Careers Guide 2017

2017

CAREERS GUIDE Macquarie University Law Society

Careers Guide 2017 | 1

WITH THANKS TO

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

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CONTENTS Editor’s Note / President’s Welcome 04

Section III: Public Interest Careers

Job Seeking: Where to Begin 06

and Graduate Opportunities

Useful Tips for Job Seeking 08

Justice and Social Justice 26

Section I: Voluntary Work and Work Experience

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions 29

Interview with Sarah Roebuck 28 Professional and Community Engagement 10

Interview with Suzanne Martinez 30

Community Legal Centres 12

International Law and International Relations 32

Interview with Jesse Dwyer 13

Interview with Caitlin Bell 33

Government 15

Independent Government Entities and the Courts 34

Interview with Alexandra Brien 16

Interview with Patrick Barkachi 35

Non-Government Organisations 17

Regulators 36

Interview with Susai Benjamin 18

Government, Policy and Intelligence 37

Centre for Environmental Law – Macquarie University 20 Section IV: Private Law Careers Section II: Admission and Practice

and Graduate Opportunities

Eligibility, Academics and Practical Legal Training 22

Commercial Law and Family Law 40

Requirements to Become a Solicitor 23

Interview with Adrian Amer 41

Requirements to Become a Barrister 24

Interview with Zoe Wanschers 42 Migration Law 44 Interview with Polina Oussova 45 Additional Careers with Private Entities 46

Acknowledgements Editor: Peter Zivkovic Designer: Nathan Li Contributors: Adrian Amer, Patrick Barkachi, Caitlin Bell, Susai Benjamin, Alexandra Brien, Jesse Dwyer, Sarah Roebuck, Suzanne Martinez, Polina Oussova, and Zoe Wanschers.

Special Thanks to: Rhiannon Bell, Sarah Li Yee Lien and Lachlan Mack for their time, effort and counsel in the production of this Guide.

Disclaimer This Guide is not designed to be exhaustive.

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, nor Macquarie University, and are in no way associated with Macquarie University. Best efforts have been made to ensure that all information in this guide is

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correct as of 30 August 2017, but such information is subject to change without notice. The advice is merely advisory and should not be relied upon as professional advice. This publication is distributed free of charge, with the understanding that the authors, Editor and any persons related to this publication are not responsible for the results of their actions or omissions on the basis of any information provided within this publication. The user of this guide, therefore, acknowledges that he or she will take responsibility for his or her actions and will under no circumstances hold the Editor, authors or Macquarie University Law Society responsible for any damage resulting to the user or anyone else from use of this publication.

MULS encourages those applying for any position to obtain confirmation of all information from the employer in question.

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Editor’s Note As a law student, or recent law graduate, thinking about your career aspirations can be both daunting and exciting. It can be daunting, because it involves a transition from the theoretical world of university studies, to the practical reality of the legal industry, or associated industry. It may be difficult to determine whether you would like to work in a particular area, having only been exposed to such an area at university or through work experience gained whilst completing university. However, despite this inevitable uncertainty, it is important to remember that a law degree is a valuable commodity, which facilitates various opportunities for employment. You ought to be open-minded when approaching the job market and avoid unnecessarily narrowing your career opportunities.

It is my hope that this Guide will supply students and recent graduates with information on how to approach decisions relating to their future careers, and provide an insight into the practical realities of working in different areas of the law and industries related to the law. With any luck, after reading this Guide, you will be better placed to answer the ageold question: ‘What do you want to do when you finish your law degree?’

Peter Zivkovic Executive Officer (Editor) Macquarie University Law Society

President’s Welcome On behalf of MULS, I am proud to present the 2017 Careers Guide. A law degree opens many doors. Given the range of areas covered during your studies and the transferrable skills you develop, you can work across a range of sectors: commercial, community, government, publishing, policy, academia – the list continues. At this early stage in your legal career however, it can be difficult to identify where to start and it may seem a little overwhelming.

Fortunately, our hardworking Editor Peter Zivkovic, has compiled a fantastic publication, featuring interviews from a range of areas, including the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and an international law firm.

Thanks to our interviewees for taking the time to provide their insights, experiences, and stories.

I am confident that our members will appreciate

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hearing from you. We also thank our sponsors.

Their ongoing support allows us to provide such impactful initiatives for our members.

Whether you’re just starting LAW115 or are finishing up your final semester, I strongly recommend having a read through this Guide. For some, this Guide may provide the answer to where you will be in five years. For others, it may help to motivate you through that research essay, the preparation for that dreaded class participation for tomorrow’s tutorial, or trying to figure out which AGLC3 rule you need to cite in that report.

So, find a comfortable place to sit, prepare a nice warm beverage, and settle in for an enjoyable and exciting read about where your degree may take you!

Rhiannon Bell President Macquarie University Law Society

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Your career. Maximised.

For course dates or more information about our PLT Plus program visit The College of Law website www.collaw.edu.au/pltplus or contact our Student Services Team on 1300 856 111 or enrolments@collaw.edu.au The College of Law is Australasia’s largest provider of Practical Legal Training (PLT), with campuses in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. We also conduct programs in Adelaide, Canberra and regional Queensland, as well as onsite sessions in London. The College of Law’s PLT program leads to the award of a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) which makes you eligible to apply for direct admission to your state or territory.

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Job Seeking: Where to Begin

By Corporate Careers Officers Leith Sawalha and Nicholas Southall

With an increasingly high number of law students graduating from universities, it has become ever more difficult to locate a job within the legal profession.

However, although there has been a surge of competition in job seeking within the legal field, it is still possible to successfully locate and realise your dream career. There is a vast range of resources at your disposal, which will help you maximise your ability to turn your aspirations into reality. Here are some important resources:

1. University Email The university email is an invaluable source that provides you with a wide range of job opportunities.

You will be notified of various opportunities that may otherwise be hard to come by. These are often sent by the Macquarie Law Department Administrator, Debbie Loo.

2. Macquarie University Career Hub We also encourage you to employ the services of Macquarie University Career Hub, which is offered to all current Macquarie University students. In addition to providing students with great job opportunities, Macquarie University Career Hub offers a range of additional resources to students including: ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Career focused workshops; Educational programs; Industry specific presentations; and Access to a range of resources through CareerWise as well as at MUSE.

All these services aim to maximise Macquarie University students’ ability to attain their dream career.

3. College of Law The College of Law provides students with the opportunity to connect with employers within the legal field, particularly in fulfilling the Work Experience component of the Practising Legal Certificate. For this reason, the College of Law is a valuable medium for students to use in the search to discover both paid and unpaid opportunities.

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4. Beyond Law

7. Ethical Jobs

Beyond Law is a highly publicised legal job search platform, which will be able to provide a vast array of job opportunities. It caters for all areas of law including, but not limited to, the following opportunities: volunteer and non-profit, international opportunities, law reform and social justice, inhouse counsel, government and regulatory bodies, as well as boutique and corporate law firms.

If you are searching for a job platform that promotes businesses which undertake activities in an ethical manner, then this is the right platform for you!

Through the use of Ethical Jobs, you will be able to locate a career within the legal industry aimed at improving areas of the legal industry which lack proper representation.

5. Survive Law Survive Law is a dynamic online community which provides university students with the opportunity to engage with other law students in Australia.

You will be able to discover valuable tips and tricks to navigate through the difficult terrain in obtaining your desired law career. A range of career opportunities are also presented by Survive Law throughout the year.

8. Community Legal Centre (CLC) Community Legal Centres (CLC) consist of independent community organisations that provide disadvantaged members of the Australian community with equitable and accessible legal services. If you would like to be a part of CLCs, they provide students with volunteering opportunities to make a positive difference in your local community.

See page 12 of this Guide for more information on CLCs.

6. Seek, Graduate Careers Australia, Graduate Opportunities, LegalVitae and GradConnection These are all valuable job search resources that attempt to provide prospective employers and employees with a platform that addresses their personal needs. They are able to provide a diverse range of businesses with the opportunity to advertise any vacant positions that they have available. These often include large businesses that operate on a global scale.

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Useful Tips for Job Seeking

By Corporate Careers Officers Leith Sawalha and Nicholas Southall

1. Set your goals It is extremely important that you are proactive in your approach to job seeking. For this reason, it is highly advised that you take time to consider what you are passionate about. Once you realise this crucial step, you must then develop a set of achievable goals that will ensure you are able to attain these objectives in a timely manner.

2. Start early The job seeking environment contains an inherently great level of competition. The best possible way to ensure that you can overcome this huge obstacle is by getting experience as early as possible. This will place you in a much better position than other student job seekers.

3. Networking It is never too early to begin networking within, not only the university environment, but also the corporate environment. This may be achieved through an active involvement in MULS Competitions, as well as various networking events held by MULS and other large corporate law firms. Through a consistent involvement in these activities, you will ultimately develop a professional network that will be invaluable for both present and future job seeking prospects.

4. Customise your cover letter Employers are always searching for a unique individual who will ultimately add value to their organisation. With this in mind, it is highly advised that you attempt to customise your cover letter in order to be able to demonstrate how your unique

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set of characteristics fit in with a particular place of employment. Research and understand what each business does on a day-to-day basis as well as their vision and core values. This will allow you to align your personal goals with the core values expressed by the business.

5. Use LinkedIn to your advantage LinkedIn is an extremely versatile platform which should be utilised by all Macquarie University students. As a user, you will be exposed to a number of opportunities that will only improve your prospects in attempting to obtain a job within the legal industry. While it shares very similar characteristics to traditional social media such as Facebook, it also provides the advantage of connecting with other like-minded individuals within the legal industry. This network of business connections will be invaluable in the corporate environment. In addition to networking advantages, LinkedIn allows an individual to create and market their personal brand, gather feedback from a range of professionals, and gain exposure to prospective employers.

