Practicing in pink
CQUniversity alumnus Laura Santin has always wanted to make an impact with her career, and the practicing solicitor is doing just that by bringing a colourful twist to the legal profession.
Ms Santin’s distinctive style, characterised by her extensive collection of colourful suits, has become a signature aspect of her professional identity in the Mackay community.
"I started collecting my colourful wardrobe in my second year of study at CQU. I wear what makes me feel comfortable and confident," she explained.
"While personal style is important, professionalism and upholding traditional court attire remains paramount.
“What I wear has a small influence on me professionally as it does make me unique, and people can identify me easily.”
Drawing inspiration from iconic representations of legal prowess, Ms Santin said she is proud to embrace her individuality while maintaining the utmost professionalism in her attire.
“The movie Legally Blonde demonstrates how people will draw their own conclusions based on how a woman looks rather than their intellectual capacity, and being underestimated is just part of that judgment,” she explained.
“My success both throughout my studies via academic achievement and as a lawyer is a direct result of my hard work and dedication.”
In her final semester, Ms Santin was awarded the highest-grade total for Criminal Law in Practice and made the Dean’s list.
Ms Santin also completed her Practical Legal Training (PLT) full-time in her final year of study, allowing her to be admitted to legal practice in August 2023 after graduating CQU’s Bachelor of Laws.
“CQU offered the flexibility I needed. Online learning made it possible to work and study which was particularly important during COVID-19,” she said.
Her current bright blazers and pink attire are worlds away from Ms Santin’s previous career as a Sworn Special Constable in the NSW Police Force, where she worked in and around the Sydney Central Business District and Parramatta areas.
While her background in the police force instilled a strong passion for justice, it was only after moving to regional Queensland that she decided to advance her education into the legal field.
Ms Santin said she found a sense of community and fulfilment after moving to Mackay, where she is committed to making a difference in people's lives through her profession.
“Since finishing my studies and being admitted as a lawyer, life has definitely moved forward rapidly with each week being enjoyable and memorable.
"Each day, I am grateful for the opportunity to practice law and contribute positively to society," Ms Santin said.
"From criminal law to estate matters, every case presents a new opportunity to enact change. I particularly find fulfilment in trials and hearings.”
Transcript
My name is Laura and I was a student at Central Queensland University. I studied a Bachelor of Laws and now I'm employed as a solicitor mainly doing criminal defence.
Previously, I worked as a Special Constable in Sydney. I've always just had a strong sense of justice and really enjoy that, so I think I'm able to help more people as a lawyer. I've just made that change and it's been amazing
I just love pink and yeah I guess it's just part of my personality really. What you wear shouldn't determine what people think about you and put in the hard work and it will be reflected in their outcomes.
Being like bright and colorful, sometimes it takes away from like some of the more horrible things that are going on in the world.
It makes me easily easily identifiable to clients so that's always good when I haven't met them before and I meet them over at court, I'll be like I'm the one wearing pink.
