QUTLS: First Year Guide 2021 by QUT Law Society

Acknowledgements The QUT Law Society would like to sincerely thank the following people for the creation of this guide: Ed Williams ................................................................................................ President of the QUTLS Alexandra White .............................................................. Director of Media and Communication Ciaran Greig ..................................................................................................... Publications Officer Ashton Darracott ............................................................................................ Publications Officer Ben Steele ................................................................................................................. Design Officer Kristina Vang ............................................................................................................ Design Officer

The QUT Law Faculty We would also like to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to this guide and to the wider QUT Law community. Thank you to all the Directors and Officers for providing information about their portfolios. A big thank you is extended to the previous QUTLS Media and Communications personnel whose efforts and content were used to build and inspire this guide. We would also like to thank the academics and students who shared their experiences so that first years have access to real-world stories and information that will help guide their journeys.

Reconciliation The QUT Law Society respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land upon which it works, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pays its respects to Elders past and present. We recognise the contributions that First Nations people make to society, and celebrate First Nations success. The QUT Law Society is committed to inclusion, reconciliation and consultation to ensure the future of Australia is one where First Nations people are afforded equal opportunity. The QUT Law Society demonstrates its commitment to reconciliation through numerous events and programs facilitated throughout the year. There are many upcoming opportunities to acknowledge First Nations history, both within the QUT community and beyond. In 2021, the QUT Law Society welcomes commencing First Nations students, and wish you every success in your studies and beyond.

Foreword

Judith McNamara

head of The school of law Congratulations and welcome to the QUT School of Law. I am delighted to welcome you to our fantastic community of students, staff and alumni. I hope this is the beginning of an incredible journey for you as you embrace new experiences as a law student and future member of the legal profession. Completion of a law degree leads to a wide range of different careers both within the legal profession and beyond. More importantly as a law graduate you will be a leader and community advocate. I encourage you to remember why you have chosen to study law and to maintain the passion that brought you here. Some of you are focused on building a career in law because you are passionate about the law and want to make a difference as well as ensuring you have good career opportunities. At QUT, our vision is to build just futures for a changing world. We aim to prepare you to thrive in the future world of work by being adaptable to new legal careers that are evolving in a fastchanging world. You will develop real world skills that you need to be successful in the law and you can complete all of the academic and practical qualifications you need to be admitted to the legal profession right here at QUT. As part of your LLB you can choose to undertake a minor in law, technology and innovation, which covers how law responds to developments in technology, such as artificial intelligence and big data, and challenges perceptions of what is possible within the law. The academic and professional staff in the Law School are committed to helping you to succeed and to your wellbeing both as a student at QUT and as a future legal professional. I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities that studying law at QUT provides and to seek help when you need it. You will start to develop skills and experience right from the beginning of your law degree at QUT. This will be both as part of your formal study and through extra-curricular activities that you can take part in along the way. I hope you consider signing up for the First Year Moot this year, remembering that this might lead to national or international mooting competitions in Oxford, Hong Kong or the Hague in a few years’ time. The advice offered in this guide is invaluable because the QUT Law Society team are in the midst of their degrees and can provide a unique perspective on studying law. Although we encourage you to commit time to your studies there is more to university than ‘book learning’. Grab and enjoy opportunities that come your way and think about what they can mean for your future. With your career goals in mind, I encourage you to make the most of your time at QUT.

Foreword Edward williams 2021 qutls president

Dear QUT First Years, Welcome to QUT Law! The QUT Law Society is honoured to welcome you in your very first steps towards a long and fulfilling career. Whether you are fresh from high school, or have many years of real world experience under your belt, you should take some time to celebrate in your fantastic and well-earned achievement. Rest assured QUT Law graduates do all kinds of diverse careers, so ultimately where you take your degree is only limited by your imagination. As a final year Law student, I want to give you some advice on how to make the best of your years at uni. 1. Expect to make mistakes but have fun - Give yourself a bit of a break during your first year. Everything is new, you’re in a different environment and the content may be dense & unfamiliar. We’ve all been there, but the most important thing is to jump in the deep end and learn from your mistakes. 2. Take advantage of all the opportunities that are available to you - Cast your net wide, and say ‘yes’ to as many opportunities as you can. They don’t necessarily need to be law related. They can be things like getting a part time job, joining a student society or playing social sport. Doing these things will open so many more doors and will give you a diverse set of skills for prospective employers. Employers aren’t necessarily looking for a cookie cutter graduate. They are looking people with a “portfolio of skills”. 3. Keep an open mind - When I was in my first year of university, I wasn’t even studying law (I may have been studying an Arts degree at a not so real world university across the river)! Being open to new opportunities has led me to acquire a great variety of experiences that I never have imagined. The QUTLS is here to enrich your uni experience. You can get involved in our competitions, join one of our social sporting teams to make new friends and enjoy many of our fun socials across the year. Feel free to ask any questions from our friendly team at our office in C Block or online. See you around. Ed

Contents

How To navigate this guide 1

Welcome

Six Steps To Succeed at Uni

Law Industry Basics

Our Reflections

Getting to Know the Libraries Putting Your Best Foot Forward

10 12

Adjusting To Uni

Assessment

Your Questions Answered

Zetiquette

19 20 21

Anatomy of an Email

Tips From High Acheiving First Years

Your Legal Research Primer

Referencing and Formatting

Academic Integrity

Meet the QUTLS First Year Officer

QUTLS Mentorship Program

Perks of Being a Law Student

Degree Structure

36 38

About the QUTLS

The QUTLS Portfolios Media and Communications Education Moot Club Competions Diversity, Culture and Wellbeing Sport and Health Creativity

Best of Luck!

Hey there! Welcome!

welcome So, you made it to QUT. You chose a law degree, and you now have several years of study ahead of you. Believe it or not, these years of study will be over in no time. While it will feel like your degree takes forever while you’re in the middle of the semester, contrary to popular belief, time flies regardless of whether you are having fun or not. Make sure your first year of law school is the best it can be with this QUTLS First Year Survival Guide that we have put together based on our own experiences from when we were in your shoes. The Guide will help you transition into university, adjust to university life and give you enough tips and tricks about your QUT Law degree in order to help you survive the first year of law school and beyond! For starters, know that your university experience will be incredibly different to those you see on TV. You want to go to uni on Friday? Go for it. You want classes in the evening? Sure. That sounds amazing, right? Freedom at last! When you need a break from study, you can pursue the many extracurricular events and activities offered at QUT. We have so many societies here that it’s almost criminal. We would also love to see you joining your fellow law students and coming to the many QUTLS events, competitions and activities that we host throughout the year. In this guide, we will cover many events created for first years to meet new people, learn new skills and get involved. Interested in the art of courtroom battles and intrigue? Sign up for the QUTLS First Year Moot and QUTLS Negotiation Competition! Do you feel shy about mooting but still want to get involved? Join the QUTLS Moot Club to learn the art of oral advocacy with like-minded people! Do you just want to meet fellow first years in an environment other than a classroom or lecture hall? Tag along to the QUTLS First Year Social and Ping Pong Tournament! Do you want to learn more about your law degree from someone who’s been in your shoes before? Sign up for the QUTLS First Year Mentor Program! Come to our O-Week stall or the QUTLS office (C402) to pick up a calendar! This will help you stay across the QUTLS events, comps and initiatives for the year. Pro tip: add your assessment due dates to the calendar so you don’t forget to plan properly and submit on time!

Six Steps to Succeed At Uni

Look for volunteering and professional opportunities

Plan your degree Get started by talking to a careers advisor. Talk to them about your interests and why you chose a law degree; they’ll help you plan your units. Create an excel sheet to track your completed units; there’s nothing worse than being unable to progress your degree because you failed a prerequisite unit. We’ve made one that can help you out, but make sure to make your own calculations! http://qutlawsociety.com/grade-spreadsheet w Calculate your GPA so that you understand the percentage you need to pass a unit. There are multiple apps online for this! Also see the QUT app and website for a GPA calculator.

Sum of [(unit credit points * grade)1+Subject2+Subject3+Subject4] Sum of your unit credit points (12 * 5) + (12 * 4) + (12 * 6) + (12 * 5) 48

= GPA

One of the best ways to gain real-world experience in the legal profession is to put your hand up for volunteering positions. Many community legal centres (aka CLCs) love to take on board university students to man the phones and work in client-facing roles to support the solicitors providing pro bono and low bono services. You can also start getting paid legalrelated employment before you graduate. A common university job is working as a paralegal at a law firm. These positions are advertised on Seek, Indeed, Unihub, LinkedIn, and the QUT Faculty Facebook page advertises some as well! Other firms look for law students to work as receptionists and in client servicing support. receptionists and in client servicing support.

Come to events

Keep in mind you’ll need to refer to C/5.2 of the MOPP for more information. LLH subjects are the only units that determine if you graduate with first class, second class or third class honours. If you calculate your GPA (using the methods mentioned above) based on the results of your LLH subjects then you’ll find out your honours GPA. If one of your goals is to make the Dean’s List for your law subjects, make sure your that your semester GPA is 6.5 or higher. Only law subjects should be used to calculate this.

You gotta get involved to be involved. The QUTLS hosts a wide variety of social and professional events that you can meet people in your degree and in the professional world.

Build your brand Setting yourself apart from your peers is easier than ever in this digital day and age. Create a LinkedIn account so that you can build your profile up with your interests and experiences. Then you can start connecting with people and following companies that you are interested in working for. Social media is a great way to also find out about job positions and news in various companies and organisations. Twitter is a great way to keep up to date as well. The QUTLS also offers free headshots at some events, so make sure you don’t miss one of those to polish off your LinkedIn!

Ask for help For many school-leavers, university is an overwhelming experience. Especially if you have moved away from where you grew up, living away from family and friends and in the big city can be isolating even without terms such as ‘social distancing’ and ‘isolation’ being in our everyday vocabulary. The stress of trying to juggle all facets of life all at once can become too much sometimes. But, there are many ways that you can reach out for help and it is not a shameful thing to need support. QUT offers bulk-billed counselling and medical services where you can go for assignment extensions, medical advice and psychological assistance. These are invaluable resources for you to take care of yourself.

Publishing your writing also develops your professional portfolio. You can write for the QUT Guild student magazine Glass, the QUTLS magazine Torts Illustrated, and QUTLS’ student law review, Corpus Juris.

Remember, this is a guide only! There is no one ‘correct’ way to do uni. Be honest with yourself and go easy on yourself. Not everyone can do four subjects a semester for eight semesters. Your support networks will make your life easier, so be committed to making friends as well. Take your degree at the pace you need to in order to get the grades you want and the support you need, and the extra experiences that you want!

Have fun and explore Law at QUT is not all books and studying. Some of the most enriching experiences will be the ones outside of the classroom. Practice your advocacy skills through Moot Club, fire up your friendly competition with QUTLS social sport, and bring out your inner theatre kid with the QUTLS Law Revue. University is meant to be enjoyed!

Law Industry Basics Completing a law degree at university is the first of a number of steps to becoming a fully qualified lawyer. This section will introduce you to the steps you will need to take to becoming a practicing lawyer.

