Public Interest Law Careers Guide - Tarwirri - Indigenous Law Students and Lawyers Association of Victoria
Stage of Career
Contact Details
Contact: Tekan Cochrane (Executive Officer)
Email: tekan@tarwirri.com.au
Instagram: Tarwirri
LinkedIn: Tarwirri
Description of Organisation
Tarwirri, the Indigenous Law Students and Lawyers Association of Victoria Inc, is an incorporated association that provides support and assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students, law graduates, solicitors, barristers and judicial officers throughout Victoria.
Tarwirri's mission is to increase and enhance the representation, professional profile and excellence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal professionals and law students within the Victorian legal landscape and broader community.
Full membership is open to anyone who is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person studying law in Victoria; or who has graduated in law from a university or other institution and who currently resides in Victoria; or who is studying or has previously graduated in law at a university or other institution outside Victoria, and who currently resides in Victoria and whose membership is approved by the committee.
Associate membership is open to persons who are not eligible for full membership. Our associate membership comprises judicial officers, barristers, law students and lawyers.
To become a member of Tarwirri, please email info@tarwirri.com.au or tekan@tarwirri.com.au and request a Tarwirri Member Application Form.
Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students
Tarwirri aims to engage with and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students during their studies and support their transition into the legal profession.
Bachelor of Law degrees are currently offered in Victoria through Monash University, La Trobe University, Victoria University and Deakin University. Melbourne University now offers a Juris Doctor program to generalist graduates. Tarwirri can assist with:
- Legal skills and information program for first year students
- Access to seasonal clerkship opportunities, internships
- Access to scholarships and bursaries
- Mock interviews and resume assistance
- Access to traineeships upon completion of degree
- Access to mentors
Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lawyers, barrister, judicial officers and legal professionals
Tarwirri seeks to support the achievement of members' individual aspirations and career development by representing and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal professionals. Tarwirri can assist with:
- Advocacy in seeking employment;
- Social and professional gatherings; and
- Mock interviews and resume assistance.
To address the lack of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander barristers at the Victorian Bar, several programs have been put into place:
- The Victorian Bar has established the Indigenous Barristers Fund;
- The Victorian Bar offers one fully paid place for an Indigenous person to undertake the Bar Readers Course annually; and
- Tarwirri can assist with promoting the new barrister through its legal networks and members.