From publishing to law, a career switch delivers top law prize for QUT student

Andrew Hall’s career change has already proved successful – receiving the Queensland Law Society Prize for the best performance in the unit, Ethics and the Legal Profession.

The Queensland University of Technology Law School acknowledged and celebrated its top performers of the 2025 academic year this month with more than 50 outstanding students honoured with sponsored and school-based prizes.

Mr Hall is in his final year of the LLB graduate entry program, and is looking forward to graduating this year after deciding on a change of career.

“I wanted to find new challenges in a demanding discipline, so I decided to study law as a career change. After receiving instruction by some extraordinary QUT educators, I have no doubt it was the right direction to take,” he said.  

“My background is in publishing and consumer retail. These past careers have given me an appreciation for clear communication, attention to detail and the importance of understanding clients’ needs and expectations.

“Working in those industries required a high level of hands-on problem solving, which naturally drew me towards the study of law. This background shapes how I see the legal profession as a relationship-driven and solutions-focused field.”

Mr Hall said he was honoured to receive the QLS award.

“The study of legal ethics has taught me that ethical principles form the foundation of competent and trustworthy legal practice,” he said.

“They guide sound judgment, ensure accountability and sustain public confidence in the profession. As technology continues to advance, these human qualities seem to take on renewed importance.”

“As much as I enjoy the academic environment, I’m enthusiastic about moving into practice and engaging directly with the profession.

“Working in the medicolegal space has sparked a strong interest in understanding how the law operates in real-world contexts.

“I’m keen to broaden my exposure across different practice areas, including intellectual property, technology and innovation, and areas where established fields are adapting to new challenges.”