University degree The first step to becoming qualified as a lawyer in Queensland is completing an LLB program that consists of a number of core subjects, often referred to as ‘black letter’ law subjects or ‘the Priestley 11’ (such as Torts, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Corporate Law). You also need to take some electives, where you can choose to follow any interests you may have in particular areas of law (e.g. Family Law) or subjects in different faculties and disciplines.

Practical Legal Training (PLT) Towards or at the end of your LLB degree, you are required to undertake a course called practical legal training, that aims to provide you with an opportunity to apply all the technical knowledge that you did over the course of your degree. Once you successfully complete your PLT, you will be ready to become an admitted solicitor to the profession.

Admission Once you have completed your PLT, you will apply to become ‘admitted’ to the profession. This is a process of applying to the Supreme Court of Queensland to review your character against criteria set out in legislation. Upon a successful admission, you will be issued with what is called a ‘Solicitors Practising Certificate’. This qualifies you to practice as a solicitor. To practice as a barrister, you need a barristers practicing certificate, further discussed below.

Post-admission Experience (PAE) When you begin your job search, you will see the acronym ‘PAE’ pop up from time to time. It stands for post-admission experience and describes how many years’ experience you should ideally have had after you became an admitted solicitor. So, any work you have done as a paralegal or clerk while you were still at uni is excluded from this.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) The learning does not stop upon becoming admitted. To be continually recognised as a solicitor, the Queensland Law Society requires that you clock up a minimum of 10 ‘CPD’ points a year. CPD means what it sounds like. CPD is a professional and ethical responsibility designed to keep lawyers up to date on their technical knowledge and practical skills so that they provide their clients with top-notch legal services.

Becoming a barrister Once you have completed your LLB, PLT and obtained your Solicitors Practising Certificate, you can embark on the following steps to become a barrister:

• Pass three Queensland Bar examinations • Pass the Bar Practical Course • Apply for a barrister’s practising certificate • Undertake the Readership program, where you will get more practical experience for at least 12 months under the supervision of two mentors (usually more senior members of the Bar).

Common career pathways • Clerkships • Graduate jobs • Associateships

Alternative routes Not everyone will receive a clerkship, and not everyone is suited to a clerkship. There is no need to fret if you do not feel the clerkship call or you apply for all of them and receive no offers. There is still a plethora of other career routes that will lead you to great success. The QUT Law Faculty and the QUTLS host many events throughout the year that give you the chance to engage with professionals from every corner of the legal industry, such as top tier firms, community legal centres, the courts, and government.

An industry snapshot Top tier firms

Mid tier firms

Boutique/specialist firms

Policy and government

In-house legal counsel

Academia

Community law firms/ legal centres

LegalTech/startups

Courts/ Tribunals

Alternative dispute resolution

Having a law degree does not mean that you must practice law. The skills you will acquire through undergraduate legal training (critical thinking, creative problem-solving, persuasion, research, oral and written communication, time management, and people skills) can be transferred over to any and every industry.

Finding a job at uni

QUT Unihub

• Seek • Indeed • Unihub • Goinglobal • LinkedIn Jobs • Facebook groups – QUT Law Students, QUTLS also post available jobs

• Jobs board • Student success workshops • Book career one-on-one appointments • Career educators can review your resume, cover letter, and any responses to selection criteria before you apply for a job!

Also keep your eye out for the QUTLS Springboard Careers Guide that will be published in April! This guide will provide more information about the various job options that are open to you.

Our Reflections Ciaran Greig

Qutls Publications Officer I was one of those people who stumbled into my law degree. In high school, I developed a gut feeling that studying law would be something I could be good at, and something I could enjoy. And then - ta-da! Law and Business at QUT was on my QTAC form. I am not proud of this: my complacency, the way I took the privilege of even studying at university for granted. It makes me think of a quote from Legally Blonde (2001): Do you think she woke up one morning and said, "I think I'll go to law school today"? Unsurprisingly, I didn’t love my first year studying law. I didn’t love it, and I also wasn’t very good at it. I consistently underestimated the workload, the assessment, and the readings. I moaned about using AGLC referencing. I cried over the way I stumbled through moots. I refused to yield to ISAACS and structured all my assignments the same way I did in high school. It was, in reflection, disastrous. Why am I telling you this? This is super depressing, right? I’m telling you this because I hung in there. And I’m so incredibly glad that I did. In my second year, I learnt to appreciate how the law interacts with our everyday lives. I grew to be inspired by the way the law can bend and change to reflect our values. I think I love the law because it isn’t perfect, but it is malleable and ever-changing. I love the law because law students like you and me can be part of that change. We can build new institutions and dismantle the societal structures that don’t serve us anymore. And we can do it all with words. All of the reasons that I love studying law today are things I realised after my first year. If you’re looking for some insight into making the most of your years as a law student, this is my advice: Let yourself be challenged. I was so challenged by my first year of law. Not only by the work, but also by the rules I was asked to follow, the ideas I was asked to consider, and the logic I was asked to apply. It feels unnatural to continuously put ourselves in situations where we are uncomfortable, but by doing so, you might just discover something wonderful about yourself or the law. Don’t be hard on yourself. I wish I had started practising this a long time ago. It’s natural to want to beat yourself up about a less than satisfactory grade, but it’s more important to reflect and think about what you will do next time. Make space and time for the other things you love. I love creative writing, so I changed my degree so that I could study both creative writing and law. I think it’s so important that we pursue everything we love doing in some shape or form. I feel so grateful that I get to study two areas that I love and I constantly marvel at how they overlap. Best of luck!

Our Reflections Ashton Darracott

Qutls Publications Officer Hi! I’m Ashton and I’m one of your two Publications Officers for 2021! This year will mark the start of my sixth year at uni in a Law and Fine Arts (Creative and Professional Writing) degree – I know, I like words! My uni journey has been marked with some decisions that worked out well and others that maybe I bungled a little bit. What I did well: I didn’t rush through my degree. By the end of first year, I realised that I was not going to be ready to leave uni in the recommended time frame, because I was worried that I would not get the precise university experience that I wanted. I will graduate after 7 years and I do not regret a thing. Don’t compare your timeline with that of your peers. Do what feels the most right for you. I undertook exchange. COVID-19 makes this hard right now, but if you are entering the first year of a 4+ year degree/s, exchange will be possible eventually. Exchange makes you more adaptable, resilient, interesting, educated, and employable than any other experience you can have at uni. I got involved from the get-go. I joined student clubs with like-minded people, rather than just talking to strangers in my classes. Go to the Moot Club meetups, come to QUTLS events, join a QUTLS or QUT sporting team, the list is endless! Friendships founded on similar interests and commitments are more stable at their roots, meaning that their maintenance will be easy to keep up. I reflected on my semesters. You will need to be a reflective lawyer, so get practising! It sucks if you have an ordinary semester, but you can turn that experience into a learning opportunity to not only do better next semester, but also refine your reflective practice skills. What I would go back and change: I worked too much. I love making money, and I’m sure you do too. But in my early uni years I started to accept more hours than I could manage in my hospitality job and my studies and extra-curriculars suffered. Your retail, hospo or other dead-end job is not worth destroying your health, grades, interpersonal relationships, and happiness over. I procrastinated applying for things. Jobs, scholarships, exchange, even the QUTLS! Procrastinating my exchange experience especially meant that when I finally did get abroad in 2020, I had to come home prematurely due to COVID-19. Don’t be like me. Apply for the things you don’t feel ready for or deserving of. There’s a very high chance that you actually are. I didn’t use the QUT Careers and Employment job application review service from day one. You can submit your resumes and cover letters for jobs you are applying for and receive personalised feedback to boost the quality of your application! I didn’t get to know my tutors and lecturers in my subjects. If you have allotted time with a tutor each week, or your lecturer has office consultation hours, use that time, even just for a quick introductory chat! Being on a first name basis will make you feel more accountable to your tutorial questions and content. It is also great for getting personalised feedback that you can apply in future semesters.

Getting to Know the Libraries You have access to three different libraries at QUT: • Gardens Point (GP) Library • Kelvin Grove (KG) Library • Law Library Even though you might be based at GP as a law student, you can also hang out at KG! If you start the day at GP, you can use the super convenient shuttle bus to KG – just remember to bring your student ID to show to the bus driver. Both the GP and KG libraries are also open on the weekend. Hot tip: it might sound dorky but the weekends can be the best time to knuckle down and get some study done on campus! The libraries are super quiet and peaceful and if you’re driving in, weekend parking rates apply – just $10 per entry at GP and $5 per entry at KG.

Study Rooms Do you know that you can book study rooms at the Library? Bookings fill up fast so it’s best to get in early. Make sure you turn up on time to your booked session – if you’re not there 15 minutes after the session start time you forfeit your booking.

Placing holds Mastering the holds system at the Library is a mega easy way to make yourself feel mega organised. Simply search for what you are looking for on the library website, making sure to use filters to narrow your search, then select the item you are looking for and click ‘place hold’. The Library will even conveniently deliver the item to GP, KG or the Law Library.

Borrowing from the library The loan periods for the Library are very generous, so make sure you return your books and resources on time! If you leave a library book languishing in your closet for too long after its due date, you risk receiving an academic sanction (yikes).

Getting help But wait! We haven’t even discussed the true magic of the libraries yet: the librarians. If you need help with researching, referencing or locating resources, your first port of call (after having a crack at it yourself) is the librarians. They are research/reference/resource wizards and are there to help you. You can visit any QUT Library location to get help, or book a handy Zoom or phone consultation with a librarian. The Library also runs great workshops on research and referencing skills in the first half of the semester.

Law Library Layout Now that you’re a law student, the Law Library is at your disposal! It is located in C Block on the Gardens Point campus, over levels 5 and 6. It is an equally great spot both for quiet, individual study as well as catching up with friends under the guise of exam revision. It’s helpful to know the basic layout of the Law Library, as specific areas serve different purposes.

LEVEL 5 This is the main entry level. You can access it by the lift or the stairs. Turning left on entry will lead you to study spaces and bookable study rooms. Along the far-left wall of this part of the Library are the doors to the Moot Court and Industrial Court. You might use these facilities at Moot Club events or other competitions. If you keep walking past the courtrooms, you will find the Law Library kitchenette on your right. This space has a microwave and hot water available. Remember to always leave this space as you found it (or cleaner!). Turning right on entry to the Law Library will lead you to even more study spaces, as well as the Library helpdesk, and the stairs to level 6.

LEVEL 6 The main thing to remember about level 6 of the Law Library is that it is a silent study area. It’s important to be considerate of other students and your own noise levels when studying there. Level 6 is also home to much of the Law Library’s extensive collection.

Printing Note that you will have to load money onto your student ID cart for printing and photocopying (you can do this through the QUT website or app). Scanning is free, as is use of the staplers and hole punchers (score!). Printing stations are located on both levels 5 and 6 and look like this:

Bookable Study Rooms Both levels of the Law Library have bookable study rooms! Remember to book early, especially during busy times around exams.

