When Julian Assange stepped off VistaJet flight VJT199 in Canberra in June, it marked the WikiLeaks founder’s first time on Australian soil in 15 years. Supporters cheered as he walked across the tarmac and embraced his wife, Stella. For many, this moment symbolised a victory for democracy.
For Jennifer Robinson, Assange’s lawyer who followed closely behind and broke into a beaming smile at the sight of the reunited couple, it was her proudest moment
of the year.
“For so long, people claimed it would be impossible, that he’d spend the rest of his life in a US prison,” says Robinson. “Seeing him home with his family in Australia fills me with joy – it’s perhaps the most satisfying outcome of my career so far.”
This is a bold statement, especially considering that Robinson – who grew up on the New South Wales South Coast but now lives in London – has done much work helping journalists in breaking MeToo stories and advising on issues of gendered violence for clients including Rose McGowan and Amber Heard.
In 2020, she advised Heard in Johnny Depp’s UK libel lawsuit against The Sun.
After Heard received death threats, so did Robinson. But nothing will silence her, and she’s far from finished.
“I hope we see an end to violence against women and girls, along with the climate action necessary to protect our children’s futures,” she says. “I’m about to argue a climate change case before the International Court of Justice – bringing the world’s biggest problem to the world’s highest court.
I hope for a strong decision that inspires all countries, Australia included, to take meaningful action to ensure our planet remains livable for future generations.”
marie claire’s 2024 Women of the Year Awards are presented by Swarovski and supported by Volvo, Max Mara, Revlon, Dr Lewinns and G.H. Mumm.
