In summary

  • Zachary Plant has received the Supreme Court Prize for academic excellence, as Swinburne’s top Law graduate for last year
  • His journey was shaped by embracing challenges—from leading the Student Law Society to interning at a criminal law firm in London
  • Chief Justice Richard Niall and Federal Court Chief Justice Mortimer presented Zachary with the prize at a ceremony held at the Supreme Court last week

Swinburne University of Technology is proud to announce that Zachary Plant, a graduate of the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts double degree, has been awarded the 2024 Supreme Court Prize.

The Supreme Court Prize is awarded annually to the top-performing law student from each of Victoria’s eight law schools.

Associate Professor Natania Locke, Dean of Law at Swinburne University of Technology congratulated Zachary on this prestigious achievement.

“Swinburne Law School congratulates Zac on his wonderful achievement. His dedication to his studies is only matched by a wonderful attitude of service. I have had the pleasure of teaching Zac. I am confident that he will bring the same positivity to his future career as he had in the classroom,” Associate Professor Locke said.

Accepting a challenge

Zachary’s achievement reflects not only his academic excellence but also his deep engagement with the Swinburne community and his commitment to personal growth.

“Law is an exciting and incredibly challenging degree,” Zachary said. “But once you meet those challenges, it’s ultimately very rewarding.”

Zachary’s journey at Swinburne was marked by his willingness to put his hand up for opportunities, even when they felt daunting.

Encouraged by peers, he ran for a position in the Swinburne Law Student Society early in his studies and eventually served two terms as president.

“I was initially hesitant to put my name forward,” he said. “But looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

His willingness to embrace opportunities extended beyond campus to a three-month placement at a criminal law firm in London, an experience he describes as transformative.

“I think that’s when most of the fun comes—when you put your hand up for things and get into uncomfortable positions. That’s also where you do the most growth.”

Sharing the spotlight

Receiving the Supreme Court Prize came as a surprise to Zachary, who remains humble about the recognition. He credits his success to the support of fellow students, staff, friends, and family.

“It’s an award that can be shared with a lot of people,” he said. “From classmates who helped me understand complex legal concepts to my family who always encouraged me.”

Zachary’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and saying “yes” to new experiences.

Swinburne congratulates him on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to seeing the impact he will make in the legal profession.

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