Jacqui Lisle: A passion for helping people
50 Years / 50 Voices: Learning law and changing lives is a commemorative volume marking the 50th anniversary of the ongoing Monash Law Clinical Program, a pioneering initiative in clinical legal education undertaken by the Faculty of Law at Monash University. 50 alumni of the Monash Law Clinical Program shared their story with 50 current students of the same program. This is an excerpt from the book.
When Jacqui Lisle began the final unit of her Juris Doctor, at Monash Law Clinics, she didn’t know she was on a path which would take her to the heart of Australia’s family law system. It led her to a job as associate to the Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia before returning to practice as a family lawyer.
Lisle didn’t dream of a career in law. She started her tertiary studies in a Bachelor of Arts at Monash, majoring in psychology. When her psychology studies were completed, she knew her next step needed to be a pivot away from science-heavy work. Law offered that next, people-oriented, step.
She sought legal experience outside the classroom. During her degree, Lisle worked as a paralegal at a boutique commercial firm and began volunteering on Tuesday evenings every fortnight at Springvale Monash Legal Service, interviewing clients and delivering advice under supervision. Lisle remembers that as ‘such a nice way to start, working with other students, testing the waters’.
Lisle’s time at with Monash Law Clinics was the most transformative time of her law degree. Lisle was immersed in client matters from day one. Her passion to help others made it so that ‘it didn’t even feel like a subject’, and helped her make sense of where she belonged. Lisle thrived in the close client contact environment and dived into the practical aspects of the clinic such as interviewing clients, preparing letters of advice and attending the Magistrates’ Court.
Reflecting on this time in her life, Lisle remembers one of the greatest learnings related to being an empathetic support to clients when they were at ‘their most vulnerable and emotional’ while maintaining a professional relationship. The placement and the ‘incredible’ mentorship from her supervisor, Jennifer Lindstrom, turned out to be pivotal.
Read more about 50 years of Monash Law Clinics and buy 50 Years / 50 Voices here
A Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia hearing in the moot court. Judge’s Associate Jacqui Lisle is seated, centre below. Seated above are the Hon. Chief Justice William Alstergren AO, the Hon. Justice Stewart Austin and the Hon. Justice Jillian Williams, 2024.
After Lisle’s admission to practice in late 2020, Lindstrom recommended a position that was open at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Lisle hadn’t even considered the possibility of an associateship, but she applied. She worked with Judge Grant Riethmuller AM. The doors kept opening. Ten months later, Lisle was appointed as associate to Chief Justice Alstergren.
Pinching herself each time she found herself in these roles, Lisle says she tried to ‘be a sponge and just absorb absolutely everything’ the judges said and did in the first few years. Lisle put in the work right from the start, not wanting to take the opportunity for granted. She describes those years as foundational. The transition from practice and advocacy to the impartial court environment was a learning curve: Lisle says that knowing a judge’s approach to making a decision would be integral in her future days as a practising lawyer.
Now, after four-and-a-half years at the Court, Lisle is returning to practice. She’s joined the team at Lander & Rogers, a firm renowned for its family work practice. ‘It feels like a full circle,’ she says. Through it all, Lisle credits her clinic experience with giving her a foundation in practical legal skills and professional confidence.
The advice Lisle would pass along to aspiring lawyers would be to ‘make the most of absolutely every day in the clinic’, ‘take on the difficult work’, put your hand up to ‘work with a more challenging client’ and ‘test yourself’ against the skills you are learning.
She describes Monash Law Clinics as a ‘nurturing and supportive environment’ which allows students to push themselves, see what they can achieve and make lifelong connections.
Reflecting on her journey, Lisle remains deeply grateful. ‘I wouldn’t be where I am now if I hadn’t done the clinic. It was such a springboard for me.’
Read more about 50 years of Monash Law Clinics and buy 50 Years / 50 Voices here
Get involved with Monash Law Clinics
Monash Law Clinics combine legal education with real-world impact, supporting access to justice while equipping students with practical, ethical and professional skills.
If you are a student interested in undertaking a clinical unit as part of your studies, explore the available clinical placements and elective options.
Whether you’re an alum, practitioner or organisation keen to support the clinics through hosting placements, partnerships, volunteering or funding, there’s a way to be involved. To learn more, contact Emily Collard, Industry & Alumni Engagement Manager, at emily.collard@monash.edu.