GULS 2021 First Year Handbook by Griffith University Law Society

FIRST YEAR HANDBOOK

2021

CONTENTS Welcome.................................................................................................................................1 President's Address..........................................................................................................2 Management Committee............................................................................................. 3 - 5 Activities Portfolio............................................................................................................ 6 - 8 Careers Portfolio................................................................................................................9 Competitions Portfolio................................................................................................... 10 - 12 Education Portfolio.......................................................................................................... 13 - 14 Media & Communications Portfolio..........................................................................15 - 17 Sponsorships Portfolio....................................................................................................18 First-Year Representative............................................................................................. 19 L-Card..................................................................................................................................... 20 First-Year Mentoring Program....................................................................................21 A Message from the Head of Student Counselling and Wellbeing...........22 - 23 Managing Reactions to COVID-19..............................................................................24 - 25 Top 10 Tips for Success................................................................................................... 26 Social Events........................................................................................................................27 Competitions.......................................................................................................................28 GULS Social Sports............................................................................................................29 Connect With Us............................................................................................................... 30 Where to Find GULS........................................................................................................ 31 Support Contacts.............................................................................................................. 32 Acknowledgements.........................................................................................................33

CONTENTS

ON BEHALF OF THE GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY LAW SOCIETY AND OUR SPONSORS, WE EXTEND A WARM WELCOME TO ALL FIRST YEAR STUDENTS COMMENCING THEIR STUDIES AT THE GRIFFITH LAW SCHOOL. WE HOPE THAT THIS GUIDE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH SOME VALUABLE INFORMATION TO SMOOTHLY TRANSITION INTO GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY.

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS Welcome to the Griffith University Law Society (GULS). As the most established student-run organisation at Griffith University, GULS consists a very close committee of 30, and over 400 members annually. GULS has always worked to enrich the experience of students and support them academically, professionally, and socially during their time at law school. In addition, GULS advocates for law students at a university, state, and national level. GULS runs a variety of events each year, so make sure to keep up to date via our socials @GULS. Whether you are participating in competitions, enter a mentoring program, attend career networking events, participate in sport, or buying an LCARD there is always something at GULS for you. GULS is also here to support you in your journey throughout law school, whether it is through finding the right textbook, or within our many education and well-being events. As President, I have two main goals for GULS in 2021. The first is that we increase student engagement and create more inclusivity within the society. This includes both school leavers and mature-aged students in their first year, as well as the second-year students whose first year was heavily impacted by COVID-19. Secondly, that we advocate and prioritize wellbeing (mental health, physical health and safety, disability services, bullying and harassment, among other things). Being a part of GULS is beyond extracurricular activities – these are connections that improve wellbeing and stay with you for life. I hope to enrich the lives of law students in 2021 and for those who have never been involved with the law school beyond their core subjects to experience a true GULS culture of family, inspiration, acceptance, and motivation. Whether its events, competitions, networking or simply buying an LCARD, I look forward to meeting each and every first year student and hope that you take the step to enriching your Griffith Law School experience by being a part of GULS. I am honored to have been elected President for 2021 and am privileged to lead our team forward. Elly Thomas GULS 2021 President

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ELLY THOMAS PRESIDENT president@guls.org MY NAME IS ELLY THOMAS AND I AM CURRENTLY IN MY THIRD YEAR OF LAW AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS. I AM HONORED TO BE PRESIDENT OF GULS IN 2021. AS YOUR PRESIDENT, I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERSEEING THE COMMITTEE AND BEING THE AMBASSADOR OF GULS. I REMEMBER BEING IN MY FIRST YEAR NOT FINDING MY WAY AROUND CAMPUS EVEN WHEN I’D TURN UP AN HOUR EARLY, CHECKING MY TIMETABLE FOR MY CLASSROOMS 5 TIMES BEFORE ENTERING A CLASSROOM, WORRYING THAT EVERYONE WAS WATCHING ME STRESS ABOUT EVERYTHING ASSOCIATED WITH NEW UNIVERSITY LIFE. I LOOK BACK NOW AND CAN’T HELP BUT SMILE AT THE JOURNEY WE TAKE WHEN WE BEGIN OUR LAW SCHOOL PATHWAYS.GULS IS THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO SPREAD YOUR WINGS AND MEET LIKE MINDED PEOPLE, ENDURING THE SAME STRUGGLES YOU ARE (BELIEVE ME!). GULS HAS GIVEN ME FRIENDSHIPS I WILL KEEP FOR A LIFETIME AND EXPERIENCES I WILL NEVER FORGET AND THAT HAVE SHAPED ME AS A PERSON. I HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL AROUND AT GULS EVENTS, WHETHER IT’S ALL DRESSED UP AT OUR LAW BALL, ALL DRESSED DOWN AROUND THE LIBRARY, AT NETWORKING EVENTS WITH OUR FABULOUS SPONSORS OR AT OUR MANY EXTRA-CURRICULAR JUNIOR COMPETITIONS AIMED AT FIRST YEAR STUDENTS! I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU AND WISH YOU ALL THE BEST IN THE BEGINNING OF YOUR LAW PATHWAY.

INDIA JOHNSON VICE-PRESIDENT vp@guls.org HELLO FIRST YEARS AND WELCOME TO GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY! MY NAME IS INDIA AND I AM THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF GULS. I AM STUDYING A BACHELOR OF LAWS/ARTS AND AM GOING INTO MY THIRD YEAR! MY ROLE AS VICE-PRESIDENT INVOLVES OVERSEEING THE INTERNAL HAPPENINGS OF THE COMMITTEE AND HELPING EVERYONE STAY ON TRACK. I APPLIED FOR THIS POSITION AS I REMEMBER THE CONSTANT SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT THE PREVIOUS GULS COMMITTEES PROVIDED ME WITH AND I WANTED TO BE ABLE TO DO THE SAME. FIRST YEAR CAN BE DAUNTING AND I UNDERSTAND IT’S PARTICULARLY HARD WITH COVID-19. THE FACT THAT LECTURES WILL NO LONGER BE TAKING PLACE COULD BE EVEN MORE OF A CHALLENGE. THEREFORE, I REALLY ENCOURAGE ALL OF YOU TO GET INVOLVED IN GULS IN ANY WAY YOU CAN, THROUGH COMPETITIONS AND ALL THE SOCIAL AND NETWORKING EVENTS. I MET ALL MY UNI FRIENDS THROUGH THESE GULS ORGANISED EVENTS AND IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE A STRONG CIRCLE OF PEOPLE TO HELP MAKE YOUR TIME AT UNI THE BEST IT CAN BE. THESE EVENTS ARE PROBABLY MY FAVOURITE MEMORIES OF UNI SO FAR! IN MY SPARE TIME, I’LL EITHER BE CYCLING OR BOULDERING OR SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO KEEP BUSY! PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO REACH OUT TO ME FOR ANY ADVICE OR QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT STARTING YOUR JOURNEY HERE! I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING AS MANY OF YOU AS POSSIBLE!

