Susan Paprica: Breaking Barriers in Clinical Legal Education
Susan Paprica's ID photo from the paperwork submitted for appearing in court.
In 1993 a Monash Law student made history by becoming the first student to represent a client in the Family Court. Susan Paprica was the student whose coursework overturned centuries of legal tradition.
This novel legal moment was a result of the innovative Professional Practice unit at Monash Law Clinics and its extraordinary teacher at the time, the late Susan Campbell.
As we celebrate 50 years of Clinical Legal Education at Monash Law, Susan Paprica's story highlights the program's impact and its role in shaping the future of legal education.
Celebrate 50 years of Clinical Legal Education at Monash Law
Becoming a trailblazing student in Monash Law
Susan Paprica began her journey at Monash Law in the early 1990s, where she first encountered Sue Campbell as the teacher of Legal Process. Campbell was the long-term chief examiner of this first year compulsory undergraduate law unit.
“ She was a woman of extraordinary intellect, compassion and conviction,” Susan said.
“ I remember one of the very first lectures. It was very evident that she stood firmly for the vulnerable and had an unwavering belief that the law was a tool for positive change - that as lawyers and as students we had an opportunity and the privilege of driving that positive change.”
“She wasn't just a teacher, she was a pioneer," Susan recalled.
As her law studies progressed, Susan was particularly drawn to the practical aspects of Monash Law Clinics, which provided real-world experience and exposure to the legal profession.
"Monash really gave me a great foundation for law and for my future career."
The historic court appearance by a Monash Law student
In 1994, Australian Lawyer magazine reported that Susan Paprica overturned centuries of legal tradition by appearing in the Family Court to represent a client. This unprecedented opportunity was made possible through guidelines developed by the Monash-Oakleigh Legal Service (now South East Monash Legal Service) in collaboration with Family Court judges and the Chief Magistrate in Victoria.
Associate Professor Ross Hyams was the coordinator of the Legal Service at the time.
"For hundreds of years it has been an entrenched rule that only barristers and solicitors can appear in court to represent people. But the Chief Magistrate and the Family Court Judges have agreed to allow court appearances by law students from Monash who are working at the legal service," Ross said in 1994.
Susan's first appearance in the Family Court was a resounding success. She made a successful application on behalf of her client, a Vietnamese immigrant grandmother seeking custody of her abandoned grandson.
"The experience was most gratifying and of great value to my practical legal training. Appearing in court was very exciting, and the client was very happy to have had the matter dealt with by a student," Susan said in 1994.
More than 30 years after that revolutionary moment, Susan’s memories are less about the nerves of a student appearing in court for the first time, and more about the person she was representing.
"I remember vividly, she was a Vietnamese immigrant who was a grandmother and who for all literal purposes was looking after her abandoned grandson. Sue thought that was the perfect scenario and the perfect case to be the very first case to be put before the Family Court."
Susan Paprica's photo that appeared in the February 1994 issue of Lawyer magazine.
The role of Susan Campbell in overturning legal tradition
The key figure behind Susan Paprica’s unique opportunity was Susan Campbell, who taught Professional Practice for over two decades at Monash Law Clinics.
Susan Campbell was instrumental in creating the chance for students like Susan Paprica to appear in court. She was a trailblazer in clinical legal education, known for her dedication to social justice and her innovative approach to teaching.
"Sue was always thinking ahead and making things happen. She was able to do amazing things with what appeared to be little effort, but was undoubtedly coordinated on her end," Susan Paprica remembered.
Susan Campbell's efforts to allow law students to represent clients in court involved extensive discussions with Family Court judges, the Chief Magistrate, and other legal bodies. Her commitment to providing practical legal experience for students was unwavering.
"Sue was very generous with her time and always encouraged us to think about how we could improve things and give back to the community," Susan said.
Celebrate 50 years of Clinical Legal Education at Monash Law
The impact of Clinical Legal Education at Monash Law
Susan Paprica's groundbreaking court appearance was a direct result of the innovative and hands-on approach of the Professional Practice unit at Monash Law Clinics.
“Professional Practice was the first practical opportunity for us as students to really experience the law in reality and in application," Susan said
“ It was all supervised, of course, but you had the opportunity to meet the client, take instructions, research the law, brief counsel and prepare court documents if required.”
“So it was really the closest we could get to being real lawyers ahead of getting the law degree. It was the excitement of being able to make a difference whilst you're a student.”
Susan's experience in the clinics provided an excellent baseline of experience and had a profound impact on her career.
"After Monash, I went into private practice and was exposed to a lot of different areas of law.”
“My first day was appearing before the Magistrate's court," she said.
The confidence and skills she gained from her time at Monash Law Clinics set the foundation for a successful day in court, as well as a career in litigation and corporate law.
“ It did give me a lot of confidence, and also my new employer. To be able to say ‘I've done that,’ also gave them confidence in me being able to turn up and do what was needed.”
A legacy of innovation through clinical legal education
The visionary work of Susan Campbell and Susan Paprica's court appearance paved the way for future students to represent clients in court. Monash Law Clinics continue to provide invaluable practical experience to students, preparing them for the realities of legal practice.
Susan Paprica began her career in private practice, gaining diverse experience in commercial, property, small business law and appearing in court related matters for clients. She found her passion in litigation and disputes, working on various high profile litigation and the Ansett administration.
Susan transitioned to corporate practice, holding senior roles at GE Capital, ASIC and other ASX listed companies where she became General Counsel focusing on law, risk, compliance, corporate governance and company secretarial duties.
”And here I still am. A complete remit of end-to-end needs of corporate Australia. I started at Monash Oakley supporting community needs and then segued right across into the corporate stratosphere."
"While my work today is focussed on the complexities of the corporate world, my commitment to helping people remains unchanged – whether through leading high-performing teams, shaping ethical outcomes or making a meaningful difference across the organisations I serve. At its core, it’s about leaving things better than I found them” Susan explained.
“That approach is something I think Sue Campbell would have been proud of and perhaps even helped to instil.”
Susan Paprica's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of clinical legal education and its role in shaping the next generation of lawyers.
As we celebrate 50 years of Clinical Legal Education at Monash Law, Susan Paprica's experience demonstrates that the legacy of Monash Law Clinics is both immediate and long-lasting.
Celebrate 50 years of Clinical Legal Education at Monash Law
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.