Let's make it happen
From dreaming of a law career to challenging injustice
Piadora’s early experiences with the family court ignited her interest in studying law. With University of Sydney scholarships, internships and hard work, she’s now fighting for justice for others.
Life wasn’t easy for Piadora growing up in Mount Druitt. Her mum, who had migrated to Australia from Lebanon, worked long hours to support them both.
As she watched her mother navigate the family court system during a tough custody battle, Piadora knew that she wanted to help other families to work through similar difficulties in future.
“I wanted to understand the legal system so that fewer people would have to go through the same stress we did," she says.
Piadora worked hard at school, becoming an HSC Distinguished Achiever, but was apprehensive about getting into law. “Everyone suggested that the University of Sydney was the best,” she recalls. “I liked the old sandstone buildings, and it also has world-renowned researchers and teachers, so I set my sights on it.”
When she came across one of the University of Sydney's entry and scholarship schemes, she started to believe that she was actually in with a chance. She was beyond excited when her application was successful.
“I didn’t have to choose between earning money and getting involved on campus – I could do both,” she says.
Piadora thrived at the University as a Dalyell Scholar, studying a double degree in a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws.
“I maxed out my time at the library, and the professors were incredible. They explained everything so well, and I loved how we learned to critically analyse legal problems rather than just memorise facts,” she says.
The financial support from various scholarships meant she could focus on her studies, buy textbooks, and pay for transport. She was even able to take an elective taught on campus at the University of Cambridge in the UK, with the help of a Vice-Chancellor's Global Mobility Award.
Internships also built her confidence, applying classroom knowledge to real-world legal scenarios. At one of her internships, she worked at law firm Allen & Overy on a groundbreaking data science project – a unique experience offered exclusively to University of Sydney students.
“It was so cool to be doing science in a legal context, especially at a top-tier law firm,” she says.
With her double degree now under her belt, Piadora has landed a role as an associate to a Federal Court judge, with big plans for the future. She hopes to work as a solicitor, become a barrister, and eventually join the judiciary herself – all with the goal of helping others through the legal system.
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Piadora-Rahme:-"Making-my-dream-a-reality"
