THE
FIRST YEAR HANDBOOK GULS 2017
Contents President's Welcome Word Search Meet GULS- Education Portfolio Meet GULS- Administration Portfolio Meet GULS- Finance Portfolio Meet GULS- Activities Portfolio Meet GULS- Competitions Portfolio Mentoring Social Events for Trimester Junior Competions Some Advice Support Contacts Where to find GULS
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President's Welcome Hello there, and welcome to your first year at Law School, you have made an excellent choice in coming to Griffith University! I hope you had a relaxing break and are keen to start headfirst into the university experience. My name is Rhys Kasper and I am the 2017 President of the Griffith University Law Society (GULS). I am in my final year studying a dual degree in Law and International Relations and Government. GULS aims to provide students with a myriad events ranging from educational, social and career focused. GULS takes pride in the fact that we support gender equality and advocate for the importance of mental wellbeing particularly in the legal industry. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in 2016 as the President and I am incredibly keen to have the position again this year. 2017 will see GULS hosting a number of exciting events as it is our Law Society’s 25th Anniversary. First Year is a wonderful time for not only your academic experience but you legal career. Many of the friends you make in the next few months will be friends for life. The social aspect of university is incredible and I recommend joining a society (GULS is pretty good :P), traveling interstate for a competition or simply having a relaxing evening among mates. The one piece of advice I wish I had been given when I first started my degree is that “Marks Matter.” The legal industry is incredibly competitive it is simply not worth compromising your career by being lazy or not taking your studies seriously. I hope I have not soured your mood but if so, maybe these fun facts will cheer you up: My favourite animal is a penguin and I am originally from Canada. The GULS door is always open, if you ever have any questions or concerns or just want to have a chat please do not hesitate to drop by we are located in N61 -2.07
WORD SEARCH
Meet GULS - Education Portfolio Clare Shortt- VP Education I'm Clare Shortt and I'm your Vice President of Education for 2017.I plan with the Officers, educational events and programs, such as the Mentoring Program, the Mentor Morning Tea, the Careers and Graduate Guides, Mental Health week, and the Equity Luncheon. I also attend sponsorship meetings if needed and external events for GULS.I study a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Environmental Science. A fun fact about me: I cry when I see big, fluffy possums Email: vp.education@guls.org . My name is Grace Kaggelis and I am a fourth year student studying a Bachelor of Law/Criminology and Criminal Justice. I am one of the Education Officers at GULS and my role entails assisting students. A 'fun fact' about me would be that I am a pasta enthusiast and am equally obsessed with sausage dogs. Email: educationofficer@guls.org
My name is Sarah Coleman and I am one of the Education Officers for GULS. I am currently in my second year of studying a Bachelor of Laws. If you have any questions about your degree or need any answers to questions about subjects then feel free to message me. Fun fact about me I literally live for tea! Email: Education1@guls.org
Meet GULS - Education Portfolio Hi my name is Zoe Baker I am the Mentoring Officer for 2017! This means that I look after the mentoring program. I . currently in my fourth year of my am double degree – bachelor of Laws/bachelor of Government and International Relations. Fun fact about me: I balance my love of the law with the love of my trumpet, I'm a band! Email: internal.edu@guls.org.
My name is Melita Henderson and I am your Equity Officer for 2017 and am literally obsessed with food (mainly donuts). I am in my fourth year of a dual degree of Law and Criminology and Criminal Justice. Within GULS, I’m all about furthering diversity and mental health awareness within the law school. If you need any help at all email me: equityofficer@guls.org.
