Winning the prestigious Francis Burt Chambers Law Medal has topped off a big year for Murdoch University graduate Emma McLaughlin.
After coming first in her class, grappling with the challenges of COVID-19 and welcoming a new baby, Emma is now preparing for her next adventure – her first job as a qualified lawyer.
Each year, the Francis Burt Chambers Medal is awarded to the Murdoch University graduate with the highest academic results in law. Francis Burt Chambers has been supporting academic excellence at Murdoch since 2003.
“We congratulate Emma on her well-earned award,” said Henry Jackson SC of Francis Burt Chambers. “She not only has significant legal knowledge and foresight but has also demonstrated the qualities of teamwork, determination and intuition that will set her up for a successful career.”
Emma now joins a long list of medallists who have gone on to make their mark in the legal profession.
Originally from Port Hedland, Emma moved to Perth and started her career with the mining industry working in occupational health at regional mine sites for almost 10 years. It was in this role that she began to interact with the legal profession and her interest and curiosity escalated.
“I had the pleasure of working with some fantastic legal teams,” Emma said. “Their application of knowledge across such a range of subject matters and their ability to pull apart problems and come up with great, practical and clear solutions was amazing.
“I was hooked. From reading judgements and seeing how the judges worked through real-life issues to seeing how the law infiltrated every aspect of our daily lives, I was excited about being part of something that helps shape our society.”
