Blak Futures: Supporting Young First Nations People in the Legal Sector

This NAIDOC Week, join us for a panel discussion spotlighting the next generation of First Nations legal professionals and community workers.

In line with the 2025 NAIDOC Week theme, “The next generation: Strength, vision and legacy,” this event celebrates the bold leadership, aspirations, and achievements of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are forging careers in the community legal sector, and asks how CLCs and other legal organisations can better support them.

What to expect:

• A vibrant panel of First Nations students and early-career legal professionals, including:

  • Maikiira Barber – Law and Criminology student, CLCNSW First Nations Cadetship Program

  • Krystal Ingram – Former Social Work student and CLCNSW First Nations Cadetship Program, now GambleAware Counsellor

  • Aimee Lawson – Law and International Studies student, CLCNSW First Nations Cadetship Program

  • Jai McGaw – Law and Communications student, CLCNSW First Nations Cadetship Program

  • Emma McMahon – Social Work student, CLCNSW First Nations Cadetship Program

  • Sally O’Brien – Psychology student, CLCNSW RRR Internship Program

  • Bethany Sherry – Criminology and Law student, CLCNSW RRR Internship Program

• Honest conversation on what support looks like, and how our organisations can do better

• Reflections on legacy and leadership from a senior Aboriginal legal practitioner

• Insight into cadetships, internships, and other pathways into the sector

This is an invitation for legal assistance organisations — especially Community Legal Centres — to listen, learn, and reflect on how we can build meaningful and enduring pathways for young First Nations people in our sector.

All are welcome. We particularly encourage CLCs to attend and consider:

• Does your centre currently host students or cadets?

• What else could you be doing to nurture the next generation of First Nations legal workers?