Hi I am Sidonie Jenner and I am currently entering my final (4th) year of a Bachelor of Laws at Griffith Nathan. This year I will be fulfilling the position of Careers Officer for the GULS. I am approachable in regards to clerkship and graduate information, and steps towards your career. I am also responsible for publishing the careers guide for this year. A fun fact about me I have a large array of hobbies which include dancing, motorbike riding, wakeboarding and kneeboarding to name a few. Email: careers@guls.org
Meet GULS - Administration  Portfolio Josh Bayly - VP Admin Hey guys! My name is Josh and I'm Vice President Administration on the 2017 GULS Committee. I am a fourth year student undertaking a straight law degree. I'm very excited to welcome you all onto campus, and look forward to getting to know each and every one of you better at the numerous events & social sports that GULS holds throughout the year. An interesting fact about myself is that I was once stuck in a pyramid in Egypt. Unfortunately on the ascent back to the surface one of the people on another tour became stuck in the crawling tunnel, and as a result I was stuck in the burial chamber for over an hour. I would like to wish you all every success in your first year. Study hard, laugh harder and it'll be over before you know it. EmailL vp.admin@guls.org
My name is Steph and I am one of your 2017 GULS Publications Officers. As publications officers both Mark and I are responsible for putting together the 'Paperchase' which is published three times a semester and contains various articles written by both students and a number of other contributors. These articles will bring you everything from how to succeed in law school to where to go on your day off! I am currently studying a Bachelor of Laws full time and fun fact about me; I can play 6 instruments, majority of them self-taught. You can contact me at publications@guls.org.
G'day all, My name is Mark Rabjohns and I am one half of the 2017 Publications Officers, currently studying a dual degree in Law and Business. This of me as the Rupert Murdoch of GULS. This year Steph and I are aiming to produce fun and informative publications that will (potentially) help you get through law school. Feel free to submit your own articles or contact me at: publications@guls.org The 3 things I most enjoy in life are surfing, music and Justice Kirby.
Meet GULS - Administration  Portfolio Hi I am Madison kutrz and I am the IT Officer for GULS 2017. I am currently in my fourth year studying a Bachelor of Laws. Fun Fact about me: I am from a town that is geographically smaller than Nathan Campus!! Email: it@guls.org
Be me. Be 3rd year Law / Government and International Relations. Hanging out in GULS. Trying to promote and best avenues of forwarding your legal skills and networking during university. Be hanging out at some of your lectures to tell you about events and whatnots that we do. Be cracking jokes. Pls laugh. PEACE!!! marketing@guls,org Tal Szumer Menashe Marketing Officer
Hi! I'm Caitlyn and I am currently studing a Bachelor of Laws. I'm a Marketing Officer in GULS as well as Tal and I manage our social media. A fun fact about me is that I'm the tallest member of my family. Email: marketing@guls.org
Meet GULS - Finance Maddison Barker- VP Finance and Sponsorship Hi All, Congrats on getting into law, it is a competitive field. My name is Maddison I am the VP of Finance and Sponsorship, I essentially just organise all our sponsorship for the year! I am doing a double degree of Law/International Relations and am huge a Harry Potter nerd. Mischief managed, Maddison Barker vp.finance@guls.org
Meet GULS -Activities Courtney-Jade Crawford- VP Activities Hey everyone! My name is Courtney-Jade Crawford this year I will be your VP Activities for GULS. I am currently completing a Bachelor of Laws/Criminology and Criminal Justice. My role entails overseeing and assisting in organising the amazing socials events we've all come to love, the action packed sporting events and the student discount card that may have discounted one too many coffees in 2016. This is achieved through many hours of planning, emailing and working collaboratively with my amazing portfolio. One of my passions is helping others meaning I am always happy to have a chat or answer a question. When I am not at Nathan Campus you will most likely find me by the beach. Email: vp.activities@guls.org
Meet GULS - Activities Hello everyone! I’m Bridgette! I’m currently a fourth year student undertaking a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts. A fun fact about myself is that I am an avid Arsenal supporter and am learning to speak Japanese and Korean. So guys, this year I am one of your lovely Social Convenors for GULS! So keep a keen eye out for our fantastic events over the year! email: social@guls.org
My name is Shannon (most people call me Nollsy though) and I'm the GULS Sports Coordinator for 2017! I'm in my 3rd year and am studying a Bachelor of Law and International Business and a Diploma of Languages. Email: sports@guls.org
Hi I'm Rachael. I am a Socials Convenor so I help organise the pub crawls, balls and other parties. I am studying a good old, straight up, bachelor of laws. This is my third year, so only one more to go! And I love competitions - 10/10 would recommend getting involved! email: social@guls.org
Meet GULS - Competitions  Portfolio Avery Schoen- VP Competitions Hi Everyone, I'm in my final year of a Dual Bachelors of Laws/Psychological Science. I am the Vice President of Competitions and will be managing and organizing the competitions this year along with my conveners. I am the tallest person in GULS but that isn't hard. I would recommend to every first year to try out at least one competition as it looks great on a resume for future employers but also there is free food involved. Email: vp.competitions@guls.org
Hi my name is Lauren and I'm one of two Competitions Convenors for 2017! I'm now in my second year studying a Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice. I'm a serious chocaholic and spend my free time playing netball and having a laugh with my friends. Any questions about comps feel free to ask me! Email: competitions@guls.org
Hey everyone, my names Kass. I'm currently studying International business and Law, I am the Competitions Convener so I hope to see you at GULS competitions this year! Fun fact about myself: my mum was in Scooby Do the movie! Email: competitions@guls.org
Mentoring program The first semester of university is sometimes difficult as you are adjusting to a new curriculum and way of life. But don't worry GULS has an opportunity for to help all first years out. The mentoring program matches second year law students and third year double degree law students to you first year with similar degrees.