Putting your best foot forward • Explore your subjects and the QUT Real Law community in Blackboard, and the HiQ website. • Download Office365, which gives you free access to the most up-to-date Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote and Outlook programs. • Make a study group with your peers. • Sign up to the QUTLS Mentor Program and meet a more experienced law student. • Go to your lectures and tutorials, even if you haven’t prepared. You will still get something out of it. • But... preparation is power! Glance over your lecture PowerPoint slides on the bus or train when you’re going into uni for that lecture, or just before you open Echo360. Write dot points for your tutorial question responses if you do not have time to write a full response. Everything adds up.

textbook exchange groups and pages on Facebook. Two forums to like or join are QUT Epic Textbooks and QUT Textbook Exchange. Make a note of the edition of the textbook you’re looking for. Most of the time, older editions won’t make a difference as long as you actively follow the lecture materials throughout the semester, but it’s a good idea to consult your unit coordinator.

Study hacks • Change the playback speed of your lectures to suit your notetaking style. • Exam preparation starts in Week 1. Keep your notes up to date! It will make a big difference in the long run. • Use the Pomodoro method (25 minutes study, 5 minutes break) because research shows that we learn best in small chunks. • When reading textbooks, use the SQ3R method: survey, question, read, recite, review • The human brain is good at remembering the information we handwrite and not so much what we type. You probably won’t be able to handwrite everything you are learning during lectures and tutorials, but try to write down the important concepts that you’ll encounter in exams. • Print out and bind your Study Guides! This is relatively inexpensive at Officeworks or you can use the free binding machines in the QUT Library. • Past students’ notes can be useful when creating exam templates, but ensure that all the content within is up to date!

Tl;dr: you can get by without buying the textbooks but each subject will be easier if you do get them and use them.

Stay connected - follow these pages on FB, Insta and LinkedIn • QUT Law student specific pages • FSLS - Fellow Surviving Law Students (private group) • QUT Law Students • QUT Faculty of Law and Justice Students (private group) • QUT Women in Law • LLBHelpMe • LWOB • Pride in Law • Any subject-specific Facebook groups (N.B these are not moderated by academic staff)

Do I need the $200 textbook? You might have already seen that you have textbooks prescribed for your subjects and if you looked at the QUT Bookshop, they might have been really expensive. Textbooks assist greatly in reinforcing the lecture material and expanding on that content with more nuanced analysis of case authorities and legislation. Many textbooks will be called ‘Cases and Commentary’ textbooks. These books include important extracts of case authorities that you will need to know for your exams. The Law Library has a number of copies of the prescribed textbooks that you can borrow for two hours at a time for free. Many law students buy and resell used textbooks through

Adjusting to Uni High school

University

Approx. 35 hours a week contact time.

Approx. 12 hours a week contact time.

No real difference in class structure. Usually just called double and single periods.

Learning is divided into lectures, tutorials and sometimes additional workshops.

Intimate classroom settings with access to teacher’s help most of the time.

Large lectures and disparate student-toacademic staff ratio.

Opportunity to draft work with teachers to perfect assignments.

No opportunity to draft or conference assignments directly with tutors or lecturers. Can talk to the Student Success Group.

Highly guided and supported learning. Teachers chase you up for homework and assignments.

Highly independent and autonomous learning. At university you are left to your own devices.

Not very much free time to participate in extracurricular activities.

Lots of time to pursue sporting, hobby and faculty-related extracurriculars! Being involved makes you more employable.

Seeing the same people each day and getting to know one another.

More freedom to choose classes, so you won’t get to know everyone in your tutorial (unless you really want to!)

Emphasis on close-knit classroom relationships with peers and teachers.

More individualistic classroom culture – tutors are usually practitioners and are time-poor. Your learning is entirely your responsibility.

Have to wear a school uniform.

You can wear anything you like! Some people even wear their pyjamas to exams to be comfortable.

What’s a lecture? A lecture is a session when a weekly topic is delivered to students in that subject. All students are expected to engage with the weekly lecture material at a bare minimum. Lectures for first- and second-year subjects will usually be a two-hour lecture delivered by a lecturer in person. Lectures are always recorded and uploaded to Blackboard. The Law School places heavy emphasis on student autonomous learning, so in third and fourth year, lectures will not occur in person and will usually be structured in more of a ‘podcast’ style delivery, with a number of short videos that pertain to particular parts of a broader topic. These are usually pre-recorded and uploaded to Blackboard each week or a few weeks in advance.

What are readings? Readings describe any prescribed textbook pages or chapters, legislation and case law that is relevant to the weekly subject matter covered in your lectures and tutorials. These readings will be located in your study guide and on your learning resources weekly tabs in Blackboard. In your first and second semesters, you will be taught in class how to read and interpret court cases and legislation. In later years you will be expected to know how to read and understand cases and legislation by yourself, so do not be afraid to ask your tutors for lots of help! It is better to ask for lots of help in first year than it is in third year.

What’s a tutorial? A tutorial is a class that goes for one to two hours where students have the chance to workshop questions that test their knowledge of the weekly lecture material. Law tutorials are where you will do the practical preparation for exams by way of answering problem scenarios in a special legal analytical framework called ISAAC ISAACs. Every good law student is best mates with ISAAC ISAACs.

What’s a workshop? Not every subject involves a regular workshop on top of the scheduled lectures and tutorials. Nevertheless, a workshop is a further opportunity to literally workshop some knowledge and skills. In first year you will likely encounter the Torts Peer Workshop program, and you will have a number of research workshops with librarians to introduce you to researching using the legal databases that QUT has access to. Workshops will usually go for one to two hours in an intimate setting, very similar to a tutorial.

Assessment You are going to encounter lots of different types of assessment in your time studying law at QUT! We have explained some of the most common types of assessment below. Make sure you read your assessment task sheets carefully – some of these assessments are specific to the Law School and will be very different to what you have encountered in other units or at high school.

Exams For all your exams, check their date and location on the HiQ website under the ‘Study’ tab. The ‘Study’ tab also provides more information about preparing for different types of exams.

On-campus exams These are the exams that will feel the most familiar to exams in high-school. They are held on campus during the ‘examination period’. They are invigilated (supervised) and can be open or closed book. If you sit an exam on campus, make sure you monitor your emails post-exam for information on exam viewing times. These are specific days when you can have access to your exam paper and even photocopy it! It’s great practice to get in the habit of utilising exam viewing early in your degree so that you can keep improving your results. Although you won’t receive individualised feedback on your exam papers at university, you can still seek feedback to improve your marks. One way of doing this is by asking your tutor to give you some pointers, or by taking your exam responses to the Student Success Group for feedback.

Take-home exams Don’t underestimate the take-home exam! Similar to invigilated exams on campus, you should prepare just like you would for a ‘normal’ exam. The exams are usually written in exactly the same format as an invigilated exam, with the major difference being that you have more time to submit your answers. Pay close attention to the word count on your exam submission as markers will usually stop reading if you exceed the word limit.

Online assessments These often take the form of quizzes. You will usually be told when the quiz opens and when it closes; you need to make it your responsibility to complete the quiz within that time frame. Make sure you log on with enough time before the quiz closes and have a stable internet connection.

Assignments When you’re studying law, assignments come in a variety of formats, so be sure to read the task sheet carefully. If you are doing a written assessment, remember that Written Assessment in the Law School (WALS) and the Australian Guide to Legal Citation, fourth edition (AGLC4) are going to be your BFFs. These are the most common assignments you will come across:

Critical Analysis Essay This is a type of essay that will require you to wield your research skills to the best of your ability. It often involves researching the current law surrounding a topic and analysing the issues related to it.

Memo A memo is often used to assess your legal problem-solving skills. Like essays, they also include researching the law in a certain area using legislation, case law and secondary sources. You will often be tailoring your advice to a particular ‘client’ in the task scenario.

Letter to a Client You might be asked to write a letter to a client from an assessment scenario that advises their legal position and their options under the law. This type of assignment is sometimes paired with a memo. It is used to assess your written communication skills and how well you adapt those skills in different situations, like explaining the law to a layperson.

Advocacy Exercise Advocacy exercises test your oral communication skills. These sorts of assessments are often paired with a problem solving task. A great way to practise these skills is by getting involved in moots through the QUTLS! Come along to Moot Club, or grab a friend and get involved with our competitions held throughout the year.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED A WORD FROM THE FACULTY OF LAW STAFF Dr Peta Stephenson, LLB107 Unit Coordinator What do you enjoy about teaching first year students in your unit? I like teaching all law students! Having said that, I really like teaching first year students in LLB107 Statutory Interpretation about our institutions of government and the principles that govern the exercise of public power in Australia. What advice would you give to first year students for managing online learning? Try not to leave everything until the last minute. There is a lot of content in first year, and it can be overwhelming if you fall behind. It helps to be organised. Set aside time each week to work through your learning activities and readings. This will also give you the opportunity to ask questions of your lecturer or tutor if there is anything that you do not understand.

Bridget Lewis, LLB104 Unit Coordinator What are the new challenges you have seen first year law students facing over the past year? It can be hard to feel connected to your class and your teachers if you're not seeing them in person, and some students can find online learning quite a lonely place. It's important to take advantage of the opportunities to engage with other people, not just within your units but also in extra-curricular activities - it will make your university experience so much richer. What advice would you give to first year students for managing online learning? You've got a lot of flexibility in terms of when you listen to recordings, take quizzes, contribute to online discussions and so on. Try to create a routine for yourself to make sure you keep up with the materials each week. If you're doing your tutorials in an online class, get involved as much as you can. If possible, turn your camera on so your tutor and classmates can get to you know you, do the preparation so you feel confident speaking up, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

John O’Brien, LLB101 & LLB245 lecturer, Peer Programs Coordinator What advice would you give to first year students for managing online learning? Nothing too different than for face-to-face learning: the key is commitment and preparation. Perhaps online learning might not appear to have the same sort of ‘accountability’ that sitting in a classroom has - so maybe it's easier to put off watching a recording or to be unprepared for a tutorial? But I hope that's not true. I think staff are going to continue to refine their online teaching approaches, so hopefully it loses any perception (if there is one) of being a more passive option. Commit to a set time each week for listening to recordings, doing readings, etc. Prepare for and participate in tutorials. What do you enjoy about teaching first year students in your unit? I really enjoy teaching first-years; like anything, it has its challenges, but I don't think I would ever leave it. In particular, I like teaching the foundational concepts - things that set you up to be an informed citizen, regardless of whether you ever end up practising law. I also like that first-years tend to be the most eager to learn new things and to get involved. They turn up. They participate (sometimes). There's an energy and excitement about starting the degree. They listen to all my tangential stories, even the ones that don’t go anywhere. Like the time I parked my car at Shoe Lane Parking; I tied a carbolic smoke ball to my belt, which was the style at time...

