A Victorian lawyer who offers free legal advice to veterans has been named as a finalist in this year’s Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards.
Jacqui Brauman offers free webinars for veterans and online legal support for Seniors.
In the first year that the Veteran’s Employment Awards have had categories for Defence spouses, Jacqui says she is proud to have been named as a finalist in the Partner Entrepreneur of the Year Category.
The awards recognise the achievements of businesses and organisations that are creating employment opportunities for veterans and their partners. They also celebrate the contributions of veterans and their partners who are using their lived-experience skills within the civilian workforce.
Jacqui married her Army spouse before she finished her law degree.
After completing her degree and following her husband’s posting to Victoria, she used the move as an opportunity to start her own legal firm, TBA Law, in 2012.
When her partner was posted to Puckapunyal, Jacqui says she was worried about the impact that moving would have on her career.
Instead, Jacqui says she noticed a gap in the number of solicitors available in Central Victoria and took her husband’s posting as an opportunity to support her local community while also progressing her career.
“I wanted to provide quality legal services which were efficient and responsive, and not arrogant or overpriced. I wanted to serve the community in which I lived,” says Jacqui.
With an Applied Masters degree in Wills and Estates, and being a Law Institute Accredited Wills and Estates specialist, Jacqui works with Seniors and veterans online to offer legal advice.
As her business has grown, Jacqui has also continued to support those in her community, employing both veteran partners and former members of the ADF.
She has also founded Legally Wise Women, a business offering legal support to women who are unable to afford proper legal representation.
Following her award nomination, Jacqui and TBA Law have announced they will run a four-part series of free webinars aimed at the specific challenges of the Defence community.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh said the awards provide the opportunity not only to recognise organisations that actively recruit, employ and support veterans, but celebrate the successes of veterans in their careers post service. Â
“As a nation we value the contributions made by veterans and their ongoing commitment to service, and we recognise the valuable skills they bring to the civilian workforce,” Minister Keogh said.
“Making sure that our community is aware of the great benefit that veterans can bring to business is so important, that’s why these awards celebrate the businesses who work with veterans and families.
“The finalists for this year’s awards have all gone above and beyond to create environments where veterans and their families will have successful careers.
“Judges were impressed with the quality and calibre of nominations received. It is clear to me that many Australian businesses know just how great veteran employees are.”
If you are a veteran wanting to join the webinars or a Senior needing advice on wills and estates, you can contact Jacqui’s team online at https://tbalaw.com.au/australian-defence-members/.
