Barrister, novelist, globe-trotter: How one UniSQ graduate took the law (and literature) global

When most of us are still figuring out what to do with our lives, Jozef Borja-Erece had already graduated from the University of Southern Queensland’s (UniSQ) School of Law and Justice.

At just 18 years old, he became the youngest practising lawyer in the Southern Hemisphere.

More than a decade on, he has passed bar exams in Queensland, New York, and the UK, while also co-authoring two novels – Three Worlds and Sovereign – both heartfelt tributes to his family heritage and Filipino identity.

So how does one go from a precocious teenager in suburban Queensland to an international barrister and published author? We sat down with Jozef to reflect on a whirlwind career, the importance of connection, and how staying true to your “why” shaped his success.

Tell us a little more about yourself and how you came to study at UniSQ?

I was born in New Zealand to Filipino parents and spent my formative years in the towns of Tokoroa and Cambridge, then later the city of Hamilton. After completing the requirements for university entrance in 2012, my family moved to Australia, and I enrolled at UniSQ shortly after. It felt like the right fit – close to home and built around a strong sense of community.

Did you always know what you wanted to study and why did you choose UniSQ?

Not exactly, but I’ve always been drawn to relationships and the structures that underpin society. Law felt like a natural extension of that curiosity – a way to understand how civilisation is built and maintained. UniSQ, with its supportive environment and approachable faculty, offered the ideal place to explore that.

You had a law degree by 18 – how did that come about?

I started early (15, to be exact), diving into Contracts A and the broader law curriculum. UniSQ introduced a three-year program during my studies, which allowed me to graduate sooner than anticipated. I completed my degree in 2015 and was admitted to the profession later that year. The media labelled me the youngest lawyer in the Southern Hemisphere at the time, a curious footnote that’s followed me ever since.

What have you been doing since graduation?

Doing my best to summarise a decade, I practised as a disputes solicitor in Brisbane from 2018 to 2022, then transitioned to the Bar in 2023. I’ve also completed two master’s degrees and recently sat the bar exams for Queensland, New York, and England and Wales. On the creative side, I co-authored Three Worlds and Sovereign with my sister (who also happens to be a UniSQ alum) – both historical fiction novels that we wrote over two years.

Where do you live now, and what does life look like today?

Right now, I’m in Cambridge, UK, having just wrapped up a summer stint in The Hague. Since being called to the Bar in late 2023, I’ve been practising as a barrister specialised in commercial and public law, with my work’s scope now evolving to span global disputes and international law. There certainly has been a lot of travel!

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in law?

Find your unique “why.” That sense of purpose can fuel your motivation, build your resilience, and help you stand out. Law, like many fields, can be demanding, and clarity of purpose makes a big difference when things get tough.

What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?

Sovereign would be my pick. It’s a novel I co-wrote with my sister that attempts to capture the spirit of our ancestors and reimagine the founding of the Philippines. It blends mythology, history, and romance – things you wouldn’t usually expect to find together, but somehow, we made it work. There’s something powerful about having an artistic work that’s truly yours, especially when it honours your heritage and the legacies that walk alongside you.

Any final thoughts for our readers?

It might sound like a cliché, but the friendships you make really are one of the best parts of the journey. Whether you're starting uni, deep into study, or already out in the world, take the time to connect with people. Some of the best moments in life are in the shared laughs and unexpected conversations that remind us of what’s it all about.

Learn more about our School of Law and Justice.