The shield and sword degree

When Elena Suares could not afford a lawyer of her own, she decided to study law herself and take on the role.

Growing up in public housing, a law degree was never a consideration for Elena while she was at school.

“A law degree is considered one of those prestigious degrees – along with a Doctor of Medicine and other specialists – and it’s a degree that mostly well-to-do Australians can study,” Elena remarked. 

“Rarely, a person like me from public housing, and with a disability, would pursue a law degree.”

The turning point

Born in Uzbekistan to Ukrainian parents, Elena experienced several traumatic events before moving to Australia in 2006.

It was while she was going through custody and divorce proceedings the idea was sparked to study a Bachelor of Laws at Australian Catholic University (ACU).

“I decided to study a law degree as I was not able to afford a lawyer during my custody and divorce proceedings,” she said. 

“I was denied justice following rape while living overseas. I was not able to continue with the prosecution of two men who violated me because of death threats to my aunt and friends. Following the rape, I was diagnosed with complex PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks and clinical depression and a range of other issues.”

Now in her final year of her law degree, Elena is motivated to stand up for others like her.

“I am privileged to receive legal education and once I’ve completed my studies, I am hoping to work for a disability, mental health or human rights organisation.”

Fighting the fight

Elena has already begun standing up for what she believes in when she took aim at the Victorian Government’s plans to demolish 44 public housing towers in Melbourne. 

Her petition to stop the destruction and privatisation of public housing garnered thousands of signatures and exemplified the community engagement spirit of ACU’s Thomas More Law School students. 

It comes as the law school received global recognition for its pro bono placement program, claiming first prize in the Uniservitate Award. 

Law lecturer and national coordinator of ACU’s Pro Bono Legal Service and Education Program, Ian Lam, commended Elena for her efforts.

“She completed her pro bono legal placement at a community legal centre but more importantly, her efforts extend beyond the mandatory course requirement,” Ian said.

“She has demonstrated leadership and dedication to community engagement. She led a compelling and successful campaign aimed at ‘stopping the destruction and privatisation of public housing’ in Melbourne, making her a true champion of community engagement.”

Shield and sword

Because of Elena’s achievements, she has been selected as the ACU student representative at the V Uniservitate Global Symposium in November.

As part of the symposium, the final year law student will be part of a private audience with Pope Francis. 

She highly recommends ACU’s pro bono program as part of the Bachelor of Laws degree. 

“The program offers an inside look into the ‘other’ side of our society – the most vulnerable and ‘invisible’ members that ordinary Australians seem not to notice,” she said. 

“For me, a law degree is a shield and a sword that I intend to use to advocate for the rights of vulnerable people. 

“The law degree has given me the confidence to stand up for myself and people like me. For me, studying law is a way to heal myself and to find the strength and voice to stand up for the rights of those being violated, abused or oppressed.”

Inspired to help others? Find out more about studying law at ACU.