2015 pre-penultimate guide
DESCRIPTION
This is the 2015 edition of the Pre-Penultimate Guide published by the UTS Law Students' Society.TRANSCRIPT
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2015pre-penultimate GuiDe
UTS LAW STUDENTS’ SOCIETY
2015 PRE-‐PENULTIMATE GUIDE EDITOR & UTS LSS CAREERS (PUBLICATIONS) DIRECTOR Yvonne NEHME EDITORS Olivia FISHER Jessica PHAM DESIGNER Elyse KERR CONTRIBUTORS Paul BONJOUR Olivia FISHER Jessica PHAM Daria KONNOVA Vanessa JIANG
Genartha VALENTINA Sheonaigh RENNIE Ava HANCOCK Krista HIOB Jerome GERMAIN
Jason CORBETT Sharni NICHOLS James MCGRATH Courtney LAWES
DEAN OF LAW Professor Lesley HITCHINS UTS LSS PRESIDENT Ashleigh BARNES UTS LSS VICE PRESIDENT (SPONSORSHIP & CAREERS) Francesca ELIAS ARCIULI WITH THANKS TO Kwik Kopy Neutral Bay UTS Law Students’ Society C/-‐Faculty of Law UTS PO Box 123 Broadway NSW, 2007 Australia
P: +61 2 9514 3448 Copyright & Disclaimer
© 2015 UTS Law Students Society This publication is copyright. Except where permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of this publication may in any form or by any means (electronic or otherwise) be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any process, without specific written consent of the UTS Law Students’ Society. Enquiries are to be addressed to the publishers. Disclaimer: The articles and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Law Students’ Society, the editor or the UTS Faculty of Law. Although the editor and authors have taken every care in preparing and writing the guide, they expressly disclaim and accept no liability for any errors, omissions, misuse or misunderstandings on the part of any person who uses or replies upon it. The editor, authors and UTS Law Students’ Society accept no responsibility for any damage, injury or loss occasioned to any person or entity, whether law student or otherwise, as a result of a person relying, wholly or in part, on any material included, omitted or implied in this publication. The user of this guide acknowledges that he or she will take responsibility for his or her actions and will under no circumstances hold the editor, authors or UTS Law Students’ Society responsible for any damage resulting to the user or anyone else from use of this publication.
2015 PRE-‐PENULTIMATE GUIDE EDITOR & UTS LSS CAREERS (PUBLICATIONS) DIRECTOR Yvonne NEHME EDITORS Olivia FISHER Jessica PHAM DESIGNER Elyse KERR CONTRIBUTORS Paul BONJOUR Olivia FISHER Jessica PHAM Daria KONNOVA Vanessa JIANG
Genartha VALENTINA Sheonaigh RENNIE Ava HANCOCK Krista HIOB Jerome GERMAIN
Jason CORBETT Sharni NICHOLS James MCGRATH Courtney LAWES
DEAN OF LAW Professor Lesley HITCHINS UTS LSS PRESIDENT Ashleigh BARNES UTS LSS VICE PRESIDENT (SPONSORSHIP & CAREERS) Francesca ELIAS ARCIULI WITH THANKS TO Kwik Kopy Neutral Bay UTS Law Students’ Society C/-‐Faculty of Law UTS PO Box 123 Broadway NSW, 2007 Australia
P: +61 2 9514 3448 Copyright & Disclaimer
© 2015 UTS Law Students Society This publication is copyright. Except where permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of this publication may in any form or by any means (electronic or otherwise) be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any process, without specific written consent of the UTS Law Students’ Society. Enquiries are to be addressed to the publishers. Disclaimer: The articles and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Law Students’ Society, the editor or the UTS Faculty of Law. Although the editor and authors have taken every care in preparing and writing the guide, they expressly disclaim and accept no liability for any errors, omissions, misuse or misunderstandings on the part of any person who uses or replies upon it. The editor, authors and UTS Law Students’ Society accept no responsibility for any damage, injury or loss occasioned to any person or entity, whether law student or otherwise, as a result of a person relying, wholly or in part, on any material included, omitted or implied in this publication. The user of this guide acknowledges that he or she will take responsibility for his or her actions and will under no circumstances hold the editor, authors or UTS Law Students’ Society responsible for any damage resulting to the user or anyone else from use of this publication.
Lesley HITCHENS
taBle OF COntentS
meSSaGe FrOm tHe DeanmeSSaGe FrOm tHe utS lSSten tOp tipS FOr YOur COver letter anD Cv
Career OppOrtunitieS WHilSt StuDYinGMerits of a Non-Legal Industry JobWorking while studying – how to cope with it all
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extra-CurriCular OppOrtunitieSThree simple ways to set yourself up for a careerThe Brennan ProgramLegal Skills Competitions UTS:BUiLDVolunteer Opportunities
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OtHer StuDent OppOrtunitieSStudy TechniquesExchange and Mentoring Programs Mental Health
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MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
LESLEY HITCHENS
DEANUTS LAW SCHOOL
Welcome to the 2015 edition ofthe Pre-Penultimate Guide. This Guide will provide you with ideas and insight into how you can get the most out of your law degree, now that you are in your pre-penultimate year. This is valuable as it ensures that you have the time to better prepare yourself to undertake potential opportunities, whether they be in relation to your future career, travel programs or community involvement.
Knowing about these possible options may influence you in your choice of electives or it may inspire you to investigate more fully those career paths that interest you most and which you may not have thought of when you started university.
The Guide includes information about the many extra-curricular activities that are available at UTS. Research shows that those students who become involved with student activities at university have a much more satisfying student experience (and a much more interesting CV!).
There is a great range of programs and activities available across the university and if you like the idea of one of the activities, give it a try. The Law Faculty and the UTS LSS are particularly active in offering extra-curricular programs that build connectedness and valuable skills. Becoming involved in programs such as the Brennan Justice and Leadership Program or the UTS LSS Competitions offer enjoyment and rich
experiences. These are also the types of activities that further develop the graduate attributes which we value highly in the law program and which employers are looking for on a CV when considering potential employees.
Other articles in this Guide share study tips and discuss mental wellbeing, a particularly important topic while at law school to ensure that you build resilience and value balance, before entering the professional world.
I hope that you will find the Guide to be very informative and helpful. Above all, be inspired and get involved!
Best wishes.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE UTS LSS
ASHLEIGH BARNES
YVONNE NEHME
PRESIDENTUTS LAW STUDENTS’ SOCIETY
CAREERS (PUBLICATIONS) DIRECTORUTS LAW STUDENTS’ SOCIETY
The UTS LSS firmly believes it is never too early (or too late) to start thinking about your career. The Pre-Penultimate Guide is a testament to this belief and we encourage you to seize the opportunities it presents to you.
Your pre-penultimate year is an important time. A well-rounded CV will hold you in good stead to excel, irrespective of what your future holds. For those interested in pursuing the Summer Clerkship Program, you have about 12 months to ensure you are the student they are seeking! Beyond this path, every employer, be it corporate or otherwise, will look to your involvement in university as an indicator of your capability, your ambitions and your direction.
Being involved at university will benefit you far beyond a strong CV. It will expand your skill set, including your communication, analysis and problem solving skills. It will also expand your network, with huge potential to form
lifelong friendships with like-minded individuals or to engage with eminent members of the profession (including potential employers!). Moreover, it will expand your life experiences and most importantly, help you to understand the career path that you are seeking.
