Margie O’Neill

What position do you currently hold and where? I am currently completing my PLT at Doolan Callaghan Family Lawyers, a specialist firm of family lawyers with offices in Dee Why and the City. The role involves all aspects of family law from consent orders for parenting and/or property matters to analysis of recent case law and relevant social science research.

What led you to choose UTS:Law for your studies? I have a Bachelor of Social Work from UNSW and have worked for 20 years in various social work positions, mostly with families and often in hospital/medical settings.  I decided on a change in focus for my career – whilst still working with people however with an expanded knowledge base and one which would give me a different emphasis. Law and social work are a good mix and the legal knowledge has given me a more well rounded perspective.  As such, I found myself drawn to law electives in those areas that I have interest and experience in.

What led you to choose UTS:Law for your studies? I chose UTS over the other universities as I have a number of friends in the legal fraternity who spoke highly of the UTS JD graduates and also for the flexibility of delivery as I still had children at school when I commenced the degree.

What was the most rewarding aspect of your degree? Why? Being a role model for my 3 sons (all UTS students currently Law, Business and Pub. Communications) and being able to use my learning immediately in many aspects of my life.

What is the most useful or important thing you learned from your studies at UTS? Legal research and analytical skills and an ability to hone in on facts.

Was there anyone in particular at the University who had a significant influence on your studies?  Law lecturers: Penny Crofts, Jane Wangmann, Leanne Houston and Maxine Evers

Were you involved in extra-curricular activities such as the Mentoring program, Brennan program, Mooting, LSS? How has this experience aided your career development? I was lucky to be involved in the UTS Law faculty Legal Studies Mock Trial program which is run in high schools with a lower socio economic profile in Sydney.

I also completed a Shop Front group project for Touching Base Inc., which involved a 6 month research project into the law in Australia for sex workers and their clients with a disability.

Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience at UTS:Law, or the University as a whole? Be prepared to put the work in and the results will come.

Never be afraid to ask for assistance – everyone is really happy to help.

Having experienced another university- albeit a while ago and having a son do an undergrad degree at another, I am really impressed that UTS is much more interactive and technologically in touch.

I also love all the new building and renovations as they add to the contemporary feel of the place.

Find out more about our JD program at our information evening.