Alumna Rosemary Hayden, class of 2017, returned to school this week to speak to students interested in the Law.

Rosemary, who was Dux Litterarum in 2017, studied at Auckland University. She graduated with an LLB (Hons) /BA.

Rosemary, who is a Solicitor at MC (Meredith Connell), interned at the firm as a student. She has also worked as a Law Clerk in the legal division of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Rosemary and fellow MC solicitor, Abigail Stuart, spoke to students about their journeys to becoming lawyers and their experience as solicitors. They explained to students the difference between Commercial law and Criminal law, and how many different areas you could specialise in. Commercial lawyers, for example, may specialise in Contract, Intellectual Property, Property, Consumer Protection, Labour, Environmental Law, to name just some of the specialities. Criminal Lawyers act as either the prosecution (acting for the crown in proving that someone committed an offence) or the defence (acting for the accused in breaching the Crimes Act).

 Rosemary explained that many law graduates do not practise law. A law degree is valuable in many professions due to the transferable skills it develops, including critical thinking, analytical skills, communication and research skills.

It was great to have Rosie back at OHS. We are very proud of her achievements and would like to thank her and Abigail for taking the time to inform and encourage our students.