Jessica Wood planned a business career but is now making her mark in law.
The Bond University student was named Law Student of the Year at the Australian Law Awards held at The Star, Sydney.
Wood is completing a double degree in Law and Commerce, majoring in accounting, driven by her love of numbers. But after finishing her Law degree with first-class honours and receiving the Una Prentice Prize for the top female law graduate at Bond University, it became clear she was destined for a legal career.
She has already secured a position as an associate to Justice Catherine Muir of the Supreme Court of Queensland and the news of her prestigious national award win is set to pave the way to a bright future in the sector.
However, a 2025 graduate role with international accountancy firm Grant Thornton, working in tax and insolvency law, will allow her to combine her passion for numbers with her growing legal career.
“I love the technical excellence of tax law,” Wood says.
“I like writing about those laws and other contemporary issues and am working with a number of talented Queensland academics including Mark Brosnan from the Bond Uni business faculty on these and other issues.”
Gratitude for academic support
Wood says the Law Student of the Year Award represents the culmination of her hard work and the support she had received, from both her family and Bond University academics.
“My participation in various mooting competitions both at Bond and externally allowed me to network with industry professionals and enhance my advocacy skills,” she says.
“I am honoured to bring this recognition back to Queensland. This award is a reflection of the incredible opportunities and mentorships I’ve been fortunate to receive.”
