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Luca Sawyer
BA/LLB (UNSW)

Luca Sawyer

Paralegal

Expertise

Luca Sawyer is a Paralegal at Terri Janke and Company. Since joining the team in July 2024, she has enjoyed conducting legal research, policy drafting and working closely with First Nations clients. Luca brings strong writing and analytical skills, a collaborative spirit, and a deep sense of community to her work. She is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for clients through culturally informed and respectful legal practice.

​Photo by Stephen Wilson Barker

Experience

Luca graduated her Bachelor of Arts/Law at UNSW in August 2025, majoring in Creative Writing with a minor in Indigenous studies. She is currently doing her Diploma of Legal Professional Practice at UNSW (expected completion: February 2026). Her interests lie in culturally safe legal practices, particularly in environmental law, criminal law, human rights, and justice for First Nations peoples.


Recent Projects

  • Drafting cease & desist letters and letters of demand, including in cases of copyright infringement affecting Indigenous artists such as Badu Art Centre.

  • Research assistant for the AdaptNSW Forum 2025 - ‘Country as Kin’, exploring caring for Country alongside Western science can offer for climate change solutions.

  • Research assistant for ‘Tracking for change: a Pathway for future Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property’ by Dr Terri Janke (35 Australian Intellectual Property Journal).

  • The development of ICIP and IP workshops, protocols, and policies aimed at protecting First Nations peoples Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property

  • Advocating for the protection of the rights of First Nations artists.


Awards

  • Equity,  Diversity and Inclusion Award (UNSW ADA) 2022

  • Terri  Janke and Company Award (UNSW, Sponsored by TJC) 2023

  • Finalist, Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship (Facon Magazine) 2024

  • Hage Award for First Nations Writers (Sweatshop Literary Movement) 2024


Community

A proud Wiradjuri woman who grew up on Biripi Country, Luca is deeply connected to her community. She participates in the Sea the Weedproject with AIME Mentoring, taking part in monthly sunrise ceremonies. She is a member of the Sweatshop Literary Movement as a freelance writer and works casually for Aurora Education Foundation as an Indigenous mentor for high school students. Luca values returning home whenever possible to spend time with her family and community.

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© 2025, Terri Janke and Company

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All professional photography by Jamie James at James Photographic Services, and Stephen Wilson Barker, and Presence Productions.​

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The painting 'Terri - Butterfly Flowers Dreaming' by Bibi Barba has been used under license in the firm photographs, including for staff profiles.

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The painting  'Ancient Tracks and Waterholes' (2019) by Rene Kulitja has been used under license in some firm photographs on the TJC website homepage, staff profiles, careers and services pages. Visit Maruku Arts for more work by Rene Kulitja.

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The visual artwork ‘Freshwater Lagoon 1’ by Lisa Michl Ko-manggen has been used under license in some photographs and videos. Visit Cape York Art for more work by Ko-manggen.

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The painting ‘My Country’ by Bibi Barba has been used under license in some photographs and Law Way videos. Visit Bibi's website.

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Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

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​Disclaimer: The information found on our Website and Blog is of a general nature and is not intended to be legal advice on specific matters. Although we attempt to provide accurate and timely information, we do not guarantee that the information in this article is accurate at the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. Contact us for advice on a specific matter.

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CREDITS

Terri Janke and Company acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live and work.
We acknowledge the Bidjigal People, the custodians of the Country where our office is located.

We extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia. We recognise their ongoing connection to land, sea and skies. We pay our respects to their knowledge, and to the Elders past and present.​

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