Kamilaroi man Connor McGovern-Cubby has graduated from Bond University with a Bachelor of Laws, securing a full-time role in the legal profession and an associateship in the Land Court next year.

The Yalari alumnus, who grew up in Dalby on Queensland's Darling Downs, is the first of his siblings to attend university and graduate.

Mr McGovern-Cubby's decision to pursue law was influenced by his family's experiences with the justice system, particularly his three younger siblings, who spent years moving between foster and residential care.

They lived in more than 100 different homes before becoming involved with the youth justice and justice systems.

While those experiences helped shape his career ambitions, Mr McGovern-Cubby does not want his achievements to be defined by disadvantage.

"I don't want my story to come off as, you know, I'm from a deficit point of view," he said.

"These are very real issues within my community, but it's not my entire story. Yes, I do come from somewhat of a disadvantaged background, but against all those odds, I've had a lot of support."

Mr McGovern-Cubby was raised by his non-Indigenous father and paternal grandparents, who helped maintain his connection to his Kamilaroi mother's family in Mungindi, northern NSW.

A Rosemary Bishop Indigenous Education Scholarship through Yalari enabled him to attend Anglican Church Grammar School in Brisbane, where he began considering university.

After graduating from school in 2021, he continued receiving support through Yalari's Pathways Scholarship Program, supported by FTI Consulting, which assists graduates transitioning into further education and employment.

He later secured an Indigenous scholarship through Bond University's Nyombil Centre, allowing him to pursue a Bachelor of Laws.

However, his early university experience was challenging, with Mr McGovern-Cubby working more than 40 hours a week in hospitality to cover accommodation costs.

"I wasn't getting great grades and I didn't feel confident to put myself out there," he said.

A turning point came when he applied for the Bar Association's Indigenous Law Students Program, which provided placements with barristers and judges across Queensland's legal system.

He spent time in barristers' chambers, the Federal Court and Queensland Supreme Court, working alongside legal professionals including Justice Berna Collier, Chief Justice Helen Bowskill and District Court Judge Suzanne Sheridan.

During his placement at Higgins Chambers in Brisbane, he was encouraged to apply for a research clerk position, which he successfully secured.

The experience helped him develop confidence, improve his grades and establish connections within the legal profession.

"I pretty much went from a passing student to now Distinctions, and I got one HD," Mr McGovern-Cubby said.

"I didn't know anyone in the law. There's a perception that it is a little bit of an inside club, but the reality is that's not the case. There are amazing people who work in the law and are willing to help anyone, no matter what background they are from."

Mr McGovern-Cubby's experience eventually led to a clerkship at criminal defence firm Gilshenan & Luton, where he has since secured a full-time paralegal position.

He will undertake an associateship in the Land Court in 2027 while continuing to explore opportunities within the profession.

Mr McGovern-Cubby has also contributed to Bond University's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Moot competition, which allows law students to develop their advocacy and legal argument skills.

Encouraged by mentor Associate Professor Narelle Bedford, he entered the competition alongside teammate Jetta Gardener Dodd in 2024, finishing runner-up.

He subsequently returned as a coach, helping Bond teams reach the finals in 2025 and 2026.

In 2025, Jazmin Grant received the best oralist award, while this year's team saw Mollie Tucker and Kiera Eljed recognised for best oralist and best written submission respectively.

Mr McGovern-Cubby credited Dr Bedford with supporting his development throughout the competition.

"Narelle isn't just an amazing coach, she has been the heart of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander moot," he said.

"I formed a really strong connection with her and she has played a very important role in my development."

Dr Bedford recognised his continued involvement as an example of the skills he had developed throughout his studies.

"Connor's three-year commitment to moot competition reflects qualities of preparation, intellectual curiosity and dedication that will serve him well in legal practice," Dr Bedford said.

"The advocacy, teamwork and leadership skills developed through this sustained involvement position him strongly for professional success."

Beyond university, Mr McGovern-Cubby has returned to Anglican Church Grammar School to speak with Indigenous students about his experiences and encourage them to consider further education.

Mr McGovern-Cubby has also acknowledged the support provided by Bond University's Nyombil Centre, alongside his family, mentors and Yalari.

His graduation brought together family members from different parts of his life, including his parents, siblings and partner.

"It is a very special occasion because I've got all pieces of my family there to celebrate," Mr McGovern-Cubby said.

"I'm the first of my siblings to go to university and the first to graduate."

With his law degree completed and an associateship ahead, Mr McGovern-Cubby hopes to continue building his career while supporting others entering the legal profession.

Original story published by Bond University and shared by Yalari.