The idea that holding a law degree automatically defines one as a lawyer is a common misconception. Much like how possessing a truck licence doesn’t make me a truck driver, having a law degree doesn’t dictate your career path or identity. In my case, it was the foundation for something far more fulfilling: a career as a professional advocate in industrial relations and human rights.
I pursued my law degree not as a stepping stone to legal practice, but in part as a means to deepen my understanding of the systems and laws that govern workplaces and society. It was a choice driven by purpose, not by the allure of the title “lawyer.” Over the years, I’ve built a career advocating for fairness, justice, and equity—helping people navigate complex industrial relations frameworks and human rights issues.
A Legacy of Love and Determination
My journey into the law degree study was never about ambition—it was about love and honouring a dream that was never mine. My father, Brian Newman Snr, had always dreamed of becoming a lawyer, but life took him down different paths. When he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I made a decision that would shape the course of my life: I would pursue a law degree in his name.
It wasn’t just a degree to me—it was a gesture of love, a tribute to my dad’s unfulfilled dream. The degree, awarded simply to “Brian Newman,” carries more meaning than any title or career milestone ever could. It represents not just my effort, but the bond we shared and the legacy I wanted to preserve.
Dad passed away just twelve days after I was awarded the degree. As I said goodbye to him, I placed a copy of the law degree in his coffin—a piece of his dream that we achieved together. It was my way of ensuring that, in spirit, he carried that dream with him.
This degree isn’t just a qualification; it’s a testament to love, resilience, and the power of honouring those we hold dear. It reminds me every day of the values my father instilled in me—integrity, dedication, and the courage to carve out a path that matters.
A Career Carved in Advocacy
My journey has taken me to the frontlines of industrial disputes, unfair dismissal claims, and human rights cases. This work has allowed me to engage directly with people who need practical, results-driven solutions. I’ve found immense satisfaction in advocating for those who might otherwise be left without a voice—standing with them in tribunals, commissions, and other arenas where decisions that shape lives are made.
In this work, I don’t need a practising certificate to make a difference. What I need—and have developed over time—are the skills, knowledge, and determination to challenge injustices and achieve outcomes that matter. My expertise comes not from a courtroom but from years of experience navigating the complexities of industrial and human rights law in practical and impactful ways.
No Desire to Join the Ranks
While many law graduates dream of becoming solicitors or barristers, I’ve never aspired to join the crowded ranks of lawyers. The reality is that Australia has thousands of qualified lawyers, many of whom struggle to find work in a saturated market. For me, the title of “lawyer” holds little appeal compared to the opportunity to forge my own path as a professional advocate.
I’ve found my place in the world, one that aligns with my skills, values, and passions. The rigidity of traditional legal practice doesn’t fit my approach. Instead, I thrive in an environment where I can directly engage with clients, solve problems creatively, and focus on the outcomes that truly matter to them.
Advocacy as a Calling
Some might view this choice as stepping away from the prestige of legal practice, but I see it as stepping toward purpose. Advocacy isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. It allows me to champion causes I believe in and help individuals achieve fairness in their workplaces and communities.
The ability to advocate effectively doesn’t come from a law degree alone; it comes from a deep understanding of people, systems, and principles. It’s about recognising injustice and having the courage to stand against it. It’s about seeing beyond titles and credentials to focus on action and impact.
Content in My Place
I am proud of what I’ve accomplished as an advocate. I’ve built a career that is meaningful, fulfilling, and impactful—without ever feeling the need to practise as a lawyer. My place in the world is clear, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So, while my law degree may sit on the wall, it’s not a licence for legal practice. Instead, it’s a reminder of the knowledge and tools I’ve gained to fight for justice. And that’s exactly where I’m happiest—in my place in the world, standing alongside those who need a voice, making a real difference in their lives.
Dealing with Dishonest Claims
Sometimes, professional relationships don’t end as amicably as one might hope. It’s not uncommon for dishonest clients to lash out when things don’t go their way, making baseless claims that I’ve misrepresented myself as a lawyer.
Over the years, I’ve seen this tactic employed by former clients, associates, and even past partners. Yet the reality couldn’t be further from these allegations. Since 2001, I’ve built a career in the unique and often isolating field of industrial relations and human rights advocacy. While the work isn’t always met with gratitude, I know that for the vast majority of clients, I’ve made a meaningful difference.
However, as someone living with severe PTSD, these unfounded attacks can be deeply triggering. Still, I strive to rise above them—not only for my own sake but for the sake of my daughters, family, and friends. Their belief in me and my work motivates me to persevere in this career, one that I’ve chosen with purpose and pride.
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