-row seat to the complexities of the human condition. I’ve seen how miscommunication turns into conflict, how quickly positions become entrenched, and how often there is far more to the story than anyone initially realises.
Lessons Learned Over 25 Years
- There is always more to the story than what you first hear.
- The courtroom is almost never where a litigant wants to end up.
- Many disputes escalate long before anyone has gathered enough information.
- Litigation is a blunt instrument—rarely does anyone truly “win.”
- Consultation and principled decision-making beat assumptions every time.
Looking Ahead
As I mark this milestone, I remain committed to supporting clients in navigating the challenges and opportunities of the modern workplace. I look forward to supporting fair, informed, and constructive workplace practices across Australia.
If there are workplace law issues you’d like explored through articles, seminars, or discussion sessions, I’d love to hear from you.
Wishing you and your workplaces a healthy and productive 2026.
Best wishes,
Thea
Call to Action
If there’s a topic in employment law you want unpacked—emerging issues, case developments, or workplace trends—send me a message. I’m planning future articles, seminars, and Q&As and would love your input.