Where are they now?

Tarsha Gavin

School Captain, Graduating Class of 2005

I am a lawyer and currently work as a Senior Associate at Allens Linklaters, an international commercial law firm, where I specialise in employment and workplace relations law.

My interest in the law certainly developed at high school where I was a member of the Cecil Hills High School debating team and also the mock trial team. I also really enjoyed Legal Studies in years 11 and 12 and came First in the State in the HSC course.   

That led me to study a combined Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Economic and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney. During university I also did an honours year in Government and International Relations where I wrote a research thesis that examined the NSW Government's consultation around public housing renewal programs in South-West Sydney.

While at university, I also worked part-time for the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). It was a very interesting organisation to work for and gave me great experience in both the government and legal fields.

Outside of studying I also spent a few years involved in youth advocacy, where I was a member of the Australian Government's Youth Week Committee, the NSW Government Youth Advisory Committee and the Australian Red Cross youth group.

Following university I secured a graduate position at Allens Linklaters where I have worked for the last 5 years. Earlier this year I was promoted to Senior Associate where I have a leadership role in our employment law team. I enjoy the opportunity to work for a range of high-profile corporate and government clients and work on interesting matters including employment disputes, unfair dismissal claims and discrimination matters.

My time at Cecil Hills High School certainly helped me develop my interest in the law and helped get me to where I am today. I feel lucky to have attended a great high school and had supportive teachers who helped set up a great foundation for me to thrive in my studies and career.