Faces of Environmental Justice Australia

Meet Cecile

Cecile is a Senior Lawyer in the climate team at Environmental Justice Australia.

With a deep belief in the law’s ability to hold the powerful to account, she brings a sharp legal mind and a passion for justice to her work every day.

Before joining EJA, Cecile worked as a lawyer for the Australian government, an Associate to a Federal Court judge, and at a commercial law firm. She has a BSc/LLB (Hons) from the University of Technology in Sydney and a Master of Laws (Distinction) from the London School of Economics.

Cecile is driven by fairness, ensuring that legal frameworks protect communities and ecosystems from destructive practices. Having once questioned her place in the legal field, she found renewed purpose at EJA, where she combines her legal expertise with a strong commitment to protecting Australia’s climate and future.

Beyond the law, Cecile is also a writer of stories and essays. She loves spending time outdoors, quietly observing the little details of nature and seeking out peaceful spots to swim.

You've chosen to become a lawyer; what do you think law can achieve?

The areas of law I’m most drawn to were developed to keep things fair. Administrative law exists to prevent biased or arbitrary decision-making, ensuring governments remain accountable. Tort law, on the other hand, allows people and corporations to be held responsible for the harm they cause.

“The law develops slowly – sometimes lagging behind social norms – but its careful evolution is also its strength. Unlike shifting political winds, common law is built to endure. At its best, and when used properly, the law holds the powerful to account. That’s what we strive to use it for.”
— Cecile Bester, Environmental Justice Australia Senior Lawyer

Can you walk us through a typical day in your role at EJA?

Most mornings, I ride my bright blue bike to work – rolling down to Carlton is the perfect start to the day.

I’m a night owl, so my mornings begin with coffee and emails as I get my brain into gear. My role involves a lot of thinking, reading, and writing. I might be drafting legal advice for clients, preparing briefs for barristers, analysing recent cases, or compiling evidence for litigation.

On court days, it’s exciting to see all our hard work come together.

We balance the intensity with rooftop lunches, lunchtime craft sessions (#knitzero), and sharing silly memes in our team chat. We try to keep a pretty good work-life balance.

What aspect of your work brings you the most fulfilment or excitement?

I love the variety of my work. On the climate team, we stay on top of both legal and factual developments. We nerd out about niche public law points, track climate cases worldwide, and keep up with the latest policy and science.

The most fulfilling part? Working toward something I genuinely believe in. It’s also the most exhausting part. We’re all passionate about the long-term goal: fairer decisions, faster transition away from fossil fuels, and protection of the natural world for all the creatures who live in it.

What drew you to Environmental Justice Australia?

I applied to EJA as my last shot at being a lawyer. I was feeling disillusioned and detached from my values while working as a solicitor. While I’d always cared deeply about nature, I hadn’t worked in environmental law before.

Before joining EJA, I spent time overseas, including a few months working at a café on the beautiful Isle of Mull in Scotland. Returning to a conventional office job felt unappealing, but EJA’s work stood out. The team was running important cases, but they also seemed to have a more flexible and human approach to work.

A year in, I’m so glad I took the chance. I’ve learned so much and feel good about what I do every day.

If someone is passionate about fighting for justice, what advice would you give them?

You don’t need to be a lawyer to fight for justice – scientists, storytellers, teachers, community organisers, and politicians all have a role to play.

If you’re pursuing law, my advice is to start broad. Some people know exactly where their strengths lie, but I didn’t – it took a few jobs to figure out what I was good at, what I needed to improve, and which cases truly interested me. Early in your career, big firm experience can be valuable, but don’t let yourself get stuck somewhere that doesn’t align with your values. No paycheck or prestige is worth that.

How do you stay motivated in the face of slow-moving environmental justice work?

This is something I’m still figuring out. Motivation fluctuates, and that’s okay. Some days, I focus on small, concrete tasks – I know that if I worry about the big picture, I’ll be daunted. It’s like hiking a long hill: don’t look too far ahead, just keep walking.

I also remind myself that progress is being made. As a society, we are having conversations about climate change now that simply weren’t happening five years ago.

“Climate litigation is gaining traction, and courts are increasingly recognising the link between fossil fuel projects and climate harm.”
— Cecile Bester, Environmental Justice Australia Senior Lawyer

It also helps to look around the office at my colleagues: all these people putting their efforts and (talented, diligent) brains towards the same goal.

Being part of a collective effort, whether at EJA or at community events and rallies, keeps me hopeful about what we can achieve together.