Shashwat Tripathi is graduating with his Juris Doctor (JD ‘25), achieving with commendation from the ANU Law School. During his degree, he was an active student in the community and the 2023 President of the ANU International Law Society.
Here is Shashwat’s story in his own words:
Q: Why did you choose to study at ANU?
A: The JD program at ANU Law School is among the most reputable in Australia and globally. The faculty is outstanding in their fields and genuinely passionate about what they do. I was especially drawn to the strong focus on research at the ANU Law School, which offers a great balance between theory and practice.
I was also honoured to receive the ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship, which encouraged me to join this wonderful learning community.
Q: What stands out most from your time at ANU?
A: What stands out the most are the relationships I built with the faculty at ANU Law School. I am particularly grateful to Professor Ron Levy, Professor Will Bateman, Associate Professor Ryan Goss, and Associate Professor Imogen Saunders. Their consistent support, mentorship, and encouragement genuinely helped me thrive at the Law School—academically, professionally, and personally. I have learned a great deal about the craft of law from their intellect and wit.
Q: What motivated you to join the ANU International Law Society, and what has been your biggest takeaway from the experience?
A: I joined the ANU International Law Society as its 2023 President because I was eager to take on leadership and contribute meaningfully to the Law School’s student community. Leading the second-largest law society at ANU was both demanding and rewarding—especially alongside my role as Editor-in-Chief of the ANU Journal of Law and Technology that year.
My biggest takeaway was the value of teamwork and camaraderie. With genuine enthusiasm and a shared sense of purpose, our team organised nine successful events during our term. A highlight was hosting Google’s Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy (ANZ) at the Law School for a careers event.
Q: If you could relive one day from your ANU journey, which day would it be and why?
A: If I could relive one day, it would be when my team at the ANU Law Reform and Social Justice Research Hub was invited by the Australian Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Treaties to discuss our law reform submission on the Australia–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement.
Attending a parliamentary inquiry and speaking directly with Members of Parliament and Senators was daunting, but absolutely thrilling. It was a rare opportunity to sharpen our legal advocacy, public speaking, research, and writing skills.
I would also love to relive my very first day on campus. It was a warm, sunny day in February 2022. I still remember the smell of fresh grass, the calls of parrots and cockatoos, little ducklings crossing the road, and the sound of crickets in the background. The feeling of beginning a new chapter as a first-year student is something I will always cherish.
Q: Were there any particularly challenging moments during your studies?
A: One of my most challenging experiences at the Law School was learning to think critically beyond the black letter of the law, particularly while writing my postgraduate dissertation. Although it sounds simple, it was one of the most difficult and also most important skills I developed at ANU.
With practice and generous guidance from faculty, I learned that legal problems are often nuanced and complex, with no clear or perfect answers. Embracing that nuance helped me start critiquing the law, for instance, asking why it is the way it is, whether it can change, whether it should change, and how it might better serve people and society.
Q: What ANU Law School resources supported you most during your JD, and how did they help?
A: Three Law School resources greatly supported me during my JD.
First, the Law School administration team created a genuinely supportive environment where I always felt looked after. Whether in good health or difficult times, the Law School administration team consistently came to my aid. I am especially grateful to Nicole King, Alfie Salih, and Tim Hillman.
Second, the Law School’s library resources and the librarians behind them. They made legal research a real pleasure.
Third, my lecturers and course convenors were consistently approachable and generous with their time, whether through office hours or informal coffee catchups. Their guidance made a lasting difference to my experience at ANU.
Q: What’s next for you after graduation?
A: I am excited to commence as an Associate to the Honourable Justice Anthony McGrath at the Supreme Court of New South Wales in January 2026. I look forward to seeing the law in action in one of the busiest courts in the country, and to learning from such an outstanding judge.
After my associateship, I will join a large multinational commercial law firm in Sydney as a lawyer.
Q: What advice would you give to students who are just starting at ANU Law School?
A: My advice is this: law school will be what you make of it. Something interesting is happening every week—on campus and beyond. Try different things, make friends outside your usual circles, learn from people’s unique life stories, and don’t limit your experience to the classroom. Make the most of extracurricular opportunities.
Most importantly, learn to question the law, question what you read, and question what you think. Engage in respectful discourse, and stay open to learning from perspectives and approaches different from your own.
Congratulations, Shashwat, on completing your JD! What an excellent journey you had at the ANU Law School! We hope the best for your upcoming legal career. We are looking forward to hearing more great news from you!