Remeny Twigden finds purpose through practice in Monash Law Clinics
Written by James Brandis, Senior Communications and Content Coordinator.
Remeny Twigden (front, second from right) with her Prof Prac colleagues.
Remeny Twigden’s experience in clinical legal education was more than just a law degree unit, it was a turning point. As a 2024 graduate of the Juris Doctor (JD) program, Remeny credits her time in the Monash Law Clinics with shaping her career aspirations and giving her the confidence to pursue work in the community legal sector.
“My aspiration going forward is to work in the community legal space, which is why I really enjoyed the clinic and am back there now as a paralegal,” Remeny said.
Remeny completed the Professional Practice (Prof Prac) unit at Monash Law Clinics in Melbourne CBD between January and May 2025. She chose the general stream, which exposed her to a wide range of legal matters.
“We did a lot of Centrelink matters, consumer matters, tenancy matters, criminal matters… it’s just so broad,” she explained.
“As someone who doesn’t really have an area of law picked out for my future, it was awesome to be able to do all of those things.”
The hands-on nature of the clinic made a lasting impression on Remeny who had developed a deep understanding of legal theory in her JD, but hadn’t been exposed to how that theory applied to people’s lives.
“It is so practical and hands-on and it just lets you apply all of the things you’ve learned in all of the other subjects,” Remeny said.
“Being able to see that next step of applying it to helping someone was super fulfilling.”
Before starting Prof Prac, Remeny hoped to gain practical experience and specifically chose this 16 week clinic because she wanted as much time there as she could possibly have. In addition to the practical experience, she found that she learned so much more.
“My drafting is hugely improved and my ability to communicate with clients is hugely improved,” she said. “I pretty much found the area of law I want to work in, which is in this community legal setting with really vulnerable clients. It’s not something I’d really had too much experience with before.”
Remeny’s passion for the Prof Prac clinic was clear to see in the eyes of her supervisors. Ultimately, her performance during the clinic led to an unexpected opportunity in the form of a paralegal role at Monash Law Clinics.
“They haven’t had paralegals before… it’s been interesting to build the role as we go,” she said.
“The paralegal role came about because I’d done the Prof Prac experience and my supervisor said I’d done really good work. W hen the funding opportunity came through, they reached out to me via email and invited me back.”
Remeny now hopes to apply for the Victoria Legal Aid new lawyer program and continue working in community legal centres.
“It’s definitely the place that I feel most fulfilled,” she said.
“I really, really love working with clients . Getting to talk to them and work together on their matter. That I think is a little bit different from commercial work.”
To supporters of clinical legal education, Remeny offered a clear message of gratitude and thanks.
“ I think it’s absolutely essential for someone who intends to work in legal practice to do something like this. It’s also an incredibly supportive environment that lets you take risks and try things you might not be able to try if you were in an employed environment.”
“If you were to start out in practice without having done something like this, I think it would be a lot harder.”