Whether you have been heavily involved until this point, or are only just gaining the courage to speak up in class, there is so much scope for you to make active choices in this period that will advance your career prospects. I encourage you to sign up to anything and everything that furthers your interests, whilst still managing your time and looking after your wellbeing. Rest assured, there are articles in this Guide to help you with that side of it too!
Be informed and be inspired!
The UTS LSS is proud to present to you our bi-annual Pre-Penultimate Guide. Whether, you have just started your law school journey or are now finding yourself in your third year; it is never too early to start thinking about life beyond Law School.
This Guide aims to provide a source of inspiration and stipulate ways in which you can make your CV stand out. Before you know it, you may be applying for Summer Clerkships with commercial law firms or graduate jobs in the law or other areas. Developing your CV early on will hold you in good stead no matter which career path you pursue.
The wide reach of the law and the all-encompassing nature of its study can lead you to a wide variety of career paths, which you can learn more about in the 2015 Careers Guide. Regardless of whether or not you choose to pursue a career in law, the best way
to learn which area is right for you is by engaging with many different employment and other opportunities throughout your studies.
Volunteer work, mentoring programs and legal skills competitions are some examples of opportunities that are not to be missed. Not only do they look impressive on your CV, they also provide the invaluable opportunity to meet a variety of people (including potential employers).
I hope this Guide encourages you to consider career-orientated and extra-curricular opportunities, in hope of securing that dream role – whatever that may be!
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COVER LETTER WHAT IS IT?
A cover letter is a single page that accompanies your CV and job application, and is the very first point of contact that a recruiter will have with you. It should read like an “introductory handshake”, so make it strong and memorable! 10 TIPS!
Address it to the recruiter: Find out the name of this person and ensure that you address it to them, not the unknown entity of ‘whom it may concern’. 1. Structure – the 3 “whys”: Although there is no single
“correct” way to write a cover letter, it should answer the following 3 questions: WHY are you writing, WHY that firm/company and WHY you?
As for why you are writing, that answer is simple – to apply for that job. It will take specific research to answer the second question and this is vital (see the point below). As for why you are right for that job, you may mention your varied skill-set, passion and capability to undertake the job in question.
2. Make it personal: You must ensure your cover letter is not generic. A generic CV is a big red flag to potential employers that you have sent it around to multiple companies and aren’t truly set on a position in their company. Take the effort to research that potential employer and find the aspects that appeal to you. Do you identify with their values? Do they have international opportunities? Are their various accolades a testament to their excellence, or perhaps their renowned culture?
3. Whatever you say, make sure you can back it up in an interview, as you don’t want to be caught out!
4. Use plain English: You don’t get any points for confusing the recruiter with needlessly “sophisticated” language. Further, the ability to communicate clearly is a highly sought after skill in all industries, so it is best to demonstrate it.
5. Pay attention to detail: Again, if you claim that you possess strong attention to detail, demonstrate it. Ensure there are no spelling mistakes, you have addressed it to the correct person and formatting is consistent.
6. Use an active voice: This may be taking some of you back to primary school grammar lessons, but it is important. In a nutshell, this means that the subject (i.e. you) performs the action stated by the verb e.g. ‘I participate in the Brennan Justice & Leadership Program’. Using an active voice makes your sentences flow better and enables the reader to emotionally connect with you, compared to the passive voice, which pushes the reader away.
7. 1 page = 1 page: Maximum.
8. Sell yourself: While many people find self-promotion difficult, this is not the time to let those preoccupations get in the way of you doing so. Use the first person (i.e ‘I’, ‘me and ‘my’) and highlight your achievements that your potential employer may take an interest in, including volunteer work at charities they support or transferrable skills obtained through legal skills competitions.
9. You may want to highlight a personal connection: If you have a friend who works for the company and exemplifies their values, you may want to mention how this person has influenced your decision to apply for this job. Make sure that you seek their permission to do so first!
10. Have someone else proof read your cover letter: You will eventually end up reading what you think should be there, a fresh set of eyes will be able to tell you what may be missing.
TEN TOP TIPS FOR YOUR COVER LETTER AND CVFRANCESCA ELIAS ARCIULI
This Guide speaks a lot about opportunities to build your CV, given that it is a major focal point when you are on the hunt for a job. It therefore seems logical that we present you with some tips on how to actually write your CV, and the oh-so feared document that is the Cover Letter. Drawing on personal experience, advice and knowledge accrued through the 2015 Minter Ellison CV and Cover Letter Workshop, below are some key tips to make sure that your Cover Letter and CV stand out.
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CV WHAT IS IT?
While not everyone will have had experience in writing a cover letter by now, hopefully you will all have a budding CV! Your CV should provide a high level of detail about your achievements, particularly in relation to your academic, leadership and work successes. 10 TIPS! 1. 3 page rule: Generally, 3 pages is a good limit, given the
large volume of applications recruiters are required to read. This means that you must be concise and maintain clear formatting.
While CV, or Curriculum Vitæ, may translate into “course of life” in Latin, this is not an invitation to include the fact you received a Merit Award in primary school. Making your CV concise also means keeping it relevant. While you may include some notable achievements from high school it is best to consider whether certain achievements demonstrate your development of a skill, or are perhaps irrelevant and out-dated.
2. Be honest: Studies consistently show that around one third of people embellish their degree qualifications on their CV (and I would hate to think about what other “minor” details people embellish). The bottom line is, don’t lie. An employer would much rather teach you skills that you don’t know, rather than find that you cannot achieve the tasks set for you because you don’t have the requisite knowledge you claimed to possess.
3. Include your personal details at the top: This includes your name and any previous names, contact number, email address and home address. You may also want to include your Linked In profile web address, and a Twitter handle or other social media link, if it is relevant to the job description.
4. Structure – what to include: While there is no set way to write a CV, it does have a more standard form
than a cover letter. You must include your academic qualifications, paid and unpaid employment history, notable achievements and referees.
Notable achievements may include leadership positions, extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, the uptake of travel opportunities or writing for a publication or blog. Including an unconventional achievement in this section may also be a good discussion point in your interview. You can choose to split this up by topic (e.g. volunteer work, extra-curricular etc) or by year.
5. Don’t dismiss ‘hobbies and interests’ as irrelevant: Employers are increasingly advertising that they value work-life balance, and they want to see that you do too. Even if it is just 1-2 lines, it is good for employers to see that they are not working with a robot.
6. Highlight skills: Instead of just stating your duties at work or in a leadership position, it is a good idea to elaborate on what skills the experience helped you to develop.
7. Use subheadings: Signpost your CV for the recruiter. The aim is to make it as easy to read as possible.
8. Consider using 1.15-1.5 spacing: Again, make it as easy to read as possible.
9. Obtain approval to provide referees’ details: If you provide their details in your CV and state that they are available upon request, make sure that your referees consent to their details being distributed and are on notice to receive a phone call.
10. It’s not too late to add to it! There are so many university activities you can get involved in to add to your CV, which not only hold this benefit but also help you to meet new people and learn new skills. From legal skills competitions to volunteer work, writing for publications to sport, there are opportunities to suit everyone!
FLEXIBLE DELIVERY> Offered full-time and part-time.
> Distance mode with limited on-campus attendance.
> On-campus mode offered as both day and evening classes.
> 3 intakes per year: Summer, Autumn and Spring.
> Lectures recorded.
