Ilvana Nanic knew at an early age that she wanted to be a lawyer. Ilvana, who was one of Charles Sturt University’s first law graduates, has graduated from an LLM in Applied Law (Family Law) at The College of Law to consolidate her family law knowledge and make specialist connections with fellow family lawyers. Insights spoke to Ilvana about what inspired her to become a lawyer, what she finds most rewarding about her work, and how her LLM is helping her become a better family lawyer.
Strong mentors and family support helped Ilvana become a lawyer
Ilvana always intuitively knew she would like a future in law.
“Matlock and Law & Order certainly made me curious about the law, but they weren’t my inspiration,” said Ilvana. Rather, she buried herself in the NSW State Library as her “go-to” academic zone.
“It was here that I reflected on whether going into law would be attainable,” said Ilvana. “I also surrounded myself with positive role models, legal professionals with outstanding moral and ethical reasoning. This strengthened my desire to pursue my childhood dreams of becoming a lawyer.”
Unlike some lawyers, Ilvana wasn’t pressured by her family to go into law. Rather, after much consideration, she shared her hopes with her family.
“My family’s undivided support and remarkable parenting truly nurtured my legal ambitions and helped make me the lawyer I am today,” said Ilvana. “It also highlights the importance of optimism. When you pair a goal with a positive outlook, you’re much more likely to hit your goal - and avoid falling into vicious cycles of despondency.”
Thanks to Dr Alison Gerard, Ilvana’s mentor from Charles Sturt University, she was encouraged to become a changemaker.
“These foundations were further developed during my postgraduate study with The College of Law,” said Ilvana.
She now works as the Principal Solicitor of Walter Marshall Lawyers.
“It’s a role very dear to my heart,” she said. “Here I learned how to create a happy medium in my legal practice, which has helped enable positive change and mindful consideration to enhance the client experience.”
Finding holistic solutions to legal problems
“What sets Walter Marshall Lawyers apart is that we seek to resolve legal issues with holistic principles,” explained Ilvana. “We shift mindsets, with the objective of connecting clients with the right legal options by eliminating negative mindsets. For example, I aim to steer my clients from communicating in the past tense, with the view that present situations need to be prioritised.”
However, the emotionally fraught nature of family law can pose its own challenges.
“The silent mental health struggles of family law clients are an issue,” said Ilvana. “As a lawyer, you have to help prevent poor decision making on the part of clients who are experiencing increased emotional sensitivity.”
It’s the personal dimension of family law that makes it so rewarding.
“Despite the hard work and long hours, I take pride in resolving legal problems,” said Ilvana. “It’s immensely satisfying to be a lawyer who can help someone resolve a sensitive legal matter. Irrespective of the type of issue, or who comes through my door, I’m charged with understanding the technical complexities of the law involved, as well as each individual’s needs.”
“Everyone hurts and yearns for closure,” observed Ilvana. “Providing closure that is compatible with what is in your best legal interests is vital. A thank you is lovely to hear, a smile is even better to see, and a content mind is a pleasure to witness.”
Surround yourself with like-minded people to succeed
“Postgraduate study will challenge your inner strength,” said Ilvana. “Truth is, it is a balancing act. Everyone who undertakes postgraduate study faces the challenge of managing relationships, parenting, work, and other obligations. Adding postgraduate study into the mix may frighten you, so the key is to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who understand and support your desired path.”
Equally important is being willing to ask for help.
“It is OK not to be OK,” said Ilvana. “Get help when you need it, whether it’s mental health support, or an UberEats order. Connect with your support network. From here, you can set big postgraduate goals - and achieve them. Be your own inspiration.”
For Ilvana, her College of Law LLM helped her professional development in a few ways.
“It elevated my technical understanding of the law, allowing her to analyse how the law applied to complex litigation matters,” explained Ilvana. It also helped emphasise the dynamic and changing needs of family law clients regarding complex parenting and financial disputes.
“My postgraduate studies have increased my professional opportunities and networks,” said Ilvana.
“The decisions we make as lawyers are becoming more complex,” said Ilvana. This increasing complexity is set against the lawyer’s duties of candour, honesty and maintaining high ethical standards.
Postgraduate study can help maintain and enhance a lawyer’s practice standards, as well as complement their professional practice.
“I’m very grateful to The College of Law LLM for helping to deepen my technical legal knowledge in an increasingly complex ethical and legal environment,” said Ilvana.
Learn more about our LLM in Applied Law (Family Law), or explore our other Postgraduate Specialisation programs.