Where can a law degree lead you?
Our alumni join our community from diverse backgrounds and contribute in invaluable ways across the globe – in both the legal and non-legal sector.
Find out where a law degree can take you, and gain first hand advice from some of our graduates carving out unique paths.
Shaping policy development in the digital economy
Kara Hinesley, Juris Doctor ‘14
Head of Public Policy, Government, and Philanthropy, Twitter, Australia and New Zealand
Kara Hinesley works at the cross section of law, technology and digital media, operating across Australia and New Zealand to develop policy that will drastically influence how we live and interact with each other well into the future. After being admitted as a lawyer in the US, Kara moved to Australia and worked in advisory roles within the Federal Government while attending the Sydney Law School, before transitioning to the private sector.
Given the nature of her career and interests, she says she wanted to study at a globally recognised institution that would help advance her skills in the international arena. Kara says by attending the Sydney Law School, she’s joined a strong and influential network that stretches across the globe.
“Don’t compare yourself to other students. It is easy to feel lost or overwhelmed when it comes to law school. Remember that everyone has unique talents and different areas of law they gravitate towards. Also, remember that life’s greatest lessons usually are learned at the worst of times and from the worst mistakes. Take a moment, pick yourself back up, and keep going!”
Commercial law in a global landscape
Tibor Fedke ,LLM ‘02
Partner, Noerr LLP, Germany
Tibor Fedke is a Partner of Noerr LLP, a leading European law firm, and among the top five in Germany, specialising in complex multijurisdictional commercial transactions and corporate structuring. He always wanted to study in Australia and understood that it is vital to understand other legal systems, and cultural differences, if you are working in a multinational context with cross border transactions.
“We need to be able to explain to heads of legal or managers across the world the commercial consequences of German law and cooperate with foreign counsel around the globe,” says Tibor. “Having the right knowledge, as well as the ability to ask the right questions, is critical.”
”Take your legal studies seriously – they are the foundation of your future career. Have at least a glimpse into accounting, but don’t forget to also enjoy yourself. University is the time in life when you can step outside your own bubble and comfort zone. My year as a master’s student has been one of the best in my life so far.”
Mastering the art of law as an interrelated concept
Allegra Geller-Kudrow, Juris Doctor, ‘12
Associate, Mullen & Henzell LLP, California, U.S.A.
Allegra Gella-Kudrow has been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor to the Law Society of British Columbia, and as an Attorney and Counselor to the State Bar of California and the United States District Court of the Central District of California. She began her career practicing criminal law, before moving into civil litigation, where she’s had the opportunity to litigate disputes in both state and federal courts. Allegra says she chose Sydney Law School because she wanted an internationally-recognised degree that would allow her to not just meet the challenges of the modern legal landscape, but also give her an advantage in this highly competitive field.
“My time at Sydney Law School taught me how to critically navigate the law as an interrelated concept,” says Allegra. “I was taught how and why the law had developed the way that it has, and how various aspects of law, politics, philosophy, and sociology, interact and affect each other. This important feature of my legal education is—I believe—what has enabled me to move through varying legal jurisdictions with often starkly diverse legal, social, and political foundations. It has given me a unique and critical perspective on law, on politics, on society, on people—on all the things that have the most pointed influence on one’s practice of the law.”
“For prospective law students hoping to build an international practice, my experience is that Sydney Law School will get you there. You will obtain a truly expansive, and uncommonly in-depth study of the law and its origins, situating you for practice of all kinds and in all places.”
Justice for the world’s most vulnerable
Janko Predovic, LLB ‘10
Member, Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada
Janko Predovic began his law career by opening a practice in family law. Later, he joined the British Columbia Ministry of Labour investigating, mediating and adjudicating employment law disputes. Today, he works as a Member of the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, while maintaining his private law practice. Janko says his current work has been a career highlight, allowing him to apply the skills he’s learned to date in an international context, as well as in situations of utmost importance.
“At the University of Sydney, I learned from the top legal minds in Australia, and I had to work very hard,” says Janko. “That hard work has translated into success in my career and has made me a diligent and attentive decision-maker. Today, I get the chance to afford the first semblance of justice for many people facing the worst conditions on earth, after arriving in Canada seeking peace, tranquillity and the Rule of Law. I want to change lives with my work. This mentality drives me when the going gets tough.”
“Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking that the kind of lawyer you originally wanted to be needs to be the kind of lawyer you ultimately become. I walked in to law school thinking I’d be a criminal lawyer, but ended up doing family law, employment law, and now refugee law. The point is, you never know where law will take you, or where your strengths and weaknesses in your work as a lawyer will be. Discovery of such things is one of the legal profession’s most alluring elements so don’t box yourself in. Seize all opportunities to expand your legal experience as such opportunities become available to you!”