Katie Woolaston, Lecturer If you were back at uni now, what would you do differently? Nothing! I loved every minute of it (even admin and constitutional law)! Remember to enjoy the experience and be kind to yourself – you have already achieved so much just by being here! What are the new challenges you have seen first year law students facing over the past year? Many students felt like they were left alone drowning in a black hole because of the online format. Don’t assume that we are absent because you can’t see us face to face. We are still here, working harder than ever, and happy to chat and help you through, you just need to reach out!

We are here to help - don’t be afraid to ask if you need a hand!

Zetiquette COVID-19 has disrupted traditional methods of physical teaching and learning, which means that our reliance on technology has increased. This is no excuse to slack off on being respectful and courteous! Many classes may still have to take place online, on Zoom or similar in the near future. Below are a few tips for Zoom etiquette, or ‘Zetiquette’ for short! • Turn your camera on! It’s less scary than you think and it’s super important to build connections with your classmates and tutor. • Come off mute to ask your questions! Tutors are often screen-sharing during the class and might not see your question if you only type it into the chat box. • Try to log on to the class a few minutes early. This gives you enough time to get yourself organised and helps the tutor start the class on time. Some tutors might also use this time to chat informally with the class, which is a great opportunity to connect.

• Prepare for your tutorial just like an in-person class. Be ready to answer questions and contribute to the discussion - along with asking questions, these are some of the best ways to make sure you’re understanding the topics being taught. • Try to be at your computer the whole time the class is in session. There are no marks for attendance! If the tutor asks you a question and all they get back is your mic and camera off, everyone will 100% know about your sneaky tea and biscuit break. • Try not to talk over other students or the tutor. • Be respectful of your peers and tutors and aware of what you are doing while on the Zoom call. A good rule of thumb is to not do or say anything while you are on the Zoom call that you wouldn’t want everybody in the class seeing or hearing. • Never share the Zoom details or passcode with anyone who is not supposed to be in the class. This is a recipe for disruption, as well as being a violation of your tutors’ and peers’ privacy.

• Try to be helpful to the tutor - respond when they ask if you can see something, politely let them know if there is a technical problem they are unaware of or if someone has asked a question in the chat box that the tutor may not have seen. • Try to find a quiet space to limit background noise around you. You could even book a study room on campus. • Wear headphones, as this makes your voice clearer and prevents the dreaded ~zoom echo~

Anatomy of an Email Written communication cannot be understated in law school. Your lecturers and tutors are busy people who juggle lots of different things in their professional and personal lives. Keep any email correspondence short and sweet, and polite, of course! Below is a recommended format for emailing academic staff. Always email from your student email account. Outlook may re-direct your message to spam if you send it from a non-QUT email.

Make sure you email the tutor at the email address they provide to you on Blackboard, not one from Google.

Most of the teaching staff will encourage you to address them by their first names, but take a note of their preference if they mention it.

Get to the point quickly! Ask a clear question if you would like an answer about something.

Subject line = unit code + topic of the email

Hi Cal, This is Elle from your Thursday 9 am LLB123 tutorial. I have a question about the take-home exam. Are resubmissions allowed? Kind Regards, Elle Elle Woods n90210 Student: Bachelor of Design (Fashion)/Bachelor of Laws

Always, always use a polite tone in your emails, even if you are feeling frustrated or stressed.

This helps the recipient quickly ascertain what the email is about. It is a good idea to identify yourself and which class you attend first up, especially if you are in a large tutorial or are emailing for the first time.

Remember to always include your student number in the email. A simple email signature is the perfect place to pop it in.

Utilise the Blackboard forums and announcements in your subject tabs. Only send an email to your lecturer or tutor if you cannot find the answer to your query anywhere else. Otherwise, you can also ask questions at your lecturer’s consultation hours.

Tips From High Achieving First Years We have tracked down three students who all achieved highly in first year subjects in 2020 and asked them for their best advice for first year students. This advice is gold, so read carefully! Why not challenge yourself to implement these tips in your study?

RaCHael Paxton (best performing student in LLB102 & LLB106)

At the beginning of each week write a to-do list for all readings, tutorials, lectures and tasks that require completion for the week ahead. Aim to have all tasks completed before the next week begins. Start assignments early and try to avoid leaving assignments to the last minute. I have learnt it is not uncommon to have lightbulb moments when you are close to completion and realise that something you have written is in fact incorrect.

Catherine Bugler (best performing student in LLB104 & LLB203)

Be persistent. Don’t get anxious if some things don’t “click” immediately. The legal principles you’ll learn will be, at times, counter-intuitive and contradictory. No one is born understanding the law of hearsay, you have to go about learning it – that’s why you’re at uni. Understand procrastination. People think that procrastination is laziness, but it’s often actually anxiety: procrastination is avoiding the discomfort of facing an imperfect draft or a looming deadline. Get your friends together to study to make it more enjoyable or have a chat to the psychologists provided by QUT for free on campus who can help you build resilience and good study habits.

Cain Varoy (best performing student in LLB141) Write concisely - this is a concept I struggled with a lot in first year but you’ll find it is essential to your academic (and professional) success. I found reading past student examples and planning assignments beforehand both helpful ways of developing this skill. Textbook course reserves are your friend! If you don’t want to fork out money for buying textbooks you are able to borrow most prescribed textbooks from the law library for a 2 hour period. It’s a great way to get your readings done too!

Your Legal Research Primer Navigating legal databases and encyclopaedias may seem intimidating at first, but there are a plethora of resources available to help you get your legal research groove on! You will likely be looking at three different types of sources: cases, legislation and secondary sources. Secondary sources are things like journal articles, textbooks and legal encyclopaedias. A great way to start your research is by coming up with a list of keywords related to your topic. This can be as general as ‘torts law’ or ‘duty of care’ or as specific as a case name like ‘Donoghue v Stevenson’. Your search terms should become more specific as your research progresses. Once you have your keywords, your fingers will likely be itching to start searching the many databases and resources available to you through the QUT Library and on the broader web. These are some helpful databases that you can access via the QUT Library law databases page: • Attorney General’s Information Service (AGIS) • CaseBase (via Lexis Advance Pacific) • CCH IntelliConnect • Westlaw AU • AustLii You can also search on the QUT Library website for information about your topic, especially if you are interested in secondary sources. This is only a very brief overview on getting started with legal research. The QUT Library publishes fantastic legal research guides with videos and walk-throughs showing how to research specific areas of law. You can also book an appointment with a QUT librarian for one-on-one help! See Getting to Know the Library in this Guide for more information. Another great resource is the QUT Real Law page on Blackboard, which also contains research resources. If you would still like more information, keep an eye on your inbox and on the HiQ Events page for legal research workshops run throughout the year.

Referencing & Formatting: Meet Your New BFFs You’re going to make so many new friends in your first year of law, but none more loyal or knowledgeable than these two MVPs:

The Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition) aka AGLC4 • You will be asked to adhere to AGLC4 referencing rules in your law school assessment. The AGLC4 is a document you can download online or in the Library. (APA, Harvard, Vancouver, etc.) It’s critical that you set aside time before your assessment due date to make sure you have follow these rules. It’s not acceptable to use any other set of referencing rules. Complying with the AGLC4 will not only boost your grade, but is also important for upholding academic integrity in your work. • For an overview of using the AGLC4, we recommend QUT CiteWrite, which provides referencing guidelines in an easily understood format (just make sure you click the “AGLC” tab for the right information.

Written Assessment in the Law School aka WALS • WALS is the document that sets out how all of your written assessment should be formatted. It also contains important guidance on correct usage of grammar and punctuation. It’s super important to get into the habit of formatting your assignments according to WALS (soon it will be second nature, we promise!). The name of the game here is compliance; if you format your essays in size 24 Comic Sans, your work will stick out like a sore thumb to your markers (which is not a good thing). • You can find WALS on the ‘QUT Real Law’ Blackboard page.

These are the biggest things to remember when using AGLC4: • Footnotes, footnotes, footnotes! Instead of using ‘in-text’ referencing like you might use in APA referencing, you will used footnotes whenever you need to provide an authority for your point or give credit for an idea (see AGLC4 rule 1.1.1). • You will need to provide ‘pin-point’ references to refer to the specific section of a source. There are often used to refer to page numbers or paragraphs (1.1.6). • Your first reference of a source will be different to your subsequent reference of that source (see rule 1.4.1). • You can use short titles to make your footnotes and writing clearer with long case or legislation titles (see rule 1.4.4). • You should use gender-inclusive language in your writing. This means using phrases like ‘humankind’ instead of ‘mankind’ (rule 1.9.3). • You won’t always be asked to provide a bibliography, but if you are, you should follow the specific layout set out in the AGLC4. This includes dividing sources into sections depending on their type (rule 1.13).

• When referencing the cases, legislation and secondary sources, you will need to identify their specific type and use the rules set out for that type of source in the AGLC4. Here is a quick reference to some of the different sections: cases (rule 2, page 39); legislative materials (rule 3, page 67); secondary sources (rule 4, from page 83). Below is a quick introduction to what your citations for cases, legislation and journals in footnotes using AGLC4 might look like, using the QUT CiteWrite page: Footnote

Subsequent References

Cases (reported decisions)

Case Name (Year)/[Volume] Law Report Series Starting Page, Pinpoint (‘Short Title’).

Short Title (n Footnote Number) Pinpoint.

AGLC4 Rules 2.1-2.2

Elle v Emmett Pty Ltd (2001) 81 CLR 522, 525 (‘Elle’).

Elle (n 2) 527.

Acts and Regulations

Title Year (Jurisdiction) Pinpoint (‘Short Title’).

AGLC4 Rules 3.1.1 -3.1.7

Bruiser’s Law Against Animal Testing Act 2003 (Qld) (‘BLAAT Act’).

Short Title (n Footnote Number) Pinpoint.

Journal Articles

Author, ‘Title’ (Year) Volume(Issue) Journal Starting page, Pinpoint.

AGCL4 Rule 5.1-5.7

Bibliography Elle v Emmett Pty Ltd (2001) 81 CLR 522, 525 (‘Elle’)

Bruiser’s Law Against Animal Testing Act 2003 (Qld)

BLAAT Act (n 4) s 23. Author Surname (n Footnote Number) Pinpoint.

Elle Woods, ‘Pooches and Woods (n 20) 101. Poison: Animal Testing in Queensland’ (2002) 28(2) Paws for Thought Law Journal 100, 104.

Woods, Elle, ‘Pooches and Poison: Animal Testing in Queensland’ (2002) 28(2) Paws for Thought Animal Law Journal 100.

Note that the examples above are a starting point only. Cases, legislation and secondary sources will all have to be referenced differently depending on their specific type. For example: • Cases should be referenced differently depending on whether the decision is reported or unreported. • Legislation should be referenced differently depending on whether it is an act or regulation, a bill or explanatory memorandum etc. • Secondary sources should be referenced differently depending on whether you’re dealing with a journal article, book, chapter of an edited book, or report etc. Always refer to the AGLC4 or QUT CiteWrite when referencing, especially while you’re still getting the hang of AGLC4 rules. And don’t despair if you’re feeling overwhelmed – simply seek out help through the Library or other the resources discussed in this Guide.

