Eva Morgan

4th-year student, Bachelor of Laws

Eva Morgan, a final-year Bachelor of Laws student at AUT, says she would highly recommend the university to students who value community.

“Because it’s a smaller law school, you get to know your own and other cohorts better, and the learning feels more personal. I chose AUT because when I was speaking with an AUT advisor, she praised the strong sense of community and collaboration, which are very important in my learning. I also heard from older students at the university that AUT has a more welcoming and warmer student environment.

“Although I’ve found my studies challenging, the significant growth I’ve achieved feels rewarding. I started law school feeling quite intimidated, but as I progressed, I developed into a more confident individual and enjoyed the sense of community we’ve built as a cohort studying law together. I’ve appreciated the freedom to learn and explore my curiosity about the law. The opportunity to experiment at university was a massive motivator for me to work harder in my studies and to put myself forward.”

As a lawyer, helping people is always her priority, she says.

“What excites me about law is that there are many different ways to do this. Currently, I’m interested in wills and estates as well as private equity, and I could see myself working in a firm or chambers. I’m eager to enter the workforce and apply what I’ve learnt from my experience at AUT.”

Opportunities to shine
Beyond the classroom, Eva has also made the most of the many opportunities offered to AUT law students.

“Through AUT, I’ve participated in several competitions, where I’ve had the chance to meet likeminded students and forge lasting friendships. I won the Senior Bell Gully Moot at AUT, which qualified me for the New Zealand Law Students' Association (NZLSA) nationals in 2024. This year, I was fortunate to attend the Australian Law Students' Association conference in Canberra, which the law school kindly helped fund, enabling me to participate in client interviewing. I also attended the NZLSA nationals. At these events, I competed against top law students from other universities in front of many experts in client-focused roles who provided me with valuable practice tips. I was also lucky enough to hear the Honourable Dame Susan Glazebrook speak at both events.

“I’m also a co-president of the AUT Mooting Society, which has been a fantastic experience in helping to develop mooting at AUT, particularly among first and second-year students. I started as a member competing in junior moots in 2023, then took on the role of media officer in 2024, and am now co-president in 2025.”

There were a few staff members who have made a particular impression on her throughout her studies.

“Mike French has been a great supporter, judging both the competitions I’ve entered and those I’ve organised. It’s wonderful to see the deputy head of the law school so actively involved with the students. Suzanne McMeekin has also offered excellent support when it comes to writing cover letters to law firms when applying for internships. I also appreciated the fantastic support from Professor Khylee Quince, the dean of the law school, including that the law school helped to fund my trip to the Australian Law Students' Association conference in Canberra.”

Advice for other students
Expecting to graduate from AUT at the end of the year, Eva has some great advice for other students.

“Put yourself out there. If you never try, you’ll never realise your potential. There are always likeminded people out there with whom you can collaborate, and I suggest finding your people and signing up for events, competitions and clubs with them. By participating in competitions, conferences and serving as an executive member in clubs, I’ve met some incredible people and built meaningful connections. Although it may seem daunting, you learn so much from these experiences, which can be very helpful when navigating law school.”

There’s plenty of support if you need it, she adds.

“My biggest struggle was when I had numerous personal matters in my life, and I felt overwhelmed by the pressure of second-year law. When I felt lost, I was able to ask my lecturers for extra feedback and practice materials to help me prepare for my exams. I also participated in peer mentoring during my first year at university when I was unsure about how to navigate law school. I found it very valuable and reassuring to receive advice from an older student.”