In a remarkable testament to their academic excellence and legal prowess, Madeleine (Maddy) Nash and Hannah Yang have been named the recipients of the esteemed 2024 New Zealand Law Foundation Ethel Benjamin Scholarship. The scholarship, jointly awarded by the New Zealand Law Foundation and Universities New Zealand Te Pōkai Tara, will propel these trailblazing individuals to pursue their legal studies at the prestigious Harvard Law School.
Maddy Nash, a graduate of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, boasts an impressive academic record, having earned an LLB (Hons) in 2019 and a BCom (econ/fina) in 2020. Her exceptional performance earned her the Victoria Medal for ranking first in her cohort. Maddy's legal journey has been marked by notable experiences, including clerking for the Hon Justice William Young at the New Zealand Supreme Court | Te Kōti Mana Nui o Aotearoa and working across various legal domains at Meredith Connell, the Office of the Crown Solicitor in Auckland.
While Maddy's legal interests span a wide spectrum, she intends to focus on developing expertise in competition law, financial markets law, consumer law, and white-collar crime during her overseas study. Harvard Law School's renowned program will provide her with the opportunity to deepen her knowledge in these areas and forge valuable international connections. Maddy's passion for solving complex problems that draw on her multidisciplinary background in law, economics, and finance drives her pursuit of excellence.
Hannah Yang, a graduate of the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau with a BA/LLB (Hons), has already made significant strides in her legal career. After clerking for the Hon Justice Williams at the New Zealand Supreme Court | Te Kōti Mana Nui o Aotearoa, she currently serves as a Junior Barrister at Thorndon Chambers in Wellington. Hannah's exceptional intellect, empathy, and ability to approach legal issues with both a broad perspective and meticulous attention to detail have earned her high praise.
One of Hannah's key areas of interest lies in the evolution of public law in Aotearoa New Zealand and the increasing recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a constitutional document. She believes that further study into constitutional and democratic theory at Harvard Law School will equip her with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to New Zealand's Treaty jurisprudence. Hannah's commitment to shaping the future direction of the law in this area is both commendable and inspiring.
The Ethel Benjamin Scholarship, established in 1997 to commemorate the centenary of Ethel Benjamin's admission as the first woman barrister and solicitor in New Zealand, has been supporting postgraduate legal research aimed at protecting and promoting the legal interests of the New Zealand public for over 25 years. The scholarship, valued at up to $30,000, has played a crucial role in nurturing exceptional legal talent and fostering groundbreaking research.
As Maddy Nash and Hannah Yang embark on their Harvard Law School journey, they carry with them the legacy of Ethel Benjamin and the aspirations of a nation that values legal excellence and public service. Their achievements serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring lawyers and a testament to the transformative power of education and unwavering dedication.
The New Zealand legal community eagerly anticipates the contributions that Maddy and Hannah will make upon their return, as they share their acquired knowledge and insights to enrich the legal landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand. Their success story underscores the importance of supporting and nurturing exceptional talent, and the Ethel Benjamin Scholarship continues to play a vital role in this endeavor.
