We are happy to welcome superstar law student, Kellie Elmes, who recently began her internship for the semester with our office.
Kellie is in her final year of a Bachelor of Laws and has been working with the Training Centre Visitor Unit focusing on therapeutic mental health treatment for children and young people locked up in detention.
Kellie is currently researching legislative and human rights requirements for young people in detention accessing mental health services, as well as preparing a literature review looking at access to such services that are currently available within places of youth detention throughout Australia.
Let’s get to know her…
What degree are you doing?
I’m currently in my final year of a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Adelaide. Last year I also graduated from a Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Neuroscience major).
What made you decide to study law and science together?
I never did any legal studies during high school, but I chose to do law because I enjoyed writing and wanted to challenge myself. I chose Health and Medical Science as my double degree because I really loved biology in high school and thought it would be an interesting combination of degrees. But throughout my degree I have really found a passion for law and advocacy. I’ve decided not to follow the science route, but I hope that I will have opportunities to use my knowledge and skills from that degree in the future, particularly with the increase in legal issues surrounding the medical field.
Do you currently work and what is your role?
I currently work as a law clerk at LK.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
First, a holiday!
Second, I hope to be working as a graduate in an office I really enjoy. I’m trying to keep all my options open for now and wherever I end up in my career, I just want to work on important issues where I can make a difference.
What are you looking forward to the most during your placement with our office?
I’m really passionate about human rights and throughout university I have had great opportunities to research those issues on an international level in armed conflict scenarios. But now, I’m really looking forward to working in an office that deals with the rights of children and young people at a local level, which I feel not enough people know about.
I’m also excited to be researching mental health care available to children and young people in detention. It is such an important topic and although my research will have a legal focus, I feel my background in neuroscience has provided a good foundation to understanding mental disorders and the impact they can have on wellbeing. It is a privilege to be able to contribute to the work that the TCVU do and I know I’ll learn a lot from the experience.
What are three words that best describe you?
Genuine, passionate and resilient.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work/studying/doing placement?
When I’m not working, I enjoy going for little road trips and hikes with my partner – I’ve really loved exploring the Flinders Ranges, Halls Gap and Yorke Peninsula so far. On the flip side, with my final year of university being so busy I also enjoy having days where I can just stay home and relax by watching Netflix and spending time with my pets.