LPAB ACCREDITATIONThe UTS PLT Program is fully accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board of NSW.
GET A HEAD START> At UTS you can concurrently undertake your Practical Experience with your PLT coursework subjects.
> Usually you may commence PLT when you have completed all core law subjects and have no more than two electives remaining.
VALUE FOR MONEYOur fees compare very favourably against other providers and FEE -HELP is available to cover the costof completing PLT.
Further information on gaining admission as a lawyer in New South Wales is provided by Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) via lpab.lawlink.nsw.gov.au
law.uts.edu.au
UNIVERSITY QUALITY
> Gain a university qualification taught at the Level 8 Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) standard.
> UTS PLT subjects focus on a student’s competence in the required knowledge, skills and values as set out in the LPAB Admissions Rules (referred to as Competencies). All assessments are based on the Competencies and are marked in accordance with the UTS policy of criterion-based assessment.
EMPLOYER ENDORSEDThe program is highly regarded in the legal profession including top tier legal firms, government and in the private sector.
course
UTS:LAW
UTS CRICOS PROVIDER CODE: 00099F
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THE MERITS OF A NON-LEGAL INDUSTRY JOBOLIVIA FISHER
From the perspective of your student pockets, the beauty of attaining employment while studying cannot be overstated. A position within your future industry may be particularly welcome. Toiling away in a legal job will likely see you forge professional relationships, acquire coveted CV-worthy experience and gain a deep knowledge of both the law and industry practices. It should be remembered, however, that many of the skills worth taking away from jobs are those considered to be transferable. Importantly, these skills are by no means exclusive to the legal industry. Enter, stage left: the non-legal industry job.
The job in question may present as a stint in hospitality, work as a sales consultant, tutor or administrative assistant. Regardless of your job, it is likely that it will encourage some definition of excellence. Compliance with company techniques, strategies and goals will exercise your professionalism. A future employer, including one within the legal industry, would only find value in this. First, it is proof of your cultural fit and flexibility as an employee. Secondly, it demonstrates commitment and thoughtfulness in the workplace. These are all indicators of an employee capable of engaging excellently with clients, in a way consistent with company values.
Closely associated is the development of communication skills. This represents good news for the non-legal employee. If your current job is built on teamwork, you have a case for your ability to transfer the interpersonal skills at your command to a cooperative approach in a legal office. The same applies to a job involving frontline service or customer relations. Encountering a diverse range of people
will maximise your empathy and prime you for liaising with varied stakeholders. Your ability to listen actively, communicate clearly and maintain a friendly face even when a customer does not seem to be right will be useful for dealing with an unpredictable client.
Finally, resolving challenges arising from your non-legal job will develop your resilience. Whether it is dealing with an unhappy supervisor or having to gain quick mastery over a program, you should not underestimate the value in learning to think logically and retain composure under pressure. The grit gained in such scenarios also has application in the long term. Consider the practise in self-management that comes with balancing your degree and extra-curricular activities.
Indeed, an underrated part of managing your future legal career is to cultivate interests beyond the law. If you encounter difficulty within the course of study, sometimes the best solution is to step away from the books. Working a shift in your non-legal job may be the constructive break you need in order to regroup and tackle a pesky problem with fresh vision. A future legal employer will see the ability of the well-rounded graduate to transfer their balanced approach to firm life.
Ultimately, it is worth reframing the object of your next job search to seek transferable skills. Skills applicable to the legal industry can be nurtured in any industry of your choosing.
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There are a number of reasons why students choose to work whilst studying. Some students have moved away from home and have found the various costs associated with higher education exorbitant, whereas for others, it could just be for the sake of getting a hold of a bit of spending money. Whether or not it is for one of these reasons, working whilst studying can be extremely tiresome as having to balance work and study can take a toll on your emotional, mental and physical health.
I have personally found it to be an enriching experience that provides countless benefits, including:
• Financial implications: The extra cash from working can cover the cost of living more comfortably and leave aside some money for some fun.
• Budgeting skills: Students who earn their own money will tend to spend it wisely. Working while studying can be arduous, whether you are balancing work with part or full time study, hard-earned money can be difficult to part with. Students are more likely to save their money for necessities such as textbooks and rent.
• Time management: Students with jobs have less free time, which means that they often become more organised, better planners and learn to prioritise. It means that there is less time to procrastinate, which often leads to more productivity.
• Career pathway: Your work experience will help you stand out from the crowd at an interview and will allow you to become familiar with forming professional relationships at an early stage.
• Transferrable skills: You will develop teamwork skills, the ability to solve problems and learn to take initiative in projects. Future employers will see that you are ambitious and have an excellent work ethic.
Admittedly, these benefits from work experience cost time and effort, which can be difficult to maintain as assessments and exams draw near. I have found the tips below not only to be useful, but necessary!:
• Learn and manage your time and prioritise: Know the deadlines you have approaching for your assessments, work duties, social commitments and other responsibilities - and write them down! This will allow you to allocate your time effectively to prevent you from becoming overwhelmed, in addition to having a tangible reminder and point of reference (whether that be online or in hard-copy) as these deadlines draw near.
• Inform your work colleagues that you are also studying: Your colleagues will have also studied at some point during their lives and all will have juggled multiple commitments. If you don’t voice the fact that you may be struggling to meet a deadline or are stressed with your current workload, they will never know, and can therefore not take steps to help you. It may be as simple as having a co-worker cover a shift or act as a sounding board to vent your frustrations to. Whatever the case, as study is a key priority, your communication on this point is vital.
• Learn to make time for family and friends: I found that this was essential for me as it gave me time to unwind and keep the most important things in life close to mind. Take an afternoon out to see a movie, go for a walk or cook dinner at home.
• Don’t overwork yourself: If you ever feel run down or burnt out, let your employer know and perhaps ask for some time off. This can improve productivity and allow you to take some time to re-organise yourself.
WORkING WHILST STUDYING – HOW TO COPE WITH IT ALL JESSICA PHAM
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CAN’T WAIT TO CU!
Want the inside scoop on landing a role at Clayton Utz?Find it on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/ClaytonUtzCareers
Graduate Recruitment_A4_Portrait_Colour_2015.indd 1 25/06/2015 12:38:24 PM
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THREE SIMPLE WAYS TO SET YOURSELF UP FOR YOUR CAREER SHEONAIgH RENNIE – CONSULTANT (BUSINESS & LAW), UTS: CAREERS
Your professional career is so far away, but everyone’s talking about building up a competitive CV to ensure a place in the future job market. You’re thinking you need to keep your finger on the pulse, but how do you figure out what your options are? There’s an easy and fun way to explore this. Let me talk you through it. The LinkedIn Alumni Tool was created so that you can keep connected with UTS Graduates; and who better to connect with, when you’re trying to figure out the best way forward! The profiles of UTS graduates on LinkedIn are full of valuable information which can act as clues, to guide and direct your efforts towards preparing yourself for a successful career. In this article, you’ll get a glimpse into the type of information LinkedIn can provide and my hope is that you’ll be encouraged to explore the value of this tool yourself:
ARE EMPLOYERS REALLY IMPRESSED BY VOLUNTEERINg?
