Interview with Judge Barone Judge Barone
Mara Barone SC was admitted to practice in Western Australia in 2001. She commenced practice at the Legal Aid Commission of Western Australia and, following eight years at the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia, commenced her own firm in 2011. Her Honour practised at the Independent Bar from May 2018 until her appointment as a judge of the District Court in May 2020. Judge Barone has been a valued member of the Law Society since 2009 and has made a significant contribution to the Society’s CPD programme for online learning. In this interview with the YLC, Judge Barone provides insights into her distinguished career and offers valuable advice to new lawyers.
Where did you start out as a new lawyer, and what was your work life like when you first began your legal career? Barone J: I completed my articles and then my first couple of years as a lawyer at Legal Aid WA. I then moved to the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) in the Criminal Unit. In respect of work life, the experience of being a duty lawyer definitely stands out. As a duty lawyer you have to think quickly and be able to deal with a range of matters. Literally any type of matter could walk through the door. It was challenging, but it helped me to learn the law. As a duty lawyer you are required to adapt, take instructions quickly, give advice succinctly and think on your feet, all while trying to get the Court to know and respect you. Many of my career long friendships were forged with other duty lawyers as we banded together. I remember those days with fondness. In my view, being a duty lawyer is the best training for a career as a good criminal lawyer.
How did you expect your career to go as a new lawyer, and how right or wrong were you? Barone J: I don’t remember actually thinking too much about where the rest of my career was headed when I was a new lawyer. I focused on one day at a time. I was more nervous about getting the ‘being a lawyer’ bit right, or as right as I could get it. I wanted to do a good job for the people I was representing. I definitely did not envisage becoming a Judge. At some point I started to think about applying for silk, but that came much later on. Neither of those things were on my radar at the start. I was more interested in the challenge of advocacy, getting better at conducting trials, and enjoying what I was doing whilst helping people.
the Criminal Unit were well intentioned and pitched in to get the job done. It was also an overwhelmingly supportive environment. Everyone shared their knowledge and experience without hesitation. I always felt like part of a team and the lawyers all looked out for each other. There was a comradery, energy and spirit about the Aboriginal Legal Service that was bigger than its parts. Finding your voice is always a big challenge as a junior lawyer. Even if you are someone who is loud and opinionated, it is still hard to find your voice in Court. To be comfortable hearing yourself speak in a room full of others and have a commanding presence isn’t easy. You just have to find your own style and be your own advocate.
What was the biggest highlight or challenge for you as a new lawyer?
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you began your career as a lawyer?
Barone J: The biggest highlight for me as a junior lawyer was working at the ALS with an incredible group of talented criminal lawyers. All of the lawyers in
Barone J: Don’t be in such a rush. When you’re a new lawyer it is very easy to get swept up in ticking off achievements. But to quote Ferris Bueller: ‘life moves pretty 23
