By Garry Howe
THEY were taught the law – and they won!
Pakenham law firm Duffy and Simon gave a leg-up to 10 budding lawyers from across the district on Thursday 7 December.
The students from schools across the region were recognised for being top of the class in legal studies at the company’s annual law awards ceremony.
Duffy and Simon partner Edwin Hume said the firm placed a high priority on recognising excellence within the community and the awards helped fulfil that brief.
Mr Hume also acknowledged the efforts of parents and teachers in helping the students to excel.
“You have a lot of options with a law degree,” he said.
Those receiving awards this year were Zoja Kovacs from St Margaret’s, Ted Purcell from Berwick Grammar, Joseph Sutcliffe from Hillcrest, Jemma Biggs from Berwick Secondary College, Caitlyn Johnson from St Francis Xavier College, Oliver Della Bosca from Haileybury, Hana Halkic from Pakenham Secondary College, Jarrod Haines from Kooweerup Secondary College, Matthew Galic from Lakeside College and Laura Gleeson from Beaconhills College.
Three of the students could not attend – as they were either interstate or overseas.
Jemma Biggs, who is in Cambodia on a World Challenge for students, was represented by her mother Jennifer and Zoja Kovacs, who is in Sydney on a school conference, had her award accepted by her mum Fruzsina Apro.
Laura Gleeson will join the Duffy and Simon team for morning tea this week to collect her award.
