After her first student debate in Year 6, Emma Halliday (CC2012) decided that her career would have to involve arguing, and preferably her other favourite hobby, reading. Luckily for Emma, these are both key elements of a career in law!

Emma’s journey began in Year 10 when she embarked upon work experience at a top-tier law firm, where she gained valuable insight into the life of an Intellectual Property lawyer.
Emma was fortunate to be offered this opportunity through her connection to another Cornish family. Her interest in the field is still largely driven by this unique experience.

When she started her Bachelor of Law at Deakin University, Emma threw herself at every opportunity. Emma was selected to represent Deakin at the International Willem C Vis Arbitration Moot, a mock arbitration competition against universities from all over the world. Emma credits her success to the skills she developed at Cornish, competing in the Theatresports challenge and acting in the school’s production of Annie. ‘It was here that all of those years in the school debate team came in handy.’

At the conclusion of her second year, Emma realised that she was enjoying Deakin far too much to be finished in four years, so she enrolled in a second degree in commence, majoring in economics. This decision allowed Emma the freedom to spread out her degree, studying two law and two non-law units each semester. She believes this was a positive move for her mental health.

This story featured in the Winter 2021 edition of The Difference