Congratulations on your graduation and receiving the University Medal. What does this recognition mean to you?

It is a real honour to receive the University Medal. Beyond any achievement it represents, the Medal is a reminder of all the people who have supported me throughout my degree, including family, friends, colleagues and academics who have aided, encouraged and inspired me. As much as it is an honour, the Medal is a motivation to continue pushing myself so I can earn the support they have all provided.

Why did you choose to study at ANU?

As a local Canberran, ANU was the clear choice of law school given its reputation for excellence and opportunities. Studying law within walking distance of Australia’s foremost judicial, legislative and administrative institutions is a privilege that was too valuable to overlook.

What have been some of your highlights studying at the ANU Law School?

Some principal highlights for me have been the opportunities to contribute to the Federal Law Review as a student editor and to represent the ANU in the 2024 Unjust Enrichment Moot in Brisbane. Working with the Federal Law Review has provided an opportunity to hone valuable skills while engaging directly with current public law scholarship, and the Unjust Enrichment Moot was a fun and challenging way to meet students from other law schools, develop advocacy skills, and dive deeply into a complex and interesting area of law.

Have there been any academics who were particularly influential throughout your law studies?

I am enormously grateful to Dr Anne McNaughton who, in addition to being an incredibly supportive Honours thesis supervisor, teaches a brilliant and thought-provoking Commercial Law elective which I really appreciate having been able to participate in. I found Anne’s mentorship and willingness to have a chat extremely valuable. Dr Michelle Worthington and Judge Anthony Hopkins have also been exceptional instructors.

Have there been any challenging moments? How did you overcome these?

The pandemic, and the resultant shift to online learning, was a challenge as it made it much more difficult to connect with peers and make the most of my time at university. It was important at that time to make a real effort to maintain and build relationships to keep up that aspect. The return to on-campus learning (even in-person exams!) was certainly a welcome one.

What is your advice for prospective law students?

My advice to new and prospective law students is to take every opportunity and run with it. Some of my fondest memories at ANU have been mooting competitions, especially those with subjects I knew very little about before getting started. I recommend signing up to those competitions without worrying so much about how you’ll do, volunteer answers in class without worrying about being wrong or seen as over-eager, and really lean into the opportunities which only really present themselves in these four or five years of your law degree. Your time at university becomes so much more valuable when you put in the effort to make the most of it.

What is next for you beyond graduation?

This year, I’m headed to the New South Wales Supreme Court to work as a tipstaff and associate for a judge on the Court of Appeal.