Legal Aid lawyer sacked fights dismissal over foster care contact
A Tasmanian Legal Aid lawyer was fired for unauthorised contact with a child's biological mother while helping a foster carer.
Angela Armstrong was a junior lawyer on probation at Tasmanian Legal Aid and was fired in March 2025. The reason was unauthorised contact with the biological mother of children in state care.
Armstrong said she acted after someone close to the children raised concerns about their welfare. She wanted to know who was aware of the situation.
She also wanted to know what was being done. Armstrong used her official email to advise the foster carer.
She arranged a meeting with the biological mother at a café. She introduced herself as a lawyer.
The meeting did not happen. The mother reported the contact to authorities.
The Industrial Commission rejected Armstrong's unfair dismissal claim. The ruling said her conduct was sustained and repeated.
It was not just a lapse in judgment. Armstrong is now preparing to challenge the decision.
She plans to go to the Supreme Court.
- March 2025
- Fired
- October 2023
- Contact made
- Tasmanian Legal Aid
- Employer
- Child Safety Services in early 2023
- Children removed by
Why it mattersThe case tests the limits of when lawyers can use their professional role. They may want to help people they know personally. This is especially important when a child's welfare is at stake.
AustraliaSets a Tasmanian precedent on professional conduct rules for junior lawyers and conflict of interest in legal aid work.
Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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