Stephanie Walton announced 2022 scholarship recipient

The Family Law Practitioners Association of Queensland (FLPA) and the College of Law are delighted to announce Stephanie Walton as the 2022 recipient of the FLPA and College of Law Practical Legal Training (PLT) Student Scholarship.

A high achiever, Ms Walton completed her honours law degree at Griffith University in July 2022 after first completing a Bachelor of Business. Currently in a graduate position through the ATO Graduate Program, she has worked in many legal roles throughout her studies including most recently as an Associate to her Honour Judge Willis.

Ms Walton was extremely grateful and appreciative to both FLPA and the College of Law for the scholarship opportunity.

“I am so happy about the scholarship – it really will be foundational in my career advancement,” Ms Walton said.

Keen to pursue a career in family law, Ms Walton said she finds it fascinating on a behavioural level and multifaceted dealing with all aspects of family relationships, parenting issues and complex property pools.

“My new role with the ATO will help me gain a deeper understanding of the taxation implications under the lens of property disputes. This knowledge will place me in a unique position as a family lawyer specialising in property matters one day,” Ms Walton said.

Ms Walton wins not only the equivalent of the fee for undertaking the College of Law Practical Legal Training course and $1,000 cash, but also mentoring and a work experience placement over the course of College of Law PLT with a FLPA member to help her attain the work experience component of her practical legal training.

On congratulating Ms Walton, FLPA President Rebecca Horsley said FLPA and the College of Law were very pleased with the high standard of applications for this scholarship, which is now in its third year.

“We very much look forward to continuing this partnership with the College of Law and being able to provide this wonderful opportunity for the next generation of family lawyers,” Ms Horsley said.

The College of Law PLT course is the leading program in Australia for law graduates preparing for admission to practice and is worth almost $10,000. Coupled with the cash prize and mentoring, this scholarship is an outstanding opportunity for young practitioners. Completion of this program leads to the award of the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP).

FLPA is the leading professional body for family law professionals representing family lawyers, barristers and other family law practitioners, in Queensland.

Applications will be open for the 2023 FLPA College of Law PLT scholarship in August 2023 and will be announced via FLPA and College of Law social media and member channels. Applications are open for FLPA members, which is free for full-time students.