Ellen co-leads EJA’s nature program, using legal strategies to defend species, landscapes and communities under increasing pressure. Her role allows her to work across diverse ecosystems around Australia, collaborating with the justice and climate teams, and learning deeply about the ecology of many places. She describes it as incredibly intellectually rich work – and very connected to people and place.

Before joining our team, Ellen worked across corporate law and land justice, including as Deputy Principal Legal Officer at First Nations Legal & Research Services.

She is currently completing a Masters of Environmental Law at the University of Melbourne, and brings a deep commitment to collaborative, community-driven environmental advocacy.

What inspired you to work in environmental law – and specifically in protecting and regenerating ecosystems?

The nerdy answer is that it’s just a very interesting area of law. I always liked administrative law in particular, so environmental law was on my radar from university.

After several years working in corporate law in London, I returned to Australia in 2017 and began working for Traditional Owner groups across Victoria. This experience was pivotal; seeing the on-ground impacts of environmental decision-making first-hand, especially on communities, made an impact I started to realise how tangible environmental destruction is – not just in abstract terms, but in people's immediate, lived experience.

Joining EJA felt like a natural next step. I'd long admired EJA’s work – and when I saw the job advertisement featuring the charismatic Leadbeater’s Possum, I thought, "I want to work for that possum!"

“I started to realise how tangible environmental destruction is – not just in abstract terms, but in people's immediate, lived experience."

— Ellen Maybery, NATURE CO-LEAD, , Environmental Justice Australia

Before joining EJA, you worked closely with Traditional Owner groups. How has that shaped your understanding of environmental justice?

The absolute privilege that I had to work with Victorian Traditional Owners gave me a real insight into how decisions and policies reverberate on the ground. Even though my role focused on land rights rather than environmental law, the connections between land, people, and healthy Country were ever-present.

In seeking land justice, Traditional Owners consistently emphasised the importance of being able to live on Country, care for it, and keep their people connected to it. That end goal – of healthy Country and strong communities – continues to inform how I think about environmental justice today.

You’ve worked across a wide range of legal contexts. What drew you to EJA’s nature program – and how does this work feel different?

One big difference, is the chance I now have to learn constantly about the natural world.

I feel incredibly lucky to come into work and learn about how a particular species migrates and spawns – as just a normal part of my day. From eel migration to the finer details of forest ecology, that kind of richness is unique to this work.

At the same time, I still get to indulge my love of legal technicality. Whether it’s corporate law or environmental law, I have always loved the detailed work of drafting submissions and providing considered legal advice, which are a constant across all areas of law I have worked in.

What does a typical day in your role look like?

There really is no typical day! But one day might involve checking in with my co-lead Jane, reviewing legal submissions, drafting affidavits for litigation matters, and meeting with clients, movement partners or barristers.

There is also a strong focus on strategic thinking – about how best to use EJA’s resources, how the law might assist in new and emerging issues, and how to keep information and learning flowing between all the organisations and communities EJA works with.

What do you see as the most urgent legal challenges for ecosystems right now – and where are the opportunities for change?

One big focus for the nature team right now is thinking deeply about existing laws.

While there has been a lot recent media about potential amendments to the EPBC Act, there are already some really important provisions in the current legislation that are being applied to many species and ecosystems. So, it's thinking about utilising and at the same time improving upon them.

Listening to people on the ground is crucial. The greatest threats to ecosystems are often happening right on people’s doorsteps. And so one thing that gives me hope is the rise of information sharing. Whether it be from social media or other forms, there is now greater opportunity for people to be informed about species and ecosystems close to home. This creates powerful moments of connection – and action.

Law can feel slow-moving, especially when nature is in crisis. How do you stay hopeful?

I find my colleagues and clients endlessly inspiring. Even if there’s a setback, there are always new ideas about what to do next. The long history of environmental and land justice campaigning also provides important perspective – reminding me that setbacks can eventually turn into wins, such as with ending native forest logging in Victoria. A huge milestone in an ongoing campaign.

Although I admit, it can be challenging, especially for clients who so often see immediate destruction unfolding while the law moves slowly. EJA works hard to bridge that gap as much as possible.

“ The long history of environmental and land justice campaigning also provides important perspective – reminding me that setbacks can eventually turn into wins..."

— Ellen Maybery, NATURE CO-LEAD, Environmental Justice Australia

You’ve also trained as a mediator and served on community boards. How do those experiences shape your approach?

Mediation has helped me to resist the instinct to jump in and solve problems immediately – to sit with discomfort and really listen.

Serving on community boards has also helped me to broaden my perspective on how finance, policy, governance and advocacy all come together. It has given me an appreciation for the enormous contribution of volunteers and not-for-profits. And I think this is something that has shaped my approach to risk and strategy today.

You’re currently completing a Masters of Environmental Law. What has excited you most about your studies?

I am about to complete my final unit, which is exciting!

Studying alongside international students and professionals working on the frontlines of climate and nature crises has been incredibly enriching.

The energy and commitment of academics and fellow students gives me unique insights – and fresh hope! – for the work ahead.

Looking ahead, what impact do you hope the nature program can have?

I think, success is as much about how the work is done as the outcomes themselves.

I hope our EJA nature team will continue to work collaboratively and positively with clients, using existing laws where possible, while advocating for better environment laws.

Personally, I look forward to continuing to build knowledge – about species, ecosystems, and the intricacies of environmental law – and to deepening collaboration between EJA’s Justice and climate teams.

Increasingly, climate and nature cannot be separated, and Traditional Owner rights must be at the forefront of everything we do.

Finally, what advice would you give to someone who wants to work in environmental justice?

I'd say, find a place or a species you care about. Get involved in a local ‘friends of’ group or community organisation. You’ll find likeminded people – and discover how valuable and varied different skills are in this work.

I also think it's important to keep an open mind. Starting in corporate law, working in NGOs, travelling after school or university – all those experiences can be formative. Taking the time to do things that interest you will shape the kind of advocate you can become!