Jane Sanders

From poolside in Penang Jane Sanders pays tribute to her hairdresser ... The principal solicitor at Sydney's Shopfront youth legal centre climbs onto the couch to talk about her regrets and triumphs 

Sanders: no bad hair days

Jane Sanders is the principal solicitor of the Shopfront Youth Legal Centre, a free legal service for homeless and disadvantaged young people, based in inner-city Sydney. 

The Shopfront has been operating since 1993 and is a partnership between Mission Australia, the Salvation Army and Herbert Smith Freehills.

It provides court representation and other legal services to young people with high and complex needs who are unable to effectively access legal aid and other mainstream legal services. The Shopfront also provides legal information and training to young people, youth workers and the legal profession and participates in campaigns for law and policy reform. 

Jane is an accredited specialist in criminal law and children's law. For over 20 years she has appeared for children and young adults in criminal matters in the Children's, Local, District and Supreme Courts. She also assists clients with victims compensation claims, unpaid fines, family law advice and minor civil matters. 

In 2008 Jane was awarded the NSW Law and Justice Foundation's Justice Medal, for "outstanding individual achievement in improving access to justice, especially for socially and economically disadvantaged people". In 2014 she received the Terry Keaney Memorial Award for dedication to the profession, excellence as a criminal lawyer, commitment to clients and concern for social justice issues. 

Her crowning glory is to appear on Justinian's couch ... 

 

Describe yourself in three words. 

Very f***ing fortunate.

What are you currently reading? 

I've just finished "We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves" by Karen Joy Fowler. In a funny and engaging way, it tackles the big themes of what makes us human and how we treat others.

What's your favourite film?

"Diva" - 1980s French flick with a gorgeous soundtrack.

Who has been the most influential person in your life? 

Apart from my parents, partner, friends and colleagues, I'd like to single out my hairdresser for a special mention. He's a source of wise counsel, progressive views, good humour and of course great haircuts! Thanks to him I haven't had a bad hair day (or used a brush, comb or hairdryer) for over 20 years - which leaves me time for the important stuff. 

When were you happiest? 

I'm happy most of the time, but how about now? I'm on a beanbag by the pool, refreshed after a swim, and contemplating my next meal (which I know will be excellent because I'm in Penang).

What is your favourite piece of music?

Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City" - a furiously funky indictment on the criminalisation of poor, black kids.

What is in your refrigerator? 

About five types of cheese. Lots of pickles, chutneys, sauces and sambals, including some indeterminate Japanese condiments left behind by a peripatetic friend. 

What is your favourite website? 

Criminalcle.net.au

Who would you most like to be with in a lift that has broken down? 

Absent someone who could immediately effect our Houdini-like escape? Patti Smith. Of course I'd be so awestruck that she would have to do all the talking.

What is on your bedside table?

Coincidentally, two books by different Paul Kellys. One is a recent account of the dismissal. The other is the classic "How to Make Gravy", which in my view speaks more profound truths about Australia than most political journalism.

Why law, and not another worthwhile pursuit in life? 

It's a pretty familiar story - young school leaver does well in HSC, is squeamish about blood, good at maths but not too keen on it, would love to study arts but would like to be employable. In hindsight, of course, law seems an obvious choice. I'm nerdy and bookish, but I also love to talk, especially to rant about injustice.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work at The Shopfront? 

The opportunity to work with a great bunch of clients and colleagues. Also the satisfaction of smacking down the police in court after they have performed an unlawful search or arrest.

What was the most important opportunity you didn't take? 

I wish I had followed my father's advice and got my superannuation sorted when I was younger. 

What has been your most memorable case? 

One of my clients got involved in a bizarre hoax kidnapping to help a friend pay off a drug debt. Due to some dodgy police conduct, she made all sorts of unreliable admissions. The police thought they'd caught a big fish - when in fact they had a frightened young woman with mental health problems, who'd had no medication and very little sleep for several days.

We got a very good outcome in this particular case, but things didn't turn out so well for the client and sadly she is no longer with us. I'll never forget her - she was a smart, vibrant young woman who could have achieved great things, had she not been beset by mental illness and a lack of opportunity.

If you were on death row, what would you request for your last meal?  

Something that leaves a bad taste in the mouths of my executioners and proponents of the death penalty everywhere.

If you were a foodstuff, what would you be?

Probably a pineapple.

Who do you most admire professionally?

All those excellent lawyers at Legal Aid, CLCs and the ALS who do vitally-important work for next to no money. Also Gillian Triggs, for refusing to be bullied, and Bryan Stevenson, a most articulate American lawyer and anti-death-penalty advocate.

What is your favourite word?

Matahari - Malay word for sun, literally "the eye of the day". 

What would you change about Australia?

Let's pension off tired old Laura Norder for starters. Then we can begin to address the appalling incarceration rates of Indigenous people. 

What would your epitaph say?

"Is that all?"

What comes into your mind when you shut your eyes and think of the word "law"? 

Cleaver Green's rakish grin.