Traci Chen

Finding meaning and fulfilment in Migration Law.

Inspired by her parents who migrated from China, Flinders University law graduate Traci Chen (LLB/LP ’17) pursues meaning and fulfilment in her life and work. She was recently recognised for her dedication by winning the national Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Award for Migration Law.

‘My parents gave up their comfortable lives in China to move to Australia, where they cannot speak the language, just to give me a better chance at life,’ says Traci.

After leaving high school, Traci chose to study at Flinders for the cultural diversity, strong female presence in the lecturers and support staff, as well as the unique offering of Practical Legal Training as part of the degree.

’The diversity of the Flinders University students being global citizens and of all ages and walks of life gave me a different insight into the world,’ says Traci. ‘Learning from peers and understanding the world from their perspectives taught me to better relate to my peers and clients.’

Traci decided to specialise in Migration Law early in her studies at University and says, ‘being a migrant myself, it was something that resonated with me.”

At Flinders Traci immersed herself in every opportunity and actively pursued the knowledge and skills required to achieve a career in migration law.

While completing her studies, Traci worked as a law clerk at Doconade Adelaide Lawyers, a boutique law firm founded by Flinders graduate Peter Do (LLB/LP ’07, BA ’07), specialising in migration.

Traci is now a solicitor at Nevile & Co Commercial Lawyers in Melbourne and is grateful for the opportunity to work in the area of migration law.

‘I never thought that I would be able to work in an area so close to my heart,’ says Traci. ‘But I realised that if you find a niche area that you can truly identify with, whether that is because it was a part of your culture or childhood, it allows you to think from a place in your heart and head that you normally cannot.’