Year 11 Legal Studies students were given a first-hand opportunity to explore a career in Law this morning when BSSC Alumnus Patrick Hartney visited the college.

A member of the Class of 2008, Patrick is a Commercial, Wills and Estate lawyer with local firm O’Farrell Robertson McMahon and studied a double degree in Business-Law at La Trobe University; his first two years in Bendigo, his final three years at Bundoora campus.

Patrick talked students through the nitty gritty of a Law degree, but also the more general skills that lawyers need today, such as good general knowledge, business and project management skills, technology and communication.

“BSSC’s range of subjects allows you to leave school with so many of these practical skills,” he said. “Part-time work is also really important. Even though the jobs you’re doing now won’t be what you’ll do forever, the skills you learn—like teamwork, problem solving, and people skills—will be incredibly valuable in whatever careers you end up persuing.”

Students asked so many wonderful questions throughout the one-hour session, particularly about life after school, the opportunities that come with a legal career, and the different pathways into studying Law.

Patrick described the various pathways into Law as being like a drive from Bendigo to Melbourne.

“The fastest way is on the freeway,” he said. “But just because you can’t get onto the freeway doesn’t mean you can’t get to Melbourne… there are plenty of other routes and they can be even more satisfying and present lots of opportunities for growing as a person.”

Patrick’s former BSSC Legal Studies teacher, Cindy Growcott, described him as a student with lots of interests.

“Patrick was a really well-rounded student who had a good balance between study, part-time work and sport,” she said. “I think that balance has been really instrumental in his success with his chosen career and it was a really important message for students to hear today.”

The college thanks Patrick for giving his time so generously to come and speak with students. It was an incredibly valuable session for the students and they clearly appreciated Patrick sharing his experience and knowledge so openly.