Tammy finds great rewards as a criminal lawyer thanks to CQUniversity - CQUniversity

01 April 2024

CQU Laws graduate Tammy Wray

By Greg Chapman

Tammy Wray relishes making a difference as a criminal lawyer in regional Victoria and she's proud to say that CQUniversity's Law degree continues to help her in the role every day.

As a junior criminal lawyer, Tammy covers matters such as driving offences, child protection cases, and family violence matters.

Tammy completed her Law degree last year and she says she calls upon the learnings she attained with CQU every time she steps into the courtroom.

"There were a lot of takeaways that I got from CQU, however, if I am being honest, my lecturers were my greatest "learning"," she said.

"In my time as a 'pass' leader, I constantly pass their wisdom on to my own students."

She said although she received offers from other universities to study Law, CQU was the perfect fit for her situation.

"CQU offered the most versatile undergraduate program for Laws. I was offered a place at University of New England, Deakin University, and the University of Southern Queensland, but I was attracted to the electives offered and online environment at CQU as I was a full-time mum with a family of five young children," she said.

"The lecturers, the people, the environment, and the flexibility of online learning were all big reasons for studying at CQU."

Tammy said supporting people through difficult legal matters was a huge responsibility that she enjoyed.

"I absolutely enjoy helping people to defend a matter that they are not guilty of," she said.

"The satisfaction of seeing a client's face after we have successfully won their case is the greatest reward. Furthermore, helping those who are not able to access the law or who are disadvantaged is also a pure reward.

"I have already represented many clients. It is still a slightly nerve-racking experience getting in front of a Magistrate and have someone's 'life' in your hands, however the trust that a client places in you is also a great reward."

She encouraged anyone studying Law or who are now in the legal profession to "always ask questions".

"Never think a question is dumb, the lecturers are knowledgeable in their field, have had real life experience that you can absorb for your own practising career," she said.