1. Wouldn’t they rather see that you’ve had paid employment? You might be surprised to know that research suggests that volunteering is associated with 27% higher odds of employment (Office of Research & Evaluation, Corporation for National and Community Service, 2013). This is good news, as the number of opportunities available to you, vastly increase once you add volunteering into the mix. So who could you volunteer for? LinkedIn reveals to us that UTS Law Students have volunteered at the following places in the past:
• Research Assistant: Communications Law Centre; • Student Legal Volunteer: Aboriginal Legal Service; • Research Volunteer (Anti Human Trafficking):
Negros Nine Human Development Foundation Inc;
• Relay for Life Events Assistant: The Cancer Council NSW;
• Programmes Manager: Folk Charities
• Secretary: NSW Young Lawyers • Law Clerk: Manly Community Legal Centre • Legal Intern: Redfern Legal Centre • Board Member: Non-profit;
Maybe one of the options above sparks your interest. Read on for some more ideas of how you can get ahead of the pack.
IS IT REALLY WORTH IT TO TAkE ON ExTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES?
2. You’ve got loads of study to do and getting high grades seems to be more important. You should just focus on your studies right? Well…. let’s reframe the term ‘extracurricular activities’ into something a little more exciting and see if that helps clear things up. What are extracurricular activities and why does everyone think they are a good idea? I think that the following phrase may cut to the chase. Extracurricular activities are ’fun ‘out of class’ adventures where you get to meet and interact with new people whilst learning new skills and attributes, which will ultimately show an employer that you’re an interesting, enthusiastic, lively participant of life who would be a delight to work with’. Maybe it’s worth considering one or two of the following options:
• International Student Exchange Program • EY Career Compass Program • Brennan Justice and Leadership Program • The Hatchery Entrepreneurship Program (maybe
you could even enter into the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards!)
• 40K Globe Program • United National Human Rights Council Internship
Program
The next section highlights an approach that you may not have thought about before.
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WHAT ARE YOUR REAL ‘STAND OUT’ POINTS?
3. You really want to set yourself apart, but how do you differentiate yourself from your peers? You’ll be happy to know, that if you are determined, then there is a way. Research suggests that only 17% of us spend time developing and nurturing our personal brands (Funston, Quach & Lacuone, 2012). An effective personal brand will demonstrate how you are unique and will definitely help to set you apart from your peers, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. If you are keen to explore the concept of personal branding and to start experimenting, you could start by asking yourself the following three questions:
• What do I do that adds significant, measurable, distinctive value?
• What do I do that I’m most proud of? • What have I accomplished that I can
unequivocally take credit for?
Answering questions such as these can help you to identify your ‘personal brand statement’. Once you have a statement, you can proactively create ways to communicate your personal brand out to the world. You could do this through contributing knowledge by speaking, writing or teaching. There are plenty of opportunities just waiting for your input. Here are some examples that I found using the LinkedIn Alumni Tool:
• Writer: Survive Law • Submission Writer: NSW Young Lawyers Human
Rights Committee • Ambassador and Newspaper Editor: The Roar
Effect • Mentor/Tutor: Australian Refugee Association • Ambassador: U@Uni HSC; UTS • Keynote Speaker, Workshop Facilitator or Panel
Member: Conference or Symposium
So there you have it. A quick snap-shot of some of the opportunities you have in front of you, to build your CV during the earlier years of your degree. I encourage you to explore the LinkedIn Alumni Tool yourself. There are loads of other fantastic opportunities for Law students and if you’re not sure how to get started, UTS: Careers can help. Check out some of their useful resources below:
• 15 minute Drop-in Service • Career Consultation • CareerHub • StudentJobs@UTS • Internship & Volunteering Fair – Wednesday 5 August
REFERENCES
Funston, L., Quach, H., & Lacuone, D. (2012). Personal branding. Retrieved from the Image Group International website: http://imagegroup.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Personal-Branding-Survey-Report-AIM-IGI.pdf
Office of Research & Evaluation, Corporation for National and Community Service. (2013). Volunteering as a Pathway to Employment. Washington, DC: Spera, C., Ghertner, R., Nerino, A., DiTommaso, A.
aspire. contribute. thrive.
summerclerks
aspire. what are your hopes and ambitions for the future?
contribute. how will you make a difference to HDY, our profession and our community?
thrive. what do you need to reach your full potential?
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THE BRENNAN PROGRAM PAUL BONJOUR
If you have not heard of the Brennan Justice & Leadership Program yet, what rock have you been hiding under? As the leading program for UTS law students, this exclusive program ensures that participants become well-rounded, passionate and socially-aware professionals.
The Brennan Program is a joint initiative of the UTS Law Students’ Society (LSS) and the UTS Faculty of Law. The Program serves to strengthen the social justice consciousness of law students, as well as to develop their leadership skills. Through the Program, students can meet and learn from academics and practitioners that critique inequitable doctrines and who propose reforms to the current legal system. It also strongly encourages students to engage in community work outside of the classroom.
WHAT DOES THE BRENNAN PROgRAM ENTAIL? To graduate from the Brennan Program, the requirements are two-fold.
First, students must accrue 100 Reflections on Justice (ROJ) points. This may include participation in discussion groups, lectures and seminars that stimulate an analysis of ethical and judicial matters. This year we have had a panel and film screening on the Bowraville Indigenous children murders, a presentation by the China-based Zhicheng Human Rights Lawyers and a lecture by the Honourable Michael Kirby relating to HIV and the need to reform global patent laws to name a few.
Second, students are required to volunteer their time to the community for a minimum of 200 hours, demonstrating Leadership through Service. This can be in the form of an unpaid long-term commitment for a not-for-profit organisation or volunteering for one-off events. This year, the Brennan Program has run visits to the Westmead Children’s Hospital and Villawood Detention Centre, which exposed students to the quality of life of asylum-seeking detainees. The UTS LSS Vice President (Social Justice), Cecilia Ngu, and Equity Director, Brigida Johns, regularly post volunteer
opportunities on the UTS LSS Legal and Social Justice opportunities Facebook group and on the UTS LSS Website.
WHY VOLUNTEER? The Brennan Program is based on the premise that the skills students develop at university can be applied for the benefit of society, helping to alleviate injustice and build strong communities. With numerous studies also testifying to its benefits for individuals, it is little wonder why everybody isn’t volunteering their time for a worthy cause!
Volunteering exposes students to the inequities in Australian society, not only teaching them the methods that can be adopted to effectively confront injustice, but also fostering their passion for these issues. It is this passion that allows successful volunteers to feel rewarded and develop the service mentality that will hold them in good stead, no matter where their studies may lead. It also teaches students a variety of practical skills including communication and interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, resourcefulness and innovation.
HOW DO I RECORD MY PARTICIPATION? As a registered member of the Brennan Program, you are able to record your Leadership through Service Hours by submitting a Pre-approval and/or Past Claiming form to Alexa Dodd at [email protected]. This form can be found on the Brennan Program subject link on UTS Online under the Program Information and Guides Tab. The form will ask various questions that concern the nature and duration of the service, which is to be signed off by the organisation supervisor. Brennan Program students can claim their volunteering hours retrospectively providing that they were already enrolled at UTS. Additionally, students can record their Reflection on Justice points by posting a short reflection blog about each event in their personal learning space on UTS Online.
If you have any questions about how to get involved or complete the Brennan Program, please contact Brennan Program Director, Paul Bonjour, at [email protected].
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LEGAL SkILLS COMPETITIONS
WHY gET INVOLVED IN COMPETITIONS?Legal skills competitions are a practical opportunity to develop your legal knowledge and professional skills outside the classroom. In essence, they offer you the opportunity to pretend you already are a lawyer, living out your day-to-day lawyerly activities.
