What’s it like working in criminal law? We asked QUT law and justice grad, Paris Brotherton

Read time: 4min 27sec

Ever wondered what it’s like to work in criminal law? We spoke to 2023 QUT Bachelor of Justice/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Practical Legal Training (PLT) graduate, Paris Brotherton, who is a Solicitor at Ashworth Lawyers, a criminal law firm in Brisbane.

She spoke to us about what her role involves, what a day in her life looks like, the highlight of her career so far, and how her QUT studies have set her up for success.

What inspired you to focus your career on criminal law?

I’ve always been interested in crime. When I was younger, I considered a career in policing, but after taking legal studies in high school, I realised I found the legislative component of crime fascinating. That led me to a double degree in law and justice.

Can you tell us about your current role?

I’m a Solicitor at Ashworth Lawyers, a criminal law firm in Brisbane. As the most junior solicitor in the firm, I manage a range of matters, ranging from lower-level offences like unlawful assembly and traffic offences, to indictable offences that must be dealt with in the District Court, including fraud and stalking. I also assist our senior consultant on most of his cases, primarily sensitive cases involving sexual offences.

Could you give us insight into the types of cases you’ve worked on and what they involve?

I have worked on a wide range of cases, including violent crimes, sexual offences, drug offences and more. My role varies widely depending on the case and whether it is proceeding to trial or sentence. It usually involves:

• communicating with the client and giving them advice
• reviewing the evidence against them
• drafting a submission to the prosecution to negotiate the charges
• legal and comparable case research
• strategic case planning
• briefing counsel
• issuing summons/subpoenas
• briefing experts or psychologists for reports
• communicating with the court
• appearing in court

Walk us through what a day in the life of criminal lawyer looks like.

4.30am Wake up bright and early.

5.00am Go to the gym and get my workout in before work. I like to exercise early in the day as it provides lasting endorphins and helps me focus.

7.00am Get ready for the day and catch the bus to work.

8.30am Arrive at the office and do last-minute prep for court.

9.00am Attend court. I could be at courts from Southport to Maroochydore, but I’m usually in Brisbane.

11.00am Go through my emails, making sure I am on top of everything and responding to client emails.

12.00pm Review briefs of evidence and drafting materials.

1.00pm Lunch time!

2.00pm Client phone calls and meetings.

3.00pm Draft submissions, conduct legal research or get through some admin.

4.30pm Home time.

6.30pm Dinner.

8.30pm Early to bed.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Getting a not guilty verdict on my first trial in the Magistrates Court was particularly rewarding. I had built a strong rapport with my client and counsel. We raised complex legal arguments, which took an extensive amount of preparation, so it was very rewarding when it paid off. This matter involved a number of co-defendants and was conducted pro bono. It felt good to give back to the community and help clients who have contributed to society in a positive way.

How did your QUT studies prepare you for a career in criminal law?

My double degree in law and justice opened up unique career pathways and allowed me to understand both sides of the criminal justice system. Justice helped me explore the drivers of crime and how policy can reduce offending and support rehabilitation. Law strengthened my skills in legal reasoning, statutory interpretation and advocacy. I use both disciplines every day in my current role to support criminal justice outcomes tailored to individual circumstances.

QUT’s PLT placed a strong emphasis on practical skills that closely reflect real legal practice. The course encouraged student interaction and collaboration, which is such an integral part of working in the legal industry. Through group work, simulated legal matters and practical exercises, I developed skills in communication, teamwork and professional problem-solving essential to my current role.

How did you get your current role?

I knew I wanted to work in criminal law, and when it came time to organise my PLT placement, QUT connected me with Ashworth Lawyers, a criminal law firm in Brisbane. My placement there confirmed that criminal law was the right path for me and when they offered me part-time work as a clerk, I couldn’t say no. When I was admitted as a solicitor a few months later, they offered me a full-time position straight away and I’ve been working at Ashworth as a solicitor ever since.

What other hands-on experience did you have during your degree?

In my final year of the Bachelor of Laws (Honours), I completed a semester-long placement with the Environmental Defenders’ Office. This exposed me to an area of law that I was interested in and deepened my understanding of the law in practise. I was invited to continue volunteering beyond my placement, which helped me further develop my skills while giving back to the community.

Additionally, many of my lecturers and tutors at QUT were not only educators, but practising professionals. They brought real-world insight into the practical application and day-to-day realities of professional practice, beyond what is covered in textbooks. This perspective was invaluable in understanding how we’d use our degree in the real world.

Paris’s passion for the justice system has shaped her career, from immersing herself in both facets of the justice system in her double degree, to pursuing a rewarding career in criminal law. Her story gives a glimpse into what a career in criminal law truly entails.