News Archive

Two young law graduates from The University of Western Australia are heading to the UK’s Cambridge University after winning prestigious scholarships to continue their studies.

Luke Villiers, 28, and Emily Gordon, 25, will begin their Masters of Law at Cambridge next month.

Mr Villiers, who was working as a solicitor at the State Solicitor’s Office before leaving for the UK, grew up in Alexander Heights and attended John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School.

Sorrento-raised Ms Gordon attended St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School and last year worked as an Associate to Justice John Gilmour, of the Federal Court of Australia.

Mr Villiers, recipient of the Frank Downing QC Scholarship sponsored through Cambridge Australia Scholarships (CAS), hopes to become an international law advocate and teacher.

He said his passion for international law began as a member of the UWA’s Jessup Moot Team, where he studied the doctrines of self-determination and the devolution of sovereignty. The Jessup Moot is regarded worldwide as the most prestigious mooting competition for law students and involves students preparing oral and written submissions addressing a range of legal issues.

“The Cambridge international law program is internationally renowned, with many former judges of the International Court of Justice having previously taught and studied there,” Mr Villiers said.

“This generous grant also means I can pursue internship opportunities at international organisations in the UK and Europe, before I ultimately return to WA.”

Ms Gordon has accepted a Henry Arthur Hollond Studentship in Law, a Graduate Student Funding Award offered by Trinity College at Cambridge.

She hopes to pursue a career balancing scholarship, teaching and practising as a barrister. After her time at Cambridge, she hopes to be called to the English bar and to practise in London.

“I am grateful for this incredible opportunity to study at Cambridge and to be a part of the postgraduate community at Trinity College. Through this experience I hope to be able to broaden my knowledge of the law and to sharpen my skills in articulating and presenting legal argument,” Ms Gordon said.

“The wonderful education I received at St Mary’s and at UWA instilled in me a love of learning and the confidence to pursue a career in law. I am very excited about this next chapter.”

Media references

Luke Villiers

Emily Gordon

David Stacey (UWA Media and Public Relations Manager)      (+61 8) 6488 3229 / (+61 4) 32 637 716