Annual Simpson Grierson Environmental Law Prize

Annual Simpson Grierson Environmental Law Prize

Presented to University of Waikato Student.

 18 September 2009:  With a grade of A+, Nicola Edwards scored first place in the University of Waikato's environmental law paper and, in doing so, secured herself the Simpson Grierson Environmental Law Prize for 2009.

Nicola was presented with a cheque for $1,000 by Simpson Grierson chairman Kevin Jaffe at a special prize-giving and morning tea at the firm's Auckland office this morning.

"The firm established the Environmental Law Prize in 1992 to recognise our long-standing relationship with the University of Waikato," said Mr Jaffe "Simpson Grierson is committed to rewarding academic excellence and it's been great to meet Nicola today and celebrate her success."

Nicola completed a conjoint LLB(hons)/BMS(hons) degree at Waikato University in 2003, before joining Treasury as an economic/financial analyst. After completing her O.E, she decided to pursue a legal career in the commercial team of a Waikato law firm. This year, she made the switch to environmental law, lured by the appeal of interpreting the Resource Management Act and case law. Nicola was encouraged by her colleagues to complete the environmental law paper and says it has "really helped me in my job".

Kevin Jaffe, partners Heather Ash and Paddy McNamara, senior associate and Waikato alumni James Hassall, associates Felicity Wood and Sally Carnachan, solicitor Sarah Nolan, and other Simpson Grierson staff celebrated Nicola's achievement at the prize-giving along with Waikato Law School Dean Brad Morse and Senior Lecturer - Trevor Daya-Winterbottom.

"The Waikato Law School is extremely pleased with the success of Nikki Edwards in our final year environmental law paper. The paper is demanding and has a strong practical base, with contributions from leading practitioners, including Bill Loutit of Simpson Grierson, and judges and consultants," said Mr Daya-Winterbottom.

Dean Morse added, "The School thanks Simpson Grierson for its generosity in awarding the prize and values the continuing relationship with the firm."

And what did the prize winner think of her achievement? "Winning the prize has meant a lot to me because I plan to develop my career in environmental law and it has reinforced that this is something that I am good at and enjoy.  It is very nice to be rewarded for something that I am passionate about."

ENDS

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