Academic integrity At QUT, academic dishonesty is taken very seriouslyand the rules and regulations are found in QUT’s policies and procedures (MOPP C/5.3). It is important that you are aware of the potential consequences of academic misconduct to highlight the importance of acting with integrityin your studies. Below we have outlined different examples of academic misconduct, the potential consequences and finally how to avoid any potential issues.

I cannot bring notes into an exam

TRUE

falsE

Bringing a phone into the exam room is considered cheating

TRUE

falsE

TRUE

falsE

Not referencing my assignments correctly could be considered plagiarism

TRUE

falsE

My private tutor can help me write my assignments so long as it is less than 10% of the content

TRUE

falsE

Academic misconduct doesn’t really matter once I leave uni

TRUE

falsE

Sharing answers to quizzes or assignments is fine as long as we’re not studying the subject at the same time

TRUE

falsE

I can be part of the run Facebook group created for the subject I am currently studying

TRUE

falsE

If I have to redo a subject, I can use the work I’ve submitted previously

TRUE

falsE

I am not allowed to work with others on my assignments

FIND THE ANSWERS ON THE NEXT PAGE

TRUE OR FALSE ANSWERS I cannot bring notes into an exam True and false: This depends on the type of exam you are undertaking. Pay close attention to whether your exam is “closed book” or “open book”. If an exam is open book, you are permitted to take in your own material (within specifications). You’ll need to check for yourself what material is permitted and any exam specifics Bringing a phone into the exam room is considered cheating False: You are allowed to bring your mobile into the exam room, but you must leave it at the front of the room with your bag and ensure that it is switched off. Having a phone on your person during the exam is considered cheating and could lead to an allegation of academic misconduct. I am not allowed to work with others on my assignments True: This will depend on whether the assessment is an individual or group task. If it is an individual task, then “working with others” will be considered collusion. Collusion is a form of academic misconduct that occurs when students work together on individual assessment items, share completed answers or examples of assessment related work. Not referencing my assignments correctly could be considered plagiarism True: When you reference your sources, you are acknowledging the work of other people. Failing to acknowledge your sources correctly in your references can be considered as plagiarism. When in doubt consult the AGLC4 or book an appointment with one of the friendly QUT librarians. My private tutor can help me write my assignments so long as it is less than 10% of the content False: This could be considered ‘contract cheating’. You should only submit work that is your own. Academic misconduct doesn’t really matter once I leave uni False: Findings of academic misconduct can hinder, if not prevent, your future admission as a lawyer. Sharing answers to quizzes or assignments is fine as long as we’re not studying the subject at the same time False: This is considered collusion where the parties have a reasonable expectation that the work being shared will be submitted for assessment. I can be part of the run Facebook group created for the subject I am currently studying True and false: Sure thing! Just be wary of the fact that these groups are almost always studentrun groups. You will need to take responsibility for your own engagement in these groups and ensure that you are not participating in any type of academic misconduct. If I have to redo a subject, I can use the work I’ve submitted previously True and false: In some circumstances, you might be able to use work you have submitted previously, but only with the express consent of your unit coordinator and if your situation satisfies the requirements set out in C/5.3 of the QUT MOPP.

So don’t say you didn’t know!

Meet the QUTLS First Year Officer

Paris Komselis Hey First Years! Welcome to QUT, and welcome to law school. Congratulations, you made it! My name is Paris Komselis, and I’m your QUTLS First Year Officer for 2021. I’m here to help make your transition into university as smooth as possible, and I happen to be an open book full of knowledge of and love for QUT and university life! What you need to know about me: I’m a fifth year Law and Journalism student, I’m extremely passionate about brunch and I’m usually found in the Law Library (with a long black in hand). I was lucky enough to start my law degree with a handful of friends, and we planned all our lectures and tutorials to match. If you’re in this situation too, I highly recommend you do this – it’ll keep you accountable to turn up to class, and company always makes everything better! Everything came crumbling down in third year, however – my friends embarked on their semesters abroad on exchange and left me alone, in the big scary world of law school. I began to wonder... um, how do I make friends at university? How do I talk to people I don’t know? Maybe this is the situation you’re in now. The good news is, I made friends and I found myself more involved in university, and law, than ever. My secrets to “success”? I’ve got you covered. Don’t be scared to say hi! I’m sure you’ve already heard this one a million times, but let me just echo the comments from everyone else and add it here. There will be many other students also in the same boat as you, so why don’t you make the first move? Who knows, after the ice is broken, you could have a lifelong friend! Once you develop this skill, you’ll be a pro at networking, which will come in handy later on in your degree. Attend O-Week! O-Week is a showcase of QUT life, and you’ll be sure to find something that interests you. Whether it’s a campus tour, an introduction to the law faculty or a visit to GYG, there’s something for everyone. Which leads me on to my next point… Get involved (as much as you reasonably can)! The best times in my university experience have come from simply getting involved – namely, joining clubs (like QUTLS, wink wink!), volunteering or signing up to a social sport. There definitely is something out there to suit everyone, so don’t be afraid to jump in, scope these opportunities out and ask questions. Make a study group! Not only is this a great way to make friends, but it also comes in handy down the track for tackling revision. Sign up for the QUTLS Mentor Program! It’s an amazing opportunity in which you can learn from a second year + QUT law student who will help you one on one with study tips and balancing uni life. And finally... the most important advice I can offer you is DON’T PANIC! Channel your inner cucumber and keep things cool. Once I realised everyone in law school is on their own path, that’s when I really was able to find my feet and settle in. You’ll meet all sorts of people on your law

journey – some who are so intensely “law” it gives you the ick and others who don’t even know when the Torts assignment is due. My best tip is to stay in your lane, keep on top of everything week by week (yeah, definitely don’t do those readings all in week 13!), give yourself some down time and don’t feel pressured by everyone around you. It’s YOUR university experience,and nobody else’s! And that is my ever so brief guide to tackling QUT law. I have a heap of events planned throughout the year, kicking off with a pizza party on the 11th of March, followed by some First Year Survival Panels, sprinkled with a few extra socials. Make sure to Like QUTLS on Facebook so you don’t miss a thing.Wishing you all the best, and like I said... don’t be scared to say hi! (Socially distanced) hugs, Paris

QUTLS Mentorship Program Hi all, I’m Arlia and I am the returning Mentor Officer for 2021! The Mentor Program provides peer-to-peer support by partnering first-year law students with high achieving and experienced law students. The program focuses on creating a soft introduction for students by equipping them with general tips and tricks needed to thrive at law school. The program is suitable for ALL first-year law students (that includes graduate entry, external and mature-age students).There are several benefits of this program. These include, but are not limited to:

1. Academic Support Mentors can provide guidance on study techniques, exam preparation, elective options, extracurricular activities and the development of general university skills. Mentors can advise how to best approach readings and manage your time efficiently; allowing students to maximise their performance in their law units.

2. Social Support Law school can be daunting and students need social support now more than ever. Mentors can remove the isolation of studying law by sharing their experiences of what studying law at QUT entails, how and when to seek support from Tutors/Unit Coordinators and inform you of the social and professional networks available.

3. Work Opportunities Your mentor can alert you to new job opportunities and internship opportunities and the skills and attributes employers are looking for when recruiting. Mentors can also show you how to find both advertised and hidden casual or part-time legal jobs which, due to the number of students studying law, are hard to come by and extremely competitive. Getting your foot in the door early is the key to success!

4. Support with the Law Faculty QUT Faculty of Law is here to support you throughout the entirety of your degree. However, it can be complicated to know how to utilise their resources and when to seek assistance. Your mentor can guide you towards the best point of contact in the law faculty (e.g. the Enquiries Desk, Unit Coordinator or Head of School) to help you get the most out of the academic, volunteer and employment opportunities on offer.

5. University Life Your mentor can help familiarise you with the student societies and clubs on campus, including the Guild and QUTLS. Additionally, they can let you know about important social media platforms and social events including pub crawls, elections and the annual QUTLS Law Ball!

6. General Assistance Even if you characterise yourself as fairly independent, just knowing you have the support-network there if you find yourself in an unfamiliar situation can greatly reduce stress. Your mentor is there to support your needs, and as such, can provide tailored mentoring to support you when you need it most! If you have any questions about the program, please contact me at mentor.officer@qutlawsociety. com

Perks of Being a Law Student Being a tertiary student opens you up to a whole new world of student discounts to help you save money while you are working on your career. Read on for some of our favourite discounts and deals!

L Card deals QUTLS membership is provided through the L Card for $10 per person. To come to most of our social and educational events, you will need an L Card. There are 120+ deals on restaurants, bars, other nightlife, lifestyle, and retail. Some of the most notable deals are: • Free and priority entry from Wednesdays to Sundays at Friday’s Riverside • Free size upgrade at Merlo Coffee, QUT and UQ Campuses • 10% off purchases at Aroma Cafe, QUT Campus • $11 tickets at Palace Cinemas, New Farm • 20% off food and drink Monday to Friday at Brooklyn Depot, Southbank

Unidays Unidays gives you access to heaps of deals and discounts on retailers in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, food and drink, health and fitness, and technology! Need new gym gear or office wear? Or maybe you need to upgrade some of your tech? Unidays offers both all-year round discounts and seasonal big percentage discounts, so keep an eye on your account for huge savings offerings! It is also free to sign up.

Translink student discount Full time tertiary students are eligible for concession fares, so make sure you apply to Translink to get 50% off all travel on Translink buses, trains and ferries! You can do this on the Translink website once you have your university student number.

Quick Quiz! 1. Who is the Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia? 2. What does prima facie mean? 3. One of the most famous common law cases involves a _____ in a ginger beer bottle? 4. What street is the Supreme Court on? 5. Is legislation, statute and an Act the same thing? 6. Where is the copy of the Magna Carta located in the Lawbry?

1. Chief Justice Susan Kiefel 2. On the face/first impression 3. A snail 4. George Street 5. Yes! They all refer to Parliament-made law. 6. Outside the Industrial Court at C503. Answers

Degree Structure A career in the law industry is becoming increasingly competitive but also more diverse than ever before. It is important that law students are prepared to meet the demands of the law in 2021 and beyond. Just like the industry, the law degree at QUT is constantly changing and updating to meet these new pressures. As you progress throughout your law degree you will take a variety of subjects that will qualify you to enter into the workforce as a lawyer or any other career!

“Priestly 11” As part of your law degree you will have a mix of core units and elective units. There are 11 core units known as the “Priestly 11”. In Australia, the completion of these units is mandatory to become a professional in the legal industry. These subjects are: • Administrative Law • Civil Procedure • Corporations Law • Constitutional Law

• Contract Law • Criminal Law • Equity and Trusts • Ethics

QUT-Specific Core Units QUT also has their own mandatory subjects. These subjects are ones that the Law School believes are highly important to becoming a well-rounded lawyer. You will take a few of these subjects in your first year! These subjects include: • Introduction to Law • Statutory Interpretation • Dispute Resolution • Contemporary Law and Justice

Credit Points A certain number of points are allocated to each subject at university. This credit system is standard across every single degree offered at QUT. Almost all QUT law subjects are worth 12 credit points, or CP for short. This is the university’s way of measuring how far through your degree you are, and it also assists them in making sure you have met all the course requirements so you can graduate at the end!

