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Last edited by Notorious Dutchess (talk | contribs) 24 hours ago. (Update) |
Jozef Maynard Borja Erece is a Filipino-New Zealander-Australian barrister known for being one of the youngest law graduates in Australian history. He completed his law degree at 18 and was called to the Bar in multiple jurisdictions including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Early life and education
[edit]Erece was born in New Zealand and later moved to Australia, where he began university studies early. At 18, he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), making headlines as Australia’s youngest known law graduate.[1]
He pursued further legal qualifications in the United Kingdom and the United States, passing the New York Bar Examination in July 2022.[2]
Legal career
[edit]After admission in Australia, Erece completed training at the Inns of Court and was called to the Bar of England and Wales at Lincoln’s Inn in 2023.[3] He is also listed as a barrister with Hemmant’s List in Queensland, Australia.[4]
His practice areas span international and commercial law, and he has written and spoken publicly on comparative legal systems and the professional expectations of young lawyers.
Recognition and media coverage
[edit]Erece's accomplishments have been widely covered by both Australian and Philippine media. In 2015, he was featured in the Australian legal publication Legal Cheek and The Lawyer Magazine for being admitted to practice at an unusually young age.[5][6]
In the Philippines, his journey was featured by Rappler, Inquirer, and Abogado.com.ph as an example of academic and professional excellence among the Filipino diaspora.[7][8]
He received an official commendation from the City Government of Baguio in 2015 for bringing international recognition to the city and serving as a role model for the youth.[9] Under Resolution No. 015, series of 2023, local legislators further recognized Erece's achievements, noting that although he had already been awarded House Resolution No. 2072 on 16 May 2014 by the House of Representatives during the 16th Congress—a congressional commendation and message of congratulations for graduating from law school in Australia at the age of 18—the scope of his accomplishments continued to inspire national pride. The resolution cited that "he may arguably be the most prodigious modern-day Filipino child prodigy."
Erece was also named a state finalist in the Queensland Young Achiever Awards.[10]
Legacy and public engagement
[edit]In addition to legal practice, Erece has contributed to discussions on education and youth development. He was a delegate to the 2017 World Conference of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC), where he participated in global conversations about the needs of high-ability learners.[11]
He has also granted interviews to legal platforms such as Survive Law, where he addressed the emotional and psychological demands placed on high-achieving youth, advocating for well-being alongside academic success.[12]
See also
[edit]External links
[edit]- ^ "18-year-old becomes youngest law graduate in Australian history". 9News. 2015-08-18.
- ^ "See Who Passed the July 2022 New York Bar Exam".
- ^ "Call to the Bar – Trinity Term 2023".
- ^ "Jozef Borja Erece – Hemmant's List".
- ^ "An 18-year-old kid has qualified as a solicitor".
- ^ "18-year-old law graduate one of the youngest ever".
- ^ "At 18, Filipino achiever set to become Australia's youngest lawyer".
- ^ "Law prodigy born to Filipino parents becomes a UK barrister".
- ^ Herald Express News Team. "City commends youngest law graduate, youngest practicing lawyer". Baguio Herald Express. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Queensland Young Achiever Awards – Finalists".
- ^ "17th WCGTC World Conference Program" (PDF).
- ^ "Q&A With Australia's Youngest Law Graduate".