The New Colombo Plan recently supported law students from QUT to participate in the 5th Asia Pro Bono Conference in Indonesia.

The six final year QUT law students joined more than 300 academics, judiciary, lawyers, and fellow law students, pro-bono professionals, policy makers and civil society representatives to consider how pro-bono initiatives can improve access to justice in Asia and around the world.

The students–Danielle Hurda, Marcus DeWitt-Ryall, Kate Donnelly, Sam Lynch, Rebecca McDonough and Gabrielle Redmond–assisted with Clinical Legal Education workshops and presented a session on their international placement experiences, including performing a song 'Culture Shock Rock' written by Gabby.

The mobility project provided an opportunity for the students to attend workshops and meet with international NGOs, UN reps, and former Justice of the High Court of Australia Michael Kirby AC CMG; and to have useful discussions with pro bono lawyers from China, Singapore and Australia including Ashurst, DLA Piper, Herbert Smith Freehills and King Wood Mallesons.

Gabrielle Redmond said: "The importance of pro bono work has become even more evident to me since the conference. Hearing the other delegates speak on behalf of the countries and recounting their experiences has allowed me to better identify social and cultural issues faced by other countries. Now that I can see greater need for pro bono work, I can see the importance of it and have a greater willingness to participate."

Kate Donnelly said; "It was an affirming experience to meet lawyers and others working towards social justice. I was able to meet young lawyers and ask about their pathways into the profession, which was helpful as I'm trying to figure out what I want to do next. It was also really great to meet older lawyers to talk with them about their experiences, especially in the refugee sector."

QUT Law School's Catherine Campbell accompanied the students and co-facilitated the workshop session on challenges of clinical legal education.

"I received many positive comments from conference attendees about the maturity, confidence and genuine interest in helping others shown by our students," Catherine said.

"One student was even interviewed for an internship by the pro bono partner of a large law firm on the last day of the conference!

"The students found the opportunity to learn more about pro bono work opportunities invaluable in helping them develop their career plans and create useful networks," Catherine said.