For Eva Medenis and Claudia Turner, representing Australia on the world stage in a client consulting competition was more than just a challenge, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will stay with them long after they graduate.
Eva and Claudia, final-year Bachelor of Laws students at the University of Notre Dame Australia’s Fremantle Campus, travelled to Croatia earlier this year for the Brown-Mosten International Client Counseling Competition.
The pair placed second in two preliminary rounds against Northern Ireland and Ireland, and New Zealand and Germany.
Eva said they were deeply grateful for the opportunity to travel to Croatia with the University’s support, describing it as an unforgettable experience.
“Competing against international teams from such a wide range of jurisdictions and making new friendships and connections was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one we will carry with us long beyond our degrees,” she said.
While they did not progress to the semi-finals, the competition challenged Eva and Claudia in new ways, particularly through feedback that highlighted the differences in interviewing styles in Australia and Europe.
“There was a real contrast between the conversational and client-focused style typically adopted in Australia and the more traditional and formalised approach expected by many of the European judges,” Claudia said.
“This was a valuable learning experience and gave us a broader perspective on cross-cultural legal practice.”
Eva and Claudia said they were committed to passing on what they had learnt for the benefit of future students in their roles as Client Interviews representatives on the Fremantle Campus.
The pair secured their place in Croatia after outperforming teams from 15 Australian universities at the Australian Law Students’ Association Client Interview Competition.
They travelled to Zagreb with their coach, School of Law and Business academic Angela Babic, and competed against teams from 18 countries on legal issues related to land use.
The competition also included sightseeing, dinners and opportunities to network with other teams and coaches, allowing the pair to build meaningful connections and friendships.
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