University of Queensland Law graduate Christopher Ash has won the prestigious 2013 Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Scholarship in Law, giving him a life-changing opportunity to study at the University of Oxford in the UK.
Mr Ash, a first-year lawyer with the Finance Group of Minter Ellison lawyers in Brisbane, is relishing the challenge of studying for a Bachelor of Civil Law at Oxford and the opportunity to learn from the experiences of other international students.
“I feel incredibly honoured to be awarded the scholarship, particularly when I look at those who have been awarded it before me,” Mr Ash said.
The scholarship, named in memory of former Australian Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies, is awarded to applicants likely to attain prominence in Australia, and to contribute to community or international understanding during their careers.
UQ Dean of Law Professor Sarah Derrington said she was delighted to see another UQ graduate join the small and distinguished list of Sir Robert Menzies law scholars.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Christopher, and on behalf of the Law School I wish him every success at Oxford and in his future career,” she said.
Mr Ash, who graduated from UQ with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts in 2011, said his UQ studies were a major influence in applying for one of the two law scholarships awarded annually by the Sir Robert Menzies Foundation.
“Studying has made me passionate about the law and the role it plays in regulating our lives, and I think that enthusiasm helped me win the scholarship,” Mr Ash said.
“Being taught by lecturers at UQ who were passionate about their fields of speciality was inspiring and has instilled a desire to make my own contribution to the law’s development.”
Mr Ash is one of a growing number of UQ graduates who have won prestigious scholarships.
His advice to current students or graduates considering applying for a scholarship is to find something that inspires you and “go for it”.
“It’s definitely worth throwing your hat in the ring,” he said.
“Even if you are unsuccessful, sitting down and completing an application form can be a good way to decide where you really want to go with your career or further study.”
Media: Melissa Reynolds, 07 3365 2523, m.reynolds@law.uq.edu.au
