Empowering Lawyers: Anti-Racism Toolkit for Justice

As young lawyers entering a profession historically rooted in colonial systems, understanding and addressing systemic racism is essential to drive meaningful change. Indigenous Australians are overrepresented in all areas of the criminal justice system, with a long history of giving evidence and sharing painful stories, only to see little to no action. Time and again, they’re asked to open up about their trauma, yet the legal and political response often ends at inquiries rather than actual reform. This "kick-the-can-down-the-road" approach fails Indigenous communities and perpetuates harm.

Lawyers play a crucial role in reshaping these dynamics by building genuine rapport with affected communities and advocating for structural reform. Anti-racism in legal practice means going beyond performative allyship—it requires recognizing the cultural context and trauma Indigenous clients carry and developing skills to provide culturally safe, client-centered legal services. Curriculum reform is key, too, as many law graduates are uninformed about Indigenous perspectives, contributing to a cycle of unconscious bias in the profession.

The Anti-racism Toolkit for Justice aims to equip lawyers with the tools to be proactive, from cultural competency training to client-centered approaches that respect Indigenous kinship and communication styles. By committing to ongoing self-reflection and understanding the deep-seated injustices faced by Indigenous communities, young lawyers can be advocates for justice rather than perpetuators of harm. Together, we can move beyond inquiries to create a legal system that truly listens and acts.