Renee Glau is the reigning winner of the Murphy’s Law Prize for Excellence in Torts at the University of Sunshine Coast (UniSC) for her outstanding performance in LAW202 Torts. We caught up with Renee to discuss her studies, her inspirations, and where she is headed in the legal profession.
Firstly, congratulations on being this year’s reigning winner of the Murphy’s Law Prize for Excellence in Torts! How were you notified about the win and what went through your mind?
Thank you! And thank you for such generous support from Murphy’s Law. We received an email invitation to attend the awards event, and I was so pleased to see that I’d won the prize for Torts, as it had been a personal goal of mine. It was incredibly satisfying knowing that all the hard work paid off.
What made you want to study law and what has your journey been like so far?
I chose law because I wanted a career that was challenging and had a lot of variety, while also being able to help others. My journey so far has been a really positive one. At UniSC, the Law Students’ Association is one of the most active student clubs, so there are plenty of opportunities to connect with professionals, network with peers, and find support when you need it.
Learning the basics of torts can be tough at first. What study habits or techniques helped you get through, and succeed, at LAW202?
I always make the most of our contact time with lecturers and tutors. UniSC staff are really approachable, so I make the most of that by asking questions until I thoroughly grasp each concept. I’m also a big believer in becoming familiar with the rubrics and assessment criteria early on, so I can focus my time and effort where it matters most.
The award specifically acknowledges excellence in the law of negligence. Was there a particular case or concept that really resonated with you?
I found the concept of duty of care particularly interesting, especially how courts determine who owes responsibility to whom, and where that duty logically ends. I also found it interesting to see how this duty is balanced against broader questions of public policy, as it highlighted the courts’ efforts to maintain fairness and commonsense, even in difficult cases.
How did you feel going into LAW202? Did you enter with strong expectations, or did your success change your view of negligence law?
I didn’t go into the subject with strong expectations. So far, I haven’t come across an area of law that I haven’t found interesting in some way, and I was looking forward to learning about an area that features so prominently in the media. While the subject didn’t dramatically change my view of negligence law, it gave me a greater appreciation for its limits. I particular, how the Civil Liability Act aims to prevent unreasonable liability in situations where blame isn’t clear-cut.
Do you have any role models who inspire you from your studies, pop culture or real life?
I currently work as a paralegal at Grindal Legal, and it’s been an honour to work alongside women who successfully balance family life with professional responsibilities. They’ve shown me that it’s possible to lead a fulfilling and rewarding life while working in the legal profession, and that example has been incredibly inspiring.
Has receiving this award influenced your career goals in any way, or are you keeping an open mind throughout the rest of your studies?
I’m definitely keeping an open mind. That said, I really enjoyed the adversarial nature of the subject and would be interested in exploring litigation further as I continue my studies.
How would you describe the impact of plaintiff law, like the work Murphy’s Law Accident Lawyers do, on the lives of everyday people?
I am grateful though that we have legislative schemes that aim to ensure people are supported when after serious incidents, whether or not there is someone clearly to blame. I admire the legal professionals who work to assist people in accessing that support.
Apart from your legal studies, what are some extracurricular activities or hobbies that help you stay balanced and motivated?
I play regular tennis fixtures, am active in my church community, and love enjoying the lifestyle that the Sunshine Coast offers. I have recently taken up surfing, although I think it’s going to be a while until I can call myself a surfer!
What advice would you give to future law students hoping to achieve academic recognition?
Other than what I mentioned earlier about engaging in class and understanding the task requirements, I’ve learned it’s always best to have an assignment draft completed, even if it’s terrible, about a week out from the due date. It’s almost always the case that when I give myself the space to leave it for a couple of days, when I come back to it the draft isn’t nearly as bad as I thought it was and then I have a few days to edit and polish it before submitting without the stress!