Written by Julia Day

I first met #UNELaw student Riley Bomford- aka ‘Bommer’- whilst attending some career’s events at Calrossy Anglican School in Tamworth. As soon as I met him I was seriously impressed as he is articulate, switched on and motivated- whilst also being very personable. When I found out he had decided to pursue a law degree with UNE Law I was thrilled and couldn’t wait to chat with him.

Riley’s interest in the legal system was piqued when his dad gave evidence at a deceased estate trial. His young mind was intrigued by the idea and process of the court system. Due to this interest, he undertook work experience at Everingham Solomons solicitors when he was in Year 10. Funnily enough, Riley’s association with Everingham Solomons in Tamworth was recently cemented when he applied for and won the Sir Adrian Solomon’s Memorial Law Bursary.

When Riley finished Year 12 he started looking for jobs. He was offered employment as a Client Service Officer at the Tamworth Court House. ‘On my first day in this position, I thought I was starting a job, but quickly realised I was beginning a career.’ This was initially meant to be a gap year position for Riley, but as UNE offers law online, he decided to enrol in his LLB straight away. He was then offered a job at the Armidale Court House when a position became vacant. This was a great move for Riley, as even though he is an online student at #UNELaw, he is closer to the Armidale campus. Riley was offered several placements at the larger sandstone city-based law schools. He chose #UNELaw as ‘I have a fundamental love of rural/regional communities. This is why I wanted to work and complete my training in a regional area.’

Within his current position Riley is one of the first people visitors of the Armidale Court House see. Some of the tasks he undertakes at the Court House includes lodging appeals, and dealing with any other administrative matters which relate to the Local Court.

Riley, who is currently undertaking Criminal Law and Legal Professional Skills, can see many synergies between his position with the Court House work and his law units. ‘I deal with a lot of criminal law matters in my day job, so my studies are instantly applicable to me. I have learnt to appreciate both sides of the criminal law system. The workload for prosecutors, criminal lawyers and legal aid workers is intense. Often the criminal law clients are disadvantaged which can lead to situations which are not fundamentally the client’s fault.’

When he first started working at the Court House, Riley was surprised by the fast pace of the justice system. ‘I was expecting something more akin to ‘The Castle.’ I thought court would be all lovely and prim and proper. Instead I have been impressed by how hard working everyone is in the fast-paced system.’

Riley with his family

Riley learnt the essence of hard work from his parents who are rural property owners in Barraba. ‘I witnessed my family undertake physical hard work throughout my childhood whilst farming. I also saw the toll the long-standing drought had on my family. It was no doubt challenging for them to support me whilst I was at boarding school in Tamworth. I will always be grateful for their support  and for helping me appreciate the value of hard work!’

Riley also credits his success to his teachers at Calrossy. ‘All the teachers at Calrossy helped me build a solid foundation to pursue academic studies.’ In relation to Calrossy Careers’ Advisor Charles Impey- Riley notes ‘Charles helped me pursue opportunities and encouraged me to be the best I can be.’ Riley’s legal studies teacher- Sharon Draper- was also a great influence on him. ‘She helped to pique my interest in law whilst challenging my thinking.’   

I have no doubt Riley is going to have an amazing legal career. It is so fantastic his journey can take place in a regional area and that #UNELaw can be a part of shaping him so he can take the legal world by storm!!