Jasmine Wright Catron
Jasmine Wright Catron (pictured) is a graduate of La Trobe’s Juris Doctor program.
She first considered studying Law while volunteering in refugee camps in Europe. “I felt like I needed additional skills to have a greater impact and thought a law degree might help me to achieve this. I chose La Trobe because of its focus on social justice,” she says.
The small class sizes, being “surrounded by like-minded and passionate people”, and two placement opportunities, offered Jasmine a pathway to a successful career.
“One placement focused on immigration law matters, while the other related to environmental law. These experiences helped me to apply the knowledge and skills I had learned in class to real life situations in a workplace setting,” says Jasmine.
“I recently commenced in a graduate position at the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office. So far, I am really enjoying the job and I’m excited to get more exposure to the work of a government lawyer.”
Jasmine was recently awarded the Supreme Court Prize for the Juris Doctor for 2022. This prize is awarded to the graduating student at each Victorian law school with the highest weighted average across their entire degree. It is the most prestigious award that a Victorian law student can receive.
Ian Hirons
Ian Hirons says the La Trobe Juris Doctor degree gave him the legal knowledge and skills to excel in managing a business.
“I am a General Manager for a medium-sized distribution business and enhancing my legal knowledge and skills is incredibly important to the work that I do,” says Ian.
“I had completed La Trobe’s Master of Commercial Law previously and had a great experience, so when they launched their Juris Doctor program, it was an easy choice to apply.”
Studying in small groups at La Trobe’s city campus – in the heart of Melbourne’s court precinct – was “a wonderful way to study”.
“The seminar teaching style was also fantastic. The La Trobe Law School has created a very collegiate environment,” says Ian.
“I was also able to undertake this degree while maintaining my General Manager position. Now that I have completed my Juris Doctor, I have a much deeper knowledge in both general and commercial law that brings a lot of value to my role.”
Josie Marchant
Josie Marchant is a graduate of our Juris Doctor and now a Judge’s Associate at the Supreme Court of Victoria.
“My whole experience at the La Trobe Law School was extremely positive. It was such a supportive environment and there were many opportunities for students to learn and develop outside of the classroom,” says Josie.
“I also had amazing lecturers who inspired me throughout the degree. The experience and mentorship they brought was so valuable.”
Josie is currently working as a Judge’s Associate in the common law division at the Supreme Court of Victoria.
“In my work I get exposed to complex litigation and the real human issues at the heart of it all, which I love. It’s also a huge privilege to observe great advocacy in action and learn from someone with so much experience and knowledge of the law,” she says.
“My degree laid the groundwork for the research, writing and problem-solving skills that I use day-to-day.”