Students are encouraged to participate in the competitions from their very first year of law school, and to continue to compete up until graduation. Whether you are looking to get involved in your pre-penultimate year or are already well on your competitions journey, there is something to suit either of these needs! In addition to enhancing skills, they are a fantastic way for students to build upon their CV qualifications, meet other law students and faculty members, progress on to intervarsity competitions, and enjoy their degree - they are super fun!
WHEN ARE THE UTS LSS INTERNAL COMPETITIONS?The Autumn semester of the academic year holds the senior competitions, where competitors will often have previous competitions experience. The Spring semester hosts numerous junior competitions for students who have no prior experience and are trying out a competition for the first time. There are also subject mooting, paper presentation and advice writing competitions that run throughout the year and are open to all.
Mooting, Negotiation, Witness Examination and Client Interviewing:Senior Competitions – Autumn Semester – registrations open February 2016. Junior Competitions – Spring Semester – registrations open 20th July 2015.
Subject Moots: Subject Moots are offered at different times throughout the year, across both semesters. Keep an eye on the UTS LSS website for registration and specific details.
Other Law Skills Competitions: Paper Presentation Competition – Autumn Semester – see the UTS LSS website for specific details for the 2016 competition. Advice Writing Competition – Spring Semester – registrations open 20 July 2015, with the advice due 4 October 2015.
COMPETITION VOLUNTEERS Not ready to compete yet but want to learn tips and tricks before competing? Students can assist and learn the ins and outs of UTS LSS legal skills competitions by signing up to the Student Volunteer Committee. The Witness Examination Director and the Client Interviewing Director will be sourcing clients and witness volunteers for their respective competitions from this committee. For further information check out the UTS LSS website.
MOOTINg Mooting is widely considered the most prestigious of legal skills competitions. It allows you to take the skills you learn at law school and apply them in a practical courtroom environment. Through mooting you will learn the fundamental skills of researching and forming a legal argument, how to back up that argument with cases and authorities, and how to advocate in front of a judge who, unlike debating, will question your argument. No other competition will teach you about the law more than mooting. SUBJECT MOOTINg Do you have a passion for a particular area of law, and like arguing? If so, subject mooting is for you! Subject moots allow students to challenge and develop the advocacy skills of general mooting, but focuses on one specialised area of the law, reducing preparation time and the scope of your research. Subject moots are also only run across one weekend in the semester, and are therefore less of a time commitment than Junior or Senior Mooting.
AVA HANCOCk, kRISTA HIOB, JEROME gERMAIN, JASON CORBETT, SHARNI NICHOLS, JAMES MCgRATH AND COURTNEY LAWES
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In 2015, the Junior Criminal Law Moot will also be run as a development moot for students without any prior mooting experience – a great opportunity to get involved! A Contract Law Moot, Torts Moot, Constitutional Law Moot, International Humanitarian Law Moot, Commercial Law Moot and Equity Moot are also offered each year. CLIENT INTERVIEWINg (CI) Your ability to effectively represent a client hinges on the quality of your working relationship, with your first meeting having the potential to make or break this rapport. So why not master it at law school? You will work in a team of two as solicitors that are meeting a potential client. The client has come to you with a legal issue and is seeking advice. The problem? You have no information! In order to provide any advice, you need to learn the client’s story, and what information they may be hiding from you.
CI requires the least preparation time of any legal skills competition, and does not hinge on legal knowledge. Of course, the task itself is made more complicated (and fun!) when your client suddenly bursts in to tears or is a 19 year-old suffering ADHD and can’t sit still. NEgOTIATION Teams of two face off, representing different parties to the matter. Each team aims to reach an outcome that advantageously satisfies the goals of their individual client, but that also reflects consideration for the interests of the other side. Of course, the outcome that each team desires may conflict, but subtle persuasion and strategising can go a long way in finding a mutually acceptable solution. As clients of law firms increasingly want to settle disputes without the time and expense involved in court litigation, skills in negotiation and dispute resolution are increasingly essential in all practice areas. WITNESS ExAMINATION (WIT-Ex) If you like the idea of engaging in a real life Law-and-Order-esque examination of witnesses, then Wit-Ex is the way to go. Acting as either the prosecution or defense barrister in court for a criminal matter, competitors must lead their witness in an examination in chief, followed by a brutal (yet polite) cross-examination of the opponent’s witness. The overall objective is to prove that the fact situation of your witness is more plausible than that of your opponent. While not essential, knowledge of evidence law can also help you outwit your opponent through objections.
PAPER PRESENTATION Paper Presentation involves the submission of an essay relating to any legal subject or issue (3000-5000 words). You will then present the paper orally to a panel of judges, who will also engage with the topic and ask questions. The competition aims to promote legal scholarship and oratory skills. It is a chance to present controversial or interesting issues in an informative manner, while showcasing your writing skills. The top competitor will also win the right to represent UTS at the ALSA Conference, and may even have their paper published. ADVICE WRITINg COMPETITION This competition asks you to submit a written advice to a client answering their legal problem. The ability to write an advice is a skill all lawyers require – the earlier students learn how to write an advice, the earlier they can hone this skill. Answering legal problem questions is also an element of nearly all law subjects, and practice makes perfect! This competition is one of the most practical on offer and all students seeking employment within the legal industry are encouraged to take part. INTERVARSITY COMPETITIONS Want law school to pay for your trip to Europe? Then look no further! The UTS LSS encourages students to participate in a number of prestigious Sydney-based, national and international competitions over the course of their degree. These intervarsity competitions offer students an opportunity to expand their knowledge and gain experience by going up against the best young legal advocates around. It’s also an excellent chance to meet students from other top law schools and learn from some of the sharpest legal minds in the industry. Participation in these competitions is based on merit and success in internal UTS competitions. Intervarsity competitions are run throughout the year, so keep an eye out on the UTS LSS website for key dates and opportunities.
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MAKE YOUR MOVE ON A GLOBAL STAGEWith so many law firms to choose from, join the one that really is different from the others. K&L Gates have doubled in size in the last decade. You don’t do that by waiting for someone to show you the way.
We come up with big ideas and then roll up our sleeves to get the job done. We are a global community of entrepreneurs and self-starters. We are nimble and ambitious with a high level of integrity, resolve, and strength of character. We are at the forefront of the issues affecting our clients and are committed to creating tailored products that bring cross-disciplinary capabilities to our clients in order to meet emerging needs.
We genuinely enjoy working with each other and for our clients. We are all in it together.
At K&L Gates you can make a difference, lead the way and let your innovation shine. Want to know more? Visit klgates.com or follow us on Facebook.
K&L Gates, Level 31, 1 O’Connell Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
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BUiLDgENARTHA VALENTINA
MY BUiLD ExPERIENCE: THE UNIVERSITY FOR PEACEFRANCESCA ELIAS ARCIULI
WHAT IS BUILD? BUiLD (Beyond UTS International Leadership Development) is an exciting and dynamic leadership program. BUiLD provides you with a range of opportunities, locally and internationally, which will help you to develop your skills, broaden your horizons and build your leadership potential. BUiLD takes you beyond your degree, giving you the chance to explore issues of social enterprise, sustainability and social justice. The program will equip you with the skills and tools to kick-start a meaningful career through a range of workshops, seminars, guest lectures, international relations events, networking sessions and overseas opportunities.
