In the Liberal Party, there are not too many bigger boots to fill than that of Peter Costello.

After the former Treasurer stood down from the seat of Higgins in Melbourne's eastern suburbs in 2009, it was his young staffer Kelly O'Dwyer who won Liberal Party pre-selection to replace him. She went on to easily retain the seat in a by-election.

O'Dwyer joined Costello's staff in 2004 after four years with Freehills, where she worked in the M&A group with partners such as Mike Ferraro.

When asked if she missed practicing law she simply stated that she "doesn't look back, but looks forward".

O'Dwyer says that being a lawyer has helped her as a politician to act as an advocate on a range of issues, and that in both jobs you meet a wide variety of people. She cites the fact that lawyers have strong opinions as a major reason why many within the profession turn to politics.

Related articles:

>> Dec 3, 2009: Former Freehills lawyer wins pre-selection

>> Sept 18. 2009: Lawyers line up for Higgins/Bradfield by-elections

Related articles >> Meet the legal candidates

Lawyers Weekly interviews six members of the legal profession from across the political spectrum who are throwing their hat into the ring this Saturday.

>> The Shadow Minister: Greg Hunt

>> The Independent Barrister: Matthew Hogg

>> Greens in the west: Kate Davis

>> The Marginal Member: David Bradbury

>> The Young Activist: Nathan Timmins