Unparalleled study opportunity and life-changing experience

Eleanor completed her Juris Doctor (JD) in 2018 at Sydney Law School. She was recently awarded the Peter Cameron Sydney Oxford Scholarship and will be heading to the University of Oxford to study a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL.) When asked what winning the scholarship and consequently studying her BCL at Oxford meant to her, she said this: 

"Reading for the degree will leave me well placed to pursue my career goals. The BCL offers an unparalleled opportunity to study law at the highest level. In addition to its reputation for world leading academic rigour, the programme provides an ideal foundation for doctoral study."

During her time studying her JD, where she received outstanding academic achievements including ranking first at graduation, Eleanor balanced her time impressively between study and Law School life where she took part in a range of extra-curricular activities. She served on the Sydney University Law Society Women’s Subcommittee, was a law school mentor and participated in the NSW Women’s Legal Services Domestic Violence Legal Training as a representative of Sydney Law School. She also took part in the law school’s offshore study program which enabled her to travel to the UK to undertake elective study. Eleanor’s study abroad opportunity was one of her highlights at law school.

"I had many interesting and rewarding experiences during my time at law school. In my final year, I had the privilege of travelling to the University of Cambridge to take part in the Sydney Law School elective Advanced Obligations and Remedies. In addition to spending a week in the beautiful surrounds of Gonville & Caius College, I attended lectures delivered by leading English scholars of private law. The opportunity to undertake an independent research project under the supervision of Professor Matthew Conaglen was also an invaluable experience, particularly given my ambition to pursue a career in academia."

Ultimately, my fondest memories from law school are those of times spent with friends – whether studying together at the eleventh hour before an exam, or celebrating (or commiserating) thereafter. I will also always remember the many remarkable academics who taught me at Sydney Law School. The enthusiasm and commitment which they brought to their teaching has instilled in me an excitement for the study of law.

My long-term goal is to proceed to a career in academia. I have greatly enjoyed my experience of legal research in my work and studies to date, and am drawn to the idea of a career in which I am free to pursue my intellectual interests. I am also attracted by the chance to contribute to the education of aspiring lawyers.

First, be prepared for hard work! Law is a rewarding but demanding discipline and it is important to appreciate that from the outset. Second, do not make the mistake of focussing on your academic studies to the exclusion of the many extra-curricular opportunities available at university. Not only will engagement with extra-curricular life enrich your student experience, these activities play a crucial role in your professional development. Finally, endeavour to bring a critical mind to your legal studies. It is important to understand the law as it is, but it is perhaps equally important to consider whether you think it is any good.

The Sydney Law School International Pathways Program is a unique collaboration with the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and National University of Singapore (NUS), providing the opportunity for our high-achieving final-year students to complete their final semester at Sydney Law School, at a leading law school. On completion, the students are awarded a Sydney Bachelor of Laws degree or Juris Doctor and a masters degree from either University of Oxford or Cambridge, or NUS. 

Sydney Law School offers an offshore study program. The offshore study electives focus on specific in-country legal aspects and broader issues such as human rights, development, international law and legal theory.