Liz Hug

Liz Hug is the founder and Principal Lawyer of Welcome Legal, a firm dedicated to Australian immigration and citizenship law. With a rich personal history of migration herself, Liz brings a unique empathy to her practice, understanding the aspirations of those wishing to call Australia home. An accomplished academic, she holds a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the Australian National University and a Master of Laws with Distinction from the University of New South Wales. Additionally, she possesses a Bachelor of Asian Studies from ANU. Admitted in 2003, Liz has since held an unrestricted practising certificate, allowing her to represent clients across Australia. Her career began in corporate and commercial law at national firms, which honed her skills in addressing both business and personal legal needs. Her tenure as Senior Legal Counsel with the federal Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research further augmented her expertise, especially in government dealings. Liz advised on significant procurements and funding initiatives, granting her profound insight into governmental operations. Liz's client roster includes public servants, academics, and professionals, all benefiting from her compassionate, non-judgemental approach. Her contributions to the community have earned her accolades such as the ACT Women Lawyers Association award and the ACT Law Society President’s Medal. A community-minded professional, Liz has interned with the UNHCR and volunteered with the Red Cross Migration Support Program. She also serves on the Legal Aid ACT panel of immigration lawyers and the Migration Law Steering Committee of the Law Council of Australia. In addition to her legal work, Liz is a certified yoga and meditation teacher, as well as a personal coach, reflecting her dedication to holistic wellbeing. Her passion for languages complements her legal practice, with knowledge in French, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Teochew Chinese, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse clientele.