When you think of a law student, you might picture someone who’s been preparing for the courtroom since high school. But for Nicole, who’s currently a Juris Doctor (JD) student at La Trobe, the path to law was anything but straightforward.
Nicole’s choice to study a JD is a testament to the power of following your instincts. After completing a Bachelor of Science with plans to study medicine, Nicole took a gap year to travel and reflect. It was then that she made a bold pivot to law, despite having no formal background in the field:
‘I wanted a change, so I finally took a leap of faith and applied to law schools.’
Nicole has already been making waves. From receiving the Dean’s Prize for Principles of Criminal Law to being awarded the La Trobe Law School’s scholarship for the Duke-Leiden Institute for Global and Transnational Law in the Hague, her postgraduate experience has been rich with opportunity.
Nicole’s passion for criminal law was sparked by a standout lecturer, Dr Steven Tudor, whose teaching style and encouragement helped her gain confidence in a new academic field. ‘My interest in becoming a criminal barrister was ignited because of Steven and his subject,’ Nicole told us. This was further solidified with the Victorian Bar Shadowing Program, where she observed real criminal trials and developed a deeper understanding of justice in action:
‘I was able to witness the role of both the prosecutor and defence, providing me with a more nuanced perspective on criminal trials. That practical exposure, combined with intensive coursework, has refined my ambition to practice in criminal law.’
Beyond the classroom, Nicole is actively involved in the La Trobe Law Students’ Association, serving first as a JD Officer and now as JD Director, where she liaises with the course coordinator and represents her peers. She’s also competed in moot court competitions, sharpening her advocacy and legal reasoning skills. Balancing study with life isn’t always easy, but Nicole says she’s found a rhythm that works: ‘I like having an overview of the week ahead and also an hour-by-hour schedule to ensure I achieve what I want to get done with ample time for social life and rest.’
As she looks ahead, Nicole’s goal is clear – to become a criminal barrister and use her legal training to pursue justice:
‘I remind myself that I am doing this with a purpose. I am intentional with how I approach my studies because I want to be a helpful member of society in pursuing and ensuring justice.’
Her advice to anyone considering postgraduate study? ‘There’s no perfect timing. Rely on your instinct and start when you are ready.’
Thinking about postgraduate study in law?
Whether you’re coming from a legal background or not, La Trobe’s Juris Doctor program offers the support, flexibility and inspiration to help you thrive. Start making your impact today and join our JD webinar on Monday 28 July.
If law isn’t for you, there are plenty of other postgraduate courses available at La Trobe! You can explore your options with our range of live webinars happening soon.