CQU Laws graduate determined to stand up to discrimination, advocate for kids

She's on the cusp of her dream legal career' and Childers woman Taylia Snell is graduating with plenty of passion' and in prime position to make a difference.

The high-achieving 21-year-old completed her CQUniversity Bachelor of Laws with the support of a BHP Indigenous Scholarship and a Scott Williams Foundation Scholarship' and Ms Snell said the funds helped her grow her legal experience.

Since 2020' the proud Darumbal woman has completed a Waiwa Mudena cadetship at legal firms King & Wood Mallesons' an internship at Allen's' and held a part-time legal clerk role at Finemore Walters and Story.

And just last month' she began her new role as an Indigenous Law Graduate with the Queensland Human Rights Commission.

Now on Thursday 8 December Ms Snell will cross the stage at CQUniversity Bundaberg Graduation' and is looking forward to the next challenge.

"I am excited and nervous about graduating' and definitely looking forward to closing that chapter and starting practical law training in January'" she said.

After finishing high school in Childers' Ms Snell chose CQU to stay close to home' and for the flexibility of online study around work.

She's recently moved to Brisbane for her career' but said coming back home for graduation meant all her family could join the celebration.

"I am the first family member to graduate from uni which is really exciting'" she said.

"Since about grade 11 I wanted to be a lawyer and work in family law' not to act for the parents or guardians' but to act for the children and advocate for them.

"I want to speak up about any issues that people may be too scared to address. Even though we are in 2022' there is still so much discrimination around and people are still not being provided their rights as humans and I want to be the person that helps make the change."

Despite the challenges of a new city and job' Ms Snell is feeling confident about her career ahead' after the past four years of study.

"My degree at CQU was such a great experience; every person including the lecturers and staff were always willing to engage in any questions I may have had' and always provided a fast response'" she said.

CQU's innovative Bachelor of Laws is available to study entirely online' over three years full time. The fully-accredited degree covers all areas of law required for professional accreditation' with electives reflecting emerging and highly sought-after areas of law.

For more information and to apply to study in 2023' visit cqu.edu.au/law.

To explore scholarship opportunities' visit cqu.edu.au/scholarships.