Through the First Nations Rural, Regional and Remote Internship, I completed a two-week placement at the Mid North Coast Legal Centre (MNCLC) in Port Macquarie. The experience gave me valuable insight into both legal practice and professional life, and it helped me develop skills that will remain useful throughout my career, regardless of the path I choose.
During the internship, I took part in legal discussions, shadowed solicitors, attended community outreach activities, assisted with legal drafting and client intake, observed and assisted on a court list day, and gained firsthand experience of workplace culture and work-life balance in a legal office.
Office experience
The workplace culture at MNCLC is warm and welcoming, and I felt included from the moment I arrived. Everyone in the office worked as a team, creating an environment that was collaborative, supportive, and inviting. On my first day, Mel Kallmier introduced me to the staff and made sure I was set up and ready to begin. From that point on, I did not feel like an outsider, but rather like part of the team. Whether it was Elaine at the front desk greeting me and chatting with me throughout the day, or Jane helping to keep me engaged and included in conversation, I always felt comfortable and welcomed.
I also saw how much the team cared for each other when we travelled to Coffs Harbour to farewell a long-serving solicitor. Even though I had only been there for a week, the team made sure I was included in conversations and looked after throughout the day.
In the office, I was able to help with drafting legal documents such as statement of claims, emails to NCAT and TAG, and advice notes. These documents were examined by the solicitors, and I was given helpful feedback for when I have to draft these in the future.
Legal discussions and solicitor shadowing
The staff at MNCLC were very supportive of my desire to learn more about the law and gave me opportunities to observe advice sessions and discuss the reasoning behind the guidance they provided. Morgan Robins, a junior solicitor at MNCLC, regularly invited me to sit in on her sessions, where I saw legal advice delivered in a professional and accessible way. The matters covered ranged from minor traffic issues to more serious domestic violence matters involving client safety. This variety was valuable because it exposed me to areas of law that I may not practice in the future. Observing these sessions also showed me the importance of staying calm, thinking quickly, and being able to research and respond effectively in the moment.
After each session, Morgan took the time to explain why certain advice had been given and encouraged me to share my own thoughts. This helped strengthen my critical thinking and gave me the chance to apply my university knowledge to real-life situations.
Taree outreach
During my internship, I took part in a community outreach trip to Taree with Haley McEwen, a senior solicitor at MNCLC. We attended Manning Uniting Church, where Haley conducted three advice sessions for clients seeking free legal assistance. These sessions highlighted the complexity of the legal issues many people face and the barriers they encounter in accessing affordable advice. It was valuable to observe how Haley provided clear, practical guidance tailored to each client’s needs and capacity.
Haley also showed me the importance of remaining calm and compassionate when clients become emotional, while still giving honest advice and leaving space for them to reflect on their options. This experience reinforced for me how important accessible legal services are and how meaningful free legal help can be for people in need.
Later that afternoon, Haley and I visited Biripi Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre for a drop-in advice clinic. This initiative has the potential to support many Mob experiencing civil legal issues, while also helping MNCLC raise awareness of its services. Although no legal advice was provided during this visit, it was still a valuable experience. Speaking with the medical centre staff gave me greater insight into the ongoing injustices within the Taree legal system and the significant role that access to legal assistance can play in addressing those challenges.
EWON Conference
During my internship, I attended the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) free community and workers forum with Nathalie Gentle, MNCLC’s Community Engagement and Evaluation Worker. The forum was designed for community sector workers who support vulnerable or at-risk clients. It focused on rising energy and water costs, the harm caused by service disconnections, and the ways community workers can step in early to help prevent crisis.
The forum gave me a deeper understanding of how essential energy and water services are, and of the serious impact disconnection can have on people’s lives. I was struck by the commitment of providers and community organisations to preventing disconnections and keeping people connected to these basic services. The experience broadened my perspective by showing me how many different factors can affect a person’s wellbeing, and how important early support is in helping people avoid crisis.
Court experience
My time at Taree Local Court was intense and, at times, overwhelming, but it was also one of the most valuable parts of my internship for both my professional development and my understanding of legal advocacy. Joshua Martin, a junior solicitor, Morgan, and I arrived at court at 9:10 am, and I was immediately struck by how crowded and busy the waiting area was. It took me some time to adjust, but the experience reminded me that growth often comes from being placed outside your comfort zone. It also showed me that court work is demanding and requires confidence, composure, and adaptability.
I was surprised by how small the room was where Morgan and Josh conducted client intakes and provided advice. They could only meet with one client at a time, yet both needed to work quickly to assist as many people as possible and help the court move through the day’s list efficiently. It was impressive to watch their professionalism, organisation, and commitment to ensuring each client received fair and effective assistance.
I was also impressed by the judge’s ability to deal with so many matters in a single day while maintaining professionalism and integrity. Her Honour was particularly firm in matters involving drink driving and domestic violence, making it clear that accountability and fairness were central to her approach. Watching her decision-making throughout the day reinforced for me the importance of staying true to one’s values and exercising sound judgment in legal practice.
I also had the opportunity to watch Josh present submissions in court on a couple of traffic matters he had taken on that day. As I had never seen a lawyer advocate for a client in the Local Court, it was valuable to observe how clearly and logically he presented his case on the client’s behalf.
Overall, my experience at Taree Local Court was the highlight of the internship because it exposed me to many different aspects of the legal system and gave me a clearer sense of the possible directions for my future career.
Conclusion
Overall, my internship at MNCLC was a highly rewarding experience that strengthened both my understanding of community legal practice and my confidence as a future legal professional.
It showed me the importance of accessible legal services, compassionate client engagement, and strong workplace culture, while also giving me practical insight into advocacy, outreach, and legal problem-solving.
Most importantly, the placement confirmed my interest in pursuing a career in law and reminded me of the meaningful difference legal professionals can make in the lives of others.
Find out more about the Community Legal Centres NSW Regional, Rural and Remote Internship Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.