A lasting legacy: Amanda Miller OAM reflects on her time in Monash Law Clinics
Written by James Brandis, Senior Communications and Content Coordinator.
Amanda Miller’s stellar career has spanned corporate law, the not-for-profit sector, and philanthropy, but it was her experience in Monash Law Clinics that laid the foundation for a values driven professional life.
“Professional Practice with Ross Hyams was my favourite subject. I loved it,” Amanda recalled.
“You really felt like you were helping. It wasn’t theoretical, it was real and I really felt like I was actually able to help people.”
Amanda completed her clinical placement at what was then called the Monash-Oakleigh Legal Service (now South-East Monash Legal Service).
“I would go there and meet with clients, confer with Ross, come back and advise the client,” she said.
“I went to court and defended a young person who’d been drink driving. There were a lot of disputes between neighbours, personal issues, even parking fines. Often, the clients just wanted someone to talk to.”
“I loved that aspect of it. It had a really human aspect to it, which was obviously different to many of the other subjects.”
After graduating, Amanda began her career in corporate law at Allens (or Allens Arthur Anderson as it was then).
“A lot of people don’t enjoy their articles, but I really enjoyed that beginning stage. It was such a high level of detail and training,” she said.
“But maybe something stuck with me from those days with Ross. I really wanted to contribute to the community, and that aspect was missing for me in corporate law.”
Over time, Amanda transitioned into the philanthropic sector, where she now helps foundations make grants to not-for-profits. Her clinic experience helped shape her approach.
“Particularly the aspect that I saw, the rewarding nature of feeling that you were doing something meaningful and helping people,” she said.
“The diversity of Prof Prac really opened me up to a broad range of life that maybe I hadn’t been exposed to before.”
Amanda also credits Ross Hyams with teaching her how to treat people with empathy and respect. These are lessons that she continues to carry into her work today.
“I think what I learned from Ross is just how to deal with people on more of a level playing field with respect and empathy,” she said.
“How to listen to people and really hear them. They were all just valuable life lessons.”
After more than a decade in philanthropic work, Amanda still remembers fondly her experience in Prof Prac at Monash Law Clinics. As someone who advises individuals, families and corporations on engaging with the community in a meaningful way, she ensures supporters of Monash Law Clinics that their support is making a real difference.
“There’s no better way to experience the value of law than to apply it in a way that can really make a difference and help others,” she said.
“Even if their legal careers don’t lead them into the community legal centres, having developed this sense of empathy and respect is just invaluable in any field.”