6. Confidence and perseverance The legal market is becoming increasingly competitive over time, and it is becoming extremely difficult to locate and secure a job within the industry. However, it is important that you persevere and maintain confidence in your personal abilities.

This will ensure that you maximise your probability of overcoming any demoralising events that may attempt to quash this confidence. Further, students should also remember that a law degree is a valuable tool which provides graduates with skills that are transferrable to other industries.

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VOLUNTARY WORK AND WORK EXPERIENCE Macquarie University Law Society

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Professional and Community Engagement Macquarie University’s Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) program provides students with an opportunity to undertake practical work experience in a field related to their degree. While certain PACE units may be completed overseas, PACE units are a compulsory part of both LLB and JD programs at Macquarie.

To be eligible for a PACE unit, students will generally need to have completed 48 LAW or LAWS credit points. All units involve an application process and waivers are required to enable successful applicants to enrol on eStudent.

The Macquarie Law School offers the following units (with the following unit descriptions): LAWS300: Social Innovation, Governance and Professional Leadership Students will interact directly with policy makers from Participation and Community Engagement (PACE) partner organisations drawn from a range of sectors including government, civil society and the private sector. Mentors from partner organisations will work with students on real world research projects that will feed into and support the innovation and reform work of the partner organisation. Mentors will also discuss with students the highlights and challenges of working in policy development and the leadership role that their organisation plays in working for progress and policy reform. Students will work in professionally oriented teams to meet the research needs of the partner organisation and will present the results of their research to their partner organisation and their peers for consideration and feedback. Please note that applications to undertake LAWS300 in Session 2 will close at the end of Week 5 in Session 1. The process for enrolling in LAWS300 is to submit a request for an on-line application form by lodging an online enquiry via ask.mq.edu.au or emailing arts. pace@mq.edu.au. If your application is approved you

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will be advised to submit an application for Special Approval to finalise your enrolment in the unit. Please note that the Special Approval Permission Waiver is the last stage in the process, so you do not need to submit this until advised.

LAWS452: International Participation and Community Engagement This unit involves participation in an international internship, normally as part of the Macquarie University PACE International program operated in conjunction with Australian Volunteers International (AVI). Participation in an international placement will provide students with an opportunity for field-based practical legal experience in a global context. On either a four (S1, S2) or eight (S3) week program, interns will travel overseas to participate in internships. Interns will work within a range of organisations that provide legal advice, education and services, and contribute to public debate about legal standards, policies and reform. During their internship students will engage in needsbased projects, assist with legal research, legal policy drafting and legal reform reviews, prepare case briefings, undertake international and local comparative law analysis, assist with communication and education about legal issues or community advice, as well as provide general paralegal assistance. Each intern will focus on a project under the direction of the partner organisation, decided in consultation between the intern, partner, and academic convenor, whilst also being involved in daily operations of the partner organisation. Interns will be matched to partner organisations during the recruitment process based on their skills and interests, and the partner project requirements.

LAWS499: Legal Governance and Professional Leadership Students will interact directly with legal practitioners and policy makers from Participation

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and Community Engagement (PACE) partner organisations drawn from the legal profession, government, industry and civil society. Mentors from partner organisations will work with students on real world research projects that will feed into and support the law reform work of the partner organisation. Mentors will also discuss with students the highlights and challenges of working in legal practice and policy development, and the leadership role of their organisation in working for progress in areas such as legal governance and social justice. Students will work in professionally oriented teams to meet the research needs of the partner organisation and will present the results of their research to their partner organisation and their peers for consideration and feedback. Applications to undertake LAWS499 in Session 2 will close at the end of Week 5 in Session 1. The process for enrolling in LAWS499 is to submit a request for an on-line application form by lodging an online enquiry via ask.mq.edu.au or emailing arts.pace@ mq.edu.au. If your application is approved you will be advised to submit an application for Special Approval to finalise your enrolment in the unit. The Special Approval Permission Waiver is the last stage in the process, so you do not need to submit this until advised.

LAWS538: Access to Justice Placement Program This unit involves attendance at clinical placements and internships. They include: 1. Public Interest Advocacy Centre – students learn the strategies and issues in advocating for the public interest, and explore strategies to achieve legal change. The program involves time at PIAC, and with the pro bono section of a law firm and a law-related agency 2. Western Sydney Community Legal Centre – students participate in community legal centre practice, study and reflect on access to justice issues, the operation of law in society, and the roles lawyers play. (weekly s1 and 2) 3. WSCLC Family Law Placement – students learn about family relationships law and practice in a community legal centre setting. 4. Aboriginal Legal Service – students undertake a paralegal placement at an Aboriginal Legal Service office in regional NSW. Entry to this unit is by application. Opportunities are advertised by the Macquarie University Law Society

convenor by email in November for the session 1 following year, and in May for session 2.

Placement opportunities at other organisations may arise during the year, and are advertised via email by the convenor.

LAWS551: Professional and Community Engagement This unit provides the opportunity for students to engage with the legal profession and community through participation in a variety of workplace experiences including, but not limited to, law firms, legal centres, community-based legal organisations and services, government agencies and not-forprofit organisations. The experience may be via clerkship, volunteer work, or internship, and may be undertaken on a weekly or block basis. Students source their own placement, and nominate it for approval by the convenor. Applications for the unit are advertised by the convenor via email.

LAWS899: Professional and Community Engagement This unit will fulfil the professional and community engagement (PACE) criteria for JD students through student involvement in new and existing, local and international partnerships between Macquarie University and the legal profession and community through participation in a variety of workplace experiences including law firms, legal centres, community-based legal organisations and services, government agencies and not-for-profit organisations. There will be a variety of ways that students will be able to engage with the real world application of legal skills and principles developed in earlier units of study either through internships, clerkships and voluntary or paid legally related employment. In line with the university's PACE initiatives, the unit aims to provide students with a broad social perspective, critical thinking skills and the technical competence that employers value.

Students are advised to confirm their eligibility with reference to the Macquarie Handbook.

Students should note that other placements may arise and will be advertised via email.

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Community Legal Centres

Community Legal Centres (CLCs) are independent, community-based organisations that provide equitable and accessible legal services to disadvantaged or marginalised people. Whilst CLCs will typically employ some full-time or parttime staff, they also rely on the contributions of student volunteers.

CLC work may include: ■■ Providing information; ■■ Referring clients to appropriate services or bodies; ■■ Legal casework and advocacy; ■■ Community legal education; and ■■ Advancing law reform and public policy discourse.

■■ CLCs often specialise in providing support for target areas or certain groups in society.

Examples of such CLCs include: ■■ Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) – immigration law ■■ Environmental Defender’s Office – environment, planning and development law ■■ Women’s Legal Services – family, discrimination and criminal law (supporting women) ■■ HIV/AIDs Legal Centre – discrimination, migration and criminal law (supporting those with HIV/AIDs) ■■ Financial Rights Legal Centre – credit, debt, banking and insurance law ■■ Aboriginal Legal Centre – wide ranging (supporting indigenous Australians) ■■ Redfern Legal Centre – wide ranging These are only a sample of the broader collection of CLCs. Information regarding CLCs can be found by visiting the National Association of Community Legal Centres website: http://www.naclc.org.au/ Students who are interested in getting involved are encouraged to contact CLCs directly.

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Experience

Jesse Dwyer Formerly: Paralegal – HIV/AIDS Legal Centre Currently: Law Clerk – Craddock Murray Neumann Lawyers

1. Please briefly outline your former role at the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre?

The role I held at the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre was remarkably varied. The paralegals there do everything from administrative work, including physical file management, file opening and closing, typing, copying etc. through to being the primary client contact in matters, handling new client intakes, and, under supervision, undertaking substantive legal work, from research through to the preparation of correspondence, submissions, applications, affidavits and other matter related documents. We also had (supervised) responsibility for the day-to-day running of many of the matters, including making contact with both the party and the other side in some cases, subject to oversight and weekly file review.

2. What skills did you have a chance to hone during your time at the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre?

In some ways it almost sounds a cop out, but in light of the truly varied nature of the work at the legal centre, all my legal skills developed. I especially found that my correspondence drafting improved over my time at the centre. I initially had some difficulty with striking the correct tone in letters to the other side versus letters to clients, and even to clients with different levels of sophistication, English language skills, or other relevant factors, but my supervisor was extremely helpful and supportive in this pursuit, providing regular and constructive feedback on work.

In addition, my legal research skills developed significantly. Having a clear and specific problem to find a solution for, and sometimes a short

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time frame in which to find it, really provides an environment which encourages development.

These experiences, in the supportive environment engendered by both the more experienced volunteers and the full-time solicitors allowed for personal and professional growth.

3. How have these skills prepared you for your current job at Craddock Murray Neumann Lawyers?

I have especially found the development of my legal research skills to be useful following my move to a commercial firm. The importance of finding the correct answer in a timely fashion cannot be overstated in such an environment. Further, having real world client experience, and experience in drafting legal correspondence has proved to be extremely useful.

Beyond the more clinical legal skills though, the interpersonal skills to be gained from learning to work with a wide variety of people and personality types in an effective, efficient way is an extremely useful skill, and the exposure to the huge range of people, being colleagues, members of partner organisations, and of course clients, that working at a CLC gives rise to is an excellent environment in which to learn these skills.

4. What was the most challenging part of working at the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre?

It’s a bit of a learning experience to have to come to grips with the fact that, unlike in law school, not every problem has an answer, or at least, not an answer that you want. Sometimes, regardless of how long and hard you search, there’s just no

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distinguishing that authority that kills your case, or no reasonable argument to be made, or you’ve reached the end of available appeals without a satisfactory result.

The extension of this is the human element that is inextricably linked to these negative outcomes.

