LSS
FIRST YEAR GUI
2019
ANU
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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President’s Welcome
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Your First Weeks
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Meet Your Executive
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Australian Law Students Society
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International Law Society
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Law Reform and Social Justice
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Women in Law Organisation
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Law Revue
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Health and Wellbeing
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LSS
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ANU
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME ROCKY LAGUDI Welcome to ANU Law!! On behalf of the ANU Law Students’ Society (LSS), I would like to congratulate you on choosing to study here at the ANU and embarking on what I am confident will be some of the most exciting, rewarding, unique and transformative years of your life! The First Year Guides have been created to help make your transition to the ANU as easy and smooth as possible. Firstly, the Guides should provide you with an array of information and advice to help you put your best forward as you begin your time at the ANU. The Guides should also provide a glimpse of the LSS and how we are here to support, supplement and enrich your time at law school. I hope that they provide a useful starting point to help you unravel the complexities of the next few years. While you might feel a bit overwhelmed right now, I’m sure that you’ll be on your way to success in no time. The LSS is the largest and most active society on ANU campus. We provide a variety of services, such as networking and skills workshops, academic and social events or simply pointing you in the right direction to get the best assistance 4
possible. I would highly recommend that you become an LSS member as soon as possible! Our members get a variety of perks (discounted coffees, for example), while they are also the first to hear about any events or initiatives that are coming up. LSS events and initiatives are also a great way to meet new people and engage with the broader ANU Law community. I wish you all the best for O-Week and the rest of the year. My one piece of advice would be to get as involved as possible and put yourself out there from the get-go. You won’t get a better time than these first few weeks to meet new people and really expand your comfort zone! 2019 is shaping up to be a very exciting year and we absolutely cannot wait to share our events and initiatives with you. I hope that I’ll see you at a few of these throughout the year! All the Best! Rocky Lagudi President lss@anu.edu.au
LSS
“You won’t get a better time than these first few weeks to meet new people and really expand your comfort zone!”
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ANU
YOUR FIRST WEEKS Hello there! Congratulations on getting into Law at the ANU - you have an exciting 4/5 years ahead of you! But first, it is time to settle into law school and university life. We have created this Survival Guide to help you navigate your first weeks and first few Semesters, providing essential information and tips for you to ease into the ANU. If you still have further questions, don’t hesitate to ask us our contact details are all at the end of this Guide. Good luck, and above all - have fun! O-Week O-Week is from 18th-22nd of February and is going to be fantastic! During this week there are events run all day, every day and parties that go on into the night. Events are run by all different agents and societies on campus—make sure you don’t miss any by keeping up with ANU Facebook groups and event pages! The ANU itself will host an array of informative events like the Course Induction Sessions, which are absolutely vital and you should certainly attend. The ANU Students’ Association also runs events all week long, including the famous Friday Night Party. If you live at a Residential Hall, they will also have their own O-Week Calendar, and if you do not live at a Residential Hall, go talk to Griffin Hall on Market Day about becoming a member. Market Day is run on the Wednes6
day of O-Week. On Market Day all of ANU’s Clubs and Societieswill have their wares on show. It is an awesome, hectic day! It is an opportunity for you to go around to all the clubs and societies, talk to members of their committees, and see which ones interest you the most. We recommend you sign up to a few, and tag along to their welcome events. Importantly, this is your prime opportunity to sign up as a member of the ANU Law Students’ Society. O-Week can be a very draining time, with events running all day long, and parties going well into the early hours of the morning! Many students often get run down and sick by the end of the week by trying to do too much. Make sure you get enough sleep, even if you have to have a cheeky nap here and there. Also ensure you are eating enough healthy, nutritious food — you cannot live off the free BBQ sausages and bread for every meal, so have some fruit veggies in there somewhere!
LSS
Annual LSS O-Week Party Come to the LSS Annual O-Week Welcome Drinks - the ultimate summer party with food, bevs, banter, and tunes at Badger & Co on Wednesday 20th February from 3-5pm. Head over from Market Day and enjoy some snacks and drinks in the afternoon sun. This is the perfect opportunity to meet a bunch of like-minded students studying law, as well as the members of the 2019 Committee, and ask any questions in a very relaxed environment.
The theme this year is Barristers and Baristas. Think a barrister attempting the barista get up - overalls, beanies, buttoned up shirts – all with a little touch of that barrister elitism. We can’t wait to see you there! Please note that this event is open to law students 18 years and over. Check out the facebook page for more information!
