Pupils lay down the law

Duffy and Simon partners with the annual law award recipients. 188293_04 Picture: GARY SISSONS

By Kyra Gillespie

A group of exceptional young lawyers-to-be have been given a leg-up by Pakenham law firm Duffy and Simon.

Eleven students from across the region were recognised for being top of the class in legal studies at the company’s annual law awards ceremony on Wednesday 5 December.

In its sixth year, the awards aim to help aspiring lawyers get their foot in the door.

“Often we see recipients come back and do work experience with us,” Duffy and Simon’s Sandra Keysers said.

“It’s all about encouraging them and giving them a segue into a legal firm.”

Students received a certificate, pen and a $200 cheque.

It was a love for the English language and the written word that drew Year 11 student Mia from Kooweerup Secondary College towards legal studies.

“I like that it’s not an outlandish subject; it can be applied to real-life,” she said.

“It’s quite an English-based subject which is also why I like it.”

Those receiving awards this year were Isaac Thomas from Haileybury, Olivia Acciarito from Beaconhills College, Senara Hettige from St. Margaret’s, Jari Linton from Berwick Grammar, Megan Colclough from Berwick College, Victoria Franco from St. Francis Xavier College, Hansith Buddhasiri from Hillcrest Christian College, Mia Rodgers from Kooweerup Secondary College, Chelsea Bloor from Lakeside College, Chaya Wajntraub from Nossal High School and Rhiannon Croaker from Pakenham Secondary College.

This is Lakeside College student Chelsea’s second year receiving the award.

“I like that legal studies covers a broad range of concepts across different areas and different kinds of people,” she said.

“While I don’t think I could see myself practicing law I could see myself teaching it as a subject.”