Electives Electives subjects give you the chance to explore areas of law that you might be interested in practicing in. Electives are broken down into three groups depending on what stage of your degree you are at. These categories are introductory, general and advanced. Below, the three introductory law electives are outlined to get you thinking about what one you might like to do. A good tip with electives is to keep an open mind about the subjects you want to take. Due to demand, teaching staff availability, and timetabling restraints, not every elective is offered every year. Therefore, if you see a subject you are keen on completing and it fits within your course structure, definitely do it because you do not know when it will be offered next! Also if you are unsure of which elective to pick definitely ask friends or Facebook groups such as Fellow Surviving Law Students for advice on the subject content and assessment.

You do not have to choose law-related electives! If you want to study subjects in different disciplines, you can choose from a list of university-wide subjects. You can also save up your elective credit points to use on exchanges throughout your degree.

Pre-requisites Almost all subjects beyond the first year will have prerequisite units, meaning you must have passed a certain unit to be able to take another unit. This becomes a problem when you haven’t completed a certain prerequisite unit/s and can find yourself locked out of classes and unable to progress in your degree. Another important thing to note is that unit coordinators will often try to organise assessment and exam timetables so they are more advantageous for students who are following the course structure, so this will help you avoid having two exams in one day!

What if I deviate from the recommended course structure? The key word is ‘recommended’, not ‘mandatory’. Tertiary education is different to all other levels of study because it is so flexible. We are all adults on different life paths and QUT Law reflects that fact superbly. There will be various reasons why you may be unable to follow the course structure. These might include embarking on exchange, failing a unit, taking a break from study for a semester or two, or changing from full time to part time study. Any of these factors will not prevent you from graduating. At most, you will be at university longer than the time frame suggested. Planning ahead can help you keep on track to graduate as early as possible, but venturing off the beaten path can sometimes open you up to new opportunities too!

Unit Outlines Below are the first year law subjects according to QUT’s recommended course structure. This is based on a single degree, full time law study load. If you are studying a double degree or do less than four subjects a semester, the semesters and years that you complete these subjects will be different. That is okay, and it is becoming more common than ever for tertiary students to study double degrees as they can make you more employable and educated.

SEMESTER 1 LLB101 Introduction to Law Coordinator: John O’Brien Email: john.obrien@qut.edu.au Introduction to Law provides a necessary foundation for legal studies by introducing you to core legal knowledge and the skills of legal reasoning, problem solving, legal writing and research. The assessments are a writing and research skills task, a take-home examination, and a case analysis assignment.

LLB102 Torts Coordinator: Tracey Carver Email: t.carver@qut.edu.au In this unit, you will apply the skills you are developing in LLB101 Introduction to Law and be introduced to the skills of legal problem solving and legal interviewing and questioning as you look at how the law of torts operates in a real world context. Tort is the area of law that protects people’s private rights and liberties, such as trespass and negligence. The knowledge and skills that you develop in this unit provide a foundation for more advanced units in later years. The study of torts law is required for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. The assessments are a client interview and advice, a multiple choice exam, and an examination in the end-of-semester exam block.

LLB103 Dispute Resolution Coordinator: James Duffy Email: james.duffy@qut.edu.au This unit introduces you to non-adversarial approaches to practice and advocacy commonly used in legal practice, such as mediation, conciliation, and negotiation. It also introduces you to the significant and positive role that lawyers play in society in upholding the rule of law and assisting people to resolve disputes. An understanding of these approaches is an important part of legal practice where lawyers must advise clients on the most effective way to deal with a dispute. The assessments are a role-play exercise and written reflection, and an examination in the end-of-semester examination block.

LLB104 Contemporary Law and Justice Coordinators: Hope Johnson and Bridget Lewis Email: h2.johnson@qut.edu.au; b.lewis@qut.edu.au This unit provides a foundation for the development of your legal oral communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills that will be further developed in later units including LLB203 Constitutional Law, LLB204 Commercial and Personal Property Law, and LLB303 Evidence. A key emphasis of the unit is on the interaction of Australia’s first peoples with the Australian legal system and introducing you to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal knowledges and perspectives of law, which will be further examined in LLB106 Criminal Law, LLB301 Real Property Law, and LLB303 Evidence. The assessments are a group oral presentation, a written policy submission, and an online examination in the end-of-semester exam block.

SEMESTER 2 LLB106 Criminal Law Coordinator: TBA This core unit introduces you to the criminal law of Queensland. Knowledge of criminal law offences and defences/excuses is essential for understanding the type of behaviour that is permitted by the state. Criminal law content knowledge is required for your admission to legal practice. The assessments are an oral advocacy exercise, an appellate brief, and an examination in the end-of-semester exam block.

LLB107 Statutory Interpretation Coordinators: James Duffy and Peta Stephenson Emails: james.duffy@qut.edu.au; peta.stephenson@qut.edu.au This unit introduces the foundational concepts of public law, the institutions of government and the rules and principles of statutory interpretation in Australia. Knowledge and skills relating to statutory interpretation are essential in legal practice. This unit provides a foundation for the development of your skills in statutory interpretation that will be further examined in more advanced units. This unit also develops your skills in legal research, written communication and problem solving that were introduced to you in LLB101 Introduction to Law. The assessments are a multiple choice quiz, a research memorandum, and an examination in the end-of-semester exam block.

LLB140 Human Rights Law Coordinator: TBA In recent decades, the international community has shown an increased awareness of and stronger commitment to the protection of human rights. However, this progress is far from complete and violations of basic human rights are still a pressing issue for the global community. This unit is a first year elective that is designed to develop the concepts and principles of human rights introduced in LLB104 Contemporary Law and Justice. It explores the theory and practice of international human rights law. In particular, it provides an overview of the history and origins of human rights and international rights and obligations while remaining grounded in the contemporary events and challenges to the protection of human rights. The unit also examines the institutions, instruments and implementation structures of human rights. The unit sets the foundational knowledge of the key issues and mechanisms for regulation and enforcement that are built on in later specialised units. The assessments are a written government report submission, and an examination in the end-of-semester exam block.

LLB141 Introduction to International Law Coordinator: Katie Woolaston Email: katie.woolaston@qut.edu.au There are many ways in which the law operates in an international context. Issues of global concern such as climate change, terrorism and economic development require cooperation between nations through agreements and treaties. The increased internationalisation of communication, financial interests and business transactions means that individuals and companies are increasingly required to engage with the laws of other countries and that domestic legal systems must operate in an international context. In an increasingly globalised world it is important for you to understand how to identify, evaluate and apply the relevant law in international disputes and how international laws can impact on the Australian legal system. This unit builds on your knowledge of the Australian legal system introduced in LLB101 and extends it to the impact of other legal systems on the development of Australian law. The assessments are a written submission to the International Court, and an examination in the end-of-semester exam block.

LLB142 Regulation of Business Coordinator: Felicity Deane Email: felicity.deane@qut.edu.au This elective unit commences the process of educating you in matters of business and commercial law. It is intended to provide an overview of a number of critical areas in the study of business law. Further, this subject will provide you with theoretical and critical analysis skills. As a law graduate, you are increasingly required to have a strong knowledge base and understanding of business and commerce and have an understanding of how business operates within the context of the Australian legal system. This unit is intended to provide foundation skills and knowledge that are essential for an understanding of law and regulation as it applies to business. The assessments are a written policy submission, and an examination in the end-of-semester exam block.

General Law Electives Full time law students can either study another introductory law elective, or choose a general law elective in their second semester. The list of electives on offer can be found here, alongside more comprehensive information about the QUT Law degree for 2021.

About the QUTLS The QUT Law Society Inc. (QUTLS) is the peak representative body of law students at QUT. It seeks to holistically enhance the social, academic, and professional experiences of all students enrolled in The Faculty of Law at QUT. The QUTLS represents over 2,500 students across undergraduate, graduate, professional and masters level degrees. We are proud to be the largest faculty society in Australia. We provide a variety of services to the students through social, educational and professional events which gives students the opportunity to connect and network with not only their peers, but with the broader legal community as well. We also produce publications such as Springboard (the annual careers guide), Torts Illustrated (the biannual magazine), and the First Year Guide to assist students in their transition to tertiary education and professional practice. Keeping law students of all backgrounds connected and engaged is the cornerstone of the QUTLS. The QUTLS is structured in three tiers. The top is the Management Committee, which consists of the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. The second is the Executive Committee, which consists of the Directors of all the portfolios, which you will read about below. The third tier is the sub-committee, which is made up of various officers in each portfolio.

Management Committee

Ed Williams, President

Braydon Clow, Secretary

president@qutlawsociety.com

secretary@qutlawsociety.com

Maggie Wu, Treasurer

Taylor Thomas, Vice President

treasurer@qutlawsociety.com

vicepresident@qutlawsociety.com

Executive Committee Directors are the leaders for their respective portfolios. If you have a question specific to any of these areas of the QUTLS, please use the appropriate email address below! Alexandra White, Director of Media & Communications director.mediacommunication@ qutlawsociety.com

Cain Varoy, Director of External Competitions director.externalcompetitions@ qutlawosciety.com

Eugenie Hearn, Director of Sport and Health director.sportandhealth@qutlawsociety.com

Katherine Nguyen, Director of Diversity Culture and Wellbeing director.dcw@qutlawsociety.com

Bella Busby, Director of Education director.education@qutlawsociety.com

Ella O’Brien, Director of Creativity director.creativity@qutlawsociety.com

Beck Phillips, Director of Events director.events@qutlawsociety.com

Nathan Hua, Director of Sponsorship director.sponsorship@qutlawsociety.com

Matthew Adams, Director of Internal Competitions director.internalcompetitions@qutlawsociety. com

Alexandra Feeney, Director of Moot Club director.mootclub@qutlawsociety.com

And many more officers! The officers report to their portfolio Directors and work hard to bring all the different aspects of the QUTLS to life! Come and say hello to everyone at the O-Week stall and throughout the semester in the office and at QUTLS events!