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ANU
ANUSA First Year Camps
LAWS1001: Expectations v Reality
The ANUSA FYC are run by the ANUSA College Reps, for all first year students.
This is a fabulous event run by the LSS Education Portfolio! It is a crash course on managing your expectations at law school, with tips of how to succeed in the next 5 years of your degree. A mixed panel of both students and staff will go through what it takes to be a successful law student and will provide insights into their experiences. Keep your eye out for the Facebook event for more information!
It is a camp designed for first year students (like you!) to get in the know about your academic college, and to meet like-minded people that you’ll be sharing classes with for the next several years. There are lots of info sessions run by later year student mentors with tips and tricks to help you, as well as lots of time to get to know some of your fellow first year students! The camp is held on the weekend of the 1st of March (End of Week 1). We will leave from campus on 2pm on Friday afternoon, and return to campus by 5pm on Sunday evening. The Camp itself is held at Kianinny Resort in the South Coast, an idyllic lakeside resort located within walking distance to Tathra beach. The resort is fully catered, and offers a range of activities including raft building, archery, and rock climbing. Campers will be accommodated in a complex of cabins, each containing 8 beds.
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LSS
“The LSS is the largest and most active society on ANU campus.”
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ANU
MEET YOUR EXECUTIVE 10
PRESIDENT ROCKY LAGUDI LSS@ANU.EDU.AU As the latest in a long line of LSS Presidents dating back to 1963, Rocky is the public face of the LSS. The President oversees the day-to-day operations of all the portfolios, whilst also ensuring that the Executive develops and maintains a positive long-term vision for the Society. The President also coordinates corporate sponsorship and is the primary liaison with our valued sponsors throughout the year. Rocky is a fourth year Commerce/Law student from Sydney. He loves a good chat and eating out at Canberra’s cafés and restaurants way too often. You also might find him DJing every now and then.
VP ADMINISTRATION GRACE LEE LSSADMINISTRATION@ANU.EDU.AU The Admin portfolio is responsible for making sure that a beast with such diverse functions and people as the LSS runs as a well-oiled machine. The portfolio’s work includes membership, IT, organising meetings, publicity, elections and much more. They are also responsible for the distribution of our fortnightly e-newsletter, letting you know about everything that is coming up in the LSS calendar, as well as opportunities both locally and inter-state. There’s also our much-anticipated semesterly magazine, Peppercorn, which we strongly you encourage you to contribute to! Grace is a second year Law and Medical Science student from Melbourne. She loves a good soy chai, going camping and indulging in DnMs.
VP FINANCE AFIF HAQUE LSSFINANCE@ANU.EDU.AU With a large annual turnover across a diverse range of portfolios, the LSS relies heavily on its Master of Coin (a.k.a. VPF) to ensure that we adhere to a strategically-allocated budget and comply with our financial and reporting obligations as a registered charity. Our Finance portfolio is also responsible for ensuring the retention and promotion of our various sponsors, passing on benefits and discounts at various businesses to our members, organising and selling merchandise, and much more. Afif is a fourth-year Law/Economics student who loves playing cricket and the bass in his spare time.
VP EQUITY PRIYA MITTAL LSSEQUITY@ANU.EDU.AU The Equity portfolio is a new addition to the LSS this year! The portfolio’s work includes creating events and advocating for equity issues such as the wellbeing, inclusivity, diversity and representation of all students. They are also responsible for providing guidance on equity interests for all events, competition and initiatives. Priya is a final year Law/Arts student who loves to travel and enjoys binge watching Netflix shows.
VP CAREERS THANAYA NAIDU LSSCAREERS@ANU.EDU.AU The Careers team coordinates an impressive range of events, opportunities and resources to give you a running start to your future in the legal profession. Whether it’s skilling you up in our tailored career skills workshops, giving you the low-down on clerkships and grad jobs in our two flagship publications, or connecting you with the most successful firms at the Careers Fair and the Clerkship Information Evening, Thanaya and the team have got you covered. Thanaya is a 2nd year JD who survives off long blacks and copious amounts of dumplings. She loves dancing (not just at moose) and boasts herself on watching eclectic documentaries.
