Why Australia's first blind Aboriginal lawyer chose Charles Darwin University

At 21, Samantha Alexander received a diagnosis that would change everything. An incurable condition, meaning she'd likely become completely blind by her 30s. After that came words she’d never forget - "university may not be a realistic option for you".  

Luckily, she chose to ignore this advice and persevered. 

"I didn't come this far to be remembered quietly,” says Samantha. “I came to challenge systems and shift narratives." 

Today, Samantha is Australia's first blind Aboriginal lawyer. She works as a criminal solicitor at an Aboriginal organisation in New South Wales, where each day she makes an impact on the lives of victims of a system that was never built with them in mind. 

She chose Charles Darwin University to help her get there. In a world with constant barriers, CDU provided a safe and accessible space for her to excel in a career that has known no bounds. 

The child who loved to learn 

Samantha grew up on Dharug Country - an avid reader, writer, swimmer and gymnast. Expression was instinctive. She partially grew up with her grandparents, who recalled her favourite game was playing teacher. 

"I would line everyone up - siblings included - and insist they sit down and read specific chapters. I took that self-appointed role far more earnestly than anyone else in the room. Perhaps a sign of what was to come." 

School was inconsistent and disruption seemed to follow her, but her love for learning never wavered. English, history and languages were her strongest subjects. 

"[The subjects] gave me more than structure - they gave me context, perspective and voice. They allowed me to understand people, systems and stories. And ultimately, that's what drew me towards law." 

The fire that lit everything 

While working at a legal centre, she saw firsthand how the system was not designed for Aboriginal people. The terminology was incredibly hard to untangle - even for Samantha, who had a pre-law degree. 

"There is little value in providing legal advice to a client… [if they] cannot comprehend what is required of them, how can they possibly comply? And more importantly, how can we then hold them accountable for getting it wrong? That is not accountability. That is failure by design." 

She wanted to help demystify legal jargon, making it comprehensible and accessible, so that Aboriginal people before the courts - whose liberty was at stake - could understand what was happening and make informed choices. So, she enrolled in law school. 

Why CDU? 

For Samantha, there was no other choice but CDU. 

With a strong Aboriginal presence, as evidenced by its First Nations Leadership and First Nations student support, CDU’s positioning in the Northern Territory and its deep connection to community and Country means culture is embedded in and around the university. And as a university that has long-established itself as a leader in online learning, Samantha was confident that these attributes would be carried into her education, even from afar. 

"Even though I studied remotely, I knew I was learning within a space that understood cultural identity and safety. That mattered to me." 

She completed her law degree entirely online and fluctuated between full-time and part-time study depending on her work and volunteer commitments. This required flexibility, discipline and a clear sense of direction. In 2024, she defied all odds and graduated with a law degree. 

"Discipline will take you places motivation never will." 

The people who showed up 

Samantha's university experience was defined by resilience – but also by the people who showed up when it mattered. 

"Law school gave me a degree, but it also gave me people." 

At the time of her study, CDU was relatively accessible, but she needed support to ensure the best outcomes. Samantha liaised with the Access and Inclusion team, who were extremely responsive and committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for Samantha. The team ensured materials were always provided promptly. For example, if an accessible digital copy of a textbook was not readily available, the team went to great lengths without hesitation to get the accurate file format.  

"We made sure Samantha had everything she needed, even if it meant going to the Publishing House and following up until we got the right format", remembers Julia Ash from the Access and Inclusion Team. 

The advancement of Assisted Technology and AI over the last couple of years has meant that many extra steps Samantha would have had to go through are no longer necessary. Reliance on third-party tools is no longer required, as transcripts of lectures are now readily available to all students on Learnline. Live captions are also available on lectures.  

Such improvements have streamlined access to learning for all, as it should be.  

It was through relentless self-advocacy that Samantha got what she needed; nothing held her back. She built a fond connection with the Access and Inclusion team, standing out to this day as a remarkable student who advocated her way through her studies. She also had strong support from lecturers Dr Ben Grimes and Dr Mark Brady, who backed her both academically and personally. 

One of the most meaningful parts of Samantha's journey in CDU was meeting Cathy during the Contracts course in 2019. What began as a shared law school experience became one of the most important and consistent friendships in Samantha's life. They still speak every week and in a profession that can be intense and isolating, having someone who truly understands the pressure and responsibility is invaluable. 

"Cathy has been a constant - through the highs, the challenges and everything in between." 

The champion she became 

Today, Samantha's work is grounded in ensuring Aboriginal people are not only represented, but understood. Advocating for the underdog lights her up every single time. She is deeply committed to ensuring that after every engagement, no client walks away feeling disempowered or misunderstood. 

"I want my clients to feel we are on an equal playing field, so they never feel like I am superior to them. They leave feeling capable, informed and in control. Because that is what justice should feel like." 

Samantha has some crucial advice for those in a similar position to her. "Arm yourself with knowledge," she says. "If you have a disability, familiarise yourself with the Disability Discrimination Act. It will empower you and give you the confidence to ask for what you are entitled to." Every barrier Samantha faced became a tool and soon enough, she had acquired enough tools to create an entire ‘toolbox’. 

"For Aboriginal people, find a supportive workplace and set boundaries to manage cultural and family responsibilities. You need to take time for yourself to be the best version of yourself. You cannot pour from an empty cup." 

"And find a mentor. Someone who has walked that path before you." Samantha has been yarning with Vaughan Rolls for years – a blind solicitor at Legal Aid. "He has always been a source of strength and wisdom." 

Samantha Alexander did not wait for permission. She chose CDU because it is a university built on community, that understands culture, flexibility and the importance of backing students who do not fit the traditional mould. 

You can follow in Samantha's footsteps by exploring the many ways CDU offers courses and pathways into law, with flexible study methods to suit your needs.