First Nations lawyer named as outstanding Indigenous Australian
Leading First Nations lawyer Brian Bero has been named Queensland University of Technology’s Outstanding Indigenous Australian for 2025, recognising his leadership in law, advocacy and Indigenous economic development.
The QUT law graduate is the co-founder, Principal and Director of Jaramer Legal, one of Australia’s first national Indigenous-owned law firms.
A Meriam man, he was named National First Nations Senior Lawyer of the Year in 2024 and continues to contribute to industry through roles with ARENA and the First Nations Clean Energy Network.
“His drive and leadership cannot be underestimated, unlocking economic opportunity, protecting cultural heritage and advancing self-determination for First Nations peoples across Australia,” QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil said.
Mr Bero is co-founder, Principal and Director of Jaramer Legal, one of Australia’s first national Indigenous-owned law firms, delivering corporate and commercial legal services to government and corporations in many industries across Australia, as well as Indigenous businesses and representative bodies.
Before entering the legal profession, Mr Bero worked as a fitter and turner in mining and gas in the Pilbara, built ships in Cairns, and machined parts for fighter jets in Brisbane – developing a strong work ethic and gaining practical experience that shaped his pragmatic approach to leadership.
Mr Bero said the recognition of the award was particularly meaningful because of the personal difficulties he had faced in his student days.
“My law degree was the most challenging time of my life,” Mr Bero said.
“In the third year of my law degree, I lost my father; in the fourth year of my law degree, just two weeks before I was to sit my final exam, my mother passed away.
“I was obviously devastated in that time, but also powered through to ensure that I would make them proud wherever they were.
“This award is extra special as a result of that.”
Passionate about self-determination
Mr Bero has represented major corporations and government bodies – including Victorian Government Solicitors Office, Telstra, Oracle and Qantas – on complex legal matters in areas such as telecommunications, technology, renewable energy, infrastructure development, and data and privacy. His lived experience further allows him to apply a cultural lens to matters that impact Indigenous communities.
In 2024, he was named National First Nations Senior Lawyer of the Year and continues to contribute to industry including the clean energy sector through roles with ARENA and the First Nations Clean Energy Network.
A Meriam man from North Queensland, Mr Bero is passionate about Indigenous self-determination and holds Director roles with Original Power, Aboriginal Community Housing Ltd, and Ilbijerri Theatre Company in Melbourne, the oldest established First Nations theatre company in Australia.
