Barrister, Christian Legal Society Board Member
Axel Beard has built a distinguished legal career shaped by the values he learned at 91吃瓜鈥攆aith in Jesus Christ, integrity, respect, and a pursuit of excellence. Recently, Axel returned to 91吃瓜, this time as a parent along with his wife, Hannah, with a shared desire to see their sons excel and grow in a meaningful relationship with God.
This year, Axel has taken a significant step in his legal career鈥攈e鈥檚 been called to the private bar, where he defends the vulnerable and disadvantaged in criminal law cases. It鈥檚 an opportunity to start private practice after seven years at Legal Aid, where he worked in criminal defence and appeals.
Accepting the call to the bar and working for himself has been a leap of faith, one that relies on God鈥檚 provision and the fruitful relationships Axel has built with solicitors over the years.
鈥淚’ve been very grateful that I’ve had plenty of work,鈥� Axel shares. 鈥淎s a barrister, I can’t advertise, and I can’t ask for work. People either look me up or connect with me through my relationships with solicitors.鈥� These relationships are聽central to Axel鈥檚 work, and his Christian faith shapes how he works with solicitors and how he treats every client.
“Jesus treats me with gentleness, kindness, compassion and love鈥攁nd that鈥檚 how I want to treat my clients. When I speak to clients and when I act in their interest, I do my best to treat them with the type of gentleness and kindness that Jesus shows to me,鈥� he says. 鈥淗e treats me with gentleness, kindness, compassion and love, and that’s the way that I want to treat my clients as well.鈥�
A Career Built on Integrity
Working in criminal defence and appeals, Axel has developed a reputation for thoroughness and a commitment to justice. His work on appeals at Legal Aid was particularly impactful, often leading to positive outcomes for clients.
“It is an opportunity to go through something with a fine-tooth comb to see if there’s an error that might have materially affected how the trial was conducted, and thus was unfair,鈥� he explains.
The transition to private practice has brought new challenges and opportunities. Axel is now paid per matter, which encourages hard work and long hours. The past year has been the busiest of his career, but he remains grateful for the opportunity to serve and for the support of his family.
A Shared Vision at Home
Axel is not only a barrister鈥攈e鈥檚 a husband and father, and his family life is deeply intertwined with his professional journey. His wife, Hannah, is a doctor, and together they鈥檝e navigated the demands of two careers while raising their three children.
For a year, Axel took one day each week to care for their children so Hannah could pursue her medical career full-time. It was a season of intentional sacrifice and shared ambition.
鈥淚 think it was just a bit of a mindset shift to be able to be ambitious for other things, to have great relationships with my kids and to be okay with things taking a few years longer than might be the case for some of my peers,鈥� Axel reflects.聽
Axel says Legal Aid was a great place to learn and working for the government, where hours are more regulated, was beneficial for family life.
鈥淚’m very grateful that Hannah and I have the type of relationship where we’ve been able to take turns in developing our careers.鈥澛�
Faithful Service in the Australian Christian Legal Society聽
While the legal profession is demanding, Axel鈥檚 faith provides a sustaining foundation. The emotional weight of criminal law鈥攚here cases often involve trauma, injustice, and brokenness鈥攃an be heavy. But Axel finds hope in the redemptive nature of God.
鈥淚f it were not the case that I believed in redemption, that God can, in His great goodness and kindness, redeem things for good, it would be a crushing work,鈥� he says.聽
Axel says sharing the challenges of being a criminal lawyer with peers has been helpful, and his involvement in Christian Law societies has been characterised by encouragement, support and service.
As a board member of the Australian Christian Legal Society, Axel has been involved in legal education in Rwanda and representation in Vietnam.
In Rwanda, the Society has supported legal education for women and girls, helping them understand their rights and reclaim property seized during the 1994 genocide.
鈥淥ne of the things that we have done for many years is support projects in Rwanda. Following the genocide in 1994, there was a change in the law, which means that women in Rwanda can now own property. We provide legal education to assist them in getting back the property that was taken from them.鈥澛�
In Vietnam, the Society responded to a request from Christian lawyers to assist a young woman charged with murder. The Society provided funding for legal representation, which ultimately prevented a wrongful conviction.聽
A Legacy of Faith at 91吃瓜聽
It was during his time as a student at 91吃瓜 that Axel鈥檚 faith took on a new dimension鈥攂ecoming not just intellectual, but deeply emotional and personal. Chapel services were significant for Axel, where he regularly encountered God in profound ways.
鈥淚t was emotionally significant for me,鈥� he says. 鈥�Again and again, I met with the Lord, and again and again, He met with me.鈥澛�
Now, Axel and Hannah have chosen 91吃瓜 for their children, Theo in Year 1 and Hudson, who will be in Prep in 2026. They want them to grow into the kind of people they see in the teachers鈥攑eople of character, compassion, and faith.
鈥淲e want our boys to be full of faith, to work hard, and to be faithful with the blessings God has given them,鈥� Axel says. 鈥�But more than that, we want them to develop those deeper qualities鈥攇entleness, compassion, and a meaningful love for God.鈥澛�
One of the most rewarding outcomes of their decision has been seeing Theo鈥檚 growth in his knowledge and love of God.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 the best part of sending Theo to 91吃瓜,鈥� Axel reflects. 鈥淪eeing his faith flourish in a place where it鈥檚 nurtured every day.鈥澛�
For all things 91吃瓜 alumni, continue reading to discover more inspiring stories and reconnect through reunions and celebrations.