VP EDUCATION BRI CARLOW LSSEDUCATION@ANU.EDU.AU The LSS Education portfolio supports the actual ‘education’ part of your law school experience. In short, the team has three main functions: education services, policy & advocacy, and connecting the ANU LSS with the Australian Law Students’ Association. Highlights of the Education calendar include the legendary Pre-Exam Tutorials, the annual Electives Guide, and the Education Speaker Series. The Education portfolio is also responsible for liaising with the ANU College of Law and advocating for students, ensuring that all academic policies and procedures— current or proposed—address the needs, opinions and interests of students. Bri is a third year Law/PPE student from Dubbo who loves wine and cheese and weekends away with her friends. She loves to keep active, reality tv and meeting new people.
VP EVENTS ELIZA WILLIAMS LSSEVENTS@ANU.EDU.AU Let’s face it: law school just wouldn’t be law school without the parties. The ANU LSS Events Portfolio is renowned for its absolutely smashing social calendar, including the annual O-Week party, first year bash, post-exam drinks, JD cocktail evening, and of course, the famous annual Law Ball. But it doesn’t stop there! The LSS is committed to helping you stay healthy, balanced, and as stress-free as possible during your law degree, with a fantastic range of lunchtime sports, charity runs, BBQs, morning yoga, and more. Eliza is a third year Law and Art History and Curatorship student from Melbourne who loves coffee almost as much as she loves her cat. When she’s not hanging out at LSS social events, you’ll find her at Messina or strolling around the NGA.
VP COMPETITIONS DAVID CHIENG LSSCOMPETITIONS@ANU.EDU.AU The ANU LSS prides itself on an ever-growing competitions culture. The internal competitions— Mooting, Negotiation, Client Interview and Witness Examination—are designed to challenge you to apply your theoretical knowledge to real world situations. Winners of each competition have the opportunity to represent ANU at the Australian Law Students’ Association conference each July. As well as the internals and national championships, the LSS also offers the opportunity to participate in a whole bunch of prestigious external competitions, where you can compete against people from all around Australia in diverse areas of law. David is a second year Law and Arts student from Melbourne who loves to travel. In his spare time, he loves to watch Netflix and is always down for a good chat with friends.
VP SOCIAL JUSTICE NILA NORBU LSSJUSTICE@ANU.EDU.AU The LSS has a strong tradition of involvement in a range of community and public interest law initiatives. Introduced in 2007, the Social Justice portfolio endeavours to keep all law students engaged with issues of equality, opportunity and justice all year round. Through our new Social Justice Speaker Series, our annual ‘Law In Action’ trip to Cambodia, fundraising and outreach opportunities, and three formal galas exploring a range important issues, the portfolio provides students with a forum to discuss the ways in which legal education, the legal profession and the law itself deal with minorities, diversity and structural disadvantage. Nila is a fourth year Law and Medical Science student from Brisbane who constantly misses the beach but fills her time by playing in one too many musicals. She loves a bit of travel and despite the lactose intolerance, a good wheel of soft cheese.
ANU
AUSTRALIAN LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION To all ANU First Year Law Students, Firstly, I would like to personally welcome you to the beginning of a journey that will no doubt change your life in more ways than you can imagine. My name is Max Joy, and I am the President of the Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) for 2019. ALSA is the peak national representative body for all law students across the country. In conjunction with your own LSS, ALSA’s goal is to improve your law school experience, and increase the skills, knowledge, experience and benefit that you obtain from this exciting first step into the legal world. ALSA holds multiple national meetings throughout the year, bringing together representatives from every Law Students’ Society across the country. These meetings facilitate knowledge sharing, through the discussion of effective initiatives and resolutions, with the aim of maximising your law school experience. Each year in July, ALSA also holds the national finals of various legal competitions (Mooting, Witness 16
Examination, Negotiation, Client Interview and the Paper Presentation), hosting the best future legal minds from all over the country. With over 300 competitors each year, it is here that you are most likely to directly interact with ALSA. I cannot understate the importance, benefit or enjoyment of the legal competitions that are offered by your law school and LSS. The pathways they open and the places they can take you are well worth the effort. Legal competitions can send you across the country and the world, whilst providing you with invaluable skills and experience that will serve you well irrespective of where you go. If I can pass on one all-important piece of information to consider from the very first days of your time in law school, it would be to take full advantage of the ANU LSS and all it has to offer, as well as the assistance that can be provided by myself and the full ALSA Committee. The one thing I will never regret is getting involved in legal competitions right from first year. Five years ago, I could not have imagined the path I would go down after being involved in my first-year competitions.
