Sharmilla Bargon

As Legal Director of the new Working Women’s Centre at the Women’s Legal Service NSW, Sharmilla Bargon is living her values and dedication to people-focused law.

Sharmilla also taught Discrimination and the Law at UNSW Law & Justice in 2024 and has recently been welcomed as a new member of the UNSW Law Advisory Council.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and how did you find your niche within the field?

I have always wanted to make a difference to people’s lives, and my first job out of uni was as a scientist conducting cancer research. It was meaningful work, with the potential to lead to life saving advances but I realised that what drives me is forming connections with the people I am helping and contributing to change on a personal level. I’m energised by working with people, driven by social justice and engaging in big ideas and discussion. 

When I moved into law and found myself in a Foundations of Law class where my fellow students loudly and hotly argued about the need for a bill of rights, I knew I was in the right place and I’d made the right decision.

How important do you think it is for young lawyers to find a specific area of law they are passionate about?

My work is incredibly meaningful to me. I’m drawn to employment and discrimination law because it is fundamentally people-focused, with my clients’ stories sitting at the heart of every claim. I also value the technical complexity of the area, which still allows space for creativity and for the development of novel legal arguments, which is critical working in community law. I believe it is essential for young lawyers to explore different practice areas so they can land in a space that aligns with their strengths and genuinely motivates them. We spend too long at work not to enjoy it.

Can you share an experience where a mentor significantly impacted your professional journey?

I was fortunate to undertake an Aurora native title placement in the Torres Straight while still at law school. I was doing a summer clerkship at Gilbert +Tobin, and was concerned it might take me away from my longer-term goal of working toward social justice. The principal lawyer of the land titles office said “Go to the firm. Learn everything you can. Just remember who you are and to come back to us. They can train you in a way we can’t.” Gilbert + Tobin provided me with a decade of rewarding opportunities working with talented lawyers and the work helped me to develop strong legal skills and a strategic mind set. 

My principal lawyer was right however and when I started at Redfern Legal Centre, it felt like I’d come home.

What advice would you give to current students about seeking and maintaining mentor relationships?

It is important to surround yourself with people who share your values and who push you to grow. Seek out mentors who not only open doors, but who also embody the kind of lawyer you want to be. During law school, it’s easy to get caught up in the maelstrom of summer clerkships applications. Remember why you chose to study law and don’t lose sight of your own definition of success. There are many paths to a fulfilling legal career, and mentors can help you find yours.

How did your education at UNSW prepare you for your career?  

The tutorial-based method of learning at UNSW Law was invaluable in preparing me for my career. Some of the most rewarding parts of my work involve engaging in robust debate and my UNSW classes gave me practice in adopting a confident position but also listening to others so that we all arrived at a more nuanced and considered view (at best – this doesn’t always happen of course).

What motivated you to volunteer your time to be a member of the Law Advisory Council, and what do you hope to achieve?

I chose UNSW law because of its social justice reputation. I volunteer my time on the Law Advisory Council because I want to support the Law School to continue producing graduates that are principled, reform minded and community focused.

I hope to provide support the next generation of UNSW trained lawyers to think beyond traditional career paths and the big law firms and use the law as a powerful tool for change.

How do you think the Advisory Council can work together to steer the Faculty of Law & Justice into the future?

The Advisory Council brings together voices from private practice, the community legal sector, government and academia. Together we can provide insights from our day-to-day work to keep teaching, research and other programs responsive to real world challenges, especially for marginalised communities. I’d love to play a role in supporting opportunities for students to gain hands-on-experience through legal clinics, pro bono projects and partnerships to help graduates develop practical skills and get them community law job-ready.