How an aircraft engineer became a lawyer through online study at CDU

When Alice Springs local Jon injured his back twice before he turned 30, he knew his career as an aircraft maintenance engineer was over. Two prolapsed discs and a three-year workers' compensation claim later, he was ready for a fresh start – something that would challenge his mind instead of his body.

The seed for his new career was planted during a casual chat with a mate who happened to be a criminal defence attorney. "He said, 'You realise you could do this for a living, aye?'" Jon recalls. That simple comment sparked his decision to pursue law.  

Jon enrolled in Charles Darwin University's Bachelor of Laws, choosing its fully online program because he was the main carer for his youngest son and grandparents.

"CDU's online structure let me care for family while studying," he says. By taking advantage of CDU's Summer Semester and intensive subjects, he managed to complete the degree in about two and a half years instead of three.

Working away at it

Jon approached his studies like a full-time job, keeping regular “work” hours. He tried to protect his weekends for family time, though that didn't always work out as planned. His youngest son would climb onto his knee during study sessions, while his grandfather enjoyed dropping by to discuss legal concepts. "[My studies] became a family affair," Jon says.

Three subjects stood out during Jon's time at CDU: Legal Issues in 4Rs (Regional, Rural, Remote and very Remote) Australia, True Justice Deep Listening, and Jurisprudence. These gave him both practical legal skills and a deeper understanding of justice.

Early in his studies, Jon reached out to CDU's Access and Inclusion team for help managing his ADHD and mobility issues, particularly during exams. "Most people don't like asking for help," he says. "But getting an adjustment plan for exam conditions was one of my best decisions. Four-hour exams without being able to stretch would have been impossible."

Study survival skills

Organisation became his secret weapon. Google Calendar kept track of lectures and colour-coded assignment deadlines, while his physical space evolved to meet his needs – his home office eventually spilled into the lounge room with extra monitors and equipment, all drawing on his engineering experience.

Creating boundaries between study and home life proved crucial for his wellbeing. Jon eventually moved his main workspace to his grandfather's house. "Being able to shut the door, walk away and drive home made a huge difference to my mental health," he says.

Jon's hard work has already been recognised with the CDU School of Law Supreme Court Medal for outstanding professional promise as a student. Now graduated, with his highlight being a week-long intensive taught on Country, he's setting his sights on becoming a criminal defence attorney, with a particular focus on Northern Territory circuit courts and remote practice.

His advice for anyone considering a return to study? "Don't write off university. Your high school results aren't the only way to get there. And nothing's wasted – a trade background helps with academic studies in ways you wouldn't expect."

Jon's pathway from aircraft maintenance to law shows that with determination, family support and CDU's flexible approach, big career changes are possible. 

Three units that changed the way Jon thought about justice

While the workload of a law degree is intense, Jon found some units truly inspiring and foundational to his goal of becoming a criminal defence attorney in the Territory.

• Legal issues in 4Rs Australia. This unit was a highlight because it provided essential perspectives on the unique legal landscape in Northern Australia.
• True Justice Deep Listening.  Focusing on justice and deep listening allowed Jon to develop the critical communication and empathy skills needed for criminal defence work, especially in remote communities.
• Jurisprudence. As a final-year unit, it helped him pull together all his knowledge and think critically about the philosophy of law, giving him a solid academic foundation for his future career.

The secret weapon for balancing study and life

It took discipline and structure for Jon to manage his full-time study load while being a primary carer. Here are his top pieces of advice for other students:

• Find a dedicated space with a closed door. Create a physical and mental separation between 'study life' and 'home life'. Jon found a massive boost to his mental health when he moved to his Pop's house, where he could literally shut the door and drive home.
• Get your support network on side. Your family and friends are your lifeline when you're stressing about exams or convinced you've bombed an assignment. Jon's family support gave him the confidence to keep going, even when he doubted his marks.
• Don't ignore access and inclusion. If you have a physical disability or condition like ADHD or mobility issues, CDU's Access and Inclusion team can create an adjustment plan, especially for exam conditions. Jon says engaging early with the Access and Inclusion team was one of the best things he did for his study success.