LSS
Be involved in your LSS. Compete in legal competitions. Run for positions on your LSS. Make your own difference. Do not simply ride the wave of law school to your graduation, instead, make the most of every opportunity you possibly can, and make your time at ANU one you will never forget. On behalf of the ALSA committee, we hope to see you at an ALSA Council or Conference very soon! Max Joy
President Australian Law Students Association
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ANU
INTERNATIONAL LAW SOCIETY The ANU International Law Society is dedicated to law students interested in studying or pursuing a career in international law, whether they have just started their journey in law school or have several international law electives under their belt. The ILS runs a range of events including academic panels with renowned speakers discussing topical issues and developments in international law. We also hold careers and networking events where students can learn about working in the field and have the opportunity to meet practitioners. We run a mentoring program which matches students with academics and lawyers. Additionally, the ILS runs the International Humanitarian Law moot competition, and advocates on behalf of students studying international law courses. We also advertise opportunities for students in Australia and overseas, and have membership to various international law institutions. If you’re someone who sees law as a pathway to explore and practice beyond Australia’s shores, or wants to get involved in an exciting student society, the ANU ILS is for you! 18
To get involved in our events, competitions or opportunities, look for the ANU International Law Society Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ANUILS/ or email us at ils@anu.edu.au. We recruit subcommittee members early in the semester, so keep an eye out for applications! https://www.facebook.com/ ANUILS/ ils@anu.edu.au
LSS
LAW REFORM AND SOCIAL JUSTICE Getting involved in Law Reform and Social Justice activities throughout your law degree is a great way to bring your values together with your studies. LRSJ activities consist of student-run projects, thought-provoking events on pressing social justice issues, and the general ethos of the ANU College of Law as expressed through the curriculum and in academic research. Our established projects include community legal education initiatives providing legal information to high schools, prisons, and community legal centres; research projects on corporate responsibility and Constitutional issues; and projects that emerge as a response to law reform inquiries. LRSJ runs workshops on skills such as submission writing, FOI requests, and community legal education. We hold film screenings and careers panels on social justice jobs. Whether you want to join a project, start your own project, or just come along to events to hear about interesting issues, there will be something for you.
“Like” us on Facebook (and select “see first” on the timeline) to hear about upcoming events: https:// www.facebook.com/ANULRSJ/ We’ll be holding a meet and greet session with student project leaders in Week 2 so keep an eye out for that event. Contact us at lrsj@anu.edu.au at anytime if you want to have a chat about anything law reform and social justice related. We’re super friendly and love to hear your ideas. The current Director of LRSJ is Associate Professor Matthew Zagor.
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ANU
WOMEN IN LAW ORGANISATION Firstly, congratulations to all the incoming first year law students, and welcome to the ANU! This is a very exciting time for you all to get involved in all our community has to offer and discover your interests. The Women in Law Organisation (WILO) is a student-run mentoring program that pairs female law students with professional women in the legal sector. We began in 2016 with the goal of providing a program that would empower and develop women studying law. WILO has now successfully paired more than 200 students with mentors from a diverse range of public, private and not-for-profit organisations throughout Canberra. The feedback from participants of WILO has demonstrated that this program enables both the development of positive relationships between students and professionals, as well as between motivated female law students. At the beginning of each semester we open applications to female law students to apply to the WILO program. Once successful applicants are paired with a mentor, they create their own flexible schedule to meet up. 20
At the end of the semester, a fun cocktail evening is held where mentors and students are provided with the opportunity to meet and network. We also invite an inspiring female guest speaker – last semester we had Supreme Court Justice Chrissa Loukas-Karlsson! Whilst preference is given to later year law students, we encourage you all to come and chat to us during Market Day where we can give you more information about WILO and our fantastic program!
LSS
LAW REVUE Interested in a ridiculous amount of fun? Audition for Law Revue! Law Revue is a bunch of students across ages and degrees who for 8 months will write, argue, laugh and perform together to continue the leading sketch-comedy show at the ANU. The show is a multifaceted theatre performance, involving sketches, songs, dance, and video elements. For the musically-inclined, we also have a band!
If you’re interested, check out last year’s show on YouTube! Search “ANU Law Revue 2018”, and give us a like or chuck us a message on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/ANULawRevue/ P.S. Michael Kirby is overrated. Read the case set for tutorial before class and remember that law does not operate in a vacuum. See you at auditions.