ELLY THOMAS

GRACE MCGAHAN SECRETARY secretary@guls.org HELLO, WONDERFUL FIRST YEARS! MY NAME IS GRACE MCGAHAN, AND I AM THE SECRETARY OF GULS FOR 2021. I HAVE RECENTLY ENTERED MY THIRD YEAR OF A BACHELOR OF LAWS (HONOURS)/BACHELOR OF GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. MY ROLE AS SECRETARY MEANS THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INTERNAL NETWORKS OF THE SOCIETY. THIS INCLUDES TASKS SUCH AS COORDINATING MEETINGS, ENSURING COMPLIANCE UNDER THE SOCIETY’S CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS AND REALLY ANYTHING REQUIRED TO ENSURE THE SOCIETY RUNS SMOOTHLY! AS FIRST YEARS, YOU ARE IN AN INCREDIBLE POSITION. A LAW DEGREE CAN BE DIFFICULT, AND IT IS NO DOUBT, LENGTHY. HOWEVER, YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF SURROUNDED BY A WONDERFUL AND SUPPORTIVE NETWORK. WITH THIS, I OFFER YOU THE FOLLOWING ADVICE: BE INVOLVED! IN THE MIDST OF COVID19, I UNDERSTAND IT MIGHT BE EASIER TO STUDY FROM HOME. WHERE POSSIBLE, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO BE ON CAMPUS! BE INVOLVED IN GULS! THIS COMMUNITY AVOWS YOU NOT ONLY THE OPPORTUNITY TO SOCIALISE WITH STUDENTS OF ALL YEARS BUT FURTHER ENSURES YOU TO EXPAND YOUR NETWORK VIA OUR MANY EVENTS AND COMPETITIONS!

SELEM ACABANI TREASURER treasurer@guls.org HI! MY NAME IS SELEM AND MY FRIENDS CALL ME SALAMI, I AM A THIRD YEAR LAW/GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS STUDENT. AS THE TREASURER, I DEAL WITH MORE OF THE BEHIND THE SCENES WORK AND DECIDE/ORGANISE WHERE THE MONEY IS ALLOCATED SO GULS RUNS SMOOTHLY AND EVERYONE MAKES THE MOST OF THE YEAR! I REMEMBER THE SILLY THINGS I’D WORRY ABOUT ON THE FIRST COUPLE OF DAYS LIKE WHAT OUTFIT I’D WEAR TO MY FIRST LECTURE OR IF I SHOULD WRITE WITH BLACK OR BLUE PEN. THE SCARIEST THING WAS REALISING THAT I WAS NOT IN A CLASSROOM ANYMORE AND EVERYTHING FELT HUGE AND FULL OF PEOPLE. I WAS LUCKY TO BE INVOLVED WITH SOME OF THE GULS EVENTS AND I FOUND PEACE IN ALL THE CHAOS. EVERYONE MAY WANT A DIFFERENT OUTCOME WITH THIS DEGREE BUT WE ALL HAVE IN COMMON OUR COMMITMENT TO MAKE UNI A BIT MORE EXCITING! MY ADVICE IS TRY EVERYTHING AT LEAST ONCE, BUT KEEP IT LEGAL ;) I’M VERY KEEN TO MEET ALL OF YOU, YELL OUT SALAMI WHENEVER YOU ARE IN NEED!

OLIVER PIPE RELATIONS MANAGER gulsrelations@guls.org HELLO AND WELCOME TO GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY! MY NAME IS OLIVER AND I AM A THIRD YEAR BACHELOR OF LAWS (HONS)/INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDENT. THIS YEAR, I AM THE RELATIONS MANAGER AS PART OF OUR MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. MY ROLE IS TO ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE A PLATFORM THAT ALLOWS YOU TO GET INVOLVED AND BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE OF THE LAW SCHOOL. OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM IS LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION INTO BOTH THE LAW SCHOOL AND GULS. I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND HOW DAUNTING IT CAN BE AS A FIRST YEAR STUDENT. IT IS PART OF THE JOURNEY THAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO EMBARK ON. MY ADVICE TO YOU IS TO GET TO KNOW YOUR PEERS, THEY WILL BE THE ONES WHO WILL BE SITTING NEXT TO YOU FOR THE UPCOMING YEARS, AND ALSO THE STUDENTS YOU SEE AT THE END OF THE LIBRARY DURING THOSE LATE NIGHT STUDY SESSIONS. IN FACT, THAT’S HOW I MET MY FELLOW MANAGEMENT TEAM! YOU’LL MEET SOME GREAT PEOPLE ALONG THE WAY. THE FRIENDSHIPS YOU BUILD NOW WILL LAST A LIFETIME. IF YOU EVER NEED GUIDANCE, ADVICE OR JUST TO TALK TO SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS WHAT IT'S LIKE, REACH OUT! I AM ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP.

ACTIVITIES PORTFOLIO

ELLY THOMAS

MADELINE TORRISI DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES activities@guls.org HI EVERYONE! WELCOME TO LAW SCHOOL AT GRIFFITH. MY NAME IS MADELINE AND I AM IN MY SIXTH AND FINAL YEAR OF A BACHELOR OF LAWS (HONOURS)/ BACHELOR OF CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE. I AM YOUR 2021 DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES FOR GULS. MY ROLE INVOLVES OVERSEEING AND ORGANISING OUR AMAZING SOCIAL CALENDAR AND SPORTING EVENTS! AS OUR PLANS LAST YEAR WERE AFFECTED BY COVID, I AM SUPER EXCITED TO SEE SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE EVENTS BACK (SUCH AS OUR ANNUAL LAW BALL!), AS WELL AS SOME NEW EVENTS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON. MY TIP FOR LAW SCHOOL IS TO GET INVOLVED IN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN WHETHER THAT BE EVENTS, COMPETITIONS, NETWORKING OR INTERNSHIPS. NOT ONLY WILL THIS HELP YOU TO DEVELOP PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, BUT YOU WILL ALSO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET SOME AMAZING LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE AND CREATE LONG LASTING FRIENDSHIPS. PLEASE REACH OUT SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR WANT TO CHAT. I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING MANY OF YOU AT OUR UPCOMING EVENTS!

LILY BEN DEKHIL SOCIALS CONVENOR social@guls.org HELLO FIRST YEARS! CONGRATULATIONS ON MAKING IT TO GRIFFITH LAW! MY NAME IS LILY, AND I AM GOING INTO MY SECOND YEAR OF A BACHELOR OF LAW (HONOURS)/ BACHELOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. THIS YEAR I AM DELIGHTED TO BE ONE OF YOUR SOCIAL CONVENORS. IN THIS ROLE I WILL BE WORKING HARD TO MAKE SURE YOUR YEAR IS SPECTACULAR WITH MANY EVENTS AND SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES- GET KEEN FOR THE LAW BALL! I REMEMBER BEING EXTREMELY NERVOUS ON MY FIRST DAY, FORTUNATELY GULS WAS THERE TO LEND A HAND AND MADE THE TRANSITION TO UNIVERSITY LIFE THAT BIT EASIER, AND I HOPE TO DO THE SAME. THERE IS OFTEN A PRECONCEPTION THAT LAW STUDENTS HAVE TO STUDY 24/7; HOWEVER, THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I CAN IMPART TO YOU IS TO TAKE TIME OUT FOR YOURSELF TO RELAX AND REFRESH. THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR FUTURE SELF IS TO LOOK AFTER YOUR PRESENT SELF, SO DON’T FEEL BAD FOR PUTTING DOWN THAT TEXTBOOK AND TAKING A DAY OFF. I LOVE BAKING, LEGALLY BLONDE, MAKING PINTEREST BOARDS AND ALL THINGS ANIMAL RELATED. I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST FOR YOUR JOURNEY AHEAD, AND PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO REACH OUT, I AM ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP!

