Alumni Profile: Emily Hudson
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Degree: Science/Law 2000 Emily Hudson is a Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Intellectual Property Research Institute of Australia (IPRIA) and Centre for Media and Communications Law (CMCL). She is a specialist in copyright law and is working on a major project on copyright and cultural institutions. What does your work involve? |
What does a standard day at the office entail
for you?
A standard research day involves collating and analysing relevant legislation,
case law, academic articles and other commentary, as well as writing
my own reports and papers. I have also done a lot of empirical research,
which has involved travelling to Australian art galleries, museums and
libraries to interview staff in relation to digitisation and copyright.
What’s the most difficult decision you have had to make
in your career?
I completed undergraduate degrees in science and law, and had to choose
whether I wanted to commence a PhD in science or return to the law school
to complete my law degree.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?
There are many enjoyable aspects of my job: being able to work on a
research project for an extended period of time; meeting and working
with leading scholars; and presenting the results of our research to
industry through written materials, seminars, conferences, and so forth.
What inspires you about your job and life in general?
I get inspired by knowing that the research performed at IPRIA and the
CMCL promotes understanding of the law, and is playing a role in policy
debates and law reform.
What is the most stressful/difficult aspect of your job?
Like any job, convergent deadlines are always stressful – working
around the clock trying to finish eight things at once!
What have been the most significant moments of your life, post-study?
At the end of my law degree, I was a member of the team that represented
the University of Melbourne in the Jessup Moot, an international mooting
competition. The competition involved preparing memorials (written documents
setting out our legal arguments) and presenting those arguments orally.
Following the domestic competition in Canberra, we were one of two teams
that travelled to Washington DC to represent Australia at the international
finals.
What are your career highlights?
Getting admitted to practice was a highlight. I have also done some
lecturing in intellectual property law in the School of Creative Arts.
What are your strongest memories of life in Melbourne while
you were studying at the University of Melbourne?
I remember that Ian Malkin’s torts classes were so popular that
they were standing room only! I also remember students assembling for
anti-VSU rallies, seeing Three Colours: Blue at the Carlton Moviehouse,
and making a real mess trying to eat nachos at the Clyde.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like working on my fitness: running, aerobics, weight training. I
also enjoy watching other people play sport.
Do you have any advice about life after study to pass on to
current students?
My main advice is not to lose sight of your own goals and aspirations.
I spent a number of years working as a solicitor, but always had an
inkling that I’d like to pursue a career in academia. Making the
transition was not easy, but has been immensely rewarding, and presented
opportunities I never would have had if I had remained in my old job.