Your mentor and you will first meet in week four at a FREE morning tea and get to know each other. From then on you will have a friend who will touch base with you about assignments, exams and just life. Your mentor will be more than happy to help you but all you have to do is ask the questions. If this sounds like something you would like to do than please sign up! You have until week three to fill out the sign up sheet. Once it is week four you will find out who your new friend/mentor will be at the FREE morning tea. Keep your eye on the GULS facebook page for updates. Click the link below to sign up. https://docs.google.com/a/guls.org/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRv4KbM7lwy_QHfathNvGJX_FiLx AK1mvcO5OU2uExvqZi-w/viewform
Social Events for trimester 1 Looking for a fun way to exercise? or want a fun way to meet new people? Then sign up to play social sport with GULS today. Sports on offer are: Netball (Mixed) Touch (Mixed) 7-a-side soccer Volleyball Dodge Ball (26th May) Click the link bellow to sign up, you wouldn't want to miss out on this opportunity! Click ME
If you're over 18 then GULS has some events for you! If you are under 18 it is okay your time will come. GULS offers 18+ events every semester so you can come join in when you do come of age :) Pencil these 'not to miss' events into your calendar for some GULS fun! L Card Lauch Party - 12th March GULS Pub Crawl - 23rd March Law Ball - 12th May
Like the GULS facebook page for event updates!
Junior Competitions Competitions are a fun and exciting way to practice skills you will eventually need in the workplace. Also it is a great way to meet friends and you get get free lunch! Besides who doesn't love getting dressed up professionally? In addition to that competitions look great on a resume to potential employers. There are four junior competitions run throughout the year. These are negotiations, client interview, witness examination and mooting. Honestly these competitions are quite fun and you do not need to have had any experience to try them! If you are like me and love Suits, well competitions are a way to bring out your inner Harvey Specter or Mike Ross. In the moot especially you get to have a court experience, defending your client in a court just like Suits. A little nervous? Then bring out your inner Elle Woods and shine! I know there are alot of tv/movie references here but honestly if you haven't seen Suits or Legally Blonde defiantly do to get a sense of what you could bring to competitions. Like the GULS Facebook page for updates on junior competitions :)
Some Advice
Get to know your fellow law students because you will need to do assignments and it is always good to do assignments with people you know.
The AGLC (Australian Guide to Legal Citation) will become your new bestfriend throughout uni
Go to your tutorials, honestly they are so helpful for exams!
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If you are finding law overwhelming or just want to see a friendly face come down to the GULS office for free COFFEE!
Support Contacts When studying a degree, let alone a law degree sometimes the stress gets to 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 are a list of contacts which you may ring for some advice and help. Asking for help is such a brave thing and these contacts below are more than happy to help you. Student Support Services (Nathan) (07) 3735 7470 Counselling (07) 3735 5669 Indigenous Support Service (07) 3735 7676 EnglishHELP (07) 3735 3735 Welfare and Student Liaison Office (07) 3735 747 Health Services (07) 3735 7299
Where to find us? Room -2.07, Griffith Law Building (N61) But if that makes no sense to you, don't stress look at the map bellow!Â