Ms Emma Scott

Biography

Emma Scott is a lawyer with expertise in family law, children's rights, and children's legal access to medical treatment. She is currently completing a PhD at the University of Cambridge: ‘Assessing Competence: The Gillick Test and its Application in the Australian Family Court.' Her thesis, supervised by Professor Stephen Gilmore, explores the concept of Gillick competence and examines the evolution of competency principles in the context of gender and medical decision-making. Her work explores how courts navigate complex questions of autonomy, welfare, and parental responsibility. She is supported by the Cambridge Law Journal Studentship.

Emma has previously practised as a family lawyer and worked for judges at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Alongside her doctoral studies, she has contributed to journal and pro bono projects in areas of human rights, international law, and gender equity. Her research and practice reflect a broader interest in how law balances individuals' autonomy with broader social welfare interests. 

Education

• PhD candidate in law, University of Cambridge (2023 – present)
• Master of Laws, LL.M in Laws (Distinction), University of Sydney (2022)
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Australian National University (2019)
• Bachelor of Arts (International Relations)/Bachelor of Laws, Macquarie University (2014-2018)

Work Experience

• Assistant Administrator – Australian Advocacy Institute (2019 – 2023)
• Policy Officer, NSW Government (2022-2023)
• Solicitor – Family Law (2020-2022)
• Judicial Associate, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (2018-2020)

Academic Activities

• Executive Director, Cambridge Pro Bono Project (2025-2026)
• General Editor, Cambridge International Law Journal (2023-2024)
• Researcher, Cambridge Pro Bono Project on the Law of Infanticide (2023-2024)