JENNIFER Robinson, the lawyer who advised Julian Assange and WikiLeaks during “Cablegate”, will be speaking at the ANU tonight about her journey from ANU law graduate to London-based lawyer.

Ms Robinson said advising Julian Assange and WikiLeaks during the release of United States diplomatic cables – the largest leak in history –  was exciting.

“Working with WikiLeaks has been an incredible professional experience. WikiLeaks has changed the way we consider the media, journalism and freedom of information through its work in pioneering transparency, scientific journalism and greater protection for sources and whistleblowers,” she said.

“As a lawyer, it was fascinating to advise WikiLeaks through such an important time.”

Robinson has acted in numerous high profile free speech and freedom of information cases before both the English courts and the European Court of Human Rights, advising clients such as “The New York Times”, Bloomberg, Associated Press, Human Rights Watch and Global Witness.

Through her work with Geoffrey Robertson QC, she has provided international law advice to governments and non-governmental organisations, including investigations into crimes against humanity in Iran and the liability of the Vatican and the Pope for child sex abuse within the Catholic Church.

She has also conducted international human rights and trial observation missions on behalf of the International Bar Association.

Robinson said her time as a student at the ANU was formative.

“The ANU is a fantastic university. I chose the ANU for its strength in my key interest areas, international law and Asian Studies, which have both been integral in my career,” she said.

“The time I spent, through my Asian Studies degree, living in Indonesia and working for a small human rights NGO in West Papua was life-changing, cementing the path to becoming a human rights lawyer.”

Jennifer Robinson in conversation, at the Sparke Helmore Theatre 1, ANU College of Law from 6-7pm, tonight.