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‘Be open and willing to learn’: Tips from an award-winning barrister
In the midst of a global pandemic, this 30 Under 30 winner shared what she thinks will challenge the legal industry in the near future as well as valuable advice for younger lawyers.
Lauren Croft
2021 30 Under 30 Barrister of the Year Josie Dempster has faced a number of challenges since starting her career, particularly since coming to the Bar at Key Chambers.
Outside of the Bar, however, Ms Dempster said the legal industry as a whole could face some serious challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The current pandemic has already posed some serious challenges for the profession. For example, in 2020, legislative amendments were passed in the ACT which, in effect, removed the right of an accused person to be tried by a jury during the pandemic period,” she said.
“While the amendments were well-intentioned, it raised serious questions about the extent to which (if at all) an accused person’s constitutional, human and fundamental legal rights should be infringed or curtailed during emergency situations.
“I expect the profession will continue to face such challenges, particularly with respect to procedural and operational matters of the courts, for as long as the pandemic remains a serious issue.”
Whilst Ms Dempster originally wanted to be a star on TV show Neighbours growing up, her working-class upbringing brought to light how a career in law could help others.
“In my teenage years, I worked opposite the local court house and saw first-hand how factors like poverty, limited education, drug and alcohol abuse and mental health issues can (and do) impact a person’s ability to obtain access to justice,” she said.
“I have always been acutely aware of how privileged I am just to have the skills, experience and qualifications I have, and, as trite as it sounds, being at the Bar gives me the best platform to use those skills to help other people.”
Being at the Bar has taught Ms Dempster many lessons – the most important of which is to always come prepared.
“Very early on in my career at the Bar I learnt a lesson that, admittedly, I should already have known: Always prepare for court as if you are going to lose,” she said.
“Alternatively, sometimes I say to myself, “prepare as if your opponent is a silk” – it’s a sure-fire way to scare you into doing some rigorous preparation!”
Ms Dempster concluded that these lessons have meant that she is constantly working to deliver the best outcome for her clients, and advised those just starting out to be open to new opportunities as they present themselves.
“Be open and willing to learn from as many colleagues and supervisors as you can. And say yes to every opportunity!” she said.
“You never know where it will lead you.”
Lauren Croft
Lauren is a journalist at Lawyers Weekly and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from Macleay College. Prior to joining Lawyers Weekly, she worked as a trade journalist for media and travel industry publications and Travel Weekly. Originally born in England, Lauren enjoys trying new bars and restaurants, attending music festivals and travelling. She is also a keen snowboarder and pre-pandemic, spent a season living in a French ski resort.
