From Psychology to Law via the Juris Doctor (JD)
Tristan Brumby-Rendell came to the Juris Doctor (JD) program after working for a decade as a psychologist in public hospitals. In that time he repeatedly saw mental health patients who were experiencing legal challenges and barriers to justice. Tristan hoped that with a legal qualification he could become a bridge between the two worlds of psychology and law.
The Monash Law Juris Doctor (JD) is a postgraduate pathway into a legal career from any undergraduate degree. Tristan's journey through the JD is a compelling narrative of dedication, curiosity, and the pursuit of meaningful career outcomes.
A decade in psychology before law
As a practicing psychologist, Tristan’s work primarily involved working with patients in acute psychiatric settings. These patients had been put under involuntary orders through the Mental Health Act. It was a role that required him to make critical decisions about involuntary hospitalisations.
"I became curious to know more about the legal limits and frameworks behind what is a pretty enormous power really, to be able to bring someone to hospital," recalled Tristan.
"I wanted to improve my practice as a psychologist by understanding the legal aspects better."
In addition to seeking a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks governing such significant powers, Tristan could see his previous skills and experience enhancing and being enhanced by a qualification in law.
“A lot of the patients I saw would often have legal issues around criminal law, tenancy, family violence and child protection. I could see how that could be bi directional - their mental health could be affected by the fact that they had these legal issues in the background, and equally their legal issues could be compounded by mental health,” explained Tristan.
Alongside this thirst for legal knowledge was a desire for a career change.
“I guess it's a bit draining to work in. And after 10 years, I was looking at where I wanted to go with my career as well.”
Tristan Brumby-Rendell at his admission ceremony with his partner Alice in June 2022. Pic: Fitzroy Legal Service
The decision to pursue Law
Tristan's growing interest in the legal aspects of his work, coupled with a desire for a new challenge, led him to enroll in the JD program at Monash University. This decision was influenced by and made with his partner who was working as a legal aid lawyer.
“I guess that was my vision, that if I was going to go down the legal path, working in Community Legal Centres or Victoria Legal Aid was where I envisaged that I would end up,” said Tristan.
He also felt the nudge from his exposure to the legal profession through family and friends.
"I thought at the very least, studying law would inform my practice as a psychologist, especially around involuntary treatment," explained Tristan.
"But as I delved deeper into my studies, I found that I really enjoyed the study of law."
The Monash JD experience
Tristan's experience at Monash University was shaped by a diverse class of students who came from a variety of backgrounds.
“There were some students from health, people that worked in creative industries, others came straight out of an undergraduate degree. There was an interesting mix of people in my classes,” remembers Tristan.
This diversity enriched the learning environment and provided a broad perspective on legal issues that was supported and enhanced by the teaching staff.
"The strength of Monash's JD program lies in its flexibility and the calibre of its lecturers.”
"The program allowed people to continue working while studying, and the lecturers were top of their area, especially in the elective subjects."
Despite living in Ballarat and commuting for classes, Tristan managed to balance his studies with part-time work, thanks to a supportive workplace and the flexible structure of the JD program.
"I had a very supportive workplace, and they allowed me to drop to three days a week," shared Tristan.
He particularly appreciated the contemporary and relevant approach of the lecturers, who encouraged students to explore their areas of interest through research projects.
"Monash was pretty supportive, in that you could do the lectures after hours. You could add extra subjects in one trimester and drop back in another."
The Honourable Chris Maxwell AC, occasional speaker at the 2021 Postgraduate Prize night with Tristan Brumby-Rendell.
Challenges and triumphs of studying Law as a postgraduate
Tristan's journey was not without its challenges. Balancing work, study, and personal life required significant effort and adaptability.
“My lecture days would change and my employer was always very supportive of that. They were supportive around exam time if I needed a bit more time off.”
In return, Tristan turned his research lens on his employer.
“I was able to do the research project in mental health and the law, and I was able to actually focus on the legal framework in the mental health team I was working in. It was quite a niche topic that probably no one else was interested in other than me, but I was able to do that and do that research with the support of the staff,” said Tristan.
Ultimately, Tristan was awarded the Chief Justice Marilyn Warren Prize for Best Juris Doctor Student and the Monash Faculty of Law Prize for the Best Juris Doctor Student.
“Chief Justice Warren is an amazing person, so it's a huge honour to receive a prize with her name on it.”
Tristan gave an emotional and heartfelt speech on the honour of receiving a prize named after a prestigious alumna of whom he spoke with admiration. He also highlighted the family support required to study as a postgraduate student and celebrated the contacts he made during his time at Monash Law.
"I think a combination of support, circumstances, and a healthy dose of luck helped me succeed," reflected Tristan.
Tristan Brumby-Rendell celebrates the 2021 Postgraduate Prize with his family.
Read Tristan's 2021 Best Juris Doctor Student Speech
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Monash JD career outcomes and achievements
Upon completing his JD, Tristan embarked on a career in community legal services. He began as a graduate lawyer at Fitzroy Legal Service, then he became Drug Outreach Lawyer, providing legal assistance to individuals using health centres for drug-related issues.
This role was a natural extension of his previous work in mental health, allowing him to leverage his background in psychology to better serve his clients.
"It was an amazing first job for me," said Tristan.
"I was working with a cohort of people very similar to those I used to work with in my mental health work. It was a very familiar environment, and I had very good support from people at Fitzroy Legal Service."
Tristan's dedication and expertise did not go unnoticed. In 2022, he was formally recognized as a legal practitioner in Victoria, a milestone celebrated by his colleagues at Fitzroy Legal Service.
“I was able to learn the law, and hopefully provide a pretty good service to people, with an understanding of some of the complexities around their mental health,” said Tristan.
After Fitzroy Legal Service, Tristan transitioned to a role at Victoria Legal Aid, working in the Indictable Crime Team, where he handles serious criminal matters in the county and supreme courts.
"I was interested in coming across to Victoria Legal Aid because I’d be working with very similar cohorts. I've always been working with people that often face fairly significant individual and systemic barriers to accessing services," explained Tristan.
“In this particular role, I get to work alongside exceptional lawyers and advocates, whilst getting more exposure in the superior courts to develop as a lawyer.”
A graduates advice to future JD students
While Tristan's current focus is on his legal career and family, his love for study remains undiminished. Although he has no immediate plans for further academic pursuits, his journey serves as an inspiration for those contemplating a career change or considering the JD program at Monash University.
"For anyone considering a postgraduate law degree like the JD, my advice would be to take the opportunities that come your way and enjoy the journey," advised Tristan.
"It's a demanding course, but it's also incredibly rewarding if you stay open to the possibilities."
Tristan Brumby-Rendell's story is a powerful reminder that with curiosity, dedication, and the right support, it's possible to navigate significant career transitions and achieve meaningful professional outcomes. His journey through the JD program at Monash University highlights the power of education and the possibilities it can unlock.