From commerce to law, Jessica finds a winning formula

Jessica Wood may have set out for a career in business but it’s in law where she’s making her mark.

The Bond University student was named Law Student of the Year at the Australian Law Awards held at The Star, Sydney.

Ms Wood, who is completing a double degree in Law and Commerce, majoring in accounting, has a love for numbers and thought that would lead her to a corporate career.

But after finishing her Law degree with first class honours and receiving the Una Prentice Prize for the top female law graduate at Bond University, the signs were there that she was destined for a legal career.

Securing a position as an associate to Justice Catherine Muir of the Supreme Court of Queensland, and now a prestigious national award, may have sealed the deal.

However, a 2025 graduate role with international accountancy firm Grant Thornton, working in tax and insolvency law, will allow her to combine her passion for numbers with her growing legal career.

“I love the technical excellence of tax law,” Ms Wood said.

“I like writing about those laws and other contemporary issues and am working with a number of talented Queensland academics including Mark Brosnan from the Bond Uni business faculty on these and other issues.”

The “other issues” include a passion for working with domestic violence victims, looking at coercive control including economic coercion.

“In some cases, the perpetrator sets up bank accounts and companies which the victim-survivor often doesn’t know exist,” she said.

“Or they rack up bills in her name which in most cases financially cripples the victim.”

Ms Wood said the Law Student of the Year Award represented the culmination of her hard work and the support she had received, including from the Bond University academics, and the “endless support” of her family. 

“My participation in various mooting competitions both at Bond and externally allowed me to network with industry professionals and enhance my advocacy skills,” she said. 

"This award is a reflection of the incredible opportunities and mentorships I've been fortunate to receive."

"I am honoured to bring this recognition back to Queensland."