Several matters which I was involved with over the course of my time at the legal centre came to ultimately unsatisfactory conclusions, and making the phone call to or having the meeting with the client to explain that to them could be pretty difficult at times, especially clients with whom you had connected to some degree, and where you could see that the centre was pretty much their last shot at getting out of a bad situation.

In addition, to this, some clients were just difficult to get along with, and learning how to handle them in a compassionate yet professional and efficient fashion was challenging at times.

6. What advice would you give to students or graduates considering volunteering or working at a Community Legal Centre?

Do it, 100%. Firstly, the work can be extremely rewarding, personally and professionally. Secondly, it gives one a real appreciation of the importance the law, and access to the law has in society, especially to vulnerable and marginalised members of society.

Thirdly, many centres are in desperate need of good staff. The sector as a whole is still significantly underfunded and, in many cases, understaffed.

If you have the time and skillset to help out, do it. Finally, and in a more self-interested facet, the work experience and personal and professional connections you will make will serve you in good stead, and the actual hands on experience you are likely to get will make you a better lawyer.

5. What was the most rewarding aspect of working at the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre?

Really, the exact opposite of the previous question.

When a vulnerable client got a literally life changing result as a result of the work the centre had done, it was extremely gratifying. Further, the client’s satisfaction and happiness after such a result is contagious.

The professional growth I experienced during my time at the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre was also extremely rewarding, and I’m grateful for the opportunity, and the experience I gained during my time there.

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Government

Australian Law Reform Commission

New South Wales Law Reform Commission

The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) allows students in their penultimate or final year to work as voluntary interns. Interns have the option of working one day per week during session one or two, or in a three-week block over the summer break during January and February.

The New South Wales Law Reform Commission (NSWLRC) performs a similar role to the ALRC, albeit with a focus on the law in New South Wales.

The NSWLRC offers internships during the winter vacation (between session 1 and 2). Interns work on a full-time basis for a minimum of four weeks.

ALRC internships are an excellent opportunity for students who are interested in a career in policy or law reform to contribute to an ALRC inquiry and improve their writing and researching skills in the process.

For more information, visit the ALRC website: http://www.alrc.gov.au/

As a guide for the 2018 intake, the 2017 program dates include: Session

Intern period

Closing date

Session 1 (part time)

13 March – 2 June (1 day a week)

6 Feburary

Session 2 (part time)

7 August – 20 October (1 day a week)

3 July

Summer (full time)

8 Jan – 26 Jan / 29 Jan 23 October – 16 Feb 2018 (5 days 2017 for 3 weeks)

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For more information, visit the NSWLRC website: http://www.lawreform.justice.nsw.gov.au/

For more information, visit the

The Judicial Commission of New South Wales The Judicial Commission of New South Wales recruits research trainees via advertisements placed at universities.

Research trainees work in the Research Division of the Commission, which is responsible for the legal content of the Judicial Information Research System (“JIRS”), a sophisticated online judicial support system developed by the Commission.

JIRS provides an array of information relating to the criminal law, including the widely regarded Criminal Trial Courts Bench Book, the Sentencing Bench Book and sentencing statistics, as well as case summaries and recent law items that focus on topical cases and legislation.

The Commission will not be recruiting in 2017 since the trainee positions are currently filled.

For more information, visit the Commission’s website: https://www.judcom.nsw.gov.au/

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Experience

Alexandra Brien Trainee Research Officer – Judicial Commission of New South Wales

1. Please briefly outline your role at the Judicial Commission.

As a trainee research officer with the Judicial Commission, I engage in a range of different tasks on a daily basis. Most of the time I am involved in drafting summaries of Court of Criminal Appeal (CCA) cases and recent laws for publication on the Judicial Information Research Systems (JIRS) database. The JIRS database is an important resource utilised by both legal practitioners and judicial officers. Other tasks include conducting research on legal topics addressed in the Criminal Trials Court Bench Book and Sentencing Bench Book. Alongside these main responsibilities, other tasks I am involved with include auditing sentencing statistics as well as other administrative duties such as loose-leaf filing and updating citations for reported judgments.

2. What motivated you to apply for a job at the Commission?

I was motivated to apply because I am interested in the area of criminal law and procedure, specifically the nature of sentencing within the NSW judicial system.

With these interests, the Judicial Commission was naturally a perfect fit! I also wanted to gain some legal experience in a professional environment and make some important connections in the industry. I was also motivated to apply for a job at the Commission because it is an opportunity that could very well act as a “stepping-stone” or “launch pad” to other positions within the area, such as a judge’s associate or tipstaff at the District or Supreme Court.

3. What skills have you had the chance to develop at the Commission?

Working at the Judicial Commission has given me the opportunity to develop a number of skills that are applicable and helpful not only with regards to my career aspirations but also for study and assessments at university. Drafting case summaries and recent laws requires the ability to read a judgment and identify the legal issues and principles accurately before conveying this information in a concise yet comprehensive manner.

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Such skills are fundamental for university assignments and the ability to write concisely is always a positive when battling word limits and a seemingly endless number of issues or arguments. I have also had the chance to develop my collaborative skills in working closely with others in the research team. The tasks also involve high attention to detail and organisation in prioritising and juggling a number of tasks at any given time.

4. What is the challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of the job is most probably the nature of the cases that need to be summarised.

Although interesting, reading cases of child sexual abuse, for instance, can become a bit rough considering the required detail of factual circumstances in judgments.

Another challenging aspect is staying on top of the range of tasks and duties. The CCA is continually handing down judgments so there is a constant flow of cases that need to be summarised. This needs to be juggled alongside a range of other tasks given by superiors. The ability to multitask and stay organised is definitely important.

5. What is the most rewarding aspect of working at the Commission?

Morning coffee (just kidding!). The most rewarding aspect of working at the Judicial Commission for me is the opportunity to contribute to resources that are actually used by lawyers and judges in preparing arguments and judgments. For instance, a colleague recently undertook an internship at the DPP where they referred to the case summaries that we compile. That’s pretty cool!

6. What advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in similar work?

Keep an eye out for job advertisements and opportunities in the area. I applied after the job was advertised by the university but visiting the website of similar organisations for potential opportunities is another way to get involved with similar work. Another piece of advice is to just apply and not overthink your application too much. Engaging in volunteering in a similar area is another way to add something to the resume before applying for a paid position.

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Non-Government Organisations

Salvos Legal Salvos Legal is a not-for-profit, social enterprise law firm owned by the Salvation Army. Salvos Legal deals in corporate, commercial, property, not-for-profit, intellectual property and technology law. All profits made by Salvos Legal are used to fund ‘Salvos Legal Humanitarian’, an associated entity that operates free legal services to assist disadvantaged people.

For more information, visit the Salvos Legal website: https://www.salvoslegal.com.au/

Justice Action Justice Action is an independent advocacy service that assists victims of abuse of authority. The group focuses on those in the criminal justice system and the health system. Volunteers may be involved in policy development, initiating campaigns to expose systemic abuses and assisting prisoners with mental health issues who are before the courts.

For more information, visit the Justice Action website: http://www.justiceaction.org.au/

The Aurora Project The Aurora Project was established in response to a report into the professional development of lawyers at Native Title Bodies. The work of the Project is aimed at expanding indigenous education and fostering an understanding of other matters general affecting Indigenous Australians.

The Project facilitates internships for students in indigenous corporations, government bodies, community groups, and not-for-profit and policy organisations. Internships generally run for four

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weeks in the winter and summer breaks between Sessions one and two.

For more information, visit the Aurora Project website: http://auroraproject.com.au/

Toongabbie Legal Centre The Toongabbie Legal Centre (TLC) is a community based legal centre that provides legal advice to vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community. The TLC does not receive any on-going government funding and relies on members of the legal profession and law students volunteering. Law reform discourse and community legal education seminars are also activities undertaken at the TLC. For more information, visit the Toongabbie Legal Centre website: https://www.tlc.asn.au/

Amnesty International Amnesty International is an NGO that focuses on raising awareness about human rights and campaigning against human rights abuses. As their name suggests, Amnesty International is concerned with issues from around the globe.

For more information, visit the Amnesty website: https://www.amnesty.org.au/

Greenpeace Greenpeace is an independent organisation that uses non-violent direct action to raise awareness about environmental issues. Greenpeace is also involved in the lobbying of government entities.

For more information, visit the Greenpeace Australia Pacific website: http://www.greenpeace.org/australia/en/

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Experience

Susai Benjamin Founder and Honorary Director – Toongabbie Legal Centre

1. Please outline the type of work done by the Toongabbie Legal Centre.

Toongabbie Legal Centre (TLC) is a communitybased legal centre providing free legal advice, referral service and information to those who cannot afford to pay private lawyers and for those who do not know where to go when they encounter a legal problem.

TLC also makes contribution in the area of legal reform, community legal education seminars, and provides legal information. A number of TLC projects and initiatives include: •

Community legal information initiatives: We participate in many local community events organised by local schools, local councils and other groups where we hand out legal material prepared by TLC and Legal Aid to raise awareness of legal issues. We may also provide advice at such events.

•

10th Anniversary Legal Seminars: in celebration of 10 years of service to the community, we are conducting 10 legal seminars over 10 Saturdays.

The ten seminars will handle 25 legal topics critical for the community delivered by a team of fifty magistrates, judges and highly experienced solicitors and barristers. The topics range from employment law, workplace harassment and bullying to consumer rights. The event is available to all.

•

Conducting MCLE seminars for legal practitioners on an ongoing basis.

•

Fines Act and Penalty Notices Project: The objective of the Fines Act & Penalty Notices Project is to produce a guide that could be used by ordinary persons who are either affected by

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the administration of the penalty & infringement notices and its various steps in respect of the follow-on administration or for those who act as their support person or as a solicitor.

•

Annual fund raising dinners held during October to November each year.

