JCU Launches 2023 Law Seminar Series

On 28 February the JCU 2023 Law Seminar Series kicked off with Legal Aid QLD’s Senior Principal Lawyer, Helen Armitage with her presentation, ‘The Other Side of Crime – An Unexpected Career in the North.’

Helen discussed the prevalent legal issues surrounding youth crime and domestic violence, as well as sharing her personal journey as a criminal lawyer. Helen has over 15 years of post admission experience practicing in criminal law. Helen holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws and Diploma of Legal Practice from the University of Newcastle. Helen was admitted as a lawyer to the Supreme Court of NSW on 7 April 2006 and also has a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Management and Resolution from JCU. Helen worked as a police prosecutor in Townsville from May 2006 to November 2013 and since then has worked at the Townsville Office of Legal Aid Queensland, firstly as a criminal lawyer and subsequently in management positions.

What students thought

‘Enjoyed it thoroughly - and so inspiring, makes me want to hurry up and finish the degree. Was interesting, and to have that first person feedback on police and prosecutions - gave me direction as to my area of work in the future. Loved this webinar, truly enlightening!’ – Deborah Tanzer, LLB & BA Majoring in Criminology, whose Grandfather George Tanzer was a QLD Police Prosecutor and my father Barry Tanzer, also did prosecuting.

‘Helen was engaging and touched on interesting topics.’ – Ben

‘I gained valuable insight on an area of law that I am interested in’. – Leah Offerman

This seminar was the first in a series of 11 for this coming semester. Registrations for Seminars are open to student, staff and the general public. All Seminars will be live streamed and recorded.