Deakin law student Erin Ritchie has won Law Student of the Year at the 14th Victorian Legal Awards held on Friday 18 May.
Hosted by the Law Institute Victoria (LIV), this annual event honours outstanding achievements across the legal profession in 14 categories including regional, city, boutique and large law firms.
A high-achieving student, Erin has held diverse range of roles and responsibilities at Deakin including President of Deakin Law Students’ Society, Deakin Law School Advisory Board member and Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) conference convenor.
Last year she competed in three major negotiation competitions taking out first place place in the Deakin Law Students’ Society–Herbert Smith Freehills Deals Competition as well as runner-up position in the ALSA grand final competition.
Erin has also undertaken international study programs in the US and UK and in 2018 was a member of Deakin’s Vis Moot team in the Vienna and Hong Kong competitions.
Erin says it’s an honour to be recognised for her involvement at Deakin.
‘This award is particular humbling in the context of the growing number of law students generally, and the amount of law students who are out there doing incredible things. I am very lucky to have had opportunities presented to me at Deakin and within the wider community and to have the motivation to say yes, and passion to follow through on these commitments. I would particularly like to acknowledge the ongoing support of the Deakin Law School and Deakin Law Students’ Society.’
DLS Dean Professor Jenni Lightowlers says the school is delighted that Erin has achieved this well-deserved award.
‘Erin embodies the drive for engagement and participation that Deakin encourages. Her award is recognition of her active participation in DLS and her engagement in different aspects of the law, from working in community legal centres to participating in the Vis Moot in Vienna.’