Josh’s visit inspires Indigenous law students

Barrister Joshua Creamer (second, left)with Griffith law students Isiah Banu, Murray Porter and Lydia Ross.

By journalism intern Monique Gilmore

Work experience is essential in preparing for a career in law.

This was the advice given to Griffith Law School’s Indigenous students by prominent barrister Joshua Creamer during a recent visit to Nathan campus.

The 2013 Arts, Education & Law Young Alumnus of the year wants the law students to continue pursuing their degrees and then work in whatever area of law in which they are most interested.

“Get as much work experience while you’re studying as possible. It helps build your confidence and ability to communicate at all different levels of the legal field,” Josh said.

Griffith University has one of the country’s highest numbers of Indigenous students with 968 students enrolled in 2016 and 118 graduations.

“Griffith also has a large proportion of Indigenous law students with more than 60 currently enrolled,” Eddie Synot from the GUMURRII Student Support Unitsaid.

“A large focus is about not only ensuring Indigenous students are successful in law school but that they can also make the transition into the profession.”

Touching on his work as a judge’s associate, Josh encouraged students to be proud of their Indigenous heritage.

“Whether it’s as a solicitor or working at the bar, there’s so many facets of law in Indigenous areas.

“And it’s when you come to be known in a position of credibility and respect, that’s when you can wield influence.”

Josh’s visit is part of an ongoing initiative of Griffith Law School and the GUMURRII Student Support Unit to support Indigenous law students.

“Josh is obviously a fantastic asset to have and he has been encouraging student involvement in an Indigenous mentoring program run through the Bar Association of Queensland,” Mr Synot said.

Both Griffith Law School and the GUMURRII SSU were also founding members of the 2015 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students’ Moot Competition, which Griffith will enter a team for again this year.

With 2017 being a big year for Indigenous law student enrolments, visits such as Joshua Creamer’s will only become more beneficial as the year goes on.