Rhiannon gains an international perspective

While working as a trainee legal registrar, Rhiannon Stoneman’s magistrate and barrister colleagues convinced her to become a lawyer. She chose VU’s double degree in Law and Criminology for several significant professional and personal reasons.

"I used to be intimidated by the thought of university and thought I didn't stand a chance. Now I'm here, I regret not starting sooner.

I’ve always been passionate about justice – human rights and equality in particular. As a proud member of the LGBTIQA+ community, I know what it’s like to battle for my rights and fight discrimination.

In 2016 I started my journey in the legal profession, studying several TAFE courses in justice. I worked in courts across Victoria as a trainee registrar, and was told by lawyers, barristers and magistrates that I belong at the bar table. With that encouragement, I applied for my VU double degree and was accepted within a week!

I’m choosing the electives that focus on a diverse range of rights to help minority groups in Australia.

I find the Block Model structure easy to follow, it allows me to focus on one unit at a time, and I’m not swamped with too many assignments at once. It's efficient and less stressful than the traditional model. Weekends are my time to find balance and focus on my wellbeing, friends and family.

VU has an amazing campus located in the heart of the law precinct in Melbourne. It was perfect, as I worked across the road and had the opportunity to choose evening classes straight after my shifts.

The lecturers are some of the most supportive and understanding people I’ve met. I feel very lucky to say I’m a VU student.

I recently returned from the India Justice Tour after receiving the New Colombo Plan grant. It was absolutely incredible and such a life changing experience as an opportunity to attend classes and Indian culture as part of my studies."