The opportunity to give back to her community drove Megan Ellis’ decision to study a Juris Doctor at Flinders University. Megan chose law because she saw it as an opportunity to pursue her passion for effecting positive social change.

“From a young age I was aware of the inequalities that existed within my own local community and when thinking about my career beyond university, I knew that I wanted to be able to give back in some way. After completing my undergraduate degree, I began my career in the public service in the social services sector and quickly found myself passionate about social justice and human rights”.

Flinders’ Juris Doctor is 100% online, which suited Megan’s lifestyle perfectly.

“Flinders was the right choice for me because it offered me the flexibility I needed to continue working whilst studying by providing the option to study online. Over the course of my studies, I’ve moved interstate and worked in different cities, knowing that these decisions won’t affect my ability to complete my studies.

The course moves away from the traditional ‘lecture/tutorial’ approach to learning and provides students with the ability to read and study the materials and apply this knowledge to very practical tasks. Whilst the workload is high, each task allows you to develop a deeper understanding of the topic.”

For Megan, the opportunity to learn about the changes that occurring within the legal profession was an exciting facet of the course. 

“With a focus on new technology and the changing legal profession, the course has covered areas of law that are yet to be tested and has certainly equipped me to think ‘outside the box’ when considering legal issues. I think this is one of the most exciting things about the course, in that it deviates from traditional legal education to reflect law in ‘the real world’.”

Flinders Juris Doctor is innovative and forward-thinking. It is a course that is preparing Megan for a multitude of opportunities.

“For me, Flinders stood out as a university committed to innovation and technology, readying students with the practical skills and knowledge to step into a changing legal profession.

I’m currently working in the family violence sector within the Victorian Government and hope to transition from the policy space into the legal profession, maintaining linkages to the social sector. Having also worked with NGOs in Cambodia, I would love to take time to move to Cambodia and work with a human rights lens. However, as I come to the end of the JD, I realise how many avenues a law degree provides and find myself excited to pursue whatever opportunities come my way!”

Megan Ellis, Juris Doctor