The Centre is staffed by volunteers and includes a team of solicitors, migration agents, law students and social workers, as well as those with expertise in financial planning, finance, IT and education.

2. What opportunities are available for law students?

Law students have the opportunity to be involved in any of initiatives and projects run by TLC from planning, organising and execution. Law students also get the valuable chance for practical legal training whereby they are involved in client interviewing, research and observation of the provision of legal advice by experienced solicitors and barristers to members of the community on a range of legal issues including traffic, criminal and civil matters.

3. What qualities do you look for in a volunteer?

For a volunteer to gain the most of their experience, it is important for them to be proactive and take initiative. I look for the following key qualities in volunteers: • • • •

Empathy Listening skills Communication skills Leadership capability

Above all, I look for volunteers that are keen and eager to learn.

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4. What skills can a student develop through volunteering at the Toongabbie Legal Centre?

Students have the opportunity to develop a range of skills by volunteering including: • • • • • • • •

Client interviewing skills Oral and written communications skills Research and analytical skills Public speaking skills Relationship management skills particularly when dealing with difficult clients Leadership qualities Administrative and organisation skills Personal development including social interaction

6. What advice would you give to students or graduates who are faced with decisions regarding their career path?

It may sound clichéd but the world is your oyster.

Go out there and find something that awakens you - something you look forward to doing. It may not happen overnight or in the one go but it will happen provided you are resilient and continue to persevere.

Take the time out to research and volunteer your time to figure out what career path is appropriate for you.

I highly recommend students gain work experience in a range of fields and disciplines as part of their development in order to make informed decisions.

5. What motivated you to found the Toongabbie Legal Centre and what drives you to continue to provide free legal advice to members of the community?

My family and I have lived in Toongabbie since 1987.

I have consistently provided services on a pro bono basis to those in need of legal advice, advocacy and assistance. My understanding of the needs within the local community led me in 2004 to plan for the creation of the Toongabbie Legal Centre, which, since 2007 has helped hundreds of locals solve problems in times of need. The positive impact of the TLC on the community and particularly those in need motivates me to continue this journey.

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Centre for Environmental Law – Macquarie University

In keeping with its history of involvement in Environmental Law, Macquarie University has a Centre for Environmental Law (CEL). The aim of the CEL is to promote critical thought in environmental law and contribute to policy and law reform. The CEL applies the research and expertise of academic staff in areas including: ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

International and comparative law; Trade and the environment; Law of the sea and marine environmental law; Water law and governance; Sustainable corporate governance and financing; Pollution and environmental regulation; Indigenous peoples; Customary law and natural resource management; Climate change; Planning and local government law; and Natural and cultural heritage.

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The CEL undertakes a range of projects, focused on both domestic and international points of interest. There is also an annual lecture held by the CEL, with Rob Stokes, a Macquarie alumni, former NSW Planning Minister and the current NSW Minister for Immigration, speaking at the 2016 lecture.

For more information, visit the CEL website: http://www.mq.edu.au/research/research-centresgroups-and-facilities/resilient-societies/centres/centrefor-environmental-law For students wishing to volunteer with the CEL, more information can be found in the CEL volunteering section of the website: http://www.mq.edu.au/ research/research-centres-groups-and-facilities/ resilient-societies/centres/centre-for-environmentallaw/volunteer-with-cel

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ADMISSION AND PRACTICE

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Eligibility, Academics and Practical Legal Training

Eligibility Under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW), Chapter 2, Part 2.2, an individual, aged 18 years or over, seeking to be admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales, must take an oath or affirmation of office. Before an individual can do so, the Legal Profession Admission Board must provide the Court with a compliance certificate. A compliance certificate requires the following: ■■ Completion of academic qualifications, ■■ Completion of practical legal training, and ■■ That the individual be a fit and proper person.

Academic Qualifications This requirement refers to holding a law degree that is consistent with the Admission Rules. Macquarie University’s LLB and JD courses are both recognised as accredited law courses by the Legal Profession Admission Board.

Practical Legal Training Having completed an accredited law degree, graduates must undergo Practical Legal Training (PLT) with an approved course provider. For information on the various courses available see the websites of the following providers:

PLT generally consists of three components: 1. Coursework (full-time or part-time; on-campus or distance) – which will include training for: ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Legal research; Analysing facts and the law; Problem solving; Interview techniques and communication; Drafting advice; Advocacy; and Dispute resolution.

Some courses allow students to select electives in addition to core practice areas.

2. Work Experience – that must be completed on a part-time or full-time basis in an approved legal environment.

3. Continuing Professional Education – which is generally an online self-assessment activity affirming what has been learnt in the coursework component of the PLT.

■■ The College of Law ■■ Australian National University Legal Workshop ■■ The University of Technology Sydney

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Requirements to Become a Solicitor

Admission as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales To practise as a solicitor in New South Wales, one must: 1. Apply to be admitted as a lawyer in the Supreme Court of New South Wales, satisfying the eligibility and suitability requirements.

Admission is only necessary once, and this application is not required if an applicant has already been admitted in another state. A successful applicant will be required to attend the Supreme Court of New South Wales and: ■■ Take and sign the Oath of Practice; ■■ Sign the roll of Australian Lawyers; and ■■ Gain an original Admission Certificate.

2. Lodge an application for a Practising Certificate in the jurisdiction in which the applicant intends to practise.

Once admitted, lawyers are required to renew their Practising Certificate each year. For New South Wales, applications are lodged via the Legal Profession Admission Board.

Applications should be made using Form 10 and must have two character references attached in Form 3A or 3B. Before admission, the New South Wales Law Society usually receives a list of proposed lawyers to be admitted on the Legal Profession Board, and will send those individuals a kit which includes a Practising Certificate application form.

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This form needs to be completed and payment sent to the Law Society Register by the specified date. Once admitted, the Admission Certificate will need to be taken into the Law Society to receive a Practising Certificate.

Practice Newly admitted solicitors are required to complete two years of supervised practice and undertake a Practice Management Course if they wish to practise as a sole solicitor.

Practising certificates are renewed each year when the requirements of Continuing Legal Professional development (CPD) are met. The requirements of CPD are set out in the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) s 52. A set number of hours of professional development must be completed each year (10 CPD units).

To practise in a court exercising federal jurisdiction, a lawyer must be entitled to practise in State Supreme Courts. Additionally, and pursuant to the Judiciary Act 1903 (NSW) s 55B, a lawyer must enter the Register of Practitioners held by the High Court of Australia.

It is possible to practise in other Australia States and New Zealand through mutual recognition schemes without re-admission.

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Requirements to Become a Barrister

Barristers are lawyers who specialise in court work and advocacy for clients before courts and tribunals. Their work involves the preparation of court documents, advising clients about litigation and, should a matter progress that far, acting for clients in dispute resolution and litigation. Barristers work independently and are typically briefed by solicitors prior to undertaking work on a matter.

To practise as a barrister, a person must satisfy the following requirements: 1. Be admitted as a lawyer by a State Supreme Court, and 2. Gain a pass mark of 75 in the NSW Bar Examination. Since 2016, legal ethics and evidence law, as well as practice and procedure exams, are tested in one exam, which: ■■ Is held twice a year, in February and June, and costs $750, ■■ Consists of two papers that run for two hours each, with a break in between and 15 minutes reading time for each paper,

4. Undertake the ‘Reading Programme’, which involves being under the supervision of an experienced barrister for at least 12 months.

Criminal and Civil reading must be completed under such supervision, with there being a requirement that at least ten days be completed in each of these areas.

5. The Bar Practice Course must also be completed. The NSW Bar Practice Course is a four week long full-time course held twice a year in Sydney, namely in May and then in August/September. The Practice Course has a fee of $3,800.

Once the aforementioned steps have been completed, an application to practise at the Bar must be lodged with the Bar Association of NSW. Successful applicants must also commence practise no later than ten months after passing the Bar exam.

Barristers are required to have Professional Indemnity Insurance and accrue Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit each financial year for certificate renewal.

Note: applicants may sit the Bar Exam without being admitted to the Supreme Court, but will need to be admitted before commencing practise.

3. Hold a practising certificate with conditions attached and have professional indemnity insurance.

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PUBLIC INTEREST CAREERS AND GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES Macquarie University Law Society

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Justice and Social Justice

Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) The AAT is an independent body that conducts merits review of administrative decision-making, typically decisions by Government Ministers, departments, and agents. The AAT deals with a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, citizenship, bankruptcy, child support and freedom of information issues.

Employment opportunities can be found by visiting the AAT website: http://www.aat.gov.au/

To be eligible for employment, prospective AAT employees must: ■■ Undergo a security and character check.

■■ Hold Australian citizenship, ■■ Undergo a medical examination (for ongoing engagements only), and ■■ Be eligible for re-engagement if the applicant has received a redundancy benefit from an Australian Public Service or Commonwealth employer.

Australian Government Solicitor (AGS) The AGS advises and represents government clients in a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, administrative law, corporate and commercial law, dispute resolution, litigation. The AGS offers a National Graduate Program that involves both policy and legal streams. The legal stream includes an orientation program, rotation through one or more practice areas, placement with a government department or agency, pro bono work, sponsorship of PLT requirements, in-house training, and mentoring support.

NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) The purpose of the NSW EPA, as the primary environmental regulator for NSW, is to improve waste management and environmental performance across NSW. The NSW EPA provides guidance about a broad range of environmental issues and publish scientific research relating to the environment, but are also involved in the prosecution of environmental offences in the NSW Land and Environment Court.

For more information, visit the EPA website: http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/

Legal Aid NSW Legal Aid NSW provides legal advice and representation for disadvantaged persons across New South Wales. Practice areas can include criminal law, civil law, family law, with Legal Aid NSW also being involved in law reform and community legal education. Legal Aid NSW offers a two-year career development program, which includes training in case management skills. New lawyers are generally able to choose two areas of practice from three alternatives, namely criminal, civil and family law.

