Life beyond Radford
Sarah Dean ( Oliver )
- Bachelor Degree, University of Canberra, B Commerce / B Laws (Honours)
- Graduate Diploma, The Australian National University, Graduate Diploma of Lgeal Practice
- Masters, The Australian National University, Masters of Laws
- Associate
What does life look for you now?
Life is busy but fun. Working in private practice requires long working hours but is challenging and fulfilling. I have a lovely husband (who everyone likes way more than me!) and wonderful friends. Moving away from Canberra was unexpected but has been a fantastic move, both personally and professionally. Sunny Queensland is a wonderful place to live!
Tell us what you are passionate about?
I have a passionate interest in Diversity and Inclusion and am Chair of the UN Women International Women’s Day Committee for Queensland. I also enjoy mentoring junior lawyers and have a strong focus on mental health and building resilience in the early years of legal practice. However, my husband also tell you that I am most passionate about drinking wine.
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
I think at one time I told my mum I wanted to be an archaeologist! She swiftly told me I didn't have the patience for that job, which is very true. I also wanted to be a dancer as this was my 'thing' throughout school. But ultimately, from about year 10, I knew I wanted to do law. Not necessarily to become a lawyer but because it opens so many doors.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
I love this question because I will respond like so many - YEAR 9 CAMP! It seriously was just the best thing ever.
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
Mrs Wrench who taught me from year 9 - 12. She was the one that told me that I could do law no matter what, when many other teaches doubted me.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
Easy because I knew what I wanted to do and I got into that Uni course. But I also tell high school and university students that I mentor now that they should never feel like they are locked into to doing something they don't want to do. Sometimes it takes a little while to work out what you want to do with your life, and that's ok. Taking a break after school or changing uni courses is no big deal in the grand scheme of things.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
My studies did but my career has not! I never would have imagined that I would be working in the law firm that I do, in Brisbane, doing the work that I do. I took a leap of faith leaving Canberra and it has been a wonderful thing. However, there have been some extremely challenging times throughout my studies and career. I have the resilience thing down pat! I tell more junior lawyers that life can be pretty hard some times and its ok if they find this profession challenging. The mark of a person is how they hold themselves through that time and come out the other side.
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
That your marks at Radford are not the be all and end all. Sometimes people mature into academic study and others are better at a trade. I would have been a great hairdresser had I not have gone to uni!
What advice do you have for current students?
There is no substitute for hard work. No matter what you are doing - study, sport, volunteering etc - you will always have to work hard. But don't be too hard on yourself. Everyone is different and everyone has different strengths. Embrace your differences!