Ramona Long: High standards carry through
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.
Ramona Long as Deputy Usher of the Black Rod in the Legislative Council of Tasmania, Hobart (2024).
In 2017, Ramona Long was having a ‘mid-course crisis’. She had moved from an arts degree into an arts/law degree, but by 2017, she was uncertain whether law was truly the right path for her. Then she undertook the Family Law Assistance Program at Monash Law Clinics. It opened her eyes to the real impact the law could have, and the kind of lawyer she wanted to become.
The responsibility Long carried on her shoulders was real and significant. She was not simply shadowing a lawyer but had genuine ownership of the work. ‘I was the one meeting the clients face-to-face and talking to them on the phone. They were really my clients.’
Two clients in particular left a lasting impact. One was a self-represented woman navigating a complex and emotional matter, opposed to a registered sex offender. Long supported her, drafted affidavits and guided her at each stage of the process, right through to the court hearing. In another case, she secured pro bono representation by a barrister, and remained closely involved throughout the matter, providing consistent support to her client.
Not every case was plain sailing. Long recalls an experience with an agitated client who challenged her to stay composed under pressure. The experience became an important lesson for her in learning how to manage her emotions and interact effectively with clients. Despite the degree of independence Long was given in her clinic experience, she says strong supervision was a significant feature of the program.
The structure allowed Long to build confidence in managing her own client relationships while still receiving expert guidance from her supervisor. The clinic gave Long far more than legal experience: it equipped her with practical skills and gave her clarity, direction and reassurance that law could be a career where she could make a difference and have a greater degree of career satisfaction. In 2019, Long volunteered at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency and the Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission.
Read more about 50 years of Monash Law Clinics and buy 50 Years / 50 Voices here
Following her experience at Monash Law Clinics, Long wanted to pursue a career in family law or the community legal sector. However, Long’s career did not begin where she imagined. She began work in the Parliament of the Northern Territory as Clerk’s Associate. From there, Long was appointed procedural support manager and played a significant role in running meetings of the Legislative Assembly and supporting Members of Parliament with parliamentary procedure and other matters.
She led the delivery of the 2024 Australia and New Zealand Association of Clerks at the Table Conference, a gathering of senior parliamentary officers from around the world.
Long was closely involved in the swearing-in of the NT’s new Administrator and accompanied the Speaker of the Parliament of the NT to East Arnhem Land. Additionally, she filled the roles of Deputy Clerk and Sergeant-at-Arms in the NT Chamber on sitting days. In 2024, Long was appointed the first Deputy Usher of the Black Rod of the Legislative Council of Tasmania. She coordinated the Opening of the 50th Parliament of Tasmania. It was a complex, high-pressure project.
Reflecting on these experiences, Long believes that they significantly advanced her professional growth.
Long is proud of her time at Monash Law Clinics. ‘It’s one of the most valuable experiences I have on my resume,’ she says, adding that it gave her real-life exposure to legal practice and put theory into action. The practice standards set at Monash Law Clinics also had a lasting impact on Long. For example, learning how to write file notes to a high standard may sound trivial, but it’s a skill that Long says is crucial and has carried through every role. She also credits the experience at Monash Law Clinics with building her resilience and professional maturity, and teaching her how to adjust her communication style for different audiences.
She offers a simple yet significant piece of advice to current law students: ‘You don’t have to follow the career blueprint of a lawyer. Search for different opportunities and take them. Don’t be afraid of taking a risk.’
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.