FAY D'CRUZ SOCIALS CONVENOR social@guls.org HELLO GRIFFITH LAW STUDENTS! CONGRATULATIONS FOR JOINING THE LAW SCHOOL CREW!!!! MY NAME’S FAY AND I’M CURRENTLY IN SECOND YEAR STUDYING LAW (HONS)/PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE. I AM ONE OF THE SOCIALS CONVENORS (PICTURED LEFT) ALONGSIDE MY FRIEND LILY BEN DEKHIL. THIS YEAR WE WILL BOTH BE ASSISTING IN PLANNING SOME SOCIAL LAW SCHOOL EVENTS FOR YOU TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET OTHER LAW STUDENTS FROM ALL DIFFERENT YEARS! SOME PERSONAL ADVICE IS TO NOT VIEW FRIENDSHIPS AS SOLELY NETWORKING OR JOB OPPORTUNITIES, BUT RATHER ENJOY BUILDING STRONG GENUINE RELATIONS WITH YOUR PEERS. HAVING FRIENDS AT UNIVERSITY MAKES YOUR CAREER JOURNEY MUCH MORE MEMORABLE, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE MADE FRIENDS THAT ARE THE TYPE OF FRIENDS FOR LIFE. SOMETIMES IT CAN BE HARD TO OPEN YOURSELF UP TO STRANGERS, BUT GETTING INVOLVED IN THE GRIFFITH LAW SOCIETY MAKES THE SOCIALISING ASPECT LESS INTIMIDATING. DO NOT BE WORRIED TO COME UP TO ANY ONE OF US! WE ARE ALL HERE TO HELP AND VERY HAPPY TO HAVE A CHAT ABOUT ANY CONCERNS. WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST WITH YOUR FIRST YEAR!

BERNIE DREW MEMBERSHIP & MERCHANDISE OFFICER membership@guls.org AS CAN BE DEDUCED FROM THE ACCOMPANYING PICTURE OF ME AND A CHARGING BULL, THE DEGREE THAT I AM WORKING TOWARDS ATTAINING IS THE LAW (HONS)/ COMMERCE DUAL DEGREE. DONNING THE OFFICIAL FOOTWEAR OF SUCH A DEGREE, RM WILLIAMS BOOTS, IT IS NO WONDER WHY I HAVE BEEN ENTRUSTED WITH THE TASK OF NOT ONLY MEMBERSHIP, BUT ALSO THE GULS MERCHANDISE FOR 2021. ALTHOUGH I CANNOT PROMISE A GULS X RM WILLIAMS COLLABORATION ON MERCHANDISE, I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT OUR SOCIETY’S SELECTION OF WEARS AND TRINKETS WILL GROW TO SUIT YOUR WANTS AND NEEDS. AS RECENTLY BEING A FIRST YEAR STUDENT MYSELF, I UNDERSTAND YOUR PERSONAL DESIRE TO FLAUNT YOUR ACCEPTANCE INTO AUSTRALIA'S TOP LAW SCHOOL. (SHANGHAIRANKING'S GLOBAL RANKING OF ACADEMIC SUBJECTS, 2020). GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR FIRST YEAR AND MAKE SURE YOU GRAB AN L CARD! ALL QUERIES ARE WELCOMED TO THE SUPPLIED EMAIL.

JESSICA BORG SPORTS COORDINATOR sports@guls.org I HAVE BEEN STUDYING AT GU SINCE 2017. I AM STUDYING A BACHELOR OF BUSINESS AND LAW (HONOURS), MAJORING IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND SPORTS MANAGEMENT. I HAVE COMPLETED MY BUSINESS DEGREE AND AM ON MY WAY TO FINISHING MY LAW STUDIES. I AM ALSO A PART OF THE SPORTS COLLEGE HERE AT GRIFFITH. I MOVED TO BRISBANE IN 2017 FROM BUNDABERG TO PURSUE MY STUDIES. ALONGSIDE UNI I AM ALSO AN AUSTRALIAN TAEKWONDO ATHLETE. I HAVE BEEN COMPETING IN TAEKWONDO FOR 15 YEARS. TAEKWONDO HAS TAKEN ME ALL OVER THE WORLD (21 COUNTRIES SOME TWO OR THREE TIMES) COMPETING AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF MY SPORT. I HAVE THE GOAL OF REPRESENTING MY COUNTRY AT THE OLYMPICS AND THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES. MY FIRST DAY OF UNI WAS ONE TO REMEMBER... THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS FELT LIKE A BIG CITY, COMPARED TO BUNDABERG. I WAS JUST 17 AND HAD NO IDEA WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO. I WAS LATE TO EVERY CLASS AND WALKED AT LEAST 2KM TO GET FROM MY CAR TO THE CAMPUS HEART, BUT FORTUNATELY I FELL IN LOVE WITH GU!!!

CAREERS PORTFOLIO

ELLY THOMAS

CHLOE CAMPBELL DIRECTOR OF CAREERS careers@guls.org HI! WELCOME TO GRIFFITH! MY NAME IS CHLOE AND I AM GOING INTO MY FOURTH YEAR OF A BACHELOR OF LAWS/BACHELOR OF BUSINESS MAJORING IN SPORT MANAGEMENT. I AM ALSO YOUR DIRECTOR OF CAREERS, WHICH MEANS I WILL BE KEEPING YOU UPDATED WITH ALL CAREERS OPPORTUNITIES (SUCH AS INTERNSHIPS, CLERKSHIPS, PARTTIME JOBS AND EVENTS). LOOK FORWARD TO THE CAREERS GUIDES SOON TO BE PUBLISHED, AS WELL AS SEMINARS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WITH FIRMS AND OTHER KEY CONNECTIONS! I MOVED FROM ROCKHAMPTON TO BRISBANE FOR MY FIRST YEAR OF UNIVERSITY, AND MY NUMBER ONE TIP WOULD BE TO GET INVOLVED WITH EVERYTHING, SUCH AS COMPETITIONS AND EVENTS! THIS MAKES IT MUCH EASIER TO MEET LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE AND PROGRESS THROUGHOUT YOUR DEGREE WITH SUPPORT. MY HOBBIES INCLUDE HANGING OUT WITH FRIENDS AT NEW PLACES THROUGHOUT BRISSY AND GOING TO THE GYM. MAKE SURE TO SWING ME AN EMAIL FOR HELP WITH ANYTHING CAREERS RELATED OR JUST FOR A CHAT!

ANMOL CHANDI CAREERS & ALUMNI OFFICER careers@guls.org HI, I AM ANMOL AND I AM THE CAREERS AND ALUMNI OFFICER OF 2021. I AM NOW IN MY THIRD YEAR OF BACHELOR OF LAWS (HONOURS) AND BACHELOR OF BUSINESS. I AM VERY EXCITED TO HELP STUDENTS MAKE CONNECTIONS IN THE LAW COMMUNITY THAT WILL HELP THEM WHILE THEY ARE AT UNI AND LATER ON IN THEIR CAREERS. I AM KEEN TO CONTINUE MEETING NEW PEOPLE AND GETTING INVOLVED IN ALL THE LAW EVENTS AND ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO NETWORK WITH ALL THEIR PEERS AND ASSISTING IN ALL CAREER RELATED OPPORTUNITIES. WHEN I AM NOT AT UNI OR STUDYING IN THE LIBRARY I ENJOY MEETING NEW PEOPLE, WORKING AT MY CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE JOB, READING AND SHOPPING.

COMPETITIONS PORTFOLIO JASMYN DALEY DIRECTOR OF COMPETITIONS competitions@guls.org HI AND WELCOME TO THE GRIFFITH LAW SCHOOL! MY NAME IS JASMYN AND I AND I AM A THIRD-YEAR BACHELOR OF LAWS/BACHELOR OF CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDENT. I WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF COMPETITIONS THIS YEAR AND WILL BE ORGANISING AND LETTING YOU KNOW ABOUT ALL OF OUR EXCITING INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL COMPETITIONS, ALONGSIDE THE COMPETITIONS TEAM. MY BIGGEST TIP IS TO GET INVOLVED, ESPECIALLY IN COMPETITIONS (ALTHOUGH I MIGHT BE A BIT BIASED THERE). IN ALL SERIOUSNESS, COMPETITIONS ARE A GREAT WAY TO MAKE FRIENDS, NETWORK WITH PROFESSIONALS, HAVE FUN AND EVEN BETTER - YOU CAN COMPETE IN PLENTY OF EXCITING COMPETITIONS IN YOUR FIRST YEAR! ALSO, REMEMBER TO BREATHE AND TAKE TIME TO DO THE THINGS YOU ENJOY, YOU DON’T NEED TO STUDY 24/7 TO DO WELL. IN MY SPARE TIME, I ENJOY PLAYING NETBALL, READING, AND WATCHING NETFLIX. MY EMAIL IS ALWAYS OPEN IF YOU WANT TO DISCUSS COMPETITIONS OR JUST HAVE A CHAT!

