The idea that holding a law degree automatically defines someone as a lawyer is a misconception that I’ve worked hard to challenge. Much like possessing a truck licence doesn’t make someone a truck driver, having a law degree doesn’t dictate one’s identity or career path. For me, my law degree was never about becoming “just a lawyer”—it was about building something far more meaningful: a career as a professional advocate in industrial relations and human rights.
A Legacy of Love and Determination
My journey into studying law was not driven by personal ambition, but by love. It was a decision inspired by my father, Brian Newman Snr, who dreamed of becoming a lawyer but never had the opportunity to pursue that path. When he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I made a promise—to honour his dream by earning a law degree in his name.
The degree was not merely a qualification; it became a deeply personal tribute to my father. When I was awarded the degree, it bore only the name “Brian Newman,” a testament to the shared effort between us. My father passed away just twelve days later, and as we said our final goodbyes, I placed a copy of that degree in his coffin. It was my way of ensuring he carried a piece of that dream with him.
This degree represents so much more than academic achievement. It embodies love, resilience, and the values my father instilled in me—integrity, dedication, and the courage to carve out my own path.
A Career Built on Advocacy
From industrial disputes to unfair dismissal cases and human rights advocacy, my career has centred on standing up for those who often lack a voice. Advocacy has taken me into workplaces, tribunals, and commissions, where I’ve worked tirelessly to deliver practical, meaningful solutions for my clients.
This work does not require a practising certificate. What it demands is a deep understanding of the systems that govern workplaces and human rights and a passion for justice. My expertise has been developed over decades of navigating these complexities, not from standing in courtrooms but from making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Not a Lawyer, But an Advocate
Unlike many law graduates who aspire to become solicitors or barristers, I’ve never desired to join the legal profession in its traditional sense. The title of “lawyer” holds no appeal for me. Instead, I’ve found my calling in advocacy—where I can work directly with clients, approach challenges creatively, and focus on achieving results that matter.
Australia has no shortage of lawyers, but what it often lacks are professional advocates who can navigate the intersections of industrial relations and human rights. That’s where I’ve chosen to focus my skills and energy, building a career that aligns with my values and purpose.
The Journey Ahead
In 2025, I will return to Griffith University to pursue a Master of International Law, further deepening my knowledge and expanding my ability to advocate on a global scale. This next step reflects my continued commitment to the causes I champion—fairness, equity, and justice.
I am content in my place in the world, proud of the work I do, and determined to make a lasting impact. Advocacy is not just a job for me; it is a calling that allows me to challenge injustices, empower others, and honour the legacy of love and determination that brought me to where I am today.
Rising Above Dishonest Claims
The path of advocacy is not without challenges. Over the years, I’ve encountered dishonest claims from former clients or associates who, when dissatisfied, have accused me of misrepresenting myself as a lawyer. These allegations are baseless and could not be further from the truth.
Since 2001, I’ve built my career as a professional advocate in industrial relations and human rights—not as a lawyer, but as someone dedicated to standing with those in need. While such claims can be triggering for someone like me, living with severe PTSD, I remain steadfast in my commitment to this work.
My strength to continue comes from my daughters, my family, and my friends, who remind me daily of the importance of what I do. Advocacy is not about titles or credentials—it’s about action, impact, and staying true to one’s values. For me, there is no greater fulfilment than knowing I’ve made a difference in the lives of others.
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