For more information, visit the Legal Aid NSW website: http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/

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NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office The NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office provides legal advice and services to the NSW State Government, Departments and Agencies. Practice areas include, but are not limited to, administrative law, child protection law, commercial law, constitutional law, coronial law, criminal law, employment law, native title law, property law and tort law.

For more information, visit the NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office website: http://www.cso.nsw.gov.au/

Office of Parliamentary Counsel The Office of Parliamentary Counsel drafts Bills and Amendment Bills for introduction into the Houses of Parliament, as well as publishing information about legislation.

For more information, visit the Office of Parliamentary Counsel website: http://www.opc.gov.au/

Public Interest and Advocacy Centre (PIAC) The PIAC is an independent, non-profit law and policy organisation that provides legal assistance to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in society.

Legal policy, discrimination law, and human rights law are areas dealt with by the PIAC. PIAC generally advertises voluntary and paid positions on their website.

NSW Council for Civil Liberties (NSWCCL) The NSWCCL is an independent human rights and civil liberties organisation that advocates the protection of the democratic rights and liberties of persons in Australia and its Territories. Influencing public debates and lobbying for law reforms which protect such rights and liberties are also a part of working at the NSWCCL. The NSWCCL also monitors the abuse of power by the government, and associated agencies.

For more information, visit the NSWCCL website: http://www.nswccl.org.au/

The Public Defenders Public Defenders are independent, salaried barristers, appointed under the Public Defenders Act 1995 (NSW), who represent clients who have been granted legal aid in serious criminal matters.

Most Public Defenders have had at least five to ten years of experience at the Bar, as well as demonstrating extensive criminal law advocacy experience, prior to being appointed.

For more information, visit the Public Defenders website: http://www.publicdefenders.nsw.gov.au/

For more information, visit the PIAC website: https://www.piac.asn.au/

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Experience

Sarah Roebuck Formerly: Senior Solicitor – Environmental Defenders Office New South Wales; Solicitor – Herbert Smith Freehills Currently: Senior Legal Officer – NSW Environment Protection Authority

1. What does being a Senior Solicitor at the Environmental Defenders Office entail?

My role as Senior Solicitor in the Litigation team at the EDO involved running public interest environmental litigation, primarily in the NSW Land and Environment Court and the Federal Court of Australia. I acted on behalf of grassroots community groups and non-government environmental organisations. Some of the public interest litigation I worked on included a court challenge to the Australian Government’s approval of the Adani Carmichael coal mine in Queensland, contempt proceedings against a Japanese whaling company on behalf of Humane Society International, and judicial review proceedings in the NSW Land and Environment Court challenging the approval of an industrial facility which threatened the habitat of critically endangered bird species.

2. Why did you decide to pursue environmental, planning and development law?

I have always been passionate about the environment and wanted to pursue a career where I could practise law and make a difference in an area I am interested in. Working at the EDO meant I was at the cutting edge of environmental law in Australia. I worked on landmark public interest cases in areas such as mining, marine, planning, heritage and biodiversity law.

3. What motivated you to make the switch from Herbert Smith Freehills to the Environmental Defenders Office?

HSF was a fantastic place to start my career as an environmental lawyer as I received excellent

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training and had the opportunity to learn from highly experienced lawyers. Many of my clients were multinational corporations and our team provided advice on large mining and infrastructure projects.

After I had gained a few years of experience in private practice, I made the switch to EDO, as it is the only community legal centre which specialises in environment and planning law. EDO not only runs public interest litigation but also has an international program, policy team, conducts outreach in regional communities and has an in-house scientific director.

4. What is the most challenging part of your job?

Working at a not-for-profit community legal centre means that you don’t have the resources of a large private law firm, however EDO has a great team of volunteers who support the legal staff.

5. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Working with incredible clients and communities to protect the environment through law and having the opportunity to run public interest litigation.

I enjoyed the autonomy EDO solicitors have to conduct litigation and work with scientific experts and barristers.

6. What advice would you give to students who are considering pursuing a career in environmental, planning and development law?

Get some volunteer experience while you are still at uni – the EDO accepts legal volunteers throughout the year. Paralegal work in a firm is also a good way to gain exposure to the day to day work of a practice.

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Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

NSW Jurisdiction (ODPP)

Commonwealth Jurisdiction (CDPP)

The ODPP is the independent prosecuting body for the state of New South Wales, established under the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1986 (NSW).

The ODPP is responsible for prosecuting serious offences in the Children’s Court, and the Local, District and Supreme Courts; prosecutions for all child sexual assault cases; and represents the Crown in appeals before the District and Supreme Courts, as well as the NSW Criminal Court of Appeal and the High Court of Australia.

The CDPP is an independent prosecution service established by Parliament to prosecute offences against Commonwealth Law, established under the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1983 (Cth).

It performs a similar function to the ODPP, albeit in a Federal capacity. The CDPP has offices in Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and Melbourne.

For more information, visit the CDPP website: https://www.cdpp.gov.au/

The ODPP offers a graduate development program. The program is available in offices across Sydney and regional areas, and is run on a fulltime basis for a period of up to 12 months. Their program boasts: ■■ paid legal experience in criminal prosecutions, ■■ the opportunity to network with senior lawyers and Crown Prosecutors, ■■ extensive training and feedback, ■■ flexible work practices and challenging work.

To be eligible, applicants must have completed the coursework component of their PLT. The ODPP will take applicants who have completed, or are in the process of completing, the work experience component of their PLT. For more information, visit the ODPP website: http://www.odpp.nsw.gov.au/

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Experience

Suzanne Martinez Senior Federal Prosecutor – Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions

1. What does being a Senior Federal Prosecutor at the CDPP involve?

As a delegate of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) I prosecute federal offences. I work in the Sydney ‘Commercial, Financial and Corruption’ branch which prosecutes complex, large-scale tax fraud, including Serious Financial Crime Taskforce (SFCT) matters, as well as foreign bribery, cartel and commercial matters. Other offences prosecuted by the CDPP concern social security fraud, illegal imports and exports, child pornography, terrorism and other organised crime.

No day is ever the same; I spend my time assessing briefs of evidence, appearing in the Local and District Courts, preparing for and instructing counsel in jury trials and appeal hearings in the Court of Criminal Appeal.

2. Why did you decide to pursue criminal law?

I remember when I was aged 11 I was fascinated by forensic science and investigation of crime. I was drawn to criminal law because of the ‘human element’ and the important interests it affects – i.e. the interaction between an individual and the State (or Commonwealth), and the public interest in ensuring offenders are fairly tried for alleged crimes.

3. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A combination of: 1. Working on matters which are incredibly interesting and intellectually challenging; 2. Having the privilege to undertake the role of a prosecutor, as a ‘minister of justice’ – being not to obtain convictions but to firmly and fairly prosecute matters by laying all available, relevant evidence before a court; and 3. Working alongside some great legal minds who strongly value the important role and heavy responsibility of the prosecutor in striving to achieve fairness and delivery of justice by the courts.

4. What is the most challenging part of your job?

The onus on the prosecution is rightly a heavy one, and consequently can involve a lot of hard work and preparation for court matters. Briefs of evidence in large-scale tax frauds, in particular, are very voluminous and document-heavy and administrative assistance is finite; lawyers will necessarily be heavily involved in document management when prosecuting these matters.

I enjoyed the study of criminal law and procedure the most while at university and am fortunate to also find the practice of criminal law very rewarding and stimulating.

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5. What qualities do you need to possess to be successful in criminal law?

Be personable and interested in human relationships and communicate well. You need to be able to successfully, and productively, liaise with people from so many different walks of life on a daily basis – which includes both those within the legal fraternity and those who have never stepped in a court-room before.

You also need to be attentive and a detail-orientated, self-motivated hard worker. It also assists to be self-reflective and desirous of continually improving advocacy skills.

I have learned that it is very important to strive for that ‘balance’ between work and non-work interests, and exercise and maintain hobbies to help clear your mind when not at work. This also makes you more measured and effective at work.

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6. What advice would you give to students who are considering pursuing a career in criminal law?

Seize opportunities to keep abreast of criminal law and gain experience at an early stage. It is becoming increasingly competitive to attain positions in criminal law (and law generally) after university.

However, I received great advice from a senior practitioner which I believe is still highly relevant: do not be disheartened if you do not get to where you wish to be straight away. Some may find their ‘dream job’ straight away; others may find it later on. What is important is to work hard and even when not practising in the area, to keep abreast of developments and maintain your interest. A great way to do this is by joining the NSW Young Lawyers Criminal Law Committee. When I was an aspiring criminal lawyer I found it incredibly worthwhile to speak to practising criminal lawyers and learn about the varied paths they took to their current roles.

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International Law and International Relations

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP)

DFAT is concerned with Australia’s security and prosperity, as well as the wellbeing of Australian citizens overseas. It provides foreign, development and trade policy advice to the government, and ensures that Australia’s interests are effectively coordinated, in both a regional and global sense.

The DIBP is responsible for managing migration, refugee issues and Australia’s humanitarian policy, as well as contributing to border management and breaches of Australia’s migration law. The Department also supports migrants and refugees settling into the Australian community, and promotes multicultural values.

The DFAT graduate program involves a two-year development period, which consists of rotational work placements and formal training modules.

There are two streams in the DFAT graduate program: policy and management.

The policy stream is best suited, as the name suggests, to applicants who are interested in policy development and are considering working in areas relating to disarmaments, counter-terrorism, human rights, international trade, free trade agreements, international finance or human resources.

The management stream involves working in areas such as financial services and management, corporate planning and auditing.

This stream is suited to those who are interested in the management of DFAT’s human and financial resources.