RIHAB ADAM EXTERNAL COMPETITIONS CONVENOR external.comps@guls.org RIHAB IS IN HER FOURTH YEAR OF HER BACHELOR OF LAWS (HONS)/ BACHELOR OF CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE. SHE IS SUPER EXCITED FOR ALL OF YOU TO COMPETE IN THE EXTERNAL COMPETITIONS THIS YEAR. SHE WILL MAKE HER BEST EFFORT TO ENSURE IT WILL BE A MEMORABLE AND ENJOYABLE LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE. SHE HAS COMPETED IN SEVERAL INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL COMPETITIONS WITH GULS HERSELF AND HAS FIRST HAND SEEN HOW MUCH OF A DIFFERENCE THESE COMPETITIONS MAKE TO YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A LAW STUDENT. THESE COMPETITIONS HAVE HELPED RIHAB IN MANY WAYS FROM IMPROVING HER PUBLIC SPEAKING TO ENHANCING HER LEGAL WRITING SKILLS. OUTSIDE OF UNIVERSITY, YOU WILL FIND RIHAB ON THE HUNT FOR HER NEXT ADVENTURE OR DINING AT ONE OF BRISBANE’S MANY RESTAURANTS. SHE IS SUPER EXCITED TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH ALL OF YOU. FEEL FREE TO CONTACT RIHAB ON EXTERNAL.COMPS@GULS.ORG WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

ELLY THOMAS

MADELEINE VLASICH INTERNAL COMPETITIONS CONVENOR (CLIENT INTERVIEW) client.interview@guls.org HI GUYS! MADELEINE (MADDIE) VLASICH HERE. I AM A FINAL YEAR BACHELOR OF LAWS (HONOURS) AND BACHELOR OF CRIMINOLOGY CRIMINAL JUSTICE. I AM THE CLIENT INTERVIEW COMPETITION COORDINATOR THIS YEAR! ALL THINGS IN THIS AREA FALL UNDER MY ROLE INCLUDING THE ORGANISATION AND COORDINATION OF THE COMPETITION. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING MANY OF YOU GET INVOLVED AND PARTICIPATE OVER THE YEAR! IN MY SPARE TIME I ENJOY GOING FOR A WALK, PLAYING TOUCH OR HANGING OUT WITH FRIENDS. DON’T BE AFRAID TO REACH OUT IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN ANY COMPETITIONS OR JUST WANT TO HAVE A GENERAL CHAT. I AM ALWAYS DOWN FOR A COFFEE.

JADE CAMPBELL INTERNAL COMPETITIONS CONVENOR (MOOTING) mooting@guls.org HI EVERYONE, WELCOME TO GRIFFITH LAW SCHOOL. MY NAME IS JADE, AND I AM GOING INTO MY THIRD YEAR OF A BACHELOR OF LAWS (HONOURS) / BACHELOR OF BUSINESS. I WILL BE YOUR MOOTING CONVENOR FOR THIS YEAR, WHICH MEANS THAT I WILL BE ORGANISING THE MOOTING COMPETITIONS AND INFORMING YOU ON HOW TO GET INVOLVED. MY BIGGEST TIP FOR GOING INTO YOUR FIRST YEAR IS TO NOT BE AFRAID OF REACHING OUT AND TALKING TO PEOPLE IN YOUR CLASSES AS YOU ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT. EVERYONE AT GRIFFITH IS VERY SUPPORTIVE AND WILLING TO HELP, SO DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK. WHEN I AM NOT STUDYING, I AM HANGING OUT WITH MY FRIENDS, COOKING OR WATCHING A NEW SERIES ON NETFLIX. I AM ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP SO DON'T HESITATE TO REACH OUT.

LEWIS DUONG INTERNAL COMPETITIONS CONVENOR (WITNESS EXAMINATION) witness.examination@guls.org HI THERE, CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU WHO MADE IT TO GRIFFITH LAW SCHOOL. MY NAME IS LEWIS AND I’M IN MY SECOND YEAR DOING BACHELOR OF LAWS (HONOURS). FOR GULS 2021, I WILL BE MAINLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL WITNESS EXAMINATION COMPETITIONS. THE MOST VALUABLE EXPERIENCE I GOT SO FAR IS THAT YOU DO NOT HESITATE TO PARTICIPATE IN COMPETITIONS JUST BECAUSE YOU THINK YOU ARE IN YOUR FIRST YEAR! THAT WAS MY CASE WHEN I LIMITED MYSELF BY THIS IDEA AND ONLY REALISED THE MISTAKE AFTER COMPLETING MY FINAL MOOT EXAM IN THE SAME YEAR. ANOTHER TIP I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE IS THAT YOU SHOULD MAKE USE OF ALL THE STUDENT SERVICES AVAILABLE IN GRIFFITH. THEY OFFER A RANGE OF EXTREMELY HELPFUL STUFF FROM THE ONLINE LIBRARY, FREE MICROSOFT OFFICE, ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT SERVICE AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT TO HELP YOU THRIVE IN YOUR UNI LIFE. I AM SURE THESE UPCOMING YEARS IN GRIFFITH WILL BE ONE OF YOUR MOST MEMORABLE, WHICHEVER PERSONALITY YOU HAVE, WHETHER YOU LOVE SOCIALISING OR FEEL YOUR BEST WHEN ALONE. MY HOBBIES INCLUDE SWIMMING, MEDITATION, TRAVEL AND SIMULATION GAMES. YOU ARE ALL WELCOME TO REACH OUT TO ME SHOULD YOU NEED ANY SUPPORT OR WANT A CHAT. SEE YOU GUYS IN 2021.

FINLEY WILLIAMS INTERNAL COMPETITIONS CONVENOR (CLIENT NEGOTIATION) negotiation@guls.org HELLO THERE, MY NAME IS FINLEY AND I WANT TO GIVE YOU A WARM WELCOME TO THE GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY LAW SOCIETY (GULS). I AM STUDYING IN MY THIRD YEAR AT GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY, WITH A DOUBLE DEGREE OF A BACHELOR OF LAW AND A BACHELOR OF GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. MY ROLE AS THE NEGOTIATION CONVENOR IS TO HELP THE ASPIRING NEW LAW STUDENTS WITH THEIR TASK AND MONITOR THE NEGOTIATION COMPETITION. I REMEMBER BEING A FIRST-YEAR LAW STUDENT AND BEING EXTREMELY BEING NERVOUS ABOUT DOING SUCH A LENGTHY BACHELOR. HOWEVER, WITH A BIT OF GRIT AND DETERMINATION, A LOT OF COFFEE, AND SURROUNDING YOURSELF WITH GREAT LAW FRIENDS AND MENTORS, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO OVERCOME THESE NERVES. WITH THIS ADVICE THAT I GIVE TO ANYONE WHO IS WANTING TO PURSUE THE FIELD OF LAW, I WOULD SUGGEST A FEW TIPS; ATTEND GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY LAW EVENTS, YOU BE SURPRISED AT THE PEOPLE YOU WILL MEET OUTSIDE OF THE LECTURE THEATRE WHO ARE LIKED MINDED AND OFFER POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE MEMORIES LATER DOWN THE ROAD, IN YOUR LEGAL CAREER AND STUDIES. I AM VERY KEEN TO MEET YOU ALL AND MEET YOU AT THE NEXT COMPETITION!

