While university is a great time for learning, it’s also a time when strong, life-long friendships can form. This was the case for law students Mary Lyons-Buckett, Emma Rowles, and Michelle Simmons. All are from different walks of life but found a strong, supportive bond with one another that extended well beyond their studies.
Exam centres and environmental law led to the friendship between Mary, Emma, and Michelle. Mary met Emma through an organised study session for their class on environmental law. Mary then introduced Emma to Michelle, whom she had met during an exam. “[She] was the most friendly and happy person I think I’d ever met,” says Michelle.
As unlikely it may seem, these fast friends were at university for completely different reasons.
For Mary, she had “realised how fundamental an understanding of the law is in so many things around us”.
“I was concerned with some decisions and activities taking place locally where I lived, and found I was speaking out about them and I decided to study law to increase my knowledge in that field,” she says. Her degree in law came after a Bachelor of Applied Science with a major in microbiology, and raising three children.
For Michelle, a law degree was perfect to complement her then-job in the public sector: “UNE seemed to be the best fit for me because it offered the flexibility of distance education.” She, like Mary, was studying while supporting her family of four and working full-time.
UNE seemed to be the best fit for me because it offered the flexibility of distance education.
For Emma, her passion for Law started at a young age. “When I was a child, during the school holidays, my Mum took my sister and I to watch some cases at the NSW Supreme Court, and from that point onwards I knew I wanted to study law.” With UNE, Emma studied a double degree of Bachelor of Laws with Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), by correspondence, which enabled her to continue working full time.
Online studies can feel isolating. However, making strong connections with the people in your course can help in many aspects of university life. Emma reflects that the emotional highs and lows were what bonded the group together. “We saw each other at very emotional moments, such as before and after assignments, exams, and results. I think this is what made us close.”
For Michelle, the support she received from Emma and Mary was the key to her success. “I was not the best performer at school and did not have a lot of confidence going into university - it was very intimidating. Mary and Emma were so supportive; I am not sure I would have made it through without them.”
Mary and Emma were so supportive; I am not sure I would have made it through without them.
While the group regularly did study sessions together, Mary confessed it wasn’t all too serious: “We did blend study with friendship so we spent a lot of time laughing and eating chocolate as well!”
While they’re still close, work and study commitments get in the way of catching up as often they would like.
Mary went on to local government as a councillor, deputy mayor, and mayor. She is passionate about raising awareness around climate change and human rights issues. “I love engaging with community members and hearing about their lives, challenges and achievements, and hoping I make even a small difference now and for the future,” she says.
Mary's advice for UNE Law students.
Michelle worked for many years in the public sector as a prosecutor then at a private, medium-sized law firm as a solicitor. “What started as a joke over drinks, years later led to the creation of Catron Simmons Lawyers. We now run our own successful boutique law firm in Western Sydney and I have never looked back,” she says.
Michelle's advice for UNE Law students.
Emma has had a variety of exciting law roles, including with the NSW Supreme Court that led to her finding a passion for Estate Law, rather than Tax Law - which is what she saw herself doing with her two degrees. “I am now the principal of Winter Legal, practising exclusively in Wills and Estate law - Estate Planning, Estate Administration and Estate Litigation. I am grateful to be able to say that I genuinely love my work,” says Emma.
Emma's advice for UNE Law students.
The friendship of these three women stretches across generational gaps, each stressing the importance of making connections with those in your class.
“Explore friendships, as you never know when you will really click with someone,” says Mary.
“Take time to meet up with local students; it may help your studies and you may form a great friendship,” says Emma.
“Studying can sometimes be a little overwhelming and lonely and I would strongly recommend connecting with others during your studies. If you are lucky enough, you might meet a Mary or an Emma!” says Michelle.
Interested in studying Law at one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious universities? UNE offers both a Bachelor of Laws (3 Years) and Bachelor of Laws (4 Years) depending on your previous qualifications.
Like Emma and can’t choose just one? We offer a range of double degree options including Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws
