Annie Zheng, Class of 2007
What have you been doing since you left Kilvington?
I graduated from Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Science and a Juris Doctor. I spent my first 3 years working at Allens Linklaters, one of Australia’s top-tier law firms. I then spent 2 years working as in-house counsel for JB Hi-Fi. Currently I work as a mergers & acquisitions attorney for Kirkland and Ellis, the largest law firm in the US, in their San Francisco office.
What has been your career highlight so far?
Passing the California Bar Exam this year, which allows me to become qualified as a practicing attorney in California. It’s a notoriously difficult exam and this year the exam had a pass rate of 26.8%, so I’m very glad I passed!
What are your future plans?
To continue building my legal experience in the US for a few more years, visit some of the great national parks in North America and finding a way to give back to other law students and young lawyers in Australia.
What are your memories of Kilvington?
Without the support of friends and teachers at Kilvington, I would never have had the self-confidence to pursue a law degree in the first place! My best friends from year 7 and 8 are still my best friends now, and continue to be my constant support network — we Whatsapp about 10 times a day! It just goes to show how strong the bonds forged over Year 7 English and Maths can be. My favourite activities at Kilvington were House Arts (go Barrett! I think we won in year 12), English with Mrs Dillon, who always managed to breathe life into every lesson (no matter the topic), and Biology with Ms Lampman, who always encouraged us to be curious. Nonetheless, my best memories of life at Kilvington are made up of the small things – random conversations in the hallway between classes, joking around in the Treehouse and making Jasper Road Maccas runs during free periods. Class of ’07 was made up of kind, funny and caring girls, and the same can be said of our teachers, who were always generous with their time and advice. I consider myself very lucky to have grown up at Kilvington.