THe Portfolios

Media and Communications The QUTLS Media and Communications portfolio is behind all of the publications and social media that you engage with, just like this Guide! We would like to officially warmly welcome you to Law School, and to the QUTLS! This section of the Guide will introduce you to the different activities of all the portfolios, and how you can get involved from day dot. So, you want to know more about getting involved? In the pages below, you will read about what social events are fast-approaching, what educational events you can attend and network at, what competitions you can channel your inner Elle Woods or Harvey Spectre in, how you can sing and dance your heart out on stage, and what sports you can throw yourself into. But there’s something missing. You want more. Look no further, because the Media and Communications team not only keeps you connected and up-to-date on the happenings of all other areas of the QUTLS, but gives you the chance to be published! As a QUTLS member, you can sign up to our newsletter that will deliver career opportunities, upcoming social, educational and sports events, and study motivation and hacks (especially around exam time)! We also have our various social media channels provided at the end of this Guide, so make sure you follow all of those! The publications that you can submit work to are: Torts Illustrated Torts Illustrated is the biannual QUTLS student publication that gives a voice to our members! The issues are themed to give you a prompt, but if you have an article that you are burning to write, we accept work from outside the theme, as long as it is relevant to law students. Submitting to Torts Illustrated also earns you 10% all of our merchandise! Have a read of our previous issues to see what content we have published in the past. Corpus Juris Corpus Juris is the QUTLS’ very own showcase of the legal scholarship that QUT Law students produce. This is the place to send all your critical essays and other legal research and analysis to, whether they be from previous assignments, or because your idea of a lit Friday night involves being elbows deep in the law reports and AGLC4, writing about criminal law reform. Corpus Juris will also be publishing the best essays submitted to the Essay Competition. Submissions will be open all year round and close towards the end of the year! Keep an eye on social media for announcements. Submissions for Torts Illustrated and Corpus Juris can be submitted to director. mediacommunication@qutlawsociety.com.

THe Portfolios

events

While a big part of law school is hitting the books and making industry connections, the QUTLS also believes in the importance of letting your hair down and celebrating the trials and tribulations of uni life with your friends! We organise social events throughout the year purely for students to enjoy themselves surrounded by friends and fellow law school survivors. You don’t need to have a big group of law friends to attend - our social events are a great way to expand your social networks and a lot of them are even open to people from other courses, unis or pathways! The only kicker is that most of our events are strictly 18+ due to the responsible service of alcohol regulations at a lot of our venues. But don’t fret if you are on the younger side; we still offer opportunities to mingle and there are plenty of other general events from other portfolios to get involved with the QUTLS. Our major events throughout the year include: • Pub Crawl • Law Ball - probably our biggest event of the year! Get glammed up with all your pals; eat, drink and dance the night away… • Law Dinner • End of semester drinks - infamously known as #letsgetrekt • Monthly catch-ups Keep an eye on our socials throughout the year for these events, and we can’t wait to see you all and share a boogie throughout the year!

THe Portfolios

Education

The QUTLS Education portfolio is your one-stop-shop for all things career, networking and professional development. Our main job is to connect you with professionals in the legal industry to help you learn about different areas of the law, to give you accessible opportunities for networking, and to help you develop your professional brand. We also run the Mentorship Program to ensure our new first years feel welcome and supported! Learn about different areas of the law In 2021, we will be hosting a number of Q&A panels which focus on specific areas of the law. These include ‘Now In Session: an introduction to careers in the court’ in March, the ‘Criminal Law Information Evening’ in April and ‘Technology, AI and Innovation in Law’ in September. At each of these events you will have the opportunity to hear from professionals about why their area of the law is an important space to keep an eye on, what their job entails and how to pursue a career in that field. We will also be hosting the catch-all event ‘Alternative Legal Careers’ in August where you can hear from professionals working in a variety of other industries like government, consulting, accounting and more! Network with professionals After each of our Q&A panels you will have the opportunity to speak directly with our guests, which will give you an opportunity to ask any burning questions you may have and will help increase your confidence with professional networking. We particularly recommend coming along to networking events early in your degree so you feel confident by the time you reach clerkship or job interviews! In addition to the Q&A panels, we will also be hosting our flagship networking event ‘Meet the Profession’ in July where you can get valuable insight about the everyday realities of working in certain areas of the law, and about the workplace culture of different firms. These are opportunities that are otherwise hard-to-come-by, so we recommend keeping an eye out for tickets before they sell out!

Professional development It is really important to build your professional brand as a law student, so get your LinkedIn profiles up and running and practise networking as soon as you can! We will also help you out by inviting human resource representatives and lawyers to give you advice about writing resumes, interviewing and pursuing undergraduate and graduate careers at our event in August called ‘Getting Your Foot in the Door’. Mentorship Last but certainly not least, we run the Mentorship Program which includes our ‘Buddy Program’. If you sign up for a buddy, you will be matched with a more advanced law student who can answer your questions about law school and university generally, can tell you where to find the best coffee on campus and who can provide an important avenue of support as you navigate the transition to tertiary education. We are profoundly aware of how isolated students have felt through the COVID-19 pandemic, so to counteract this will be making the Mentor Program bigger and better than ever in 2021! If you ever have thoughts about what you want to see from your Education team, don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can make our events as helpful as possible!

THe Portfolios

moot club

Moot Noun (law); a mock judicial proceeding set up to examine a hypothetical case as an academic exercise. Moots are mock court cases based on a set of facts that give rise to a host of legal issues. Mooting is used largely in law schools as a practical exercise to develop and refine a student’s legal research and submission writing skills, as well as oral advocacy and communication abilities. Other transferable skills include teamwork, organisational, creative problem-solving, and time management skills. What is Moot Club? The QUTLS Moot Club is dedicated to helping students practice their advocacy skills in a friendly and relaxed environment. The Moot Club is a non-competitive environment where law students of any experience level can learn the ins and outs of mooting, get feedback and develop new skills. If you are a first year, it is the perfect place to meet new people, gain confidence and practice skills which are very important in law school and in practice. What’s involved The Moot Club is held approximately 6 times a year in the Moot Courts in the Law Library on weekday evenings and includes a dinner afterwards. You don’t need any mooting experience and you can register as a team or as an individual (and we will match you with someone). We send you the moot problem a few weeks prior with some tips about how you can prepare submissions. On the night, moot judges will be present to give invaluable feedback. Each club session will end with a seminar from an experienced mooter. The dates and details of these Moot Clubs will be published on our Facebook page, QUTLS Moot Club. Upcoming events Welcome to Moot Club Night In order to find out more about mooting, how it can help you throughout your degree and make

friends, come along to the Welcome to Moot Club Night, on March 9 at 5:45pm in P419. There will be a keynote speech and guest speakers including solicitors and seasoned student mooters. How to Moot Workshop Mooting can seem daunting but come along in the first week of semester to the moot workshop to learn the basics! There will be a presentation from student mooters about the basics of mooting, some tips and tricks and what opportunities are available to test out your new skills. There will be a Q&A afterwards, so come along and find yourself a moot partner. Moot Dinner The Moot Dinner is held at the end of the year and is a night to remember, filled with food and drinks, speeches, and a celebration of the mooting accomplishments of the year. It is a great opportunity to network with legal professionals, academics and fellow students with an interest in mooting. This will be a ticketed event and a great opportunity to relax and celebrate the hard work you put in this year! What to look out for To stay up-to-date on Moot Club activities, you can like our Facebook page, QUTLS Moot Club. If you have any questions, you can contact Alexandra Feeney, the Director of Moot Club at director.mootclub@qutlawsociety.com

THe Portfolios

competitions INTERNAL COMPETITIONS The QUTLS Competitions portfolio creates engaging opportunities for students of all experience levels to develop their legal research and advocacy skills, make connections, and explore potential career paths. The competitions are tailored in such a way that students can put into practice the theoretical knowledge gathered during university in a real-world context. The competitions are judged by industry professionals and senior students who give you on-the-spot invaluable feedback and advice – a law student’s most precious commodity! Competition winners and runners-up may also be invited to represent the QUTLS at a state or national level, providing further opportunities to enhance your skills and grow your networks. Registration for competitions opens about one month before the competition begins, so keep an eye on the QUTLS Facebook page for announcements and check out the website for updates and registrations. Semester 1 Semester 2 • Negotiation • Junior Moot • First Year Moot • Client Interview • Championship Moot • Witness Examination • Video Advocacy • Essay Competition Advice from the portfolio Engaging in competitions in your first year is a great way to maximise your potential and growth. Particularly in your first year, it is a great way to meet new people, make friends and fast track

your learning. The skills and experiences you have in the QUTLS competitions can expose you to a variety of more prestigious competitions in the future. Negotiation (open to all students) The Negotiation is one of our most popular competitions, in which teams of two face off as ‘solicitors’ advocating for their respective fake clients. The purpose of the Negotiation is to represent your client’s interests while coming to a mutually beneficial outcome for all parties. Students love this competition as minimal preparation is required. First Year Moot (open to first year students only) The First Year moot focuses on what you will learn in Torts (as well as some extra topics to test your research skills). Previous participants rate the First Year Moot as the most beneficial and valuable competition in the entire portfolio. As well as challenging yourself, you’ll likely forge friendships that last well after you graduate (even if you find yourselves on opposite sides of the case). In 2021, the winning team will face off with UQ’s First Year Moot winners. Championship Moot (open to all students except those participating in the First Year Moot) The Championship Moot is the premier event for mooters, judges and spectators. Competitors will be provided with a complex commercial litigation problem, testing their academic rigor and oral advocacy skills. While it is our most challenging moot, it is open to students of all levels and is a great opportunity to develop your skills. Video Advocacy (open to all students) Advocacy skills are vital to a successful legal career, even if the Bar is not calling your name. This competition requires competitors to create a short video advocating a position upon a topic provided. The Video Advocacy competition is designed to test students’ ability to be creative, persuasive and connect with their audience in a lower-stakes scenario, compared to traditional adversarial mooting. Junior Moot (open to all students who have not yet competed nationally) Don’t let the name confuse you, the Junior Moot is for students at all levels, so long as they have not won the competition or competed at a national level. With the problem usually simpler than the championship moot but still challenging, it is a wonderful opportunity for first time mooters or for experienced mooters to further develop their skills. Client Interview (open to all students) Students are exposed to a scenario and are required to interview a client to identify the complete facts behind their personal experience and propose possible solutions specific to the legal problem at hand. It is a great chance for students to build essential communication, listening, body language, asking appropriate questions and more skills required to engage with individuals in the real world.

Witness Examination (open to all students) Fondly nicknamed the WitEx competition, this competition entails the examination and crossexamination of a witness giving oral evidence. Unlike traditional moots, this competition is conducted individually. Essay Competition (open to all students) Much like the video advocacy competition, this is an opportunity for students to practice advocacy skills outside of the traditional courtroom setting. The task is simple, to write a persuasive essay on a legal topic released before the deadline. The essay competition is a fun way to test your written communication and advocacy skills outside of the classroom. Keep an eye out for the Competitions Bench Book in O-Week, which will provide a step-bystep guide to competing in all of the QUTLS’ competitions. Check out our website for more information on each competition. Have questions or just want more information? We’re always down for a chat! Email us at internalcompetitions.officer@qutlawsociety.com or visit us in the QUTLS Office in C Block. External Competitions External Competitions at QUT are a fantastic way to have fun while also further developing your legal skills and connections. External competitions are an opportunity to represent QUT against other universities both nationally and internationally. There are certainly competitions available to both the novice and experienced competitor, and many students who have participated in internal competitions previously chose to try their hand at externals! There are so many reasons to get involved in external competitions, especially as a first year! The nature of external competitions is that you will always get to make connections with students from other universities as well as academics and industry professionals. Often these competitions involve travel as well. You will be exposed to many different areas of law and gain an insight into practical legal tasks such as research, advocacy and many others. There are a range of different competitions on offer throughout the year and each will help you to improve the suite of legal skills taught throughout your degree. Certain forms require more preparation than others and have very different structures. For a breakdown of legal competitions as well as more information refer to the QUT Competitions Benchbook. Some of the large intervarsity competitions held yearly include the Australia Law Students Association (ALSA) Competition and the Queensland Intervarsity Law Competition (QILC). We also source other competitions around Australia and internationally that call for entrants or submissions. Keep an eye on social media for those announcements!

