Terence Stedman, a lawyer with a rich tapestry of life experiences, has dedicated his career to serving the community and advocating for social justice. From his early days as a plumber to his impactful work in Corrective Services and eventually becoming an award-winning solicitor, Terry's journey is one of dedication and compassion. His deep-rooted commitment to the community is inspired by his father, a Kamilaroi man who embodied compassion and justice. Terry's career took a pivotal turn when he served as a solicitor with the South West Brisbane Community Legal Centre in Inala. Here, he offered vital assistance and advice across various legal matters, earning recognition from the Queensland Law Society as the 2018 Community Legal Centre Member of the Year. His ethos, rooted in respect and solution-oriented approaches, underscores his legal practice and community involvement. Terry's journey into law was unconventional. A chance encounter led him to a plumbing apprenticeship, followed by a role as a correctional officer at Boggo Road Jail post-1988 riots. His exemplary work led to a commissioner role at the Queensland Correctional Services Commission, an experience that shaped his management acumen and analytical skills. His academic pursuits in Indigenous Studies and law further honed his expertise, culminating in a fulfilling associate lecturer position at Griffith University. His tenure with the community legal centre was marked by significant achievements, such as establishing the State's first duty lawyer service for Child Protection matters in Beenleigh. This service became a model for Legal Aid across Queensland. Terry's outreach in community legal education on child protection to family support workers and Elders highlights his commitment to empowering others. A prominent figure in various boards, including Welfare Rights Qld and the Indigenous Lawyers Association of Queensland, Terry has been instrumental in promoting Indigenous representation in the legal fraternity. As a First Nation Community Consultant with Metro South Health and Chairperson of the Management Committee at Logan and District Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Elders, he continues to influence positive change. Currently taking a well-deserved break, Terry enjoys time with his partner Carolyn and their thoroughbred horses, reflecting his belief in authenticity and resilience—traits he embodies both personally and professionally.
Solicitor
Country to Coast Lawyers Beenleigh
Apr 2025 - Present • 1 year 7 months
Chairperson of the Management Committee
Logan and District Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Elders
Nov 2022 - Present • 4 years
First Nation Community Consultant
Metro South Health
Jan 2022 - Present • 4 years 10 months
Solicitor
Country to Coast Lawyers
Jun 2018 - Jan 2024 • 5 years 7 months
Solicitor
South-West Brisbane Community Legal Centre
Apr 2008 - Aug 2017 • 9 years 4 months
Associate Lecturer
Griffith University Law School
Mar 2006 - Mar 2007 • 1 year
Education Coordinator
Logan Indigenous Community Justice Group
Jan 2005 - Jan 2007 • 2 years
First Class Correctional Officer
New South Wales Corrections
Mar 1995 - Mar 1999 • 4 years
Correctional Officer
Queensland Corrective Services Commission
Mar 1989 - Mar 1993 • 4 years
Plumber Drainer Gasfitter
Qld Housing Commission
Mar 1982 - Mar 1989 • 7 years
Apprentice Plumber Drainer Gasfitter
Gd Dwyer Plumbing + Queensland Housing Commission
Oct 1972 - Mar 1976 • 3 years 5 months
Bachelor of Laws - LLB
Griffith University
2002 - 2005
Community Legal Centre Member of the Year Award
Queensland Law Society
