Canadian alumnus Jay Merchant who previously graduated in 2007 with a Masters in Business Law, has returned to Bond to complete his Juris Doctor.
Jay always knew he wanted to study law, and applied for several law schools in Canada. However, even after being accepted into three law schools back home he decided to return to Bond for the quality of teaching and the location of the University.
“What really separates Bond from those other institutions is that the professors here also have practical experience. From former Members of Parliament to professors sitting on Tribunals, you really do not find that quality of professors anywhere else,” said Jay.
Another drawcard for study in Australia was the opportunity to coach for the Australian National Curling Team, whose achievements include winning this year’s national curling competition in New Zealand in July. Jay balances his studying commitments with assisting the team with fundraising efforts and trying to raise the profile of the sport in Australia. At present there are no designated curling facilities in the country and most Australian curling takes place overseas.
Jay has been endorsed by all of the relevant Australian organisations ranging from the Olympic Committee to the Australian Curling Federation as well as the World Curling Tour and the Quebec Curling Federation. With his international reputation in the sport, Jay is in the process of applying for a distinguished talent visa which he hopes will grant him residence here and allow him to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics and represent Australia. Watch this space!