William Holmes (Australia)
I chose the Melbourne JD program because it was a graduate qualification provided by the University of Melbourne. Rather than complete another undergraduate program, I wanted to take advantage of the opportunities offered by seminar-style classes, more mature colleagues and tuition provided by practitioners.
The Melbourne JD program 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. Looking back, the highlights of my JD program experience were related to the people I met during that time. Lecturers, staff and colleagues all added to the learning experience and gave me the opportunity to stretch myself to achieve more than I had hoped for.
Since graduating I have pursued a career as a commercial lawyer in the Melbourne office of Allens Arthur Robinson. I am currently on secondment to a client in Tokyo. The group learning exercises that formed an integral part of the JD program were an outstanding preparation for life in a large commercial law firm, where team-based projects are the norm. Also, the Melbourne JD’s requirement for students to pursue independent research and learning has equipped me for practice in a constantly changing legal landscape.
I would advise prospective students that the Melbourne JD is worth it: what you get out of the JD experience will more than repay the commitment and effort you invest in the course.