HOW DO STUDENTS gET INVOLVED? Sign up on our website and start participating in core activities (events run by BUiLD) and elective activities (extra-curricular activities chosen by you). Don’t forget to keep a record of your CLiCs!
See https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/opportunities/build-program/build to join the BUiLD student society today!
WHY SHOULD STUDENTS gET INVOLVED? • BUiLD will provide you with a life-changing experience!
Take your degree beyond the four walls of classrooms, or even Australia! By travelling on one of our BUiLD abroad programs, you will be experiencing and witnessing first-hand global issues in countries all over the world. If community development programs are not for you, try one of the short-term study tours we offer in collaboration with our exchange overseas partners.
• Develop leadership, communication and other useful skills needed to enhance your career.
• Meet amazing people and develop life-long friendships!
BENEFITS OF THE PROgRAM If you successfully complete the BUiLD program, the BUiLD program will appear as a special achievement on your Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) when you graduate from UTS. You will also be presented with a certificate signed by Professor William Purcell, Deputy Vice Chancellor (International and Advancement) at the annual BUiLD Awards Ceremony. These are all attractive qualifications to have when applying for future graduate positions!
In July 2014 I had the opportunity to attend a summer school program at the United Nations’ University for Peace in Costa Rica, through the BUiLD society. The program consisted of a two-week lecture series on human security from various renowned lecturers on topics including gender, R2P, global trade, climate change and food and water security. At the conclusion of the lecture series, we were required to submit an essay on a human security issue of our choice, for which we received a grade that we could have counted as a law elective. For the remaining two weeks of the program, we volunteered with a local NGO. My group went to Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula and volunteered with a turtle conservation project, living with members of the local community.
I applied for the program in response to its advertisement, submitting a short application and subsequently receiving a scholarship from the university, which covered a part of the cost of the program. I also travelled before the program commenced, which gave me the chance to see parts of Mexico and Cuba.
My time in Costa Rica has left me with a variety of fantastic memories and lessons. I also made new friends and got to experience amazing adventures with them, including snorkeling, zip-lining and visits to the many awe-inspiring natural sites. We were there for the FIFA World Cup, which was a historical occasion for the football-crazed ‘Ticos’ as it was the farthest Costa Rica had ever progressed in the competition. This certainly made for a memorable night as San José turned into a giant street party!
I would encourage all students who are interested in international opportunities to look at the wide array on offer by BUiLD. You never know where in the world you may end up!
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VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
YVONNE NEHME
There is no better way to get involved at university and develop those highly sought after “transferable skills” than through volunteering. Not only does it improve employability, it is also a great way to meet new people and have lots of fun.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE LSS
PUBLICATIONS Do you enjoy writing? Then why not get involved and contribute to the various publications published by the UTS LSS throughout the year?!
If you are interested in contributing to The Full Bench (TFB), Law School Manual, Camp Survival Guide or Electives Guide please email [email protected]. You can accrue Brennan Program Reflection Points, which contribute to your completion of the Program, by contributing to TFB on a national or international justice issue.
If contributing to the Summer Clerkship Guide, Careers Guide or Pro Bono Guide is of interest then please email [email protected]. The UTS LSS is always looking for people to share their experiences and expertise working in legal or related industries, so please don’t be shy!
To check out all of the UTS LSS publications mentioned above, please see the UTS LSS website.
Also keep an eye out for a call for subcommittee members for both educational and careers publications, which allow students to become involved in editing our handbooks and academic journal.
JUSTICE ACTION COMMITTEE (JAC) Do you have a passion for social justice? Then getting behind the Justice Action Committee is a must for you.
Committee members volunteer their time throughout the year to assist with planning and running events, raising funds for a range of causes and implementing new initiatives. Some of the planned projects for 2015 include: • Writing Parliamentary Submissions on important issues.
In the past, this has included writing a submission on the rights of the child.
• Raising money for a not-for-profit organisation through the Law Ball Raffle.
• Assisting with the work of the Social Justice portfolio, including but not limited to: the Red Cross Blood Donation Drive, Live Below the Line, Sydney Homeless Connect, and Westmead Children’s Hospital and Villawood Detention Centre visits.
On top of it all, the hours that committee members donate to service through JAC are counted under the Brennan Program’s ‘Leadership through Service’ component. Please visit the ‘Justice Action Committee’ page on the UTS LSS website for more information.
OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
COMMUNITY LEgAL CENTRES (CLCS) If you have a passion for social justice and are looking for ways to get involved in the community, then why not volunteer at a Community Legal Centre?
CLCs cater to the public by providing free legal assistance and advice. As a volunteer you may find yourself delving into administrative work such as booking clients into advice sessions or even accompanying clients to court as a form of moral support. Other tasks may include legal research, interviewing clients and summarising their legal issues or even answering calls from clients.
Please visit http://www.clcvolunteers.net.au/ to locate current volunteering opportunities across Australia.
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NON-LEgAL COMMUNITY ORgANISATIONS Are you passionate about issues such as homelessness or mental health? If that is the case, you may want to consider volunteering for a community organisation that is committed to that particular field.
Volunteering at a non-legal community organisation demonstrates your commitment to causes that you are passionate about and may improve your chances of securing a legal position in a similar area. It provides you with the opportunity to develop an array of skills including interpersonal and administrative abilities.
Once you have located an organisation that appeals to you, it is best to visit their website or contact them directly regarding volunteer opportunities. Some organisations are consistently looking for volunteers, whereas others have regular intakes at set times of the year. You never know what opportunity may present itself and you may find yourself volunteering at a homeless shelter or even assisting with fundraising events.
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Unpaid internships and volunteer opportunities with international organisations are the perfect outlet for an interest in international social justice. You may find yourself involved in a broad range of causes, whether that is development and health or diplomacy and human rights. It is best to contact the organisation of interest to find out more.
You may want to visit employment websites such as reliefweb.int/jobs or devnetjobs.org to find opportunities to intern or volunteer. Such opportunities may include interning with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, which prosecutes war crimes that occurred during the Balkan conflicts.
INTERNSHIPS Internships not only provide you exposure to the legal industry but allow you to acquaint yourself with what it is like to work in a professional environment.
Some organisations that provide internships to law students include: • The Aurora Project, which place interns in Indigenous
corporations, government bodies, community groups, not-for-profit and policy organisations across Australia.
• The Australian Law Reform Commission’s Legal Internship Program, which allows interns to work with the ALRC in Canberra, working on research and writing for the Commission’s inquiries and publications.
• The Australian Human Rights Commission, which provides a practical understanding of human rights promotion and protection and creates a broad appreciation of the work of the Commission.
Some electives that allow law students to intern and attain credit to their degree include: • Applied Human Rights Fieldwork (76099), which allows
you to intern with 40K and spend one month in rural India working towards helping local villagers develop a sustainable solution for better access to education and employment.
• Law and Justice Studies (76069), which allows you to work in selected government and non-government agencies that focus on social justice responses to legal issues.
• Ngiya – Talk the Law: Editorial Role (76083), which offers the opportunity to assist with the production of an edition of Ngiya or the Journal of Indigenous Policy that are published twice a year by Jumbunna – UTS Indigenous House of Learning Research Unit.
• International Legal Internship (76098), which allows you to undertake international work placements whilst earning credit towards your law degree.
