Graduate Profiles
As a Melbourne JD graduate you join an elite group of skilled legal professionals sought after by firms and organisations in Australia and other countries.
We asked our graduate students about: their reasons for choosing the Melbourne JD; their experience of the program; and what advice they would give to prospective students thinking about applying for the Melbourne JD.
William Holmes (Australia)William Holmes commenced the Melbourne JD after completing a BA (Hons), University of Melbourne; Bach.Bus (Marketing), Monash University; and following a career in marketing and advertising. He now works as a commercial lawyer in the Melbourne office of Allens Arthur Robinson.
"The Melbourne JD was the most intellectually challenging and rewarding experience in my life. It would be no exaggeration to say that for me it has been life-changing both personally and professionally".
Emma Ladakis (Australia)Emma Ladakis commenced the Melbourne JD after completing a Bachelor of Dental Science, University of Melbourne and following a successful career as a dentist practising in Australia and overseas. She now works as a commercial lawyer in the Melbourne office of Baker & McKenzie.
"The Melbourne JD requires dedication and commitment - however the rewards are boundless. As a Melbourne JD alumna, I have found that my degree is widely respected and has opened many doors for me within the legal community".
Nicholas Testro (Australia)Nicholas Testro commenced the Melbourne JD after completing a Bachelor of Arts, Monash University and pursuing his interest in the environment. After working as an associate to a judge at the Supreme Court of Victoria, he now works as a legal officer for the Cape York Land Council in Cairns.
"The skills learnt in the Melbourne JD were invaluable and provided all the tools needed to start a legal career".
Meredith Schilling (Australia)Meredith Schilling completed the Melbourne JD following a career in the arts and now practises as a barrister at the Victorian Bar.
"I was immediately stimulated and challenged by the Melbourne JD and its lecturers and this continued throughout the course".
Kate Gill-Herdman (Australia)Kate Gill-Herdman completed the Melbourne JD after completing a BA (Hons), Monash University and following a career in business. She now works as a lawyer at Corrs Chambers Westgarth in Melbourne.
"A definite highlight of my Melbourne JD experience was the strength of the student cohort whereby our class relied on each other for support, which brought us closer together. I have made some very good friends through this experience".
Haitao Pu (Australia)Haitao Pu commenced the Melbourne JD after completing a BA, East China Normal University (PRC) and MBA, La Trobe University (Australia). After a career in business in China and working as a solicitor at Mallesons Stephen Jaques in Melbourne, he is now an Associate at Slaughter and May, Hong Kong.
"The combination of an MBA and a law degree was very attractive in terms of career opportunities either in law or other industries. Given the reputation of the Melbourne Law School and the course structure, I decided to choose the Melbourne JD".