Sydney Law School alumnus Jacob Lerner has been named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Peter Cameron Sydney Oxford Scholarship, awarded annually to support a graduate undertaking postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.
The scholarship, established in memory of Peter Cameron (LLB 1981), recognises academic excellence, leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to the community.
Choosing Sydney Law School
Originally from New Zealand, Jacob said the decision to study at Sydney Law School came after a memorable visit to campus.
“When I toured the University of Sydney, I was blown away by the beauty of the Quad, the friendliness of the people and the intellectual character of the Law School,” Jacob said.
“The more I read about its reputation for excellence, and the long list of alumni who had made a positive difference in the world, the more I was convinced it was the right place for me.”
During his studies, Jacob was inspired by what he describes as “a terrific cohort of students” and by the teaching of Professor Jamie Glister, Professor David Rolph, Professor Gail Mason and Professor Peter Gerangelos.
“They are doctrinal masters of their disciplines, while also being dedicated teachers who are freely giving of their time and insights,” he said.
He also credits Professor Barbara McDonald as a generous and patient mentor, supervising his honours thesis on tort law. “Doing a thesis with Professor McDonald was a little like a goal-kicking class with Dan Carter – daunting but very instructive, and a lot of fun.”
The more I read about its reputation for excellence, and the long list of alumni who had made a positive difference in the world, the more I was convinced it was the right place for me.
Jacob Lerner
Honoured to join a legacy
Jacob said being selected for the scholarship was “a great privilege and honour” following a rigorous interview process led by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, and Professor Fleur Johns, Dean of Sydney Law School.
“I was also very grateful to be interviewed by Mrs Cameron and to hear about her thinking behind the scholarship. I am conscious of how lucky I am to be following a number of alumni of the Law School who have been fortunate enough to have done postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.”
Asked about his advice for future law school students, Jacob said: “The Law School is a place full of brilliant people, so be careful that you don’t get washed away by the noise. Engaging wholeheartedly with your studies is important and, if you do that, and try your best, you’ve done enough.”
Jacob will spend the next year at Oxford, where he plans to immerse himself in university life and develop a comparative perspective on the law. After returning to Sydney, he hopes to work towards becoming a barrister.
“My work as a solicitor and a Judge’s Associate has shown me that the Bar is where I think I can make a difference and have an enjoyable career,” he said.