After graduating with a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney, Charlie Ward will study the Bachelor of Civil Law at the University of Oxford.
Following his studies at Sydney Law School, Charlie was an Associate at the Federal Court of Australia and worked as a solicitor at Allens. Charlie also taught as a casual academic at Sydney Law School.
We spoke to Charlie about his time at Sydney Law School and his future plans.
Why did you choose the Sydney Law School to study your Bachelor of Laws?
I didn't know terribly much about Sydney Law School, or what I wanted to study, before I arrived. I had a vague sense that the Bachelor of Laws could open up a multitude of opportunities and so might be a good outlet for my indecision.
Time has confirmed that sense: while I found myself drawn to the law and ultimately to legal practice, the people I met throughout this degree have pursued varied, interesting paths which range far beyond the law.
What was the highlight of your studies here?
The people – students, staff and faculty alike. I had the good fortune of being taught by a succession of lecturers and tutors – Associate Professor Natalie Silver, Dr Emily Hammond and Professor David Rolph among them – with an incredible depth of knowledge, but also a knack for guiding students through the often-treacherous waters of their respective areas and fostering an interest in the law all the while. Being nestled among fellow students who were genuinely interested in learning, and just all-round nice people, meant that I felt engaged and supported throughout my academic travels (and travails) to a level I hadn't anticipated.
The scholarship has an added layer of meaning because of its connection to Justice Hely's legacy. It is a privilege to be able to study under the auspices of that legacy.
Charlie Ward
What does winning this scholarship mean to you?
There are real financial barriers to overseas study which, without the generosity of the scholarship, would have meant it was off the cards for me. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to continue my studies and hopefully enhance the contributions I'm able to make in future as a result.
The scholarship has an added layer of meaning because of its connection to Justice Hely's legacy. It is a privilege to be able to study under the auspices of that legacy, particularly in areas of the law where Justice Hely's enduring nimbus is brightest.
What are your future plans?
Soon after I wrap up my studies I will commence as an Associate at the High Court of Australia. Beyond that, I would like to keep learning about the law and put that learning to use in practice. I also hope to continue teaching at Sydney Law School so that I can pay forward the excellent experience I have had.
What advice would you give to those looking to pursue a career in law?
I haven't been practising for long, but I have learned two important lessons. The first is that the law is big. This can make it difficult to find what aspects interest you, but it also means you can live multiple lives within it. Those lives might not always be the ones you see for yourself. Serendipity has played a much larger role than forethought in my professional lives so far and I am all the better for having embraced unexpected opportunities.
The second is to see the law as a human enterprise. It is rich, complicated and, at its core, about people. Seeking out its human elements will probably make you a better lawyer and will certainly make you enjoy the whole thing more.