EDUCATION PORTFOLIO

ELLY THOMAS

MELISSA BANSRAJ DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION education@guls.org HI! WELCOME TO LAW SCHOOL! MY NAME IS MELISSA AND I’M A FINAL YEAR LAW (HONS)/GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS STUDENT. I’M ALSO YOUR DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, WHICH MEANS I WORK WITH THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EDUCATION PORTFOLIO TO ENHANCE YOUR EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE. THIS YEAR, YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE US DELIVER THE FIRST-YEAR MENTORING PROGRAM, EXAM STUDY SESSIONS, MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES AND EQUITY EVENTS. I HOPE TO SEE YOU AT SOME OF THESE! I REMEMBER MY FIRST YEAR LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY; I WAS FRESH OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL AND DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT. MY ADVICE WOULD BE TO GET INVOLVED IN ANYTHING THAT COMES YOUR WAY WHILE YOU’RE AT UNI - YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE IT’LL TAKE YOU OR WHO YOU’LL MEET. I CAN GUARANTEE THAT YOU'LL HAVE A LOT OF FUN OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS - I KNOW I HAVE! IN MY SPARE TIME, I ENJOY SPORT, PAINTING, READING, AND CAN OCCASIONALLY BEATBOX. I’M ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP YOU OUT OR HAVE A CHAT ABOUT ANYTHING!

VICTORIA BLUNDELL EDUCATION OFFICER education.officer@guls.org HI! MY NAME IS VICTORIA AND I AM STUDYING A BACHELOR OF LAWS/GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. I WAS BORN IN MELBOURNE AND LIVED IN TOWNSVILLE BEFORE MOVING TO BRISBANE TO PURSUE LAW. I AM A PROUD GUNDITJMARA ABORIGINAL AND LATINA WOMAN, AND I AM PARTICULARLY ENGAGED AROUND COMMUNITY ISSUES AND ADVOCACY. I AM GOING INTO MY SECOND YEAR OF UNIVERSITY AND AM LOVING IT SO FAR, DESPITE THE PANDEMIC. I REMEMBER INITIALLY GOING INTO UNIVERSITY FOR O-WEEK AND FEELING SO OVERWHELMED AND NERVOUS. LUCKILY, GULS ARE INCREDIBLY SUPPORTIVE AND HAVE BEEN THE BASIS OF MY FRIENDS IN BRISBANE! I HEAVILY ENCOURAGE FIRST YEAR STUDENTS TO CONNECT WITH GULS IF YOU ARE FEELING LOST OR LONELY. MY HOBBIES INCLUDE STRENGTH TRAINING, COOKING AND ADVENTURING/CAMPING IN THE OUTDOORS.

STELLA TSAKIRES EQUITY & WELLBEING OFFICER equity@guls.org HI! WELCOME TO GRIFFITH! MY NAME IS STELLA, I’M IN MY SECOND YEAR OF THE JURIS DOCTOR. THIS YEAR MY ROLE IS BEING THE EQUITY AND WELLBEING OFFICER, I’LL BE WORKING TO PROMOTE WELLBEING AND MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES AND ENSURING THAT EVERYONE FEELS SUPPORTED, SAFE AND WELCOME! I KNOW STARTING UNIVERSITY CAN BE DAUNTING, BUT THE BEST THING IS TO GET INVOLVED AS MUCH AS YOU CAN, YOU’LL FIND THAT DOORS WILL OPEN, AND YOU’LL MEET SO MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE. IN MY SPARE TIME, I ENJOY PAINTING, HIKING AND SWIMMING. I LOOK FORWARD TO HOPEFULLY MEETING SOME OF YOU!

DENIS CHEN MENTORING OFFICER mentoring@guls.org MY NAME IS DENIS AND I AM YOUR GULS MENTORING OFFICER FOR 2021. I AM IN MY FOURTH YEAR OF UNI STUDYING A BACHELOR OF LAWS AND BACHELOR OF COMMERCE. AS YOUR MENTORING OFFICER, I WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR COORDINATING THE GULS MENTORING PROGRAM AND RUNNING MENTORING EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. ALTHOUGH THE FIRST YEAR OF LAW SCHOOL CAN BE TOUGH AT TIMES, DO PERSEVERE AS I’M SURE YOU WILL HAVE SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES OVER THE COURSE OF THE YEAR. I HOPE YOU HAVE AN AMAZING FIRST YEAR AT THE GRIFFITH LAW SCHOOL!

MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS PORTFOLIO

ELLY THOMAS

DEAN COSGROVE DIRECTOR OF MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS communications@guls.org HI EVERYONE! MY NAME IS DEAN AND I’M THE 2021 DIRECTOR OF MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS, AS WELL AS BEING A FOURTH-YEAR BACHELOR OF LAWS (HONOURS) / BACHELOR OF BUSINESS STUDENT. MY TOP ADVICE FOR BEING A FIRST-YEAR IS RELAX! NOT EVERYTHING IS GOING TO GO PERFECT AND THAT’S OKAY HERE’S AN EXAMPLE, I SPILT COFFEE ALL OVER MYSELF DURING MY FIRST LECTURE - SO EMBARRASSING. DURING MY TIME OUTSIDE UNIVERSITY, I LIKE TO PLAY SOME SOCIAL SPORT, SOCIALISE WITH FRIENDS AND TRAVEL (AT LEAST I DID BEFORE 2020!) OTHERWISE, I’VE FOUND GIVING EVERYTHING A GO AT UNIVERSITY IS A GREAT IDEA - AT LEAST IT’S WORKED FOR ME THIS FAR! LAST OF ALL, FOLLOW GULS ON ALL OF OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES! @GRIFFITHUNIVERSITYLS ON FACEBOOK, @GRIFFITHUNIVERSITYLAWSOCIETY ON INSTAGRAM AND @GRIFFITH-UNIVERSITY-LAW-SOCIETY ON LINKEDIN. ENJOY YOUR FIRST YEAR AT UNIVERSITY!

BRIAHNA CONNOLLY MARKETING OFFICER marketing@guls.org HI FIRST YEARS! MY NAME IS BRIAHNA CONNOLLY AND I AM CURRENTLY IN MY PENULTIMATE YEAR OF THE BACHELOR OF LAWS (HONOURS)/BACHELOR OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE DUAL DEGREE. I AM ONE OF THE TWO MARKETING OFFICERS FOR THE GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY LAW SOCIETY (GULS) 2021 AND HAVE HELD THIS POSITION SINCE 2020. IN THIS ROLE, I PUBLISH SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT ACROSS NUMEROUS PLATFORMS TO KEEP YOU UPDATED WITH ALL THINGS EVENTS, CAREERS, AND EDUCATION ORIENTED. MY MAIN “TAKE-AWAY” TIP FOR FIRST YEAR IS TO STAY ORGANISED AND START ASSESSMENT PIECES AND PREPARATION FOR EXAMS EARLY. THIS GIVES YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK YOUR LECTURERS AND COURSE CONVENORS LOTS OF QUESTIONS, SO YOU CAN REALLY GRASP THE CONTENT AND BE CONFIDENT IN YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF COURSE MATERIALS OUTSIDE OF STUDY, I WORK PART-TIME AS A LAW CLERK IN THE MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE TEAM (AT MY DREAM FIRM!) I AM THOROUGHLY ENJOYING THE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE THIS OFFERS. I ALSO LIKE PLAYING TABLE TENNIS AND CLARINET, AND VOLUNTEERING WITH ORGANISATIONS SUPPORTING WOMEN’S RIGHTS.

