Legal eagle takes flight: Errol's story

Nine years ago, Errol Chua and his wife left their native Singapore and arrived in Australia with only two suitcases. Errol boldly carved a new future for himself in Darwin and eventually graduated from Charles Darwin University’s School of Law with First Class Honours. Along the way, he completed a prestigious internship with Harvard Law School. Read on to find out how this mature-aged student found academic success.

I started with zero confidence. CDU has offered so much support and afforded me opportunities beyond my wildest dreams. I encourage others to follow their dream no matter their age or background

Truck driver, machine operator, dog washer—they’re not the kinds of jobs you might think would lead to Harvard Law School. But Errol Chua wasn’t a typical student. And he says that undertaking his Bachelor of Laws degree at CDU at the age of 35 gave him an advantage in terms of life experience, practical skills and maturity.

“It will not be easy, but with proper planning and support, it does not have to be that difficult either. In any event, the course is only temporary while having the degree qualification is yours for life,” he said.

That’s good advice coming from somebody who earned First Class Honours, then completed a prestigious internship with Harvard Law School’s Immigration and Refugee Clinical Program on a CDU scholarship.

CDU has an ongoing relationship with the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinic, each year selecting one of its high achieving law students to intern in Boston. It’s an incredible opportunity for the nominated student to work closely with some of the best legal minds in the world, while gaining firsthand experience working directly with real clients and cases. During his time at Harvard, Errol assisted asylees and refugees working through the US Immigration Court System.

Errol is completing an internship at the NT Anti-Discrimination Commission. He hopes to use his newly-acquired skills and experience to build a career in the legal profession in the NT. He credits CDU for granting him the opportunity to discover his calling in life.

“My experience with CDU has been nothing short of a dream come true. From the selection panel that reviewed my application and decided to give me a shot, to the staff and faculty who believed in me and encouraged me all the way, CDU has had my back and I am proud to be a CDU alumnus,” Errol said.

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