We are honoured to spotlight this remarkable member of our firm, Gwen Devoy, whose journey from a paralegal to a graduate lawyer and now a solicitor is the story of perseverance, dedication, and academic excellence.
Her story is not just a testament to her hard work and determination but also a reflection of our firm’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering career growth. Through her candid interview, she shares the motivations behind pursuing a law degree, the challenges faced during her academic journey, the rewarding experiences that shaped her career, and the mentors who supported her through it all.
From overcoming physical setbacks to achieving First Class Honours and finding her calling in medical negligence litigation, her journey is a source of inspiration for aspiring legal professionals. We delve into her thoughts and experiences, highlighting the milestones of her career and the insights she offers to those following in her footsteps.
Can you share your initial motivation for pursuing a law degree?
Initially, I wanted to work in policy development or human rights, so I was keen to study politics at university, but I also wanted to leave my career options open. I ended up enrolling in a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at the University of Newcastle. At the start of my degree, I didn’t think I would enjoy my law courses very much, but as soon as I walked into my first Torts lesson I realised that I found law really fascinating and challenging.
What challenges did you face during your academic journey, and how did you overcome them?
During my fourth year, I started having a lot of back pain. I was finding it really difficult to get through each day, let alone try to sit and focus on studying. With a lot of hard work, and with the help of my fantastic physiotherapist, doctors and exercise rehabilitation physician, I am now doing much better. I think the only way I got through that time was by taking a step back from studying. I dropped out of one course (and re-enrolled in it later) and tried to prioritise getting better over studying. It really made me realise the importance of taking care of yourself outside of study/work.
Were there specific courses or projects that you found particularly challenging or rewarding?
I was lucky enough to do an internship with a US-based news website called JURIST, which reports and comments on current political and legal issues. It was a fantastic experience getting to work with other law students across the world. I feel like I learnt a lot during that time, and it was so rewarding being able to report on hot-button issues as they developed.
How do you feel about achieving 1st class honours, and what does it mean to you personally and professionally?
I am so grateful to have graduated with First Class Honours after so many hours and years of hard work. It is really lovely to be recognised for my achievements and I feel very proud of myself! I know that my hard work has set me up well to transition into working as a lawyer.
Who were your mentors or sources of support throughout your academic journey?
As always, I found so much support in my loving family and partner. I really could not have gotten through my degree if they hadn’t kept me grounded and reminded me that there is more to life than studying. I am also so thankful for my colleagues (in particular Hayley, Ebony and Conrad) for teaching me the nuances of law in practice and supporting me as I move into this new stage of my career.
How do you envision applying your legal expertise in your current role or future career aspirations?
I feel very lucky to have found my passion in medical negligence, and I am really looking forward to using my knowledge from university as I move into my role as a solicitor. While university taught me a lot about the theory of law, I still feel like I have so much to learn about how law works in practice!
What advice do you have for other individuals pursuing a law degree or aspiring to excel academically?
Make sure to take care of yourself – you will get so much farther when you are happy and healthy! And when it starts to feel like it’s all too much, take a step back and remind yourself of why you decided to take that path.
