Law student of the year finalist
Third year JD student Anna Belgiorno-Nettis has been selected as a finalist for Lawyers Weekly's 2016 Law Student of the Year.
The Annual Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards recognises individual excellence in the law, including the sector’s rising stars.
Ms Belgiorno-Nettis, who is also President of the Melbourne University Law Students’ Society (MULSS) at Melbourne Law School, says her nomination was unexpected.
“I was incredibly surprised! I didn’t think student society work would necessarily be held in the same regard as the achievements of the other finalists,” she says.
“I’m grateful and so pleased that it’s something the law community and the legal profession recognises.”
For Ms Belgiorno-Nettis, maintaining a connection to community work throughout her studies is incredibly important.
“That community service, volunteer side of MULSS is one of the reasons why I have been so enthusiastic about it the whole time I’ve been involved,” she says.
“Being a member of MULSS gives you an opportunity to give back to a really special group of students and to give back in a fair, justifiable, and communal way that is exciting.”
She drew on these experiences with the MULSS when she applied for the Lawyers Weekly Law Student of the Year award.
“I wanted to find a way to put student society work on potential employers’ radars, not just for me but for everyone else who has contributed to law student societies across Australia. It was to make others realise the contribution that student society members have made to their community,” she says.
“I want to send an enormous thank you and congratulations to every person who has contributed to student society work in their time at Melbourne Law School. It’s been a big part of my life for the last few months and it’s just not possible without the dedication and enthusiasm that so many students put in.”
Ms Belgiorno-Nettis also says her decision to nominate herself for the award demonstrates why it’s important to take risks, and not be afraid of raising your hand, when pursuing your goals.
“I self-nominated for both MULSS Presidency and this award. I encourage every person to do likewise and not worry about anything else. Just focus on whether you want it and whether you can contribute something with that position,” she says.
“It’s so much better to have tried, than to regret not putting your hand up.”
By Mohamed Khairat
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