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Australia Belgium China France Germany Hong Kong SAR Indonesia (associated office) Italy Japan Papua New Guinea Saudi Arabia (associated office) Singapore Spain Sweden United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States of America
www.ashurst.com/graduates
About usAshurst is a leading global law firm. We advise Australian and international corporations, financial institutions and government clients.
We have 28 offices in 16 countries including associated offices in Jakarta and Jeddah, and a best-friends referral relationship with an Indian law firm. With over 420 partners and 1,760 lawyers, we offer the international insight of a global network combined with local market knowledge and expertise.
Our clients can access deep local knowledge and on-the-ground support wherever they do business from people they know and trust. We build teams that are specific to our clients’ needs, combining specialist legal skills, industry experience and regional know-how.
We have a track record of successfully managing large and complex multijurisdictional transactions and projects. Our focus is on getting to the heart of our clients’ legal needs and delivering practical, commercial solutions.
Our clientsWe are a full service commercial law firm advising major corporations and government clients across key sectors including financial services, energy and resources, projects and infrastructure.
Our clients include 73% of the top 100 ASX companies and 93% of Australian companies in the Forbes Global 2000. We have the privilege to advise on some of Australia’s and the world’s largest and most complex deals.
Recognition• Band 1 in 9 areas of law – Chambers Asia-Pacific, 2015
• 158 Leading individuals in the Asia Pacific region – Chambers Asia-Pacific, 2015
• 164 lawyers recognised as leading individuals – Best Lawyers Australia, 2014
• 15 partners recognised as ‘Lawyers of the Year’ – Best Lawyers Australia, 2014
• Best international firm in the AsiaPac for supporting the development of women in the legal profession – Euromoney Australasia Women in Business Law Awards 2014
• Australian Deal of the Year – ALB Australasian Law Awards 2012
Areas of legal practiceOur Australian office practises in over 30 different service areas including:
• Banking & Finance
• Commercial Property
• Competition
• Construction & Infrastructure
• Corporate
• Dispute Resolution
• Employment
• Energy & Resources
• Environment
• Government
• Hotels, Leisure & Gaming
• Intellectual Property
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Native Title
• Project Finance
• Restructuring & Insolvency
• Tax
• Technology, Media & Telecommunications
Firm profile
What we look forTo achieve our vision of being one of a small number of Global Elite law firms, we need ambitious people delivering quality solutions for our clients. The key to our success is lawyers who continually develop their skills and their careers, with a commitment to quality, the highest professional standards and a collaborative mind-set.
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STUDY TECHNIQUESOLIVIA FISHER
Transforming into a human sponge is no mean feat, but this does not deter many a harried law student from trying. Before embarking on any such quest, it is best you realise one key hack: knowledge is only as useful as your ability to apply it. What does this mean for your study? In a nutshell, you must develop techniques that not only set you up to acquire knowledge but to produce lucid arguments.
DEADLINES At the dawn of each semester, detangle that newfound web of assessments. Work the diary or niche organisational app to which you promised to turn. Know what tasks you have ahead and their respective weightings. Avoid ‘blind date’ panic by recording advance reminders of due dates. Further, take time to break down assessments into manageable tasks. You may just find that the resulting series of ‘study appointments’ leaves you organised. ENVIRONMENT It is wise to carry this approach through to your study environment. The first thing to do is to minimise distractions. This may mean camping at the library, concentrating at home or chasing the ambient noise of a café. Find your rhythm. Note that ‘distraction free’ does not always spell solitude: you may be surprised at how fruitful group study can be. Nutting out answer outlines with others may broaden your perspective. Secondly, prime your brain for retaining information. Pepper your study with breaks and make them your definition of nourishing. Don’t be intimidated by tales of all-nighters powered by energy drinks, IQ and an impossible work ethic. Better to balance work with decent sleep. CONDENSINg THE CONTENT Yes, ‘content’ is indeed a euphemism for ‘dense reading list’. What to do with it? Establish a course reading habit that feeds long-term memory. This means skimming, reading actively and prioritising some materials over others. There is much to recommend about acquiring core knowledge across all topics before poring over every suggested reading.
First, you will not end up ‘specialising’ in some topics to the neglect of others. Avoiding this mistake will likely optimise your exam performance. How should you go about this? Develop summary notes periodically. Make them concise and let sub-headings abound. Summarise the facts, issues, ratio decidendi and reasoning of main cases. Create brief roadmaps for legislation. Take these ‘micro’ notes into exams to trigger issue identification and to check citations. Secondly, it is much more feasible to make a habit of reviewing small snapshots of information. Your lecturers and tutors will point out key cases and legislation – draw on their advice to fix your reading priorities. Hint: don’t underestimate the power of twenty uninterrupted minutes on the train for the purpose of consolidation! Thirdly, you can always build up your notes as time permits. Navigating the course in this way will give you a platform from which to focus research for tasks, such as essays, that require deep knowledge. This study mode will also ensure a ready foundation for producing ‘macro’ notes, a vital tool for fleshing out arguments. This will maximise your time to practise past papers and tutorial problems. ALL ABOUT THE APPLICATION… Indeed, the purpose of your notes is to serve you in explaining law and applying it to facts. Ensure they acknowledge ambiguous issues and highlight points of departure in legal reasoning, including minority judgments. So doing will assist you in selecting material relevant to forming creative arguments and responding to counter positions. Ultimately, these skills will enhance your responses and bequeath you with a richer understanding of the law. Tweak your approaches to timing, retention and your study environment for relevant effect!
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ExCHANGE AND MENTORING PROGRAMS
What can a determined pre-penultimate student like yourself indulge in to make the most of their law degree? Exchange and mentoring programs may be options to consider.
ExCHANGE - YVONNE NEHME
Did you know that an international experience enhances your employment prospects? By adapting to a contrasting cultural environment you demonstrate to potential employers that you are flexible, adventurous and independent. Such an experience allows you to develop global awareness as well as the skills required to deal with change. Furthermore, it is a unique and exciting experience that provides immeasurable global networking opportunities. The personal benefits of an international experience are countless too! It provides you with the opportunity to gain independence and confidence as well as learn more about yourself and a culture of interest. Needless to say, you will be developing new friendships as you meet many people from across the globe. So why not give UTS’ Global Exchange Program a go? UTS’ Global Exchange Program allows you to study for 1-2 semesters at a partner institution. Think about experiencing the culture of the country you dream of visiting whilst attaining credit for your degree. There’s no better way to combine travel and study! Undergraduate students and students in the Juris Doctor (versions 1 and 2) are able to apply for exchange after completing 68 credit points and the UTS subject Equity and Trusts. Juris Doctor students (version 3) are able to apply for exchange after completing all core subjects. Prior to launching into the application process you must register for and attend a Global Exchange session. It provides a great means to having those burning questions answered. The application process has particular steps and time
deadlines that must be complied with. In addition, semester start and finish dates vary between continents. Please visit http://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/opportunities/global-exchange/what-global-exchange for more information and Global Exchange testimonials.
MENTORING PROGRAMS - DARIA kONNOVA
Law school can be so much easier if you have a friend to help you through it. It is even better when that friend is an experienced lawyer who has dealt with the challenges that you now face and knows exactly what you need to succeed in the real world. The UTS LSS external mentoring programs give you the opportunity to venture into the world of commercial law or advocacy. THE ADVOCATES MENTORINg PROgRAM If your long-term goal is the Bar, then this program is for you.! Now in its second year, the Advocates Mentoring Program shows no sign of slowing down. This initiative gives high-achieving students who are interested in a career in advocacy the chance to be paired with a leading member of the legal profession. We currently have a range of amazing barristers who are allocated to their student mentees according to students’ interests. The advocates can provide CV and interview tips, as well as give extensive general support and guidance on making the most out of your time at law school.