What is ALSA? ALSA coordinates several prestigious national competitions each year. The winners of QUTLS internal competitions are often chosen to represent QUT and compete against similarly skilled students from across the country. However, this is not always the case and budding competitors are also welcome to participate. The QUTLS has previously entered teams into the Championship Moot, Negotiation, Client Interview and Witness Examination competitions run by ALSA. What is QILC? QILC is a great opportunity for budding advocates in Queensland to further develop their legal skills across a range of areas. It is well suited to beginner and experienced competitors and also requires volunteers. There are four competition streams: mooting, negotiation, client interview and witness examination. The competition is a week-long event including many networking and social opportunities with other participating universities (all law schools in Queensland are invited to participate). The grand finals are often hosted in the Supreme Courts and spectators are always encouraged! There will also be lots of competitions that come up throughout the year which QUT are invited to, so be sure to keep an eye on our socials! The QUT x UQ Grudge Moot is also a highly anticipated external competition which runs yearly. The winners of the QUT First Year Moot will compete against the winner of the UQ First Year Moot and face off in the ultimate showdown. It is a very fun and friendly competition if you would like to get involved and show your support for QUT. If diving head-first into a mooting competition seems a bit daunting, you can always volunteer or even just come along as a spectator and support QUT! If you have any further questions about external competitions at QUT feel free to get in touch via the contacts below. Cain Varoy, External Competitions Director director.externalcompetitions@qutlawsociety.com Nick Powys, External Competitions Officer externalcompetitions.officer@qutlawsociety.com

THe Portfolios

Diversity, Culture and Wellbeing QUTLS’ Diversity, Culture and Wellbeing portfolio is committed to giving each law student at QUT an equal and fair opportunity to succeed, whilst celebrating our differences and seeking to understand them. We are aspiring to create a positive difference in the wellbeing of law students, whilst celebrating our diverse cultures and backgrounds. The aim for our portfolio is to improve inclusivity within the Law School while drawing attention to gaps within the Law Society, university and wider legal community. What does 2021 have in store? Our focus for 2021 is expanding on our pre-existing initiatives. We will be further addressing and raising awareness around financial equity, disability support, culture and diversity, issues faced by LGBTIQA+ students, external students, international students and First Nations peoples. The QUT Law Society is committing to expanding upon our young portfolio with the addition of new officers. These new roles will help us better represent all law students and bridge gaps within the legal industry. We hope that these new officers will offer fresh insight and strengthen collaboration across the entire Law Society. This year the Diversity, Culture and Wellbeing Portfolio are hosting four major events which will include the: Women in Law Breakfast, First Nations Breakfast, LGBTIQA+ and the Law Forum, and the Domestic Violence Awareness Breakfast. All of these events pose great opportunities for you to connect with local firms whilst showing your solidarity with the members of these communities. Women in Law Breakfast The Women in Law Breakfast celebrates the incredible achievements of women within the legal profession. With over 60% of our graduates being female this is an excellent opportunity to show your enthusiasm for

equality within the profession. With a history of influential speakers and high attendance rates from fellow students and professionals, the Women in Law Breakfast is one not to be missed. First Nations Breakfast The First Nations Breakfast is a step in the ongoing journey of Reconciliation between First Nations people and non-indigenous Australians. The Breakfast provides a platform for First Nations students and professionals to voice their opinions and highlight the need for equal access to opportunities and education, and the importance of continued Reconciliation across Australia. This significant event is a brilliant opportunity to share your appreciation for one of the world’s oldest cultures and show your commitment to both Reconciliation and equal opportunities for First Nations Law students. Other events to watch out for Don’t miss out on the First Year Social, the LGBTIQA+ and the Law Forum event, the Domestic Violence Awareness Breakfast, the external students lunch, the Law Ball, Meet the Profession, Welcome to Moot Club and the First Year Moot. These are all great events to get you started within the Law Society. The Diversity, Culture and Wellbeing portfolio also bring to life national and international awareness-raising events such as RUOk Day and the International Day of People With Disabilities. More information on those will be released throughout the year. Hot tip Keep an eye out for more opportunities to become involved in the QUTLS Diversity, Culture and Wellbeing portfolio. If you have any questions about our portfolio or just want more information, we are always available for a conversation! Email us at director.dcw@qutlawsociety.com or visit us in the QUTLS Office in C Block.

THe Portfolios

sport and health The Sport and Health Portfolio is an integral part of the support network provided by the QUTLS for students throughout their law degree. We aim to create a culture of wellbeing and positivity and to promote healthy habits among law students. The initiatives in this portfolio are key in strengthening the sense of community that QUT Law students experience. Facilitating wellbeing remains a vital feature of the legal industry, with lawyers and law students experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Our Sport and Health program aims to help students manage both their mental and physical health. By providing opportunities for students to get active and become involved in various sports and activities, students can network amongst their peers, make new friendships, promote healthy habits and lead a healthy lifestyle. The QUTLS Sport Program is an important part of the members’ co-curricular involvement during their law degree. Our vision in 2021 is for our sporting initiatives to help build a stronger, more connected, QUT law student community; and for this community to engage in further health-orientated opportunities offered by the legal profession and society at large. First Year Ping Pong Social Tournament This year will see the addition of a ‘ping pong battle blitz’ held between first year students and staff of the QUT Law Faculty. The event will provide students with an opportunity to socialise with staff common to the first year units while mingling with other first year students.This tournament is sure to be an engaging and equally entertaining event that will be followed by the ‘First Year Pub Crawl’. Social Sport Social Sport is the foundation of the QUTLS Sport and Health program. In the past, the QUTLS has formed teams for touch football, soccer, netball, volleyball, basketball and dodgeball. Members of all stages of their degree should join the QUTLS teams, especially first years! It is a great way to meet new people and get some exercise. The registration fee for members is subsidised and includes a QUTLS singlet. Queensland Law Society Touch Competition We will be putting forward a team for the Queensland Law Society Touch Competition again in 2021. Students will be able to engage as a team, network with other participants and enjoy some tongue in-cheek fun as we assert our undisputed dominance over the other student law societies and participating law firms. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for information on how to join our team. Running Club QUT Law Running Club is a weekly social event ‘run’ by the QUTLS. The run doubles as a chance for our members to network, challenge and befriend each other while fitting some physical

exercise into their week. We also encourage the first years to join and get the much elusive leg day exercise sorted out. Women’s Legal Service River to Rooftop Fundraiser In 2018 and 2019, QUTLS members tackled the daunting challenge of running up 1,040 stairs to raise money for the Women’s Legal Service. If you enjoy physical challenges as much as engaging in social justice opportunities, consider signing up for this event in 2021. QUTLS v UQLS Touch Football Grudge Match and Soccer Grudge Match Due to our fierce rivalry with the UQLS, many students get involved with these two events. Students engage in friendly competition against their friends and adversaries, bringing the two universities together. This is a great opportunity to represent QUTLS. It’s time to show them what the real-world looks like! Exam Stress Packs The year of 2020 highlighted the importance of maintaining a state of mental well-being, especially during the exam periods. In 2021 the QUTLS will be supporting members through our Mental Health Program by providing them with exam stress packs. Offered from Week 11 onwards in both Semester 1 and Semester 2, these packs are a god-send in a time when the semester is bleak. The packs will help make your uni life brighter with free stationery, snacks and other exam essentials. Mental Health Breakfast The Mental Health Breakfast will be held on national ‘R U OK? Day’ in 2021 to emphasise the importance of engaging in conversations surrounding mental health. This event is focused upon awareness and starting conversations, typically facilitated by mental health experts. We highly recommend attending this event - after all, your key asset in life is your mental health. LawRight Walk for Justice The Queensland Legal Walk unites communities to walk together and raise vital funds to ensure all Queenslanders have access to the legal system through the charity, LawRight. Your involvement at the fundraiser walk ensures that parties who can’t afford legal representation are given equal opportunity.

THe Portfolios

creativity

The Creativity Portfolio aims to provide QUTLS members with an outlet to entertain and be entertained. We have a number of ways you can get involved! Law Revue The QUT Law Society Law Revue is an annual comedic stage show written and performed by current law students. University Revues have a longstanding tradition within legal and medical schools the world over, serving as a creative centrepiece and outlet for students. The 2020 Law Revue will feature a loosely-related series of sketches, songs and videos, providing a satirical take on TV, movies, news, current affairs and politics, in addition to lampooning university life and the legal profession as a whole. So, if you’re an aspiring actor, singer, musician or dancer: come along to this year’s auditions. If you’re a would-be writer, videographer or choreographer and are looking to showcase your talents: show us what you’ve got. If you’re keen to get involved but don’t fall under any of the aforementioned roles: we’d still love to have you on board as part of the crew. George Street Journal The QUTLS also has a satirical news site that keeps you up to date on all things law school in the 21st century. It is open to student submissions, so if you love The Betoota Advocate and similar publications, you need to make sure you are following the George Street Journal! The George Street Journal If you have a penchant for all things satire, please send submissions to director. creativity@qutlawsociety.com. If you’ve got any questions feel free to email us via: lawrevue@qutlawsociety.com or director. creativity@qutlawsociety.com.

@thegeorgestreetjournal

Have you got your l card?

THE GAME PLAN

This section is for you to consider exactly what you want your first year to look like! Do you want to try mooting? Make more friends? Join a sports team? Practice your networking skills? Here you can record some first year resolutions! Remember to write your goals out using the SMART method to make sure you can achieve them!

S M A R T p e c i f i c

e a s u r a b l e

c h e i v a b l e

e l e v a n t

i m e l y

Start of semester 1, 2021 What do you want to do in your first year? What kinds of experiences do you want to have?

End of semester 2, 2021 Think about your hopes and goals that you wrote down all the way back in February. Was your year anything like you expected? What would you have changed? Are there new things you’d like to try in the years to come?

Best of luck!

Finally, we just want to wish you all good luck! Beginning university is a mixture of nerves and excitement. We hope this guide has given you a run down of enough information to put you at ease. All of us at the QUTLS are super excited to see some new faces at our events and hopefully some of you will consider nominating for a committee role next year. Whatever path your degree takes, we want you to feel supported every step of the way and have the resources to make these years as enjoyable as possible. If you have any questions, do not be afraid to rewach out to our QUTLS committee members. We would also love to connect with you all on social media or at the QUTLS office . You can find us at:

Office Location and Hours: QUT Gardens Point C Block, Level 4, Room 02 (C402) Tuesday - Thursday 10am-2pm Thursday 5.30pm - 7.30pm, Saturday 10.00am - 12.00pm The QUTLS office is open during the teaching period of each semester.