This panel and networking event will showcase prominent legal professionals from the Hunter region who have forged a career outside of Sydney, but also fostered a strong LGBTQIA+ community. Their experiences will assist in providing insights in how to build your career as a LGBTQIA+ professional working outside of Sydney, and how allies fit into the picture. We want attendees to gain a better understanding of the challenges and triumphs that legal professionals face in the Hunter community, but also empower allies to provide their valuable support. Following our panel we invite attendees to participate in networking and continue the discussion with their peers.

The panel will be:

Dr Justin Ellis

Dr Justin Ellis is a senior lecturer in criminology at the University of Newcastle School of Law and Justice and the deputy editor of leading criminology and criminal law journal Current Issues in Criminal Justice. Justin leads research and fosters collaboration with government and non-government organisations to build social inclusion. With over twenty publications in this field, including two sole-authored monographs, Justin’s research examines the relationship between technology, discrimination and justice. His 2023 monograph Representation, Resistance and the Digiqueer: Fighting for Recognition in Technocratic Times (Bristol University Press 2023) analyses the relationship between mis- and disinformation, algorithmic discrimination, digital platform accountability, and increases in hate against LGBTQIA+ individuals and organisations. His 2021 monograph Policing Legitimacy: Social Media, Scandal and Sexual Citizenship (Springer 2021), interrogates the impact of bystander social media video scrutiny on police, LGBTQIA+ rights, and police accountability. Beyond academia, Justin brings these insights into public debate through frequent invited speaking and writing engagements. He explores topics such as digital media's role in driving discrimination, sexual politics, and public perceptions of safety at major LGBTQIA+ policed events like the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. He aims to drive meaningful conversations about justice, technology, and inclusion in an increasingly digital world.

Monique Adams-Nash

Monique was called to the bar in 2024. Monique was admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2015.She has experience in Family Law, Care and Protection, Summary Criminal Law, the Domestic Violence Duty Service, Mental Health Advocacy, and Family Law and Children’s Court Appeals. Monique has also acted as Independent Children’s Lawyer, Independent and Direct Legal Representative in Children’s Court, and Separate Representative before NCAT. Monique has increasingly appeared in family provision and wills and testament matters. As a member of the LGBTIQ community, Monique has a passion for assisting members of the community in addressing the unique challenges they face. Whilst at university, Monique won the Lexis Nexis prize in the Diploma of Legal Practice. Monique continues to be sought after for her empathetic and sensible approach to matters. Monique holds a Bachelor of Laws/Diploma of Legal Practice from the University of Newcastle and Bachelor of Arts from Deakin University.

Lauren Devine

Lauren Devine (she/her) is a final-year Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/ Diploma of Legal Practice student at the University of Newcastle. Lauren currently works at The Family Law Co., with a passion for guiding survivors of domestic and family violence through the Court system. Lauren looks forward to officially stepping into her role as a Solicitor with The Family Law Co. after her admission in February. Lauren serves as Advocacy Officer for Pride in Law and proudly created and runs the monthly newsletter. Lauren is particularly passionate about increasing accessibility and visibility for queer love, connection, culture, education, and success in regional and rural Australia. Lauren is the proud Co-Creator of The Rainbow Roundtable, Resources Coordinator at Voices of Influence, and mentor to an ever-growing group of fabulous junior law students.

The moderator for the event will be:

Anthony Metcalfe

Associate, Commercial Disputes and Insolvency & lead of Sparke Helmore’s LGBTQ+ network, Sparkles

Anthony is an Associate in the Commercial Disputes & Insolvency team at Sparke Helmore working in complex commercial disputes and litigation in superior state and federal courts, tribunals and before regulators. In addition to his day-to-day work he is proud to support the firm's pro bono team by providing advice and representation to vulnerable members of the community and charitable organisations. Anthony is the lead of Sparke Helmore's LGBTQ+ network, Sparkles, where his goal is to continue to promote a safe place to work and to empower our Sparkies to live their lives authentically in an environment where they feel supported and like they belong.

Contact the host of Beyond Postcode 2000: How to build your career and community outside of Sydney and the role of allies

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