Carolyn Devries

Carolyn Devries is a dedicated legal professional committed to improving access to justice. Growing up on a farm in central west New South Wales, she developed an early appreciation for independent thinking and social equity, values that have strongly influenced her legal career. After relocating to the city to pursue her legal studies, Carolyn recognised the significant barriers faced by individuals who did not qualify for Legal Aid yet could not afford standard legal fees. This awareness inspired her to explore innovative approaches to legal service delivery aimed at making the legal system more accessible to underserved communities. Carolyn is admitted to practice in the High Court of Australia, the Supreme Court of Queensland, and the Supreme Court of New South Wales. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Masters in Human Services, specialising in non-profit management, which complements her legal expertise with strong organisational and leadership skills. Her professional background includes managing family and estate law departments at Littles Lawyers and providing multi-disciplinary legal support at Miller and Hearn Lawyers. Carolyn has also demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement in her role as Indigenous Employment Program Manager at the Gagadju Association. Her work has been recognised through accolades such as being a finalist in the Queensland Telstra Business Women’s Awards and receiving the Community and Government Award in 2012. Carolyn is also actively involved in public legal education, including founding the Lunch with a Lawyer Facebook group to provide free family law information. Through her commitment to innovation and social justice, Carolyn Devries continues to contribute meaningfully to the legal profession and the communities she serves.