Bachelor of Laws graduate receives Fulbright Scholarship
Michael Gvozdenovic, Bachelor of Laws graduate
Michael Gvozdenovic, LLB (Hon) 2018
The prestigious Fulbright Scholarship Program is the largest educational exchange program in the world, designed to promote education, strengthen collaboration, and enhance cultural exchange between the United States and Australia.
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) graduate, Michael Gvozdenovic, was awarded the coveted scholarship this year, and he recently jetted off to New York to pursue a Master of Laws at Columbia Law School.
This achievement would not have been possible without the support of a number of law academics, and of the Law School itself. The first-class teaching I received as a student, and the encouragement to pursue overseas postgraduate studies you gave me now as a sessional academic, are what made this opportunity possible.
We spoke to Michael about the scholarship, studying a Bachelor of Laws at Sydney Law School, and how he used his studies and interest in competition and anti-trust law as a launchpad to map out his career path.
Why did you apply for the Fulbright Scholarship?
I chose to apply for a Fulbright Scholarship because of its unique focus on studying in the US, and using that experience and knowledge to give back to Australia.
It is a great privilege to be awarded a Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship. Undertaking postgraduate studies in the US offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from world-leading academics, further develop my research interests, and help me pursue my career goals. More broadly, it will undoubtedly improve my own critical-thinking, pedagogy, writing, and research capabilities.
There are a variety of career goals that I plan on exploring. I hope to design and teach a competition law unit at Sydney Law School. I also hope to be involved with ongoing research projects at the University, including the possibility of an international centre focused on competition regulation.
I also hope to continue practising in commercial litigation and competition law, with the aim of working on high-profile enforcement actions, and perhaps becoming involved in future reviews or reforms to the regulations.
Why did you choose Sydney Law School to study a Bachelor of Laws?
I wanted to experience a first-class legal education. Sydney Law School is renowned for its high standard of teaching and research, as well as the incredible opportunities that it offers. It also attracts some of the best students, which brings with it intellectual diversity and focus.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have learnt from, and interacted with, truly inspiring academics including Professor Barbara McDonald, Professor Roger Magnusson, Associate Professor Yane Svetiev, Associate Professor Emily Crawford, Mr Ross Anderson, and Adjunct Professor Christopher Hodgekiss.
Their guidance, support, and encouragement helped to further my love of the law.
I look back fondly on my time as a PASS Law Facilitator. My time as a Facilitator was an enriching experience - the opportunity to give back and help those commencing their studies, along with being able to engage meaningfully and constructively with academics, was great.
Sydney Law School is well-known for its long list of inspiring alumni. Their achievements set the bar very high for future students, and certainly keep you modest about your own. It is, of course, a special feeling to be a part of this list; knowing you are part of a community who all share a similar love of learning and the law.
What advice would you give to those looking to study law?
One must be honest and cognisant of the fact that studying law is demanding, challenging, and rigorous. At the same time, one should be honest with themselves - that is, have faith in their own abilities and strengths, and know that through resilience, hard work, and perseverance, there is no limit to your successes. Moreover, and perhaps most importantly, the honest truth is that your law studies do not define you.