Jeremy Leibler: Finding the spark for pro bono work
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.
Read more about 50 years of Monash Law Clinics and buy 50 Years / 50 Voices here
Jeremy Leibler is a partner at Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) and one of Australia’s most respected corporate lawyers. He began his career at Monash Law, where he undertook a clinical placement at South-East Monash Legal Service (SMLS).
There, he worked directly with disadvantaged clients navigating complex legal and social issues.
What began as a unit taken to fast-track his degree became a defining moment in his development, not only as a legal thinker, but as an advocate. He continues to undertake pro bono advocacy.
Leibler remembers the confronting experience of meeting his first vulnerable client who placed complete trust in him. In Leibler’s case, a client with spiralling fines.
‘You just think to yourself, if only they understood, the 25 per cent interest and fines that were growing, and there are so many things that they could have done had they had advice earlier on.’
The clients Leibler saw, who struggled under the weight of debt, were often immigrants who knew little English and did not understand the Australian legal system. They were hoping to make a better life for themselves.
‘It was a stark reminder what a difference it makes to live in a society where you speak the language, where you are familiar with the rules and where you know people you can go to for advice,’ he reflects. ‘You really see how vulnerable members of society end up suffering in this never-ending cycle.’
This experience taught Leibler the fundamental rule of being a successful lawyer: ‘You always put the client first,’ he says. ‘And you always tailor your advice based on what the client’s interests are.’
Leibler is the youngest son of Mark Leibler AC, the founding partner of the firm where he now works. Leibler was a top student, eventually winning the Supreme Court Prize. He first enrolled in the clinical placement because, as he put it, it was a 12-point subject without an exam. His expectations were not much more than merely a means to get another unit under his belt. His experience at the clinic quickly became transformational.
Read more about 50 years of Monash Law Clinics and buy 50 Years / 50 Voices here
‘It felt a little bit like a drug,’ Leibler says. ‘It was like an adrenaline hit.’
The clinic soon became an opportunity for Leibler to take the skills taught in the classroom into a space where he could make a difference. Having just finished the Harvard-style negotiation subject, Leibler harnessed what he had learned to investigate the underlying needs of his clients and tailor his advice accordingly. The experience of practising these skills still guides Leibler today.
‘The client is often not able to initially articulate what their real underlying interests are, and part of the job of a lawyer is listening and asking your client questions regardless of whether or not they’re a billionaire or someone struggling to find employment.’
Leibler learned that in order to achieve the most optimal outcomes for clients, a lawyer must have far more than technical knowledge. At the same time, having this real-world opportunity imbued Leibler with a confidence when entering the legal field.
‘You could sit as a first- or second-year lawyer opposite a partner with 20 years’ experience and you could hold your own,’ he says.
Leibler emphasises how clinical skills helped him bypass the traditional hierarchy and trepidation that many young lawyers face. It taught him that as long as you are dedicated, you will have a meaningful effect as a lawyer.
‘As a young, junior lawyer, if you are smart and you are hungry and you’re prepared to work very hard, you are capable of having a real impact.’
Ultimately, Leibler sums up the defining aspect of his clinical experience in two apt words: ‘Incredibly empowering.’
Now a partner at ABL and a member of the Takeovers Panel (the main disputer solution forum for takeovers in Australia), Leibler’s reputation is built on strategy, conflict navigation and purpose. Leibler reflects positively on his ability to continue acting pro bono as he did at SMLS, through ABL’s historic pro bono practice. In his eyes, pro bono is just as important as any other work that he performs.
‘There is absolutely no differentiation between work that is done for a pro bono client and work done for a fee-paying client. To see that the law is applied in the same way that we’d apply it for a commercial client is very fulfilling.’
Speaking candidly, Leibler acknowledges that he performs at his best when he has a healthy balance between his matters.
‘I think for anyone there are parts in corporate law that can, at times, be souldestroying.
You must fill your bucket with things of purpose and meaning – food for the soul, I call it.’
Most recently, Leibler has been striking this balance by devoting his time to combating antisemitism, a cause very close to his heart, as a member of the Jewish community.
Reminiscing on his time at SMLS, Leiber highlights the overall influence the clinic had on his career.
‘It was a profoundly impactful time of my life that really played a role in the way in which I practise law. It makes you a better lawyer and a more well-rounded lawyer.
One of the feelings, after doing the placement was, I think, a very enormous sense of gratitude.’
His advice to students is simple. Take as many opportunities as possible to practise what you are taught.
‘Without question, it’s a no-brainer. At the end of the day, people are people, clients are clients. And to have that opportunity where you get to really take on some responsibility and understand the human side as well as the legal side is invaluable. Wherever you go off to practise, those skills will be invaluable to your practice as a lawyer.’
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.