Shelby Clark is graduating from ANU Law School with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) after being introduced to international human rights law through hands-on learning, global internships and a law school experience that extended well beyond the classroom. 

Here is Shelby’s law school experience in her own words:  

Why did you choose to study law at ANU?  

I chose to study law at ANU because I admired the breadth of opportunities available to students in terms of practical learning experiences, internships, and overseas placements, which I think really sets ANU apart.  

I was also attracted to the opportunity to study in Canberra with a community of peers from all around Australia and beyond.   

What has been the highlight of your ANU Law School experience?  

I have been fortunate to enjoy several rewarding experiences while studying at the ANU Law School. A particular academic highlight was the opportunity to work and live in London as an intern with the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute in 2024.  

I think what has been particularly memorable are the colleagues, peers, and friends that I met during my time at ANU Law School. The ANU Law School community is both inspiring and exceptionally supportive. I have been grateful to learn a lot from friends, peers, and mentors over the past five years. I really look forward to maintaining that community as a graduate.  

Were there any subjects, projects, or experiences that shaped your ANU Law experience or career aspirations?  

I am particularly grateful for my experience in the LAWS4230 Internship Course in 2024, during which time I was placed at the ACT Human Rights Commission. I valued the opportunity to learn from dedicated colleagues who had significant experience in the international human rights law space. This also opened my eyes to the realm of human rights litigation in an Australian context.   

The ANU Law School has an exceptional breadth of immensely knowledgeable lecturers and tutors who I am grateful to have learnt so much from. I thoroughly enjoyed a number of my law electives, particularly LAWS4271 Refugee Law and LAWS4264 Advanced International Law. I think the varied offering of electives at ANU Law School gives students a fantastic opportunity to develop their professional interests looking forward.  

What are your plans after graduation?  

I’ll be working in Melbourne as an Associate to a Judge at the County Court of Victoria.  

What advice would you give to someone considering studying law at ANU?  

Say yes to new opportunities, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and remember to enjoy your life outside of lectures too!   

Some of my best memories from ANU came from trying something new and putting myself out there. ANU Law School is a fantastic place to learn and there’s always a community of support around you. You don’t need to have all the answers before trying something new.   

Enjoying time with friends and family and carving out time for hobbies doesn’t detract from your ability to be a great law student. It becomes a fundamental part of being a well-rounded student and enjoying your time at law school!  

If you could sum up your ANU Law experience in three words, what would they be?  

Rewarding, inspiring, community.  

Congratulations, Shelby, on completing your Bachelor of Laws (Honours)!