You’ll learn the craft of sketch writing, spend retreats away at the coast and snow, perform on a stage with professional sound, lightning and costumes and best of all, meet super talented, funny friends for life (or at least until clerkship applications).
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ANU
HEALTH AND WELLBEING There are many avenues of support here at the ANU. Listed are just a few of the services that can offer you academic, mental and physical support. As first year students, we encourage you to utilise these services to enhance your experience at university.
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LSS
LSS WELLBEING The ANU LSS is firmly committed to prioritising the wellbeing of all law students at the ANU. The toll that legal education and practice can take on the mental health of individuals is well-documented. With this in mind, the Wellbeing Director—working directly with the President and often in conjunction with the other portfolios— strives to actively promote the mental and physical health of law students via a range of events, initiatives and resources. The work of the Wellbeing Director is most notable in the organisation of the LSS Mental Health Week, which
includes various workshops, guest talks, yoga and meditation sessions, and much more. However, they are keenly involved in promoting student wellbeing throughout the entire year, ensuring that students feel supported, well-informed and connected to a broad network of supports. If you ever have any questions, concerns or simply want to talk to someone who can provide some advice and point you in the right direction, we highly encourage you to contact the LSS Wellbeing Director (Holly Halford-Smith) at Isswellbeing@anu. edu.au.
ANU HEALTH ANU Health is the medical facility for all your walk-in bulk-billed medical needs. You can also make appointments, but they are very hard to come by so make sure you book in advance! New patients must first complete a new patient registration (can be done online then printed off to bring), or be provided and filed in prior to appointment.
Location: on campus, next to the gym
Students should bring their Medicare Card and Student ID, or an international health card if relevant.
Website: health.reception@anu.edu. au
Open Hours: 9am – 4pm Mon-Thurs, 9am – 5pm Friday (Closed 12:30pm -1-25pm and public holidays) Phone: 6125 3598 Email: health_reception@anu.edu.au
Should you need medical advice out of hours, ring the HealthDirect After Hours GP Helpline number at 1800 022 222. 23
ANU
ANU COUNSELLING The ANU offers a free and confidential counselling service to all current ANU students and staff. Counselling services to students are provided by Counsellors in the Counselling Centre, while services to staff are provided by the Adviser to Staff or by external advisers The Centre also provides group programs for common issues, public seminars, and a paired walking program called “Get Up and Go”.
Location: immediately above the ANU Health on North Road (near Coffee Grounds) Open Hours: 9am – 4.45pm weekdays (Close from 1pm - 2pm for lunch) Phone: 6125 2442 (ext 52442) Email: counselling_centre@anu.edu. au Website: counselling.anu.edu.au
ACCESS AND INCLUSION Access and Inclusion is an educative hub on practices inclusive of disability within the ANU community. They aim to raise awareness and understanding of disability issues with students and staff, and enable students with disability to participate fully in university life. Access and Inclusion also aim to be at the forefront of disability services provision in higher education by using evidence-based practice that leverages ANU’s strength as one of Australia’s leading universities. Students are required to register with Access and Inclusion before services can be provided. This process requires verification of the disability or medical condition through the provision 24
of appropriate documentation and discussion of students’ needs. The office will then assess the nature and extent of the disability or medical condition and facilitate the provision of support. This may include the use of equipment, note taking support, resource access, and reviews of exam and assessment. Location: Ground Floor, Copland Building (Building 24) Open Hours: 9am – 5pm Weekdays (Closed public holidays) Phone: 6125 5036 Email: access.inclusion@anu.edu.au Website: disability.anu.edu.au
LSS
ANU SPORT The objectives of the ANU Sport are to promote and provide a diverse and exciting range of professionally provided, affordable sporting and physical recreation participation opportunities for all of our members. To enhance your university experience by offering health, fitness and leisure activities to make your time at the ANU a whole lot more energetic, invigorating and enjoyable. For general enquiries, visit reception at the ANU Sport Centre.
Location: Building 19 (David Cocking Sport & Recreation Centre), on North Road Opening Hours: ANU Sport Fitness Centre: 6am – 10pm Mon-Fri, 8am – 7pm Sat-Sun, 9am – 7pm Public Holidays Admin: 9am – 5pm Mon-Fri
ANU
ANU Law Students’ Society
@anulss
www.anulss.com
lss@anu.edu.au
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LSS
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