MOTHER AND DAUGHTER LEGALLY BOND
ALEXANDRA Hughes attended university lectures in the early years of her life, well before she started school, as her mother forged a career in law.
Twenty years later that little girl has graduated with her own degree at Bond University.
Alexandra’s mother, Gina, juggled both study, a job at Jupiters and motherhood in the halls of Bond while completing her legal degree to graduate in October 1998.
“I had both of my girls while I studied at Bond as a mature-age student,” said Gina Hughes.
“I remember one lecturer in particular saying my girls would get degrees as well when I graduated just because they’ve sat through all the lectures – but this one has earned it herself.”
Mrs Hughes started her family law and conveyancing firm Hughes Lawyers at Mermaid Beach in 2004.
“I don’t know if Bond had too many pregnant students back then, so I was glad of the support,” she said.
For Alexandra, joining the family business felt like a natural step.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I left school, but after watching mum help people and deal with them directly made law seem like the right path,” she said.
“Now I work with mum I think I see another side to her. It is amazing to be able to watch her work.
“At times we have our differences but I don’t think I would have as much support working anywhere else. We are always side-by-side.”
Alexandra will be admitted to practice in December and her mother will be moving her admission.