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THE MINTER ELLISON MENTORINg PROgRAM
The UTS LSS is proud to launch the inaugural Minter Ellison Mentoring Program in 2015. Minter Ellison is one of Asia-Pacific’s leading commercial law firms and has been involved in some of the most innovative and high-profile transactions in the region. Minter Ellison gives high-achieving and dedicated students the chance to be mentored by a successful lawyer and learn about the clerkship process, as well as life in a busy commercial law firm. Mentors can provide clerkship tips, as well as extensive general support and guidance. If you are interested in a career in commercial law, then this program is for you. WHY APPLY?
• Advice: The mentors are more than willing to listen and provide specific advice and guidance for areas that you may be struggling with.
• Experience: Every mentor is a master in their field and is eager to share their experience with you.
• You lead the way: The mentoring programs give you the opportunity to organise meetings in your own time and email or call your mentor on a casual basis.
• Relationship: Above all this is a fun experience that allows you to form your own, unique relationship with a member of the legal profession.
You don’t need to know where you want to go after law school, you just need to be willing and ready to learn and ask questions. The applications for the Advocates Mentoring program and the Minter Ellison Mentoring Program will open early next year, so keep your eyes peeled for an experience that can shift and sharpen your focus, and provide you with the support you need to succeed.
THE kING & WOOD MALLESONS INSIGHT PROGRAM - VANESSA JIANg
I took part in the King & Wood Mallesons Insight Program over the 2014-2015 period and really enjoyed it. This was a program created specifically for pre-penultimate year students (one year prior to clerkship madness), to generate interest for KWM as a firm, help pre-penultimate students understand what a commercial law firm does and provide some up-skilling opportunities for clerkship time. The program consists of four sessions. The first was an evening presentation on the current Global Legal Market, after which we were able to ask questions. The second was an information session on five of the many practice groups within KWM. I was able to sit with partners and graduates from each of these practice groups (Dispute Resolution, Taxation, Banking and Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Projects), and really get to know each area. The third was a mock interview with the KWM lawyer, which was a fantastic practice for clerkships. The fourth and final was a half-day where I was able to shadow a lawyer. This was definitely the most valuable part of the program. I, with about 30 other students, benefitted enormously from this program and I’d highly recommend others to have a go. The commitment time is low, in return for a real insight into the legal career path. For the 2015-2016 period, applications closed at the end of July. The various sessions then run on throughout September to November, with the final shadowing placement in the following march March/April. If you are going into your pre-penultimate year next year and are interested in this program, keep an eye on http://careers.kwm.com/en/graduates-australia/insight-program at the beginning of July for when applications open.
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If you share our ambition to be the best, Gilbert + Tobin will place you on that trajectory.
We employ a diverse mix of talented and ambitious people who are attracted to the firm because of its entrepreneurial spirit, creative approach and capacity for change. These are the reasons we enjoy a reputation as the most successful corporate law firm to emerge in Australia in many years.
We advise many of Australia’s and the world’s leading organisations and focus on the most dynamic sectors. Our clients and projects span Australia, Asia and emerging African markets.
Located in the heart of the CBD, the partners and lawyers in our Sydney office include some of Australia’s leading practitioners in:
+ Banking + Finance
+ Competition + Regulation
+ Corporate Advisory
+ Energy + Resources
+ Intellectual Property
+ Litigation
+ Pro Bono
+ Real Estate + Projects
+ TMT + Project Services.
If you want to work for a first-tier corporate law firm, and you want to be the best you can be, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Find out more at me.gtlaw.com.au
We are an egalitarian, open-minded meritocracy committed to the growth and development of our people.” Danny Gilbert, Managing Partner“
MelbournePerthSydney
Think ahead.See the impact your decision will have in the years to come.
27
MENTAL HEALTHYVONNE NEHME
The legal profession has one of the highest rates of depression and anxiety of any occupation, with one in three suffering depression, high anxiety and stress at any one time. We, as law students, are also about three times more likely than other students to experience depression at some point at university.
Balancing the rigours of your studies with the daily demands of work and other commitments can become overwhelming. It is quite natural to feel overwhelmed at times, and it is normal to be upset about the horrid mark you got in an assessment. However, if these feelings do not go away you may want to reach out and seek help.
The statistics don’t lie - you are not the only to feel this way! So let’s start talking about mental health, and some of the things you can do to combat stress and anxiety: • Be willing to seek professional help. There are a lot of
resources available to you as a UTS student. When things start to get a bit too much, you may want to consider the UTS counselling service. The UTS LSS also runs a variety of initiatives targeting wellbeing, including the UTS LSS Smile Project. Beyond university, you can also seek professional help from a variety of organisations including Headspace, ReachOut and Lifeline.
• Rest well. Poor sleeping habits do more than just make you look tired. More than 80% of people suffering from depression have problems with their sleep, usually not getting enough. Too little or too much sleep can be an indicator of the early signs of anxiety or depression.
• Eat well. It is almost a point of pride that law students consume copious amounts of coffee and fast food to sustain their busy schedules and all-nighters, while also drinking lots of wine to unwind. This ‘work hard play hard’ mentality is not good on your body, and you need to remember to put in what you want to get out.
• Surround yourself with supportive and positive people.
Don’t forget to unwind and have fun with friends and family who you are comfortable speaking to about your stress and anxieties, but also your successes.
• Make some time for you. Maintain your hobbies to find a new one! A great hobby to take up is meditation, which will not only relax your mind now but help you to remain resilient throughout your studies and career.
• Let’s get physical! Physical activity naturally makes you feel happier and energetic through the release of endorphins. You can’t say no to fun in the sun. It’s always a great way to lift up any mood. At UTS there are many ways you can become or remain active. You could join the gym (on Harris St) or a sporting club, or get involved with the UTS LSS Bootcamp or other fun sporting activities throughout the semester.
• It is important to remain organised and set aside time for tasks. There’s nothing worse than the pressure you put on yourself by overcommitting, so learn your limits and don’t be afraid to say ‘no’. To ensure you remain organised throughout the semester, you could buy a yearly wall calendar or maintain a diary, with all of your commitments. Insert your classes directly into an online calendar through ‘My Subject Activities’ to ensure that you don’t miss any!
• If a major achievement has come your way, then why not reward yourself? It’s great to reflect and remind yourself of the great things you can achieve.
• Always try to maintain a positive attitude and have a healthy outlook on life. You can maintain positivity and perspective through physical activity, spending time with friends and volunteering.
The organisations listed below offer support and help: • NSW Law Society: http://www.lawsociety.com.au/about/
YoungLawyers/MentalHealth/index.htm • Batyr: http://www.batyr.com.au/ • Beyond Blue: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/ • Black Dog Institute: http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au • Reach Out: http://au.reachout.com/ • Life Line: http://www.lifeline.org.au/ or 13 11 14 for
immediate support.
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28
LaW SCHOOL MaNUaL
CaMP SUrVIVaL gUIDE
THE FULL BENCH
CarEErS gUIDE
SUMMER CLERkSHIP gUIDE
PRE-PENULTIMATE GUIDE
PrO BONO
ELECTIVES gUIDE