The DIBP has a ten-month graduate program, which exposes graduates to different aspects of their portfolio, including: ■■ Settlement and citizenship, ■■ Multicultural affairs ■■ Case management and care arrangements for people in immigration detention, ■■ International engagement and border management, ■■ Interpreting and applying legislation, ■■ Refugee and humanitarian issues, ■■ Technology services, ■■ Financial services, and ■■ Human resource management For more information, visit the DIBP website: https://www.border.gov.au/

For more information, visit the DFAT website: http://dfat.gov.au/pages/default.aspx

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Experience

Caitlin Bell Incoming Deputy Head of Mission – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

1. What does being an incoming Deputy Head of Mission at DFAT involve?

I am currently studying Arabic full-time as I prepare for my future role as Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. Right now, my life involves daily one-on-one tuition, a lot of homework and an ever-growing stack of flash cards!

2. Why did you decide to join DFAT? If I’m honest, because it turns out I didn’t love the law! I worked as a paralegal throughout my law degree. While I enjoyed the work, I saw lawyers working extremely hard in highly specialised areas of the law. I get bored easily, so I knew that spending my days working on esoteric aspects of contract law was not for me. I remember attending a presentation about the DFAT grad program at a Model United Nations Conference around about the middle of my degree. I live to travel and love meeting new people so I thought that DFAT sounded like somewhere I wouldn’t mind working.

I was pretty naïve when I applied for the graduate program. During the interview stage, it became rapidly apparent just how competitive a program it was. I was blown away when I was offered a place in the next graduate intake. I thought I’d better give it a shot while I still had the chance. I haven’t looked back since.

3. I note you have held a variety of roles in DFAT. What is an interesting experience, or particularly noteworthy matter, that you have encountered through your work at DFAT? Every time I think I’ve reached the pinnacle of my DFAT career a new and amazing opportunity presents itself, so it’s hard to pick one thing that stands out. The diversity of a DFAT career can’t be underestimated.

Overseas, I’ve lived and worked in China (where I was the Assistant Pavilion Director for Australia at the Shanghai World Expo) and India (where I reported on India’s domestic politics, public sector reform and human rights). In Australia, I’ve worked as a legal officer (in a corporate advisory role), a crisis manager Macquarie University Law Society

(helping Australians during crisis events overseas) and a policy officer (here my highlight was working on the policy implications of the Arab Spring).

4. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I’m never bored! I’m always learning new things and I have amazingly talented colleagues. My career takes me all over the world, including to a lot of far-flung places, like a visit to Bhutan for the King’s wedding. I’m also thrilled that my job gives back to Australia and to Australians. It’s nice to know that my long hours in the office make a difference to people.

5. What is the most challenging part of your job?

Change! I always have to adapt and look to the future.

Really talented DFAT officers have an almost uncanny ability to look at the world and predict where the forces of history are taking us. I’m not there yet, but I’m working on it.

I’m considered a generalist policy officer at DFAT. Generalist officers typically change teams every three years in order to build up a broad understanding of Australia’s foreign policy priorities over the course of their career. I love learning new things so this suits me.

However, the first couple of months in any job can be pretty stressful while you get across a huge amount of material quickly in order to do your job properly. To do well in DFAT you have to embrace change and work collaboratively with your colleagues to make the best use of everyone’s skills.

6. What advice would you give to students who are considering pursuing a similar career?

Be curious. The role of a diplomat is to understand and contextualise world events so that Australia can formulate and implement policies that advance our interests. The best diplomats are constantly investigating the world around them so they can explain it to others.

They also think creatively and suggest innovative ways that Australia could adapt to or capitalise on events around the world.

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Independent Government Entities and the Courts

Judicial Commission of NSW

Magistrates and Judges

The Judicial Commission of NSW is an independent statutory body established under the Judicial Officers Act 1986 (NSW). The Commission helps to improve the quality of judicial decision-making by providing education and training programs for judicial officers tasked with conducting trials and sentencing offenders. The Commission is responsible for the content of the Judicial Information Research System (JIRS), which is a judicial support system. JIRS contains a wide variety of information relating to the criminal law, including bench books, case summaries and recent law items, which focus on topical cases and legislation, as well as criminal procedure and evidence, among other matters. The Commission does not have a regular graduate program, and hires based on demand,

Magistrates and Judges are appointed by the Governor of NSW, typically following advice provided by the NSW Attorney-General. Such appointments are usually based upon the experience of the applicant or nominee as a barrister or solicitor. Given the wealth of experience required before such a position can be attained, it would not be appropriate for this Guide, directed at students or recent graduates, to elaborate any further.

For more information, visit the Judicial Commission of NSW website: https://www.judcom.nsw.gov.au/

Judge’s Associate/Tipstaff An associate, or tipstaff, works as a personal assistant and researcher for a judge, performing tasks such as listing cases and liaising with members of the legal profession. The role will vary depending on the jurisdiction, court and judge.

These roles usually last for one to two years, with some judges preferring to hire recent graduates, or candidates with a couple of years of legal experience, depending on the judge in question.

For guidance on applying for an Associate position, please consult the Australian Law Students’ Association’s Judge’s Associate Guide by visiting their website: http://www.alsa.asn.au/publications/

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Experience

Patrick Barkachi Associate to the Vice President – Fair Work Commission

1. What does your role at the Fair Work Commission entail?

The role of an Associate, at the Fair Work Commission, involves assisting the Member with legal research, drafting and preparing decisions, as well as a number of duties during a hearing, including calling on matters, bringing in the Members (single member or Full Bench), swearing in witnesses and taking notes on the matter. Associates also list matters, issue Directions, draft and issue Orders. Overall the role is a mixture of legal and administrative work to ensure that the Member, hearings and Chambers all run smoothly.

2. What motivated you to join the Fair Work Commission?

The Fair Work Commission is the national body for regulation and dispute resolution of all employment and industrial relations in Australia. I have always had an interest in industrial relations and employment law; this area of law involves the consideration of, and balance between, interests of employees and company strategy. Every decision made in any business, from major multi-national corporations to your local small business, will have an impact on employees, and any dispute occurring in this setting requires the Commission. The Commission also has authority over minimum wage and employment conditions in Australia, and has played an important role in ensuring the relationship between employee and employer is fair and balanced.

3. Describe a typical day for an Associate at the Fair Work Commission.

It can be different every day. Working for the Vice President means having to travel interstate, often, to attend modern award hearings, arbitrations, conferences and conciliations. It involves drafting decisions, liaising with parties which range from unrepresented litigants to large law firms and Barristers.

This means some days I might be spending hours on end compiling material, putting together folders and using tons of Post-it notes in order to be organised for Macquarie University Law Society

a large arbitration. I might spend days on legal research and drafting. In between all of this, I have to make sure that the administration in Chambers is up to date and running efficiently.

4. What is the most rewarding part of working at the Fair Work Commission?

The most rewarding part of the role for me so far, has been the amount I have learnt and continue to learn on a daily basis. This includes learning, whilst watching experienced advocates battle it out during hearings; learning the specifics about certain industries, for which we have modern award hearings; learning about the operation of the Fair Work Act and being able to witness the practical operation of such. This role also includes underlying skills, that are applicable to the general practice of law.

5. What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

The role of the Associate requires a very high attention to detail, ability to multi-task and in most of the work there is a small margin for error. It also requires the ability to learn quickly, unlike starting out at a private law firm, there isn’t much by way of a detailed training period, and you will have to learn as you go. It is also a very busy role, and requires the ability to manage stress.

All of these things I have developed before this role, during the role and will continue to develop well into my legal career.

6. What advice would you give to students or graduates considering a similar role?

I highly recommend applying for Associateships, be that with the Commission, the Supreme, Federal or even High Court (if you’re lucky enough). The role of the Associateship gives you a very valuable insight into the ‘behind the scenes’ of a Court or Tribunal. As well, it gives you the opportunity to learn from the best advocates in Australia whilst you sit in on hearings.

This will come in handy if you intend on practicing in any area of litigation. As I’ve mentioned above, the role gives you great general experience and skills, which will be applicable to whichever area of practice you choose.

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Regulators

Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA)

Australian Communications and Media Authority (AMCA)

The APRA regulates the Australian financial industry, more specifically banks, credit unions, building societies, insurance providers, and superannuation funds. It monitors the financial position and outlook of institutions, assesses risks in financial institutions, licences new institutions, and protects investors by enforcing the relevant laws and regulations.

The AMCA is responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, the internet, radio communications and telecommunications. This regulator does not have a regular graduate program, and hires based on demand.

For more information, visit the APRA website: http://www.apra.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) The ACCC promotes competition and fair trade in Australian markets to protect consumers and businesses. The graduate program offered by the ACCC involves three 14-week rotations.

For more information, visit the ACCC website: https://www.accc.gov.au/

For more information, visit the AMCA website: http://www.acma.gov.au/

NSW Ombudsman The NSW Ombudsman is an independent and impartial watchdog that scrutinises public sector and private agencies and their staff, to ensure that they fulfil their responsibilities to the community.

There is also an educative element of the work done by the NSW Ombudsman, as this regulator informs agencies and their staff of their responsibilities.

For more information, visit the NSW Ombudsman website: https://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/

Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) The ASIC is Australia’s corporate, markets and financial services regulator, responsible for upholding Australia’s economic reputation and wellbeing by ensuring that Australia’s financial markets are fair, transparent, and are supported by confident and informed investors. A 12-month graduate program is offered by the ASIC. For more information, visit the ASIC website: http://asic.gov.au/

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Government, Policy and Intelligence

NSW Department of Justice The NSW Department of Justice delivers court, legal and supervision services to the NSW community. The NSW Department of Justice is a broad entity that supports a number of NSW Ministers, including the NSW Attorney-General.

