Celia Welch: A life-changing decision
50 Years / 50 Voices: Learning law and changing lives is a commemorative volume marking the 50th anniversary of the ongoing Monash Law Clinical Program, a pioneering initiative in clinical legal education undertaken by the Faculty of Law at Monash University. 50 alumni of the Monash Law Clinical Program shared their story with 50 current students of the same program. This is an excerpt from the book.
Read more about 50 years of Monash Law Clinics and buy 50 Years / 50 Voices here
Law is Celia Welch’s second career. Welch’s first career was as a stage and production manager, where she worked with leading arts organisations on highprofile national productions and events. In 2013, she began studying part-time, enrolling in the Juris Doctor at Monash University. At that time, she wasn’t planning on a career transition. However, her final subject – a clinical placement – changed everything.
‘I didn’t know if I’d practise when I was studying,’ she says. ‘I was initially just keen to build my legal knowledge, but two factors changed that. One was doing the clinical placement and the other was a global pandemic, which disrupted the arts industry.’
Welch’s clinical placement accelerated her professional growth and she found it unexpectedly rewarding. ‘I learned from observing and working with the senior lawyers … seeing them in action, analysing and advising on a client’s legal issue,’ she says. ‘That was different from the academic side of a law degree.’
While Welch enjoyed the clinic’s friendly, collegial atmosphere and appreciated the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors, the highlight for her was the opportunity to practically apply what she’d learned on campus.
‘It took law from being a somewhat abstract, intellectual exercise and made it far more grounded and real,’ she explains. ‘I loved the combination of intellectual rigour and real-life application. It teaches you the client-facing, professional and interpersonal skills that studying doesn’t teach you.’
While working at the clinic, Welch also discovered that many of the skills she’d developed in her first career were transferrable, especially in relation to professional correspondence. She also realised the power of a single question: ‘Is there anything else you would like to tell me?’
‘It sometimes elicits the most important information,’ she says. ‘Information a client hasn’t previously mentioned.’
Celia Welch in Prato, Italy, as part of her JD studies.
Read more about 50 years of Monash Law Clinics and buy 50 Years / 50 Voices here
Welch’s time conducting client interviews and providing legal advice improved her communication and problem-solving skills. Perhaps even more importantly, she learned how to build rapport with people from diverse backgrounds.
Today, she applies these skills in commercial law – a field where clear thinking, adaptability and empathy are often just as crucial as expertise.
After completing her Juris Doctor, Welch started her career in general law, practising in wills and estates administration and property law. In 2023, Welch began practising commercial law at P&B Law, where she currently works.
Welch also practises in intellectual property law, and is particularly interested in copyright law. With her background in the arts and legal qualification, she’s well equipped to help clients in the creative industries to protect their work.
Welch is delighted that the bonds she forged at the clinic have proved enduring.
‘I’m still in contact with my mentors and those who were in my cohort. It’s always interesting to catch up and see where people’s careers have taken them.’
Welch argues Monash Law Clinics equip students with the real-world skills they’ll need to thrive in their future careers.
‘Practising law is vastly different to studying law … and you have to learn how to practise it. For me, the clinics bridged that gap and was my introduction to practising law in a broader societal context.’
Read more about 50 years of Monash Law Clinics and buy 50 Years / 50 Voices here
Get involved with Monash Law Clinics
Monash Law Clinics combine legal education with real-world impact, supporting access to justice while equipping students with practical, ethical and professional skills.
If you are a student interested in undertaking a clinical unit as part of your studies, explore the available clinical placements and elective options.
Whether you’re an alum, practitioner or organisation keen to support the clinics through hosting placements, partnerships, volunteering or funding, there’s a way to be involved. To learn more, contact Emily Collard, Industry & Alumni Engagement Manager, at emily.collard@monash.edu.