NEWS
Juris Doctor student recognised for outstanding achievement
Juris Doctor student Mathew Mirabella has received an award for outstanding contribution to the law at the inaugural Inspire Awards.
The awards are an initiative of Funds in Court (a division of the Supreme Court of Victoria) and are peer based. They recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals who identify with a disability and who are well respected in their field of work or study and in the community.
Mirabella’s award falls under the Future Lawyers category and is based on his excellent academic achievement in the Juris Doctor program.
Associate Professor Penelope Weller, Juris Doctor Program Director, RMIT, congratulated Mirabella and acknowledged his commitment and determination.
“Mat is an inspired and inspiring student who is always willing to contribute to class discussion, often by challenging the boundaries,” she said.
Chief Justice of Victoria Marilyn Warren, who presented the awards, said that Mirabella has been an outstanding contributor to RMIT’s Graduate School of Business and Law.
“His academic performance has been exceptional with a high distinction grade in 22 of the 23 classes he has completed to date,” she said.
The award categories celebrate and acknowledge people who demonstrate excellence, passion, vision and commitment to assisting their profession and people to achieve their goals.
Funds in Court strategic adviser Miranda Bain said the awards recognise the major contribution of people across many fields including human rights medicine, the law, policing, visual arts, performing arts, journalism and disability advocacy.
“I am honoured to receive this award and am grateful to my lecturers for their continued support,” Mirabella said.
“I had been working in industry for twelve years when I decided to return to study and my only regret is not doing it sooner.
“RMIT provides a supportive environment for students with a disability and I would encourage anyone who is considering the Juris Doctor or another postgraduate program to seize the moment.”
The Chief Justice congratulated all of the nominees and said these ongoing awards are very important as they recognise many exceptional people from a number of disciplines who have made a significant contribution to their professions.
Success Begins Here: Study the Juris Doctor. Find out more.
Story: Ainslie Logsdon