The NSW Department of Justice offers a summer clerkship, which gives students the opportunity to: ■■ Prepare briefs for the NSW Attorney-General and other Ministers supported by the Department, ■■ Conduct legal research, ■■ Formulate government policy, ■■ Be involved in a range of projects involving criminal and civil law policy, as well as legislative development, ■■ Be involved in law reform, and ■■ Liaise with stakeholders as needed.

For more information, visit the NSW Department of Justice website: http://www.justice.nsw.gov.au/

Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) The AGD is responsible for providing support to the Australian Government in order to maintain law, justice, national security, emergency management, and national disaster relief. The AGD offers summer internships and a graduate program. There are two streams for the graduate program, namely “policy and program” and “legal practice”.

The policy and program stream is open to graduates from all disciplines, and involves:.

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■■ Providing legal and policy advice on issues relating to civil law, human rights, international law, and national security issues, such as countering violent extremism, as well as international crime, people smuggling and extradition.

■■ Three rotations across various areas of the AGD, with ongoing career development opportunities.

The legal practice stream is open to LLB or JD graduates, and involves: ■■ Working with the Australian Government Solicitor on issues such as defence, immigration and border protection, as well as initiatives geared toward major economic, regulatory and social reforms.

■■ Four rotations across two or three practice groups, a client placement and a pro bono placement.

The AGP also offers summer internships, which run between November and February in Canberra.

Applications for summer internships close in early October, with interns being placed into areas such as: ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Civil and criminal law, Information and security, International law, Emergency management response, National security, Law enforcement and coordination, Family law, Legal assistance, and Corporate functions, including information technology, human resources and finance.

For more information, visit the AGP website: https://www.ag.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx Careers Guide 2017 | 37

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PMC) The Department of PMC provides policy advice to the Prime Minister and Cabinet in the areas of economic and industrial policy, social policy, national security, international policy and strategic policy. This Department assists in developing policies, coordinates and implements government decisions, provides administrative support, and facilitates intergovernmental relations and communications between state and territory governments. The Department of PMC offers a graduate program that runs over two years, including rotations through key areas of the Department.

For more information, visit the PMC website: https://www.pmc.gov.au/

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) ASIO is an intelligence agency which investigates threats to Australia’s national security and provides security advice to governments and businesses, as well as dealing in counter-terrorism, counterespionage and collecting foreign intelligence. Their work also contributes to preventing and addressing: ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Serious threats to Australia’s territorial integrity Sabotage, Politically-motivated violence, Promotion of communal violence, Attacks on Australia’s defence system, and Acts of foreign interference.

For more information, visit the ASIO website: https://www.asio.gov.au/

Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) ASIS is responsible for obtaining and distributing secret intelligence about the capabilities, intentions and activities of individuals or organisations outside of Australia that may affect Australia’s interest and the wellbeing of our citizens. ASIS has a year-long graduate problem that gives graduates a broad overview of the intelligence service. ASIS look

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for candidates who are experienced in research and analysis, as well as technical expertise and corporate exposure. The ASIS graduate program is generally open to students who are in their final year, as well as those who have graduated within two years of applying.

For more information, visit the ASIS Ombudsman website: https://www.asis.gov.au/

Australian Taxation Office (ATO) The ATO is the Australian Government’s revenue collection agency, and is responsible for managing the nation’s taxation, excise and superannuation systems. The ATO offers a 12-month graduate program that involves two work rotations and a client-content component, in order to facilitate skills development and to assist graduates in identifying where they would like to settle.

For more information, visit the ATO website: https://www.ato.gov.au/

NSW Treasury The Treasury is the NSW Government’s primary economic and financial adviser. It works with government agencies in health, education, transport, policing, and housing. Its role includes preparing the NSW State Budget, developing and implementing the State Government’s fiscal and economic policies, and assessing economic and financial risk.

For more information, visit the NSW Ombudsman website: https://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/

Australian Defence Force (ADF) The ADF offers the opportunity for graduates to become Legal Officers in their respective branches of the defence force, including the Air Force, Army and Navy.

For more information, visit the ADF website: https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/

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PRIVATE LAW CAREERS AND GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

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Commercial Law and Family Law

Commercial Law

Family Law

While most of the large commercial law firms draw their graduates from their summer clerkship programs, some firms also offer graduate programs including:

Family law is an area of practice that deals with divorces, and the associated custody disputes and asset division that comes with such arrangements.

Adoptions and other related legal matters may also be handled by family lawyers. Family lawyers may operate out of boutique or suburban law practices, or be involved in larger commercial law firms such as Mills Oakley. Lawyers who work at Community Legal Centres or similar non-profit entities, are also typically confronted with matters relating to family law.

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Brown Wright Stein Hall and Wilcox HWL Ebsworth Jones Day Kind & Wood Mallesons Mills Oakley PwC Sparke Helmore Squire Patton Boggs

For more information about commercial law, please see the MULS 2017 Clerkship Guide.

Key Dates The below dates reflect the 2017 timeline for graduate programs that are associated with the NSW Law Society. These are usually similar to the dates adopted the following year.

Date

Event

1 March

Applications open

14 April

Applications close at 5pm

8 May

Interview commence

9 June

Offers made

16 June

Offers must be accepted or decline by 5pm

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Experience

Adrian Amer Formerly: Solicitor – Herbert Smith Freehills (Sydney) Currently: Associate – Slaughter and May (London)

1. What does being an Associate at Slaughter and May involve?

I work in the Corporate practice group which means I do a range of work including private and public mergers and acquisitions, floats, demergers, private equity transactions and corporate reorganisations.

The precise type of work you do as an Associate is largely a function of the nature of the transaction you are working on and your previous experience.

There are no Senior Associates at Slaughter and May. As a lawyer, you are either a Trainee, Associate or Partner. To illustrate what the job involves by way of example, depending on your level of seniority, on a private M&A transaction you may be expected to take ownership of negotiating and drafting a sale and purchase agreement, monitoring or co-ordinating due diligence, assisting with deal structuring, liaising with foreign counsel, drafting and advising on the operation of the pricing mechanism and feeding into the workstreams of other advisors (e.g. bankers, accountants, consultants).

2. Why did you decide to join Slaughter and May? I completed a Masters Degree in Corporate Law and Finance at the University of Cambridge and after that was drawn to working in London. Slaughter and May has always stood out as a very impressive firm.

model; the people; the firm’s approach to time; and its culture. Slaughter and May lawyers are multispecialist. This typically means performing a wider range of transactions for the same clients. This helps develop deeper client relationship and gives lawyers greater autonomy. While this is often challenging, it results in a far more stimulating working life. The firm’s international approach is to build relationships with firms in each jurisdiction that clients operate.

There are no internal billing targets and the firm has never merged with another firm. There is a strong sense of cooperation and collegiality.

4. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I like the people I work with, clients and my colleagues (at least most of the time). I enjoy the service angle of the business.

5. What is the most challenging part of your job?

The firm’s multi-specialist approach means it is often hard work, as you have to cover more ground. But the collegiate approach and the support is always there to make it possible.

6. What advice would you give to students who are considering pursuing a similar career?

Work hard, maintain a balanced life, learn from others and enjoy what you are doing.

3. How would you say Slaughter and May differs from other large commercial law firms (including in Australia)?

There are often said to be five distinct differences between Slaughter and May and many other global law firms: how lawyers work; the international

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Experience

Zoe Wanschers Solicitor – Bainbridge Legal

1. What does being a Solicitor at Bainbridge Legal involve?

Our practice at Bainbridge Legal consists of a mixture of family law, criminal law, some civil law and wills/ estate matters. This keeps things very interesting, but my focus is on family law with some criminal law.

We are located in Blacktown and Parramatta, and see ourselves as a community based practice.

As an Associate, I typically have day-to-day carriage of my matters, even the more complex ones. Our work is quite mixed, sometimes acting as a solicitor advocate and sometimes doing work in the office.

A typical day could be spent in Court – perhaps a Local Court in Western Sydney or the CBD, or the Family Court/Federal Circuit Court at Parramatta or Sydney.

Alternatively, I may have days drafting documents, writing letters and emails, taking calls and meeting new clients for initial consults. Some days are a mixture of all of those things.

At any one time, I’ll probably have in excess of 30 files – some of those might be slow moving matters, but some will be urgent in nature, whether due to the Court’s timetables or the client’s needs.

I’d say it’s probably the case that working in a smaller and more generalist firm (though we are growing!) means you get a lot of autonomy and independence, even while being supervised. The flip side of this is that you need to learn to manage your own files and clients.

2. Why did you decide to join Bainbridge Legal?

I volunteered at a community legal centre in Western Sydney, the Toongabbie Legal Centre, as a law student and now as a lawyer. This centre services a range of people within the community, but largely those people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to justice.

It was there that I met my current employer, Dean Bainbridge, from Bainbridge Legal. I recall I did some 42 | Careers Guide 2017

volunteer work in the Bainbridge Legal office while I was still at university, and then had a place doing my Practical Legal Training (PLT). I was then employed as a graduate solicitor before my admission, and am now an Associate a few years later.

The main reason I decided to apply or ask for a role at Bainbridge Legal was really that link with the Toongabbie Legal Centre. It was clear that values and direction of the practice fit with my own values and focus on providing access to justice, being involved in the community in Western Sydney and also my love for the law and desire to become a great lawyer.

In our office, our Principal puts a great deal of emphasis on advocacy, so this means appearing in Court and litigating matters ourselves. It is a great experience and a real challenge to conduct Court work, and if you’re up for it I’d recommend that everyone make appearances in Court. At my work, we also do some Legal Aid work, as well as our own pro-bono work, which again speaks to our focus on assisting people access the law and legal representation.

Another great aspect, about Bainbridge Legal, is the focus on ongoing legal education. Right now, I am completing my Masters in Applied Law (Family Law), as are a few of my colleagues.

3. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Primarily the main reward you get is feeling like you helped someone through a tough time, or perhaps a difficult legal process that they could not have navigated alone. So much of our job is non-legal in the sense that you are talking to people, dealing with their emotions and working through a variety of issues. It can be very rewarding to feel like you’ve made a difference, or helped them avoid some greater problem.

Personally though, working in the law can be very rewarding, in so far as it is a challenge and you are constantly testing yourself. Particularly as a

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young practitioner, when you have a tricky Court appearance or application go your way, it can feel really empowering and boosts your confidence.

I also have the opportunity to go to different Courts and experience a lot of variety – from Local Courts in Western Sydney and the CBD, and down the South Coast of NSW. I appear in the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court of Australia, as well as tribunals and different forums.

Finally, I don’t think any job would be as rewarding if it weren’t for the great team I work with. At Bainbridge Legal, we are all colleagues but also friends and we support one another through difficult matters and stressful times. We often de-brief and look to each other for second opinions and ideas. Having that support network as a young lawyer is really important.

4. What is the most challenging part of your job?

My job can definitely be stressful and emotionally draining. Trying to help clients who don’t understand the legal systems or processes, and who are frustrated or emotional can be really difficult. Sometimes my clients will have issues that are non-legal, sometimes they are financial problems or mental health concerns that add to or exacerbate their legal troubles. Sometimes clients will get angry or upset, and even if it’s not directed at you, you might take the brunt of that emotional upheaval because you are the point of contact or the person with whom their legal troubles are associated. Being able to push through that and remain empathetic can be very challenging, but also rewarding.

From the strictly legal point of view, my job also has many challenges. Time constraints and time pressures are possibly one of the more difficult things to deal with.

We have to manage our workflow, and juggle multiple tasks and multiple files with competing priorities.

This is particularly difficult if there are proceedings in Court and there are orders or directions that have to be complied with.

A lot of the challenges we face are those that diminish with time and as you become more experienced – learning to deal with the stress and the emotional side of the job is something that probably just comes with practice.

5. What qualities do you need to possess to be successful in a community based legal practice?

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I’d say flexibility and adaptability are important – knowing that you can be prepared and expect one thing to happen, but inevitably the client or the Court will throw something new into the mix. Being able to remain calm under pressure and respond on the fly to new challenges is pretty important. As I said earlier, being able to effectively manage your time is also really important – prioritising urgent matters and working efficiently and effectively are crucial.

I would also say that be able to manage expectations and be up front and realistic with people is also very important to being successful. This probably all goes back to having good communication skills – whether written or verbal, and being able to read people and situations so as to foreshadow something that might become a problem in the future. Emotional intelligence and being able to adapt and work with people who might have non-legal problems (drug, alcohol, mental health problems for instance) is also very important in my experience, and is vital to being successful in this type of community based practice.

Finally, of course you need to have a passion for the law and social justice issues, it’s important to care about people and be empathetic even if you are busy or frustrated yourself.

6. What advice would you give to students who are considering pursuing a similar career?

My advice would be to get experience in jobs or other volunteer roles where communication is key – I found that working as a lawyer was actually a lot less about the black letter law than you might expect, and that that’s probably the easier part. The more difficult thing is managing clients. To that end, getting experience in Community Legal Centres if possible is really important; this also goes for any organisations or bodies that work in the social justice sector. I even find that I draw a lot from my experience in the retail and service industries as a younger person, particularly in dealing with tricky people. In all of these places you get to meet new people, and deal with people from all walks of life, and this will go a long way to preparing you to work in the law generally.

Finally, my advice would be to take up any opportunities that are presented to you – you might find out that you are interested in an area of law, or a way of practicing law that never occurred to you and it can be great to get outside your comfort zone.

Careers Guide 2017 | 43

Immigration Law

Immigration law relates to the rights of people to enter, and remain, in Australia. Hence, the laws surrounding visas and administrative decision making are of particular relevance to this area of law. Students seeking to work in immigration law may consider becoming a migration agent, and representing the interests of individuals seeking methods of travelling to, or remaining in Australia.

Migration agents may, among other jobs, work in boutique law practices that specialise in migration law or work for Community Legal Centres.

Alternatively, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection is also an employer that is of relevance to this discussion, albeit working from a different perspective from the aforementioned entities. Commercial law firms may also represent the government in immigration matters, via their administrative law practice areas.

For more information, the following links may be of assistance: ■■ The Department of Immigration and Border Protection ■■ Abacus Visa Immigration Lawyers

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Experience

Polina Oussova Associate – Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP

1. What does being an Associate at Berry Appleman & Leiden entail?

The firm I work for specialises in corporate immigration. We support global organisations in the lawful movement of their employees around the world, as well as Australian businesses seeking to hire foreign nationals. I am qualified to provide immigration advice for both Australia and New Zealand, so my work spans two jurisdictions. I supervise a team of advisors who help clients with their immigration needs. A typical day will involve reviewing communications and applications prior to lodgement, assessing eligibility and visa options for applicants, as well as updating corporate clients on legislative changes that may impact their immigration programs. I also liaise with colleagues worldwide to help our global clients strategise their mobility programs.

2. Why did you decide to pursue migration law?

When I finished university, my only experience with Immigration Law was from the Administrative Law module, so it was very limited. I knew I wanted to work in an area that was people focused, dynamic and international, but I wasn’t sure how I would get there. While undertaking my PLT placement I worked with a brilliant immigration lawyer, Kathryn Viegas, who inspired my passion for the field.

3. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Immigration law, particularly now, is a constantly evolving and highly politicised area. Helping organisations determine how best to work and move in the Australian market is incredibly rewarding.

Additionally, immigration is a highly personal process for individuals relocating to other countries.

It is satisfying to make this (sometimes complex)

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route as calm, predictable, and stress-free for them as possible.

4. What is the most challenging part of your job?

Immigration is a very political subject, and therefore the laws around it frequently change with little predictability or clarity. Analysing the constantly changing laws and predicting where the changes will happen and how they might be implemented is the most challenging part of my job. Immigration at times can be a “political football”, with laws changing as different parties come into power and in response to public sentiment. For example, many of the changes in the last twelve months have faced significant criticism for being counter-productive to their intended goals.

5. What qualities do you need to possess to be successful in Immigration Law? I think the key qualities are empathy, strategic thinking, attention to detail and excellent time management. As a field, it is incredibly interesting and dynamic.

6. What advice would you give to students who are considering pursuing a career in Immigration Law? With recent international events such as Trump’s election in the US and Brexit, it is a particularly fascinating time for corporate immigration law.

It is a growing field that is broader in scope than many people realise. My advice would be to reach out to immigration firms directly, to enquire about opportunities, as most firms do not run traditional summer clerkship type programs.

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Additional Careers with Private Entities

Corporate Advisory, Consultancy and Finance Although this area is not strictly legal, having a legal background is somewhat advantageous given the omnipresence of the law in the business world.

Corporate advisors, analysts and consultants provide advice to commercial entities on a wide variety of transactions occurring within the entity in question. For instance, such consultants may provide advice on: ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

investment banking, management, debt recovery, accounting and taxation, corporate renewal and strategy, cost and supply chain management, growth strategy, mergers and acquisitions, performance improvement, and private equity.

Companies that deal in such matters include: Boston Consulting Group; Deloitte; Ernst & Young; KPMG; McKinsey & Company; and PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

In-House Counsel Most commercial companies and larger corporations have their own dedicated legal department. The in-house team provides legal advice to the entity, assists in the management of corporate risks, ensures compliance with the legislation, and instigates change where new legislation may affect business operations. In-house teams usually seek graduates with an interest in a particular industry, such as those interested in 46 | Careers Guide 2017

entertainment or media. Such entities may include Foxtel, Canon, Metcash Ltd or the Seven Network.

Personal Injury As larger, typically transnational commercial law firms have jettisoned their personal injury practice areas, this area of the law is mainly attended to

by Australian firms. Firms specialising in personal injury law include: ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Maurice Blackburn Shine Lawyers Gerard Malouf and Partners Stacks Goudkamp

Legal Publishing Work in legal publishing may include liaising with professionals and academics, proof-reading material for publication, conducting market research, and updating online databases with legislative changes. For experience in this area, Macquarie University offers a Law Journals subject (LAWS533), and MULS encourages interested students to get involved in The Brief. Many of the NSW Young Lawyers committees also have their own newsletters, such as the Criminal Law Committee’s Amicus.

Publishing companies are often looking for casual or part-time editors. Work will typically be advertised on the following websites: ■■ LexisNexis ■■ Thomson Reuters ■■ CCH

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Large commercial law firms also typically have ‘Knowledge Management’ departments, where staff may be required to perform research and edit newsletters. These newsletters update precedents within practice groups and provide information on general developments in the law.

Mediation Mediation is a non-litigious form of dispute resolution. It involves the facilitation of negotiation between parties by a neutral third party, namely a mediator. The mediator assists the parties by identifying the issues that need to be resolved, guiding them in a process of discussion, and developing problem solving methods that, hopefully, result in an agreement.

Examples of areas mediators may work in include: ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Commercial law, Neighbourhood disputes, Family law disputes, Workplace disputes, and Planning and development disputes.

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Legal Academia If you are interested in the pursuit of knowledge, then Academia may appeal to you. Academia requires: the acquisition of knowledge; the critical survey of texts, cases and authors; and the constant reappraisal of one’s own thinking. It creates opportunities to: conduct legal research, publish texts and attend conferences where ideas may be presented and debated; interact with colleagues, students and the media; develop a breadth and depth of legal knowledge that is not constrained by commercial or client-driven duties; and, perhaps fundamentally, contribute to jurisprudence and the general understanding of the law.

A career as an academic often begins with shortterm or casual positions as a tutor, usually whilst one is competing their PhD. To move through the ranks, prospective academics will typically need teaching experience coupled with undertaking research and producing publications.

Careers Guide 2017 | 47

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