ANITA ANTONY MARKETING OFFICER marketing@guls.org HEY! MY NAME IS ANITA AND I AM A BACHELOR OF LAWS (HONOURS) AND BACHELOR OF BUSINESS STUDENT GOING INTO MY THIRD YEAR. I ALSO HAVE THE HONOUR OF BEING ONE OF THE TWO MARKETING OFFICERS FOR GULS IN 2021. LIKE MANY OF YOU MAY BE RIGHT NOW, I WAS ALSO EXTREMELY ANXIOUS AND WORRIED ABOUT STARTING UNI BUT THE BEST PIECES OF ADVICE I WOULD HAVE TO GIVE IS TO STAY OPEN TO NEW EXPERIENCES, CONNECT WITH OTHER STUDENTS DOING YOUR COURSE AND TO NOT BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF! I WOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO ACTIVELY ENGAGE WITH GULS MEMBERS, AS WELL AS OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES TO STAY UPDATED ON WHAT IS HAPPENING. DURING MY SPARE TIME OUTSIDE OF UNI I ENJOY FILM PHOTOGRAPHY, LISTENING TO MUSIC AND TRAVELING AND GOING ON MINI ROAD TRIPS WITH FRIENDS! LASTLY, I WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE GOOD LUCK FOR THEIR FIRST YEAR OF UNI!

MELANIE JONES INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OFFICER it@guls.org HELLO EVERYONE! CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ACCEPTANCE INTO GRIFFITH, AND WELCOME TO GRIFFITH LAW SCHOOL! MY NAME IS MELANIE, I AM A SECOND-YEAR JURIS DOCTOR STUDENT, AND I AM THE GULS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OFFICER FOR 2021. IN MY FREE TIME, I LIKE TO DO YOGA, ROLLER SKATE, AND PLAY THE DRUMS. I AM ALSO AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FROM THE UNITED STATES! IN YOUR FIRST YEAR, DON’T BE AFRAID TO GET INVOLVED IN ANYTHING THAT SPARKS YOUR INTEREST! IT IS ALWAYS NERVEWRACKING TO TRY SOMETHING NEW, BUT YOU MAY DEVELOP NEW RELATIONSHIPS AND MEMORIES THAT COULD LAST A LIFETIME. KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US IN THE GULS OFFICE, AS ALL OF US ARE ALWAYS HERE TO SUPPORT OUR FELLOW LAW STUDENTS. I WISH ALL OF YOU THE ABSOLUTE BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR FIRST YEAR, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING ALL OF YOU SOMETIME!

ELLY THOMAS

JORDI MORGAN PUBLICATIONS OFFICER publications@guls.org MY NAME IS JORDI AND I AM THE GULS PUBLICATIONS OFFICER FOR 2021. I AM IN THE FINAL YEAR OF MY BACHELOR OF LAWS AND WHEN NOT STUDYING I ENJOY PLAYING, COACHING AND WATCHING FOOTBALL (SOCCER). MY ADVICE TO YOU: ATTEND COURT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, BE IT A LOCAL MAGISTRATES COURT OR THE DISTRICT AND SUPREME COURT. EXPOSURE TO COURT PROCESSES WILL BE INVALUABLE TO YOU. FURTHER, HAVE THE CONFIDENCE TO POLITELY APPROACH A SOLICITOR OR BARRISTER (IF THEY DON'T LOOK TOO BUSY) AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF. YOU WILL BE SURPRISED AT WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARISE. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME AT GRIFFITH BECAUSE THE TIME FLIES!

SPONSORSHIPS PORTFOLIO SHANIA MAAS DIRECTOR OF SPONSORSHIP sponsorship@guls.org HI I’M SHANIA, I AM IN MY FINAL YEAR OF A BACHELOR OF LAW/ BACHELOR OF GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. I AM ALSO THE SPONSORSHIP DIRECTOR FOR GULS! ALTHOUGH MY FIRST YEAR FEELS LIKE CENTURIES AGO NOW, IT IS STILL ONE OF MY BEST AND FAVOURITE YEARS AT UNI. MY FAVOURITE PART OF MY FIRST YEAR WAS MEETING ALL THE AMAZING PEOPLE THAT I AM STILL FRIENDS WITH TODAY! PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE AND ATTEND AS MANY EVENTS AS YOU CAN WHETHER IT’S PARTICIPATING IN COMPETITIONS, NETWORKING OR SOCIAL EVENTS OR PLAYING SPORTS. GETTING TO KNOW YOUR PEERS AND FORMING GOOD FRIENDSHIPS WILL MAKE UNI WAY MORE FUN! MY NUMBER 1 TIP IS TO START YOUR DEGREE WITH GOOD STUDY HABITS, FIGURE OUT WHAT WORKS FOR YOU AND ATTEND ALL YOUR CLASSES! DEVELOPING GOOD HABITS NOW WILL HELP YOU SO MUCH WHEN IT GETS HARD! AND REMEMBER YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BE THE BEST AT EVERYTHING, IF YOU DON’T DO WELL IN A PARTICULAR SUBJECT DON’T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF. JUST REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN TOO! AND ALWAYS CARRY A JUMPER, THE LIBRARY IS FREEZING!!

ANU CHACKO SPONSORSHIPS OFFICER sponsorship@guls.org HEY! WELCOME TO GRIFFITH LAW SCHOOL! MY NAME IS ANU, AND I AM A THIRD-YEAR BACHELOR OF LAWS (HONOURS)/ BACHELOR OF BUSINESS STUDENT. THIS YEAR I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING THE OFFICER OF SPONSORSHIPS FOR GULS. IN MY SPARE TIME, I LOVE TO GET LOST WITHIN AN ENTICING FICTIONAL NOVEL, START NEW TV SHOWS OR FIND NEW PLACES TO EXPLORE WITH FRIENDS. I STILL REMEMBER BEING ONE OF THOSE DEWY-EYED FIRST YEAR STUDENTS HELPLESSLY TRYING TO FIND MY CLASSES AND NERVOUSLY ATTEMPTING TO INTRODUCE MYSELF TO STRANGERS IN MY TUTORIALS. A LESSON I GRADUALLY LEARNED WAS THAT IT’S IMPORTANT TO NOT STAY TRAPPED IN YOUR OWN BUBBLE AND RECOGNISE THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE! THIS IS WHERE GULS COMES IN, HELPING STUDENTS THROUGH ALL FACETS OF UNIVERSITY LIFE BY OFFERING SUPPORT, OPPORTUNITIES AND A SENSE OF COMMUNITY. FOR NOW, GET READY TO BLAST OFF IN YOUR FIRST YEAR AS A LAW STUDENT! I ENCOURAGE YOU ALL TO TRY TO MEET NEW PEOPLE, ENGAGE IN NEW AND PERHAPS INTIMIDATING OPPORTUNITIES AND LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR YOU JUST WANT TO HAVE A CHAT, MY DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN. ENJOY THIS NEW CHAPTER AND MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY EXPERIENCE!

FIRST-YEAR REPRESENTATIVE

IS THIS YOU? THE GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY LAW SOCIETY IS LOOKING FOR AN ENTHUSIASTIC, OUTGOING AND FRIENDLY INDIVIDUAL TO JOIN THE GULS COMMITTEE OF 2021 IN THE POSITION OF FIRST-YEAR REPRESENTATIVE. THE ROLE OF FIRST-YEAR REPRESENTATIVE IS TO ENGAGE WITH YOUR COHORT AND YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING EVERYONE UP TO DATE WITH EVENTS AND ACTING AS A MEANS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GULS AND FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, WRITE A STATEMENT OF 200 WORDS AS TO WHY YOU WOULD BE SUITABLE AND SUBMIT IT VIA EMAIL TO PRESIDENT@GULS.ORG. THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE LAW SOCIETY AT AN EARLY STAGE IN YOUR DEGREE.

L Card GET YOUR HANDS ON QUEENSLAND'S LARGEST STUDENT DISCOUNT CARD! WHAT IS THE L CARD? THE L CARD IS A STUDENT DISCOUNT CARD CREATED BY THE UQ LAW SOCIETY, IN COLLABORATION WITH QUT LAW SOCIETY, GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY LAW SOCIETY AND USQ LAW SOCIETY. HOW DOES IT WORK? SIMPLY TURN UP, SHOW YOUR DIGITAL L CARD, AND RECEIVE Y OUR DEAL INSTANTLY! WHO IS ON THE L CARD? WE FEATURE EVERYTHING FROM SUBURBAN CAF ES TO BIG NIGHTCLUBS, LOCAL HAIRDRESSERS, RETAIL OUTLETS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. WE SPAN ACROSS SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND AND HAVE A DEAL F OR EVERYONE. HOW DO I PICK UP MY L CARD? SIMPLY PURCHASE THROUGH THE QPAY APP OR FOLLOW THE 'BUY L CARD' LINK BELOW. ONCE PURCHASED, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR DIGITAL L CARD TO YOUR PHONE’S WALLET APP. BUY IT NOW!

https://guls2016member.getqpay.com/

First-Year Mentoring Program Welcome to your first year of law at the Griffith Law School! You have chosen to embark on a journey that can be incredibly challenging, but also super rewarding. The start of any journey can be an extremely daunting experience (especially when you are starting during a pandemic). During your first year, you can expect to be bombarded with information on a range of new things, and sometimes this can become overwhelming. To ease the transition into law school, the Griffith University Law Society (GULS) offers a mentoring program for all first year students. The GULS Mentoring Program is designed to boost your confidence and provide you with support as you settle into your first year of study. Designed as a peer to peer program, you will be paired up with a law student who has gone through it all and can provide you with useful insights. Having a buddy is also a great way to begin expanding your network and building those important connections. GULS encourages all first year students to sign up for the mentoring program because it is the best way to start law school off on the right foot! We aim to have everyone paired up with a mentor by Week 4 of Trimester 1. If you have any questions, please email mentoring@guls.org. To sign up for the program, simply click the link and register your details: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexxwQBkJvbLEv89uYVzNrqdZ0wDIzc n3Ini8-5hKehfMEaCQ/viewform Denis Chen Mentoring Officer

A Message from the Head of Counselling & Wellbeing Welcome I have much pleasure in also extending to you a warm welcome to university life for 2021. I hope that you’ll enjoy your Griffith experience. For some of you, it is not only a new year, but a brand new start with new people, in a new place, and undertaking a brand new adventure. For some, it is even a brand new country, with new customs, landscapes, tastes, and smells. For all of us, it will no doubt bring new challenges and opportunities. Adjusting to University For some students starting university can be both an exciting and terrifying experience. This can sometimes result in students facing difficulties in adjusting. Adjusting to a new place like university is a very personal experience and some students may find it harder than others to get settled. As individuals, when we are in an unknown or unfamiliar environment and away from usual support systems, sometimes personal coping becomes affected. Students who are a long way from home may experience a cultural shock resulting from being immersed in a culture very different to their own. Students may be dealing with an unfamiliar setting, new climate, different accommodation, financial concerns, transport, unfamiliar food, language difficulties, and personal safety concerns. Cultural norms, values, and beliefs may be different, and some students may feel socially, culturally, or racially excluded in their new environment. Expect to feel both ‘up’ and ‘down’ at times. On the ‘down’ side, you may experience worry, confusion, sadness, loneliness, self-doubt, vulnerability, and a yearning for home. On the ‘up’ side you, may feel exhilaration, joy, freedom, and excitement. At times, it is possible you may have physical symptoms like difficulty sleeping, trembling, loss of concentration, headaches, difficulties with eating and feeling unwell. Don’t worry! Others have gone through the same emotions and gotten through it. It’s normal to feel some of the effects of adjusting to university however, over time these feelings should become less intense as you begin to settle in. If you find the feelings are very distressing and are not easing or you are having ongoing problems about your personal safety, accommodation, welfare or finances, health, counselling or wellbeing, diversity and inclusion or faith and spirituality, contact Student Services on your campus. Homesickness For a few of us these thoughts and feelings will be overwhelming in its intensity, but it is normal grieving involving a range of feelings. Because of a loss of old identities and uncertainty when facing new tasks including self-doubt, you might find yourself constantly replaying old memories or persistently longing for a person, place or experience. How do I manage my homesickness? Here are some things to try: Talk to other new students; Write down things you have found interesting or enjoyable; Be encouraging of yourself; Get to know a few people well; Focus on the opportunities; Seek information and explore your new environment; Do lots of things; Decorate your new room; Plan a date to go home; Get lots of sleep; Acknowledge you are homesick and talk to someone about it; and Be aware that your feelings will change. Study-life Balance Going to university requires students to juggle many different roles while also trying to be successful at study. Some of these different roles may include being a work colleague, mother, father, partner, husband, wife, friend, team member or community leader. Study-life balance is about looking at the energy you put into the different roles in your life and keeping a balance in all areas that are important to you. This is important as sometimes life can become unbalanced when things become really busy and when all of one’s energy is directed into a specific role or project. What often results is that one or some parts of a person’s life becomes neglected or overlooked, resulting in life becoming unbalanced.

Make time and energy for all the dimensions of your life that are important to you. This is very personal depending on what you value in your life and what is important to you. Also, what is important to you may change over time and with different circumstances. Having a moderate balance of activities can help to prevent burnout and can help to sustain energy over time! Making Friends Making Friends and meeting people at university can be challenging for students for a variety of reasons. Settling into a new environment, adjusting to academic requirements, or being around new people in an unfamiliar environment may make some individuals uncomfortable and lacking in confidence. However, attending university is a great opportunity to meet new people, make lasting friendships and to create networks for your career. In addition, students who actively engage in making friends and social networks are more likely to feel connected to others and experience successful study outcomes. Making friends and meeting people may be exceptionally challenging if you are an international student. The sooner you can spend time with others in your new environment, the more settled in and connected you will feel. The best way to do this is to attend all events organised by the International Office and get to know as many other students as possible. You may not feel like you have much in common with your new friends but it is important to remain open to trying new things and doing social activities that you may not normally do. For example: Prepare to make friends and be ‘friend ready’ – be open to the idea of meeting new people and prepare yourself for the idea of working on making friends as a skill. Be open to social opportunities with others and make room for friendships that don’t work. Show up – “80% of success is showing up” (Woody Allen). Smile and say hi to people. Mere exposure to people will enhance your perceived friendliness and likeability to others. Remember people’s names when speaking with them. Say yes to invitations and opportunities to attend events and to socialise. Attend social activities organised by the University. Check out interest groups and clubs that you could join. Sports groups, interest groups, study groups, the gym, student committees. Can’t find a group that interests you? Make your own group. Get involved in volunteering or peer mentoring. Join social networking groups online in your local area or at University. Increase your social network by making friends with the ‘friends of friends’ Relax – don’t be too pushy, try too hard or rush things; building quality friendships take time. At university, it is up to you to make new connections and friendships. Your study success depends on it! Community spirit is integral to your enjoyment of university and we encourage a community which fosters co-operation, consideration and care among students. I hope that while you are at Griffith you will take the opportunity to learn from each other, to share your experiences, and most importantly to foster acceptance of other cultures, friendships, and understandings. University life provides an environment where you are surrounded by like minded students in pursuit of their academic goals. Your days at university represent a very important part of your life and will help shape and form who you are in years to come. I believe this will be a great year as we seek to build and enhance Griffith community life and your university experience. I look forward to assisting the other Counselling and Wellbeing staff in supporting your involvement and success. Best wishes for your studies in 2021. Dr Jonathan Munro Head of Counselling & Wellbeing Student Health, Counselling & Wellbeing

Top 10 Tips For Success 1. Attend Classes & PASS Sessions

Going to class lets you learn things much better. It’s a chance to ask questions, help prepare for exams, and follow the lecture slides (they are so helpful!) You’ll also make friends - bonus! Starting this habit early will set you up for success in the years to come. GULS will also be running exam buster sessions towards the end of the Trimester to assist with your exam prep - stay tuned! 2. Reach Out to Lecturers & Tutors

If you’re struggling with understanding the content or want to ask a question about assessment, please reach out to your lecturer or tutor. They will do their very best to help. To get in touch with them, send an email, give them a call, or have in person/ online consultation with them. 3. Have a Copy of the A.G.L.C 4th Edition Handy

Most law assessments will require you to reference your work in accordance with the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (A.G.L.C). You can find a PDF version of it here or purchase it online or at the bookshop. Always have it on you it will be your friend throughout Law School! 4. Form Study Groups

Sometimes the content can get a bit challenging; let alone studying for other subjects at the same time. Having a study group with friends can help break the content down into manageable chunks. The ground floor of the library has some great spaces for this, with whiteboards, charging stations and comfy seating! 5. Start Assessment Early

You don’t want to be pulling all nighters with endless cups of coffee with an exam or assignment due the following day. Studying early reduces your stress and increases your chances of getting a great mark. Your future you will thank you for it!

6. Participate In Class

You can learn better if you’re actively engaging in class. Don’t be afraid to put your hand up to speak or answer a question; it’s all part of the learning process. There are no wrong answers, ever! 7. Practice Hypotheticals

First year law subjects will look at answering hypothetical problems in close detail. If your subject gives you these questions, make sure to practice them, because similar ones may potentially be on your exam. 8. Get Involved in Extra Curricular Activities

Being a law student doesn’t mean studying 24/7. Get involved in some extracurricular activities during your time at Griffith. Sign up to the amazing clubs and societies on campus, or volunteer at a local community organisation. PS. GULS is looking for a first year representative to join our committee. Consider signing up! 9. Set Goals

Choose goals that are realistic, specific, and work towards it. Make sure to reward yourself when you’ve achieved them! 10. Look After Yourself Take a break from your screen and immerse yourself in nature, or hang out with friends. Make sure to sleep well, eat healthily, and do something you enjoy every day. It’s important to look after your mental health.

I hope these tips help you navigate your first year through Law School. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if there’s anything GULS can do for you. I wish you all the very best for the year ahead. Melissa Bansraj Director of Education

GULS Social Events

Throughout the year, GULS hosts a range of amazing social events. This is a great opportunity to come together as law students, create new friendships, memories, and take a break from uni! This year, we are hosting our annual Pub Crawl and Law Ball, as well as some new events in Trimester 2, which will be announced soon. Keep an eye out on the GULS socials for details! To start the year with a bang, we have our pub crawl! On this night, get dressed up in theme (TBA) and join us as we take you to some of Brisbane’s best clubs. Tickets are affordable and will be available soon. Law Ball is our main event of the year, and is being held on the 15th of May. This year’s ball theme is Great Gatsby which complements our venue, the beautiful Heritage Room at Cloudland. The evening is cocktail style and is an opportunity to dress up black tie formal and dance the night away. There will also be light food options and drinks! It is a great night to socialise and meet new people. We look forward to meeting you all at our events! Madeline Torrisi Director of Activities

Competitions

Welcome everyone to 2021, whether you are just joining us or are already accustomed to law school life, the competitions portfolio wants to welcome you! Do you love to get dressed up, bring out your inner Harvey Specter, Mike Ross, or Elle woods? Then it looks like our junior competitions are for you! GULS has a wide range of competitions available for every year level, interest, and skillset. We hold junior competitions in the second half of the year, and these include mooting, client interview, witness examination and negotiations. There are also opportunities to volunteer as a witness for our witness examination competition, where you get to watch the action from the stand. There really is something for everyone! Our junior competitions cater to our first and second year competitors and allow you to develop and refine your competitions skills before taking on our senior competitions. Further, our competitions allow you to hone in on your legal writing, research, and communication abilities. There really aren’t any negatives! Many of our competitions are sponsored by law firms, which means some of our grand finals may be held in their offices! This means you also get the opportunity to network with esteemed legal professionals, as well as compete with the many friends you will make whilst competing. We post regularly about competitions on our Facebook page, so make sure you keep an eye out! We also run fun workshops specifically tailored to teach you everything you will need to know before tackling your first submissions! Jasmyn Daley 2021 Director of Competitions

GULS Social Sports Hi everyone! I’m Jessica, the sports coordinator. GULS social sports is the perfect environment to create lasting friendships, to get active, and have loads of fun. Playing social sports give you a great university experience, and what better way to do that than representing GULS by playing a sport! The social sports on offer for Trimester 1 include: Basketball Soccer 7-a-side Netball Ultimate Volleyball Touch football If you want to play any of these, please register your interest at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeibqLH4ZHTmUEpfajBp3BQBTVcFdK7qCYRWfv2DneXrFyvWQ/viewform The cost of registration is $60.00, with the season starting on Monday 15 March. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to send me an email on: sports@guls.org We hope that you have a productive year ahead of you. Make sure to give GULS a like on our Facebook page and keep an eye out for updates! Jessica Borg Sports Coordinator

Connect With Us

Griffith University Law Society Website https://www.guls.org/

Facebook www.facebook.com/GriffithUniversityLS/

Instagram @griffithuniversitylawsociety

LinkedIn Griffith University Law Society (GULS)

Where to Find GULS GRIFFITH LAW BUILDING (N61) ROOM -2.07 OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 11AM – 2PM

SUPPORT CONTACTS Support Contacts WHEN STUDYING A DEGREE, LET ALONE A LAW DEGREE, SOMETIMES THE STRESS GETS TOO MUCH, AND YOU JUST NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE. YOU MAY JUST BE FINDING IT HARD TO JUGGLE UNI AND OTHER COMMITMENTS AND WANT TO TALK TO SOMEONE TO MAKE THAT JUGGLE EASIER. BELOW IS A LIST OF CONTACTS WHICH YOU MAY RING FOR SOME ADVICE AND HELP. ASKING FOR HELP IS A VERY BRAVE THING AND THE CONTACTS BELOW WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO HELP YOU.

S T U DENT SUPP O R T S E R V I C E S (N A THAN) P H O NE: (07) 37 3 5 7 4 7 0 C O U NSELLING P H O NE: (07) 37 3 5 5 6 6 9 IN D IGENOUS S U P P O R T S E R VI C E P H O NE: (07) 37 3 5 7 6 7 6 E N G LISHHELP P H O NE: (07) 37 3 5 3 7 3 5 WE L FARE & ST U D E N T L I A I S ON O F F I C E (0 7 ) 3735 747 H E A LTH SERVI C E S (0 7 ) 3735 7299

Acknowledgements THE 2021 GULS FIRST YEAR HANDBOOK WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF ITS SPONSORS, CONTRIBUTORS, AND DEDICATED WRITERS. WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO WAS INVOLVED IN THE CREATION OF THIS PUBLICATION. OUR SPONSORS

EDITOR JORDI MORGAN (PUBLICATIONS OFFICER) CONTRIBUTORS ELLY THOMAS (PRESIDENT) MELISSA BANSRAJ (DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION) DR. JONATHAN MUNRO (GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY HEAD OF COUNSELLING & WELLBEING) DENIS CHEN (MENTORING OFFICER) MADELINE TORRISI (DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES) JESSICA BORG (SPORTS COORDINATOR) JASMYN